News
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Fiji kicks off civic awareness campaign ahead of local government elections
Fiji gears up for Local Government Elections with a nationwide Civic Awareness Campaign designed to illuminate the role of local government and the power of citizen participation. A collaborative effort across ministries, councils, and partners signals a proactive push as preparations advance.
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Treasure Island Resort Fire in Fiji Sparks Evacuations
A night-time fire devastated Treasure Island Resort’s central complex near Lautoka, triggering evacuations and drawing help from nearby crews. With power back and temporary arrangements in place, the resort faces a challenging path to recovery.
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Australia Briefs Pacific Nations on China’s Naval Capabilities
Australian defence officials are briefing Pacific partners as a Chinese naval task group moves through the region. With security implications reverberating across the Pacific, analysts weigh possible routes and the broader impact on regional maritime security.
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Sunny Hostin Slams Trump’s Rally Remarks as Xenophobic and Racist
Sunny Hostin fires back at Trump’s rally rhetoric, calling it blatant xenophobia that hit home for her Haitian family. On The View, her pointed critique joins peers in linking today’s language to darker chapters in history—and what it means for immigrants and public discourse.
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Six Flags Magic Mountain Teases Major Family-Focused Upgrades as Classic Rides Depart
Two longtime kids’ rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain appear set to depart, according to permits filed with the county. The park frames the move as part of a broader, family-focused refresh that could bring new experiences to visitors in the near future.
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Unprecedented Deportations Hit Marshallese Community in Northwest Arkansas
– A close-knit Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas confronts upheaval as enforcement actions tighten, leaving families facing an uncertain future. – Armed escorts and rapid deportations are reshaping life for Marshallese families in Arkansas, as the community navigates an increasingly uncertain landscape. – Behind the headlines, Marshallese families grapple with the impact of evolving immigration…
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Tonga Gears Up for PM-Designate Vote After Fresh Nomination
Tonga faces a high-stakes moment as a second nomination for Prime Minister-Designate lands on the table. With a secret ballot on the horizon and the nation watching the Assembly’s next move, the coming vote could shape the country’s leadership.
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Letterman Teases Kimmel’s Resistance in Late-Night Trump-Era TV
David Letterman sits down with Jimmy Kimmel for a candid, witty exchange about leadership, free speech, and how late-night TV navigates a polarized democracy. Expect sharp humor, bold takes, and a fresh look at how iconic hosts shape public debate in turbulent times.
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Farmers Welcome $12B Relief, But Questions Remain Over Real Aid
Farmers brace for another tough year as a $12 billion aid package arrives, but many warn it’s only a temporary lifeline. With low crop prices, stalled exports, and policy changes on the horizon, the relief may barely scratch the surface of mounting losses—and the path to recovery remains uncertain.
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Fiji launches first green finance taxonomy to mobilize $1.3 trillion by 2035
Fiji launches its first green finance taxonomy, turning COP30 pledges into real national action. Focusing on energy and transport, the framework aims to mobilize massive climate funding and shore up adaptation and resilience for a cyclone-prone nation.
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Fiji Retail Under Scrutiny as Consumer Council Flags Pricing Tricks
Year-long market checks have spotlighted troubling pricing and promotional practices across retailers—from supermarkets to open markets. Missing VAT disclosures and misleading ads are among the concerns, with ongoing enforcement and surveillance aimed at restoring shopper trust.
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Sea Drones Hit Shadow Fleet Tanker in the Black Sea, Third Strike in Two Weeks
Another strike in the Black Sea targets a tanker tied to Russia’s oil trade, the latest escalation in a campaign Kyiv says is choking Moscow’s revenue for the war. As drones and maritime attacks mount, shipping routes brace for higher risk behind the front lines.
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Suva Nightclub Assault: Cop and 22-Year-Old Remanded on Grievous Harm Charge
An alleged nightclub assault in Suva has left a victim in critical condition as two men, including a Special Constable, are remanded on a serious charge. The case has been moved to the High Court, with a bail application and the next hearing set for later this month.
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Ledrusasa Receives Land Leases, a Turning Point for Fiji’s Informal Settlements
Ledrusasa residents celebrate a landmark moment as land leases are handed over, providing legal security and a path to stable homes. With titles in hand and a call for responsible stewardship, the community steps into a brighter, more hopeful future.
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Fiji–New Zealand Tax Treaty Talks Aim to Modernize by 2026
Fiji and New Zealand kick off talks to modernize a decades-old double taxation agreement, signaling a new era for cross-border trade and investment. Framed by the Duavata Partnership, the discussions aim for a modern, mutually beneficial framework by 2026.
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Fiji Facebook Post Tests Limits of Political Speech in Court
Suva’s courtroom drama centers on a Facebook post tied to a political party, sparking a bold move to challenge the charge of publicly opposing SODELPA. With disclosures underway and bail in place, the next hearing on January 26 looms as the case tests the boundaries of online speech in Fiji.
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Fiji Launches Wastewater Monitoring to Track Drug Trends Across Communities
A new wastewater‑monitoring pilot in Fiji is set to map drug trends across communities, with regional partners joining forces to transform data into smarter public health decisions. The initiative promises deeper insights into substance use and safer, healthier communities.
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Fiji Museum Poetry Project Elevates Local Writers
Ten local writers illuminate Fiji’s artifacts through poetry and prose, turning history into intimate, contemporary storytelling. A fresh Fiji Museum initiative that celebrates culture, pride, and new creative opportunities for the community.
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Fiji Launches Belt and Road Dengue Control Initiative With $2 Million Donation
Fiji is rolling out a major health initiative backed by a multi-million dollar partnership with the GX Foundation to curb dengue and other vector-borne diseases. A pilot rollout targets key sites—from hospitals and airports to markets—with plans for nationwide expansion and public awareness campaigns. Community actions like eliminating standing water and keeping areas clean will…
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Former Fiji MP Faces FICAC Charge Over Facebook Opposition Post
A senior lawyer and former parliament member faces charges tied to publicly opposing a political party. The case centers on social media activity and the duties of public office, with bail conditions in place as the legal process unfolds. It sparks questions about where personal expression ends and official responsibilities begin in public life.
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Facebook Post Sparks Legal Battle for Fiji Public Official
A Suva lawyer and public officer finds herself at the center of a legal debate over political expression after a Facebook post about a political party. Bail is in place as charges proceed, with the case set to resume in January. The showdown raises questions about how free speech clashes with political conduct rules for…
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Iceland Joins Eurovision Boycott Amid Israel Controversy
A political row shadows Eurovision 2026 as Iceland joins several nations in pulling back from the celebration. Israel’s participation sparks strong reactions, prompting broadcasters to roll out new voting safeguards amid renewed tensions. The 70th anniversary edition could reshape the contest’s future.
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Fiji ICAC Charges Suva Lawyer Over Section 14D Political Parties Act Post
Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika faces a fresh charge under Fiji’s Political Parties Act after a social media post drew scrutiny. The court appearance marks the opening chapter in a case that could shape how the law is read in the digital age. More updates are expected as the proceedings unfold.
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Tanya Waqanika Faces FICAC Charges in Fiji’s Election-Linked Case
Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika faces charges filed by FICAC and is appearing in court. While details haven’t been disclosed, the complaint is linked to matters around Fiji’s 2022 General Election. The case could shape discussions on accountability within Fiji’s legal and political landscape.
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New secondary school for Sawanikula village eyed for 2026
A new secondary school for Sawanikula moves closer to reality, with Year 9 and 10 planned by 2026 and a push to keep learning local. Backed by government support and a $200 Back to School initiative, the plan emphasizes community collaboration and brighter educational opportunities.
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Fiji Considers Abattoir Upgrade and Training Facility to Boost Meat Sector
A feasibility study is weighing the future of Fiji’s meat industry, exploring upgrades, expansion, or relocation of the abattoir. The plan envisions Australian-standard compliance and a modern Integrated Training Facility to boost skills and unlock regional opportunities, signaling a potential turning point for the sector.
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Fiji Launches Wastewater Drug Monitoring Pilot in Collaboration with Australia
Fiji is launching a pioneering wastewater monitoring program in partnership with Australian and regional universities to map drug-use trends. By quarterly sampling across multiple sites and tracking a dozen substances, the initiative promises fresh insights for protecting public health in the Pacific.
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Air India Probe Finds Systemic Certification Lapses Enabling Eight Flights Without ARC
An internal review reveals systemic gaps in Air India’s safety documentation and communication that allowed a flight to operate without crucial certification. Regulators have stepped in with grounding and investigations, while the airline pledges a sweeping overhaul of its compliance culture. The coming changes could reshape the carrier’s safety practices and operations.
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Pacific Urges Action to Protect LGBTQI+ Rights on World Human Rights Day
On World Human Rights Day, a Pacific-wide network issues an urgent call to safeguard universal rights for LGBTQI+ people. The appeal highlights ongoing violence and discrimination while signaling stronger steps toward safer, more inclusive communities through regional collaboration. It explores how culture, policy, and international standards can come together to protect everyone’s dignity.
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Fiji’s Viti Showcase Sparks Youth Skills Revolution
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro frames a week-long Viti Showcase and Skills Fair as a bold step toward quality education for every Fijian child. The event blends hands-on learning with talent and innovation, signaling a shift to a skills-based curriculum that prepares youth for a changing world.