Amid rising prices of basic necessities, the country is also feeling the severe impact of the cost of building materials, virtually all of which are imported from the US, where construction costs are rising dramatically

A national referendum on seven constitutional amendments and a special election for Namdrik Mayor were held simultaneously and both have been characterized by a low turnout of voters; polling stations around Majuro registered an average 34%

A deep sea mapping project will focus on the Marshall Islands as one of areas in the region to have their ocean floors mapped this year: the Ocean Exploration Trust is partnering with MI Marine Resources Authority on the upcoming visit of vessel Nautilus

The annual Secondary School Practicum Program has been launched: the practice provides hands-on experience to 357 students across ministries, agencies and private sector companies in Majuro, Wotje, Jaluit, Ebeye, and Enniburr, Kwajalein

The RMI passport facility, now tiny, will soon get a more convenient site near the Majuro Water and Sewer Company to turn it into an office for the passport program; renovations have been approved at Presidential level