Samoa's new prime minister bans the country's only daily newspaper from covering his press conferences, accusing it of publishing misleading articles. Also, there's questions as to wether Tonga's democratic reform has progressed.

All-time rugby great and former Manu coach Sir Michael Jones is full of pride, with his son Niko lining up for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium, but he's also fearful should the Manu lose about the devastating impact on rugby in Samoa.

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.