Photo: supplied
Northern Mariana Islands - threat
Schools in the Northern Marianas had to be cleared by police before starting the new term, after a bomb threat.
Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Saipan Southern High School, and Da'ok Academy were all searched following the threat.
Education Commissioner Dr Lawrence Camacho said school officials were working hand-in-hand with police to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The CNMI Department of Public Safety confirmed a 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Monday in connection with the threats.
Pacific/Australia - COP
Australia says it will continue advocating with Pacific nations to secure co-hosting rights to the COP31 climate summit.
The foreign affairs minister made the comments at the announcment of Will Nankervis as its new Ambassador for Climate Change.
Island Times reported Mr Nankervis will spearhead Australia's international climate diplomacy, with a focus on the Pacific and southeast Asia, coordinating government efforts to bid for COP31 to bring it to the Pacific region.
Australia has been criticised for its coal and gas actions, but its foreign ministry said the Albanese Government is taking strong action on climate change at home, and engaging with international partners to drive collective action abroad.
New Zealand - Dawn Raids
New Zealand's childrens' commissioner says out-of-hours immigration visits are deeply traumatising for children.
The proposed Immigration Amendment Bill includes extra provisions for out-of-hours immigration visits, including judicial warrant authorisation.
Dr Clair Achmad told the select committee for the bill, children subjected to the dawn raids were fearful they would become parentless; and it also caused deep embarrassment.
"I trust that it's obvious to every single person in this room that an overnight or early morning raid on a child's home without warning, and which results in one or more of their loved ones being taken away and potentially deported, would be and has been deeply traumatising for children in New Zealand."
New Zealand/Samoa - food
An Auckland-based Samoan restaurant has received top honours at this year's Cuisine Good Food awards.
Tala restaurant is one of just six restaurants from across New Zealand to receive a ranking of 'three hats' at the awards - marking a special moment for Samoan food and hospitality.
Executive chef and owner, Henry Onosemo said the recognition has boosted morale among the restaurant's staff.
He said when he first established Tala, it was his goal to elevate Samoan food, and his menu is a nod to Samoa's history.
Australia/Samoa - pageant
The newly crowned Miss Samoa Queensland 2025-2026, Laurissa Pona-Baker, has stepped down.
The Samoa Observer reports a Miss Samoa Queensland spokesperson saying in a post to social media that Laurissa Pona-Baker made the difficult decision to step down from her role and they wholeheartedly respect her choice.
Pona-Baker has been contacted for a comment.
