Author: TALANOA

The United States is considering restricting entry to citizens of an additional 36 countries in what would be a significant expansion of the travel ban announced by the Trump administration early this month, according to a State Department memo reviewed by The Washington Post. Among the new list of countries that could face visa bans or other restrictions are 25 African nations, including significant U.S. partners such as Egypt and Djibouti, plus countries in the Caribbean, Central Asia and several Pacific Island nations. A State Department spokesperson said the agency would not comment on internal deliberations or communications. The White House did…

Pope Leo appealed on Saturday for authorities in Iran and Israel to act with “reason” after airstrikes between the two countries killed dozens and sent civilians into shelters, and called on the nations to pursue dialogue.Leo, in one of the strongest peace appeals yet of his five-week papacy, told an audience in St. Peter’s Basilica he was following the situation with “great concern.” “In such a delicate moment, I strongly wish to renew an appeal to responsibility and to reason,” said the pope.”The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounters…

Tonga has called for urgent international investment in Pacific-led ocean governance and climate-resilient maritime infrastructure. Speaking at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Tonga delivered a strong message on behalf of Pacific Island Forum nations, highlighting the urgent need for integrated ocean governance to safeguard livelihoods and ecosystems. Dr Vailala Matoto, CEO of the Ministry of Fisheries, stressed the Pacific’s role as stewards of 20 per cent of the world’s ocean and outlined the region’s frontline experience with climate threats. “We call for urgent investment to strengthen capacities of the Pacific in environmental governance… guided by sound science and…

TASANOC will host its Olympic Day Fun Run on 21 June, bringing everyone together in a celebration of sport and community. The annual event, organised by the Tonga Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC), kicks off from Olympic House on Vaha‘akolo Road. Registrations open at 6am, with 3km, 5km, and 8km options available to suit all ages and fitness levels. The Fun Run will proceed rain or shine and reflects the global Olympic Day mission: to promote the values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect. “Olympic Day is a reminder of the shared values that strengthen communities. It brings…

The Legislative Assembly will reconvene on Monday 16 June at 2 p.m. to resume debate on the 2025/26 national budget and table PAC report. Ahead of the reconvened sitting, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is finalising its review of the budget estimates. It plans to table the PAC report on the same day, reinforcing parliamentary financial oversight. Referral of the Appropriation Bill to the PAC follows the first reading of the 2025/26 budget, which totals $899.2 million, with balanced allocations split between recurrent and development funding under its theme “Building the foundations for sector‑driven economic growth and sustainability.” Meanwhile, the Legislation Standing…

Manly Sea Eagles forward Haumole Olakau’atu is emerging as a key figure for Tonga as the Rugby World Cup approaches. The 25-year-old, born in Tonga and raised in Australia, has impressed with a standout 2023 season in the NRL. Known for his powerful runs and sharp defence, Olakau’atu is expected to boost Tonga’s forward pack in upcoming international fixtures. Former Tongan head coach Toutai Kefu said, “He brings a unique approach to the game, and his passion for representing Tonga is evident on the field. We’re excited to see how he will perform on a larger stage.” Olakau’atu’s selection would…

Fiji is tightening its maritime security with a new push to make Automatic Identification Systems compulsory across all ports. This vital initiative by the Ministry of Transport aims to boost vessel tracking and traffic management, directly addressing loopholes that drug traffickers could exploit within Fiji waters. This was emphasised by the Director of Transport, Aseri Driu, during the Bilateral Workshop on Port Technology between Japan and Fiji. She said that funding has been secured from an international agency to implement a Long Range Identification and Tracking system, which will complement Fiji Ports’ existing AIS system. “The long-range identification and tracking…

Google says a new AI tool on its search engine will rejuvenate the internet. Others predict an apocalypse for websites. One thing is clear: the current chapter of online history is careening towards its end. Welcome to the “machine web”. The web is built on a simple bargain – websites let search engines like Google slurp up their content, free of charge, and Google Search sends people to websites in exchange, where they buy things and look at adverts. That’s how most sites make money. An estimated 68% of internet activity starts on search engines and about 90% of searches…

An Indian police source says 279 bodies have been recovered from the site where a passenger jet crashed into a residential district of the city of Ahmedabad. The revised toll on Saturday from a senior officer in the city, who requested anonymity in order to speak to the media, raises an earlier figure of 265. The increase makes it one of the deadliest plane disasters of the 21st century. Air India said there were 242 people on board the flight bound for London’s Gatwick airport, only one of whom survived. At least 38 people were killed on the ground when…

The Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) is urging for regular blood donors as it marks World Blood Donor Day under the theme of hope and unity. The Tonga Red Cross commemorated World Blood Donor Day yesterday, ahead of the official June 14 observance, with a public appeal for more regular, voluntary blood donations. “Every drop counts,” said Secretary-General Sione Taumoefolau, as he stressed the importance of building a stable blood supply beyond emergency situations. “Most of the people here in Tonga, they only come and contribute their blood if they are relatives or cousins who are in the hospital,” he…