Author: TMC Palau
Overview: A Palau jury has convicted Burton Wenty on meth possession charges but cleared him of firearm and ammunition offenses in a major criminal case that now raises questions about whether the country’s tougher new anti-drug law could apply at sentencing. Verdict comes days after Palau enacted tougher anti-meth penalties that could dramatically affect sentencing. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 11, 2026) — A jury has convicted Burton Wenty on two felony methamphetamine possession charges while acquitting him on multiple firearm and ammunition counts in a closely watched criminal case that could test the reach of Palau’s newly strengthened…
[Photo Credit: AAP] Delta Goodrem has lifted Australia into the Eurovision final with a sparkling powerhouse vocal performance, breaking a two-year non-qualification streak. The singer and former Neighbours star, who is arguably the best-known act in the song contest for 2026, was accompanied by a harpist for her song Eclipse. As her performance climaxed, Goodrem was elevated into the air from the top of her piano. The Australian joins Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Romania, Malta Cyprus, Albania, Denmark and Czechia as other second semi-final qualifiers.Article continues after advertisement Entries from the UK and host Austria, who have both already qualified for…
Overview: Palau law enforcement agencies intercepted more than 333 grams of methamphetamine in two separate mail-related seizures this week, highlighting intensified border security efforts as the country marks National Police Week. National Police Week proclamation shines spotlight on law enforcement efforts and recent drug convictions. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 13, 2026) — Law enforcement authorities seized 333.33 grams of methamphetamine in two separate incidents involving packages sent through the post office and DHL, Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil confirmed Wednesday during a press conference marking the launch of National Police Week. National Police Week proclamation shines spotlight on…
Fiji is positioning itself as a serious player in the global outsourcing market, with a strong push to attract international business through quality service, skilled talent and trusted partnerships. Outsource Fiji recently represented the country at the Customer Contact Symposium held at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, as part of efforts to promote Fiji as a competitive outsourcing destination for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Led by Executive Director Josefa Wivou, the delegation also included senior representatives who engaged with industry leaders, contact centre operators, technology providers and business executives from across the region. The symposium provided a key platform…
Photo: Office of the Secretary of Government Niue Facebook Niue’s assembly has re-elected Dalton Tagelagi as its prime minister, continuing his leadership for the next three years. Tagelagi, 57, has led Niue since 2020 and was nominated alongside Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui during the leadership vote. The 19th Niue Assembly was officially sworn in on Wednesday local time. Billy Talagi was sworn in as the new Speaker of Parliament. PMN reported Tagelagi won a narrow 11-9 leadership vote, and the result confirms continuity in leadership but exposes a deeply divided Parliament with MPs split almost evenly between the two leadership nominees. Niue’s…
Overview: Three people, including a child, were hospitalized in Palau after consuming THC-laced gummies, prompting a police investigation and renewed warnings from government officials about illegal drug distribution and food safety. Justice Ministry says knowingly distributing marijuana-laced food could lead to trafficking charges under new drug law. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Three people, including a child, were admitted to the emergency room after consuming marijuana-laced gummies, commonly known as THC “edibles” or “eddies” among younger users, according to Palau health and law enforcement officials. Minister of Health and Human Services Raynold Oilouch confirmed that the three patients tested…
Digital lifelines such as submarine cables, terrestrial networks, and satellite systems are now essential for enabling access to education, healthcare, commerce, and governance, the University of Fiji has highlighted. It noted that for geographically dispersed island nations like Fiji, strong digital infrastructure is especially critical in maintaining connectivity across urban, rural, and maritime communities, particularly during natural disasters and climate-related events. The comments were made as the University of Fiji joined the global commemoration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) under the theme “Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World.” Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the world…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] The United States plans to indict Cuba’s Raul Castro, a U.S. Department of Justice official said late on Thursday. The timing of the potential indictment, which would need to be approved by a grand jury, was not immediately clear, but the official said it sounds imminent. The potential indictment of the 94-year-old former president of Cuba and brother of Fidel is expected to focus on the downing of aircraft, the official said on condition of anonymity. CBS previously reported that the case relates to Cuba’s deadly 1996 shootdown of planes operated by humanitarian group Brothers to the…
[Photo Credit: AAP News] The Rolling Stones’ Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood perform as CGI versions of their younger selves in their In The Stars music video. The four-minute video shows de-aged versions of the trio appearing as they did at the height of their music career and playing the song from their upcoming Foreign Tongues album to a crowd which features Marty Supreme star Odessa A’zion. Directed by Francois Rousselet, the video sees a studio session turn into a dance party, with frontman Sir Mick moving his hips in tight burgundy leather before facing the camera…
Moana Pasifika team in a huddle after the Super Rugby Pacific – Round 12 match between Moana Pasifika v Blues held at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland – New Zealand – on Saturday 02 May 2026. Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Photo: Photosport New Zealand Rugby (NZR) says Kanaloa Consortium is not the only interested party in taking over the Moana Pasifika licence. A NZR spokesperson told RNZ Pacific “there is more than one party working hard on a long-term future for Moana Pasifika”, without divulging any further information. Responding to questions sent to them, the NZR spokesperson said the…