News
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Rabuka Seeks Inclusive Growth for All as New Rakiraki Complex Opens
Fiji leans into unity and opportunity as a landmark Rakiraki project opens its doors. The new complex stands as a symbol of mutual trust and regional growth, hinting at a hopeful path to shared prosperity for every community.
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Matthew Perry Ketamine Case: LA Doctor Sentenced to Prison
A Los Angeles doctor was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry in the weeks before the actor’s death. The judge described the actions as exploitative, tying Perry’s struggle with addiction to profit. With other defendants awaiting sentencing, the case continues to unfold.
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Raiwaqa Robbery: Suspect in Custody as Police Seek Two Accomplices
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an aggravated robbery in Raiwaqa, as police hunt two remaining suspects. The incident, which occurred near a busy bus stop, prompted a swift response and an ongoing investigation. Public safety remains a top priority as authorities continue to pursue answers.
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Sabrina Carpenter Song Sparks White House Backlash Over Immigration Video
Grammy-winning artist Sabrina Carpenter finds herself at the center of a hot debate over the White House’s use of her music in immigration-related visuals. The backlash has people talking about artistic consent, political messaging, and the power of pop culture in government. Where do artists’ rights end and politics begin?
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Hollywood director convicted in Netflix $11M fraud over unreleased sci-fi series
From award-worthy highs to a federal indictment, a renowned director is accused of diverting millions from an unreleased sci‑fi project into personal expenses and risky ventures. The case raises hard questions about how studios monitor funding and protect productions in Hollywood’s high-stakes deals.
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Tokyo-bound United flight returns to Dulles after engine failure; FAA investigates
An international United flight bound for Tokyo abruptly returned to Dulles after an engine issue, with smoke visible on the runway and a small brush fire on the tarmac. No injuries were reported as investigators review what happened and a replacement aircraft is being arranged.
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Fiji Crafts Society Goes Independent at Tebara Festival
Fiji’s crafts scene enters a new era as the Fiji Crafts Society launches as an independent body, pledging broader support and recognition for artisans across the islands.
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Police Emphasize Ethics to Sustain Public Trust as Crime Drops 23%
With crime continuing to fall, police leaders emphasize ethics, integrity, and public trust as the holidays approach, signaling a renewed push for safer roads and stronger community safety.
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Belarus Nobel Laureate Bialiatski Freed in Prisoner Release Amid Diplomatic Push
Belarusian rights advocate Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is stepping back into the public eye after years behind bars. His release sparks new questions about Belarus’s political future and the fate of its embattled civil society, hinting at a pivotal chapter yet to unfold.
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Brown University Shooting: Campus On Edge as Suspect Remains At Large
Two killed and eight seriously injured in a shooting at Brown University’s Barus & Holley building during exams. The suspect is described as a male in black, with police and the FBI on the scene as the campus grapples with the shocking events and search for answers.
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Deadly Palmyra Attack Tests the US-Syria Coalition
An attack in central Syria unsettles ongoing coalition operations and tests fragile partnerships on the ground. As officials weigh security implications and the evolving fight against extremists, the incident adds a new layer to a region already navigating shifting alliances and tensions.
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Fiji rolls out six new garbage trucks to boost cleaner towns
Six brand-new garbage compactor trucks are rolling into Fiji’s towns, set to boost waste collection, cleanliness, and coverage. A $1.5 million investment aims to strengthen service delivery, public health, and climate resilience as councils upgrade aging fleets. The move could ripple through households, businesses, and tourism, shaping a cleaner, safer environment for all.
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Returning Inmates Face Rejection in Fiji’s Macuata, Call for Second Chances
Rebuilding a life after prison goes beyond serving a sentence—it’s about finding a place to belong. In Macuata, families and community leaders grapple with how to welcome back former inmates and why compassion could be the key to breaking the cycle.
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Fiji’s Labasa–Savusavu Road Upgrade Aims to Cut Crashes and Boost Tourism
A major upgrade to Fiji’s Labasa–Savusavu highway promises safer drives, enhanced scenery, and clearer guidance for travelers. The project aims to boost tourism and resilience in the North, reshaping how people move across the islands.
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Fiji Education Congress Signals Teaching Transformation and 20-Hour Professional Development Requirement
Fiji’s education leaders are gathering to transform classrooms, unveiling practical strategies to close learning gaps and meet today’s teaching challenges. The 2025 Education Congress spotlights ongoing professional growth and fresh approaches to shape tomorrow’s learners.
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Fiji Moves to Overhaul Defence Act with Greater Civilian Oversight
Fiji is launching a major overhaul of its defense laws to modernize the RFMF Act and strengthen civilian oversight. The joint review will explore new maritime roles, inter-agency coordination, and public input ahead of a Defence Bill slated for 2026.
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Fiji calls on architects to shape a landmark Girmit Museum in Lautoka
Fiji is set to unveil a new national landmark—a state-of-the-art Girmit Museum to honor the Girmitiyas and their descendants, tucked behind the Girmit Centre in Lautoka. Qualified architectural and engineering firms are invited to shape its concept and designs. Expressions of Interest are due by 4 p.m. on January 13, 2026, marking a pivotal step…
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St John Pushes Back as Fiji Red Cross Bill Seeks Primary Provider of First Aid Training
Fiji’s Draft Red Cross Society Bill 2025 has stirred concern from St John, which warns that naming a single organization as the primary first aid trainer could threaten decades of established standards. It calls for independent oversight and a merit-based regulatory framework to safeguard training quality and preserve current certifications.
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Ro Veidovi’s Homecoming Sparks Fiji’s Cultural Healing
Nearly 183 years after his death in New York, Ro Veidovi’s homecoming unfolds as a powerful moment of healing for Fiji’s Rewa. The ceremony blends tradition and memory, guiding the vanua toward closure and renewed connections across generations.
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Democrats Press Pentagon for Unedited Caribbean Strike Footage
Democratic leaders on the Gang of Eight are pressing for the unedited video of a Caribbean strike, raising questions about transparency and the legal framework behind the operation. As classified briefings continue and partisan tensions mount, lawmakers weigh the implications for oversight and national security.
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Nausori Welcomes Tebara Festival Ahead of Miss Tebara Contest
Nausori’s Tebara Festival opens with culture, resilience, and a crowd-filled kickoff under changing skies. Eight contestants vie for Miss Tebara as local leaders rally behind a week of empowerment and community pride.
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One Change, Big Impact: Fiji Urges Structured Youth Programs for Resilience
As youth face mounting pressures—from addiction to mental health challenges—leaders are turning to structured programs, mentorship, and value-based training to spark real change. Hopeful stories of transformation illustrate resilience, new opportunities, and the powerful role of community support in guiding young lives toward brighter futures.
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New Lautoka Police Station Opens as Fiji Focuses on Community Safety
Prime Minister Rabuka unveils Lautoka’s $30 million police station, urging officers and leaders to work together for safer communities. The move includes plans to decentralize units and boost police visibility, signaling a new era in Fiji’s community policing.
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From Street Vendors to Fashion Makers: Migrants Find a New Path in Barcelona
In a sunlit Barcelona studio, former migrants turn discarded garments into a ten-piece upcycled capsule that speaks louder than fashion. Models reveal more than clothes—bold messages about migration stitched into every piece. A short, powerful look at resilience, craft, and belonging.
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UNESCO recognizes Italian cuisine as cultural ambassador, fueling pride and tourism caution
UNESCO’s recognition of Italian cuisine is sparking pride and new opportunities—from bustling trattorias to brighter prospects for makers and farmers. But alongside the celebration, critics warn that fame could turn cherished dishes into tourist spectacles. A lively debate over authenticity, sustainability, and the future of Italy’s culinary heritage unfolds across the country.
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Fiji COI Under Fire as Legal Challenge Probes Its Boundaries
A high-stakes dispute over a Fiji judicial inquiry is rattling legal circles. Questions about fairness, scope, and reputational damage clash as lawyers debate who was heard, what was possible to question, and how post-appointment events fit in. With a pivotal ruling anticipated soon, the case could redefine how such inquiries operate.
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Fiji Extradition of DPP Pryde Hangs on NZ Disclosure Service
New twists emerge in the bid to extradite a suspended DPP as authorities tackle delays in serving key disclosures in New Zealand. A local bailiff has been brought in, with a court date set to review progress and Pryde’s position. Meanwhile, Pryde has raised concerns about a covert surveillance incident in Christchurch, highlighting the delicate…
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AgroPost Unveiled in Fiji, Expanding Access to Farm Inputs for Rural Farmers
Fiji’s farming scene is getting a new boost with AgroPost—a service that brings seeds, tools, and inputs straight to rural farmers through the national postal network. Backed by government partnerships, it aims to boost resilience, empower communities, and connect growers with trusted suppliers. A fresh push toward climate-smart farming and sustainable growth is taking root…
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Fiji Establishes Engineers’ Registration Board to Elevate Standards and Public Trust
Fiji takes a bold step to raise engineering standards with a new registration board. With eight members, the move aims to boost professionalism, transparency, and public safety—preparations are underway and registration is slated for 2026 after broad consultations.
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Miss Fiji 2025: Talent and Sarong Shine Ahead of Tonight’s Crowning
A dazzling display of culture and creativity lit up the Miss Fiji Pageant as contestants took the spotlight in the Talent and Sarong rounds. From aerial routines to heartfelt performances, the night showcased bold individuality and regional pride, leaving fans buzzing for what’s next.