Author: TMC Palau

The Ministry says extending the Act’s application nationwide would strengthen public health protection and improve consistency in health standards across both urban and rural areas. [Photo: FILE] The Health Ministry is pushing for greater authority to enforce public health laws in villages, arguing that current legislation prevents officials from addressing health and sanitation concerns despite receiving regular complaints from communities. The issue was raised during submissions to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs reviewing the Public Health Amendment Bill. Officials told the committee that Section 140 of the current Public Health Act prevents the legislation from being applied in iTaukei…

Issued by: on KOROR, PALAU (June 6, 2025) –Steelworker Constructionman Fernandon Cruz drills holes for the bike racks to support Pacific Mini Games. Detail Palau played a key role in providing high-quality construction support, contributing to the successful preparation and execution of the Pacific Mini Games. NMCB-3 serves as the stand-in engineering force for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, executing high-quality construction operations, activities, and investments, and is capable at the unit-of-action level to support major combat operations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility with efficient airfield, waterfront, and advanced…

Overview: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to reassure Pacific allies of Washington’s long-term commitment to regional security at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, while striking a more measured tone on China following recent talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Despite calls for constructive relations, Hegseth emphasized that the United States remains committed to preventing any single power from dominating the Indo-Pacific. SINGAPORE, 01 JUNE 2026 (AP)—- U.S Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies on Saturday that Washington remained committed to the region, but toned down previous comments calling China a threat.  Speaking to a…

As consultations continue, stakeholders are expected to contribute feedback on how the updated law can better serve both urban and rural populations. [Photo: FILE] Fiji’s public health law is set for a major overhaul as the country moves to modernize legislation that has remained largely unchanged for more than 90 years. While making a submission on the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill, Acting Deputy Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Josefa Navuku says the bill is a significant reform. He says it is aimed at updating outdated provisions and strengthening the country’s response to current health challenges,…

Overview: The Senate has rejected a House-amended Elite Visa bill after lawmakers attached more than $8 million in new spending items to the legislation. Senators say the appropriations deserve separate review through a supplemental budget process and have raised concerns about oversight and fiscal accountability. Lawmakers call for supplemental budget review, say appropriations deserve separate scrutiny  By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — “It is our duty as elected representatives to properly scrutinize and address any budget appropriation, rather than just rubber stamp a bill,” Sen. Seigfried Nakamura said as the Senate voted to reject a House-amended version of the Elite…

The embassy will also strengthen access to technical cooperation, training opportunities and knowledge-sharing between the two countries. [Photo: FILE] Fiji is a true friend of Israel says Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka ahead of the establishment of the Suva Mission this evening. Sa’ar says the embassy will serve as a platform to turn diplomatic ties into practical partnerships, with a focus on sectors that directly support Fiji’s development priorities. He adds Israel is ready to share its expertise in water management, renewable energy, agriculture and technology, areas, he says, are…

An estimated 35.3 percent of Nauru’s adult population are tobacco users. Photo: 123RF Nauru has banned the sale and import of tobacco products for one day of the year. As per a new law passed by Nauru’s parliament earlier last month, 31 May has been declared “Our Day to Let Go of Tobacco”, and sellers will face an AU$2000 fine or a 12-month prison stay for violating the law. A body corporate could face up to $50,000 in fines. The ban will apply on that day annually, covering all tobacco products, including “cigars, e-cigarettes and adulterated smokeless tobacco products such…

Overview: The Palau Ship Registry says the tanker James II was no longer registered under the Palau flag when it came under a reported drone attack in the Black Sea, despite vessel-tracking databases continuing to identify it as a Palau-flagged ship. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The Palau Ship Registry (PSR) has clarified that the tanker James II, which was reportedly targeted in a drone attack in the Black Sea this week, was no longer registered under the Palau flag at the time of the incident. The clarification comes after international media reports identified the 150,000-deadweight-ton suezmax tanker as…

Source: Entertainment Weekly Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen returned to a Utah court Monday to discuss parenting time for their 2-year-old son, Ever. During the virtual hearing, Commissioner Russell Minas recommended lifting supervision for Paul’s visits with their son and granted her more time with the toddler. The recommended time is one weekday (not overnight) that remains consistent for Ever, and alternating weekends with Mortensen to spend time with Ever. Mortensen, however, remains the custodial parent when it comes to holidays. “I’m encouraged and I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Commissioner Minas told the former couple. Commissioner…

Source: Entertainment Weekly In 1949, Marilyn Monroe posed nude for a calendar while struggling to make it as an actress. Years later when the blonde bombshell transformed into one of America’s most iconic starlets, that photo potentially threatened to tank her whole career. As fans celebrate what would have been Monroe’s 100th birthday, details about how the actress avoided a major scandal have emerged — potentially teaching modern-day celebrities how to turn a publicity nightmare into gold. Photography historian David Wills, who provided expert commentary for Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Publication, told PEOPLE that the actress’ success was…