Palau

Faced with what law enforcement officials described as a drug crisis, President Surangel Whipps Jr. identified the fight against illegal drugs as a top priority, pledging to toughen penalties for related crimes and offenders

President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed into law RPPL 11-40, a comprehensive amendment to the government wage structure, which introduces a 10% across-the-board wage increase for all public and contract employees which will be in force from 1 October 2025

President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. proclaimed the months of December 2024 to February 2025 as Red Ribbon Months, under the theme 'Life is a movie, live drug-free' to promote drug-free lifestyles

A spawning monitoring dive will be conducted the Koror State Government Department of Conservation Law and Enforcement through the Palau Pledge Dive Club as part of Koror State's Resilient Reef Initiative Sustainable Fisheries Project

The proclamation for National Diabetes Day has been signed by President Surangel Whipps Jr. who emphasised the urgent need to combat diabetes in Palau, noting that 'more than 50% of Palau residents suffer from diabetes or prediabetes'

A government proposed plan to allow fishing in 50% of Palau waters (now 20%) has heated a debate that is becoming one key issue dividing voters in this year’s general elections, which will take place on 5 November

Water service has been restored throughout Koror after almost two days of widespread outages that left residents seeking emergency aid and forced the closure of schools and businesses

Surangel and Sons Company filed a civil lawsuit against Palau's Island Times newspaper, its publisher and editor Leilani Reklai, accusing them of negligence and defamation

The Koror State celebrated the 41st anniversary of its Constitution with a day and night market at Ngermalk Long Island Park

The Kensing II health ship was heartily welcomed; larger and better-equipped, it replaces the previous one in bringing healthcare to residents of Palau’s most remote islands

A new law was enacted to improve support and services for persons with disabilities in Palau, establishing an Office for Persons with Disabilities and requiring the development of a comprehensive national policy

The Peace Corps programme will be reinstated in Palau with agreement formalised between Minister Caleb Udui Jr. and US Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn

All schools will be closed on 12 September due to a monsoon wave that will bring heavy rain and strong winds upon decision of the National Emergency Management Office