3 d. ago Trump signs order to ease US marijuana regulations, sparking industry hopes

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an order directing the loosening of federal regulations on marijuana, a move that could further reverse decades of tough-on-weed policy. Trump’s order instructs the attorney general to quickly move ahead with reclassifying marijuana. If that happens, the psychoactive plant would be listed alongside common painkillers, ketamine and testosterone […]

Politics

6 d. ago Authorities monitor foreign workers for visa compliance in Fiji

The Ministry of Immigration says human trafficking concerns and visa overstays remain a top priority, with authorities closely monitoring foreigners arriving in Fiji for work, study or settlement. Permanent Secretary Aliki Salusalu says the ministry is committed to protecting foreign workers while ensuring strict compliance with visa conditions. Some overstays occur due to changing circumstances […]

Politics

1 week ago First climate migrants arrive in Australia from sinking Tuvalu in South Pacific

The first climate migrants to leave the remote Pacific island nation of Tuvalu have arrived in Australia, hoping to preserve links to their sinking island home, foreign affairs officials said on Thursday. More than one-third of Tuvalu’s 11,000 population applied for a climate visa to migrate to Australia, under a deal struck between the two […]

Events

1 week ago Canada lists four extremist, insurgent groups as foreign terrorist entities

Canada has added four transnational extremist and insurgent groups to its list of foreign terrorist entities, Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said in a statement on Wednesday. In a statement, the government said was adding 764, Maniac Murder Cult and Terrorgram Collective, calling them “transnational ideologically motivated violent extremist networks” that target young people […]

Events

1 week ago China condemns Japan’s “Unacceptable” military threat after radar incident

China has accused Japan of posing a military threat after Tokyo said Chinese fighter jets locked their radar onto Japanese aircraft. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his visiting German counterpart that Japan’s actions were “completely unacceptable,” escalating tensions between the two countries. Japan condemned the radar lock-on as a dangerous and provocative act, while […]

Events

2 w. ago US fines New York firm $7.1m for sanctions breach over Russian oligarch

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed a $7.1 million fine on a New York-based property management firm Thursday, accusing it of violating sanctions by managing luxury real estate properties for oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said Gracetown Inc. had received 24 payments between […]

Politics

2 w. ago Fijian Flying Circus ready to light up NZ festivals in February 2026

Fiji’s acclaimed Fijian Flying Circus is set to make its debut tour of New Zealand in 2026, backed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand High Commission in Suva. New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow, joined VOU performers and Director Sachiko Soro in Suva to announce […]

Politics

2 w. ago Parliament repeals skilled professionals act to streamline approvals

The Registration of Skilled Professionals repeal bill has been passed by the parliament ending the system that allowed foreign workers to be assessed through the Skilled Professionals Evaluation Committee. The bill passed with 34 votes in favour, 10 against, and 11 abstentions. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the repeal restores proper authority to professional bodies […]

Politics

2 w. ago Byrne welcomes “good pool” as Flying Fijians assess World Cup path

Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has welcomed Fiji’s Rugby World Cup 2027 pool draw, describing it as both exciting and favourable as preparations begin for the expanded 24-team tournament in Australia. Fiji has been grouped with Argentina, Spain and Canada in Pool C, a mix Byrne believes offers familiarity, opportunity and strong rugby match-ups. […]

Politics

2 w. ago Canada agrees to join EU initiative to surge defense spending

Canada has reached an agreement to join the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, which will give Canadian defense companies expanded access to the European market, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said on Monday. “Canada’s participation in SAFE will fill key capability gaps, expand markets for Canadian suppliers, and attract European defence investment […]

Events

3 w. ago Pacific leaders meet to strengthen climate action and environmental policies

Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Dr. Raijeli Taga, opened the ACP MEA Phase III End-of-Project Meeting yesterday at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. The two-and-a-half-day meeting will review the project’s achievements and discuss how to maintain its progress into the future. Dr. Taga says evaluation is important for improving decision-making and […]

Politics

4 w. ago Seventeen films showcase every side of Thanksgiving on screen

Entertainment Weekly has compiled 17 Thanksgiving films that capture everything from the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday to its chaos, comedy, and family drama. The list spans classics, indies, animation, and even horror — offering something for every kind of Thanksgiving mood. Movies and short descriptions: Addams Family Values (1993) – A sharp, witty […]

Politics