Author: TMC Palau

Overview: Palau is taking a closer look at hydrogen energy as a potential solution to reduce its dependence on imported fuel and strengthen its clean energy future. Following a recent visit by national leaders to Japan’s advanced hydrogen facilities, discussions are growing about how the emerging technology could support sustainable transportation, lower emissions, and enhance energy security for the island nation. By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau (June 11, 2026) — Palau is exploring the potential of hydrogen energy as part of ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on imported fuel and address climate change impacts. The topic gained attention following a…

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Overview: A rare deep-sea mystery has surfaced. Scientists have captured the first-ever footage of a live goblin shark in its natural habitat nearly 2,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean, offering an unprecedented glimpse into one of the world’s most elusive and ancient shark species. HONOLULU/NUKU’ALOFA, 15 JUNE 2026 (THE GUARDIAN) — Rare and eccentric-looking goblin sharks have been seen alive in their deep ocean habitat for the first time ever.  Prof Alan Jamieson, director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, said goblin sharks were a bit like the colossal squid – creatures with an almost mythological quality. They were almost…

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Overview: Taiwan is posting a Criminal Bureau of Investigation agent at its Palau embassy — a first-of-its-kind law enforcement partnership aimed squarely at transnational crime networks traced to China. Palau’s Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil says the move gives local investigators access to regional intelligence they’ve never had before. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Taiwan will assign an agent from its Criminal Bureau of Investigation to its embassy in Palau to help local law enforcement combat a growing wave of transnational crime that officials say is originating from Asia, Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and Palau’s Minister of Justice…

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Overview: WEBSITE INTROPalau’s Ministry of Finance is asking lawmakers to revive funding for the Government’s FY2023 Single Audit — but a series of timing mishaps, a shift in Compact funding rules, and a missing four-word phrase may have left the bill stuck in legislative limbo. By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Republic of Palau — The Ministry of Finance has formally requested that the Olbiil Era Kelulau make nonlapsing the funding appropriated for the Government’s FY2023 Single Audit, citing a series of circumstances that prevented the funds from being utilized before the appropriation period expired. In a Miscellaneous Communication filed with the…

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Overview: Journalists from across Palau are sharpening their skills to tell the stories that matter most. On June 15, media representatives from TMC, Palau Wave Radio, Island Times, Ngerel Belau and other local outlets gathered for a hands-on disaster reporting training hosted by ABC International Development — building the tools to cover climate change and disasters from the Pacific’s own front lines.  A regional media workshop is equipping local reporters with skills to tell stories about disasters and climate change from the front lines of the Pacific By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (June 15, 2026) — Media representatives from across…

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Overview: Guam’s marine science, coral reef conservation and climate resilience programs are facing an uncertain future as proposed U.S. budget cuts threaten to eliminate key NOAA-funded initiatives. Researchers warn the move could undermine decades of conservation work, weaken typhoon preparedness and jeopardize critical environmental monitoring across Guam and the wider Pacific region. HAGATNA, 15 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Guam’s marine science and conservation initiatives are facing termination amid the Trump administration’s proposal to abolish dozens of research and grant programmes under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  NOAA’s proposed budget is cut by US$1 billion in fiscal 2027,…

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[Source: Reuters] A new kind of preschool ​in China offers games, nibbles, treadmills and music for puppies, clawing out a fast-growing niche ‌in a booming industry as youthful owners spend more on pets increasingly regarded as family. Pets arrive by 9 a.m. each day at Paw³, which bills itself as a kindergarten for dogs in the commercial hub of Shanghai, providing tightly ​scheduled activities for the canines, rather than strict training or age limits. They follow a routine of ​interactive games and obstacle courses, interspersed with freshly made snacks and naps as ⁠a pianist plays classical music, and can stroll…

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Overview: Villaney “Lany” Remengesau has made history. The Palauan disability rights advocate has become the first person from Palau — and the first from the Pacific — ever elected to a United Nations human rights body, securing a seat on the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Her election marks a milestone decades in the making. Disability advocate’s landmark win gives Pacific region its first-ever seat on the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Villaney “Lany” Remengesau has made history, becoming the first person from Palau — and…

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Fiji Football Under 17 rep Jack Rayawa will be replacing Merril Nand at the Fiji FACT this week. Fiji Football Under 17 rep Jack Rayawa will be replacing Merril Nand and has been included in the 22-member Stratum/Fortech Rewa FC squad for the BiC Fiji FACT 2026 that starts this Friday in Labasa. His inclusion strengthens the Delta Tigers’ lineup as they prepare for the highly anticipated tournament. Rewa will be looking to make a strong start in the competition with a blend of experienced players and emerging young talent, including promising national youth players Rayawa, Isoa Baselala, Zafir Ali…

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Overview: A new era of traditional leadership has begun in Aimeliik State. Antonio Ngirturong was installed Sunday as Rengulbai, taking his rightful seat in the Ngarkeai council of chiefs through a solemn Omelobech ceremony steeped in centuries of Palauan custom. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang AIMELIIK, Palau — Antonio Ngirturong was installed Sunday as the new Rengulbai of Aimeliik, taking his seat in the Ngarkeai, the traditional council of chiefs of Aimeliik State. Ngirturong, younger brother of the late Rengulbai Kalistus Ngirturong, was formally installed through a traditional Omelobech ceremony held at Bai-Rekeai in Ngerkeai, Aimeliik. The ceremony was held in…

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