Pacific nations are being warned that surging global fuel prices, escalating Middle East tensions and worsening climate pressures are tightening government finances and pushing up the cost of living across the region, with growth expected to slow further.

Climate change is becoming an increasing threat to Fiji’s sugar industry, with farmers now being urged to diversify crops to strengthen food and income security.

Women in the Pacific must be guaranteed workplaces free from violence, harassment and discrimination.

Labasa Women are bracing for a tough challenge in the upcoming rounds of the Super Women’s League as they prepare to face two of the competition’s strongest teams.

Two teenage gunman opened fire on Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California, killing three men outside the mosque, one of ​them a security guard, before the two suspects were found dead, ​apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.

Mexico City is not waiting for the World Cup to kick off — it has already turned the beautiful game into a cultural spectacle with Pele’s crown and a Maradona jersey among 15,000 pieces of football memorabilia on display.

Powerlifting Fiji committee member Norman Ravai believes the sport is continuing to reach new heights in the country, with participation numbers steadily increasing over the past year.

Energy Fiji Limited has warned that Fiji could face controlled load shedding or nationwide power rationing from next month if urgent fuel cost recovery support is not secured.

A Spanish court has acquitted Shakira of tax fraud and ordered the government to return over 55 million euros in fines and interest

At least 100 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 cases suspected, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has told the BBC.

Neymar has been named in Brazil’s squad for next month’s World Cup, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday, handing the ​forward a chance to return to international soccer’s biggest stage after an injury-disrupted cycle.