Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
'Rise together': 2025 Pacific Mini Games officially underway
2025 Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony. 29 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / 2025 Pacific Mini Games, Palau The 2025 Pacific Mini Games are officially underway after Sunday's opening ceremony formally launched the event in Palau's capital, Koror. Rain...

Here's a list of countries where Pakistanis can now travel without visa
Pakistani passport holders can now travel to 32 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival following an improvement in the country's passport ranking. According to the latest figures released by Henley & Partners, an international...

The countdown is on! Register now for Triple J Bubble Color Run
GET ready, Saipan! The island’s most exciting and colorful family fun event is back! Triple J will be hosting the annual Triple J Bubble Color Run on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at American Memorial Park — and this year promises to be the most vibrant...

Pakistanis can travel to 32 countries without visa
Pakistani passport holders can now visit 32 countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival following an improvement in the country's position on the Henley passport index. The latest data from Henley & Partners, a global citizenship advisory...
Pacific news in brief for 26 June
Photo: ppart/123RF Tonga - budget Tonga's current 17 Peoples' Representatives in parliament will each have TOP $100,000 (approx. NZ$69,000) in constituency funds to spend ahead of the November general election. This was approved in parliament on...

Koa Moana 25 U.S. Marines and Sailors Lifesaving Kits Empowering Palau in Time for Pacific Mini Games
KOROR, Palau – On June 25, 2025, U.S. Marines and Sailors with Koa Moana 25 delivered 100 first aid kits to the Belau National Hospital in Palau. Koa Moana is a recurring exercise that fosters partnerships with Compact of Free Association nations...

Ninth case of dengue fever confirmed in the state for 2025
HONOLULU (Island News) -- The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Hawaii's ninth travel-related dengue fever case this year. The infected person recently returned to Oahu after traveling to a country where dengue is common. DOH teams were...

World Bank: Conflict, instability driving extreme poverty in Nigeria and 38 other economies
The World Bank has raised alarm over the growing impact of conflict and instability on 39 developing economies, including Nigeria, warning that these states are being left behind on key development indicators, with extreme poverty, hunger, and...

Pacific Mini Games: 12 Nations Set for Historic 3x3 Showdown
KOROR (Palau) – The Pacific Mini Games are set to tip-off next week, with 3x3 action spanning from July 1 through to July 9. For the first time in the region, the event will uniquely serve as both a FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League and a Commonwealth...

New List of Countries you can Travel Visa-Free with Pakistani Passport in 2025
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani passport holders can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 30 countries, marking a notable improvement in the country’s global travel standing. According to the latest data released by Henley & Partners,...

International Bulldogs: Softball trio joins national teams for summer tournaments
Three Bulldogs are set to travel for international softball competitions this summer, with incoming pitcher Peja Goold representing Colombia at the Pan American Championships, MSU graduate Chloe Malau’ulu representing American Samoa at the Pacific...

At Just 13, Swimmer Hanna Ruluked poised to make waves for Palau
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau (Island Times) — Thirteen-year-old swimmer Hanna Ruluked is the youngest member of Team Palau heading into the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, set to compete in one of the region’s largest sporting events. A...

Koa Moana 25 delivers medical aid, support ahead of Palau’s Pacific Mini Games
KOROR, Palau (Island Times) — U.S. Marines and Sailors with the Koa Moana 25 exercise have deployed to Palau to provide critical support to the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) as the nation prepares to host the 2025 Pacific Mini...

GRMC to host free diabetic foot health and wound care event today
On Saturday the Guam Regional Medical City is hosting a free outreach event at the Micronesia Mall to raise awareness about the importance of diabetic foot health and wound care to avoid a “dangerous” issue for those living with the condition, if...

Palau signs Landmark Security MOU with 12 Pacific Nations for Pacific Mini Games
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — The Republic of Palau has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 12 Pacific Island nations to enhance regional security cooperation during the 2025 Pacific Mini Games (PMG), marking...
Australian archaeologists find Pacific's oldest rice in remote Guam cave
CANBERRA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Australian archaeologists have discovered the earliest traces of rice in the remote Pacific, offering new insights into the lives of the region's first island communities, new research has revealed. Traces of rice...

Survivor 50 Is Nearly Done Filming, And Fans Have All The Jokes About What's Happening On The Island
For years now Survivor has been considered one of the best reality shows, having inspired countless series that followed. The Emmy-winning series airs two new seasons every year on CBS (and streaming for those with a Paramount+ subscription), and...

Why most Pacific governments stand with Israel in spite of UN votes
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist Amid uncertainty in the Middle East, one thing remains clear — most Pacific governments continue to align themselves with Israel. Dr Steven Ratuva, distinguished professor of Pacific Studies at Canterbury...

China in the Pacific – Joint statement of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
FROM May 28 to 29, 2025, the People’s Republic of China and Pacific Island Countries having diplomatic relations with China (hereinafter referred to as “All parties”) held the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The...
Why most Pacific governments stand with Israel
A supporter of Israel holds an Israeli flag in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on 8 October. Photo: JULIA NIKHINSON / AFP Amid uncertainty in the Middle East, one thing remains clear: most Pacific governments continue to align...