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.