Taiwan issued a land warning on Thursday as powerful Typhoon Champi approached, prompting more than 200 flight cancellations in the region ​and forcing changes to a major US-Japan military exercise.

Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor who embodied a solid, wry authority figure, whether as a flight instructor in “Top Gun,” a tough-but-fair sheriff on TV’s “Picket Fences” or the doomed captain of “Alien,” has died. He was 93.

Fijian photographer Pita Simpson also known as Pitas Picture is making the most of a career-defining opportunity at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, becoming the only Fijian media photographer on the ground covering the tournament in Australia.

Russia pounded Kyiv with ballistic missiles and Ukraine sent hundreds of drones towards Moscow on Thursday, as the warring sides kept up ​a barrage of attacks despite the latest US push to end the conflict.

ANZ will continue its backing of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby season, reinforcing a partnership that has been part of the club since its inception.

People affected by alcohol and drug addiction could have access to specialised treatment and long-term recovery support under plans for Fiji’s first National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Centre in Tamavua, Suva.

Fiji is moving to strengthen landowner rights, improve compensation and tighten mine safety under proposed reforms to its mining laws.

Declining water levels at Vaturu Dam is putting pressure on supplies to Nadi and Lautoka, with the Water Authority of Fiji urging households and businesses to conserve water.

Global firms and governments rushed ​to patch critical flaws in the PHP programming language that underpins much of the internet, as a cloud firm reported millions of hacking attempts after vulnerabilities were disclosed.

British actress Judi Dench said her eyesight had deteriorated to the point that she could no longer ​act on stage or in films.

Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets on Thursday in the first nationwide opposition protest in nearly two years, as ​demonstrators demanded free elections and other political changes.

The Vodafone Fiji Bati face their toughest test of the Rugby League World Cup this weekend when they take on defending champions Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.