Independent State in Polynesia, two main islands and several smaller ones; capital Apia
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has offered a "structured dialogue" with countries and campaign groups affected by the transatlantic slave trade and has said he is open to calls for a formal state apology, while rejecting proposals for financial reparations and proposing international debt-relief measures ahead of the Commonwealth summit.
The Guardian and BBC reports show England and Australia naming their squads for upcoming World Cup fixtures, with heritage-based selections and debuts for several players. The Guardian notes changes in Wales and Australia XIII selections, while BBC coverage highlights England’s half-back choices ahead of Perth clashes. The tone remains focused on squad depth and upcoming tests as the tournament begins.
New Zealand has crushed Fiji 66-6 on the Gold Coast, extending their perfect World Cup run as several players are sidelined by injuries and disciplinary actions. Fiji remains competitive but saw key players sent off and faces an anxious wait on ban outcomes, while New Zealand eyes the semi-finals.
The US plans to auction exploration licenses for seabed blocks near Pacific territories, drawing opposition from island leaders who warn of consultations gaps and ecological risks. Territorial governments seek clarity and a temporary ban amid concerns over food security and fisheries. Norfolk Island participates in Australia’s census as governance adapts.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the U.S. federal name for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and has said the change is effective immediately. The move comes as Washington and Ottawa have imposed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods and Canadian leaders have rejected the renaming.
A 40-year-old Jefferson County resident has died of complications described as measles-related, the county coroner has announced, bringing Pennsylvania state officials' total to three deaths linked to this year's outbreak. The CDC's public tracker currently shows no measles deaths and federal officials are reviewing whether the Pennsylvania fatalities meet their criteria.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian show RFK Jr. wrote to Samoa’s prime minister proposing investigations into MMR vaccines, contradicting his prior testimony that his Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. The revelations have triggered calls for investigations and potential political consequences as lawmakers debate next steps.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian contradict Kennedy's congressional testimony about his 2019 Samoa visit, showing he asked to study MMR vaccines and used
Pacific Islands Forum opens in Palau as Beijing objects to Taiwan’s attendance. Pacific leaders press for autonomy in agenda; China warns of consequences. Taiwan’s foreign minister attends, sparking diplomatic friction.
In New Hampshire, Democrats have channeled support behind Rep. Chris Pappas, while Republicans rally behind former Sen. John Sununu. The contest for the state’s Senate seat is part of a broader national battle for control of Congress, with both parties aiming to influence the Senate in November. Primary results and endorsements have shaped the field, as Sununu and Pappas gain or lose ground amid ongoing scrutiny of national politics.
A beekeeper has rehabilitated a bumblebee that survived extreme conditions, highlighting resilience and the power of care. The story follows Phoebee’s journey from roadside injury to a viral moment that grounded readers in authentic small acts of kindness.
Prime Minister Lauli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised for a seven-second clip showing a Nazi salute at a private family gathering in 2007. He says the words and gesture were inappropriate and not reflective of his beliefs or Samoa's values. The video has drawn international attention as Schmidt has led Samoa since 2025 and has publicly supported Israel.
England’s women have suffered a historic setback against Canada, ending a long unbeaten run. Canada has proven a serious title threat ahead of the 2029 World Cup, while England must reset under coach John Mitchell and press on with new talent balanced against established leadership.