Vanuatu's prime minister speaks out against a a controversial by-law banning women who are menstruating from preparing or selling food. Also, Vanuatu's parliament moves to prevent foreign security advisors from country's like Australia, New Zealand or China from being stationed in  police compounds or in government offices.

The Shefa provincial council comes under fire in Vanuatu over a new by-law, prohibiting menstruating women from operating and selling food at markets and road side stalls. Also, tension brews in the Kingdom of Tonga between the monarchy and parliament in the lead up to the election.

New Zealand has suspended two years of aid payments – worth $30 million – to the Cook Islands, signalling deteriorating relations between the two countries.

Australia and New Zealand's willingness to pay top dollar for recreational drugs is turning Pacific Island states into drug mules for cartels. A new government report outlines how gang members, many of whom are deportees, are transporting shipments of meth and cocaine through the islands, often with the help of corrupt police and customs officials who are paid to look the other way.

One of Papua New Guinea's largest universities is shut down after violent clashes between students and members of the public leaves more than 50 people injured. Also, locals of a small fishing village in Timor-Leste combine traditional and modern conservation practices to fight climate change.

The police in Apia say no permits will be issued for pre‑game parades ahead of Toa Samoa's Pacific Championships final against New Zealand. And tribal fighting in PNG's highlands has delayed the funerals for the 21 victims of Enga landslide.

The price of kava is booms in Fiji but growers are struggling to capitalise amidst threats from plant diseases and theft. And a new film illustrates how Solomon Islands is buckling under the pressure of Australia's insatiable fast fashion habits and under-regulated disposal practices.

Doctors at PNG's biggest hospital say the chances of survival for conjoined twin baby boys are slim and surgery to separate them is not an immediate priority. Also, a young man in Solomon Islands receives treatment after a World War II bomb caused a large explosion in the capital, Honiara.

People living near a landslide that killed 21 people in the countries rugged highlands, fear there could be another one as heavy rain continues to fall. Also, Tongans will head to the polls to elect a new batch of MPs after a turbulent period in local politics.

As Israel finds itself increasingly isolated from the international community over its war in Gaza, many Pacific Island governments continue to maintain unconditional support for the Israeli government. Also, Fiji is now home to the Pacific's first Cryo Lab.

Solomon Islands is rocked by a large explosion overnight after a WW2 bomb detonated in West Honiara. Also, an Australian-gifted patrol boat which ran aground in Vanuatu returns to Australia for repairs amid questions over what really happened to it.

The Solomon Island's police minister is pushing for his country to create its own defence force. Its received some support from parliamentarians but there's mixed public reaction.

Excitement is building in Papua New Guinea ahead of the canonisation of the country's first Catholic Saint, Peter ToRot. Also, the Australian government has backflipped on a decision guaranteeing weekly hours for workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme. 

Today marks the 50-year anniversary of the 'Balibo Five' - five journalists who were killed working in East Timor by Indonesian forces. Also, in Samoa, former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa sues the man who beat her at the last election.

The doctor who helped to deliver conjoined twin baby boys in a rural hospital in Papua New Guinea says he didn't think the newborns would survive. 

Tonga's national election is a month away, but it's not all smiles on the campaign trail, with one candidate allegedly caught up in a scuffle at a press event. Also, Cook Islands makes history, becoming the first Pacific nation to lock in all its maritime boundaries under international law.

Dozens of candidates register for Tonga's national election as the kingdom contends with a meth epidemic, an under-resourced civil service and struggling healthcare system. Also, an extensive marine survey in Fiji finds coastal areas and coral reefs are in decline.

Solomon Islands police are investigating the discovery of a third narco sub — a vessel used by drug cartels to smuggle drugs. 

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister defends the signing a new defence treaty with Australia, saying his country can opt to sit out in the event of a conflict between China and Australia. Also, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is confident he can stave off any possible no confidence vote after appointing a new finance minister.

In Samoa, parliament will convene without newly-elected prime minister Laauli-ale-malie-toa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, who is in New Zealand receiving urgent medical treatment. Also, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape arrives in Australia for the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty.