Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

What does MFT mean in WWE? The truth finally revealed on SmackDown
Back in early 2024, Solo Sikoa introduced the first member of his "Bloodline," Tama Tonga. Over the next few weeks, Solo would often refer to Tonga as his MFT. Siko's faction would then be joined by Tonga Loa and Jacob Fatu over the summer. Both...

Admiral Sir Derek Reffell, naval commander and governor of Gibraltar
One fine weekend in June 1975 the carrier HMS Hermes, under the command of Derek Reffell, sailed into Quebec harbour on a courtesy visit. Among the ship’s company was the Prince of Wales, now the King, serving as a Wessex helicopter pilot with the...

Crown Prince and Princess lead support for Trade Fair 2025
Tonga’s biggest trade fair kicked off yesterday, led by HRH Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala at Queen Salote Memorial Hall. The Tonga Trade Fair 2025 celebrates local enterprise, culture and innovation over three days in Nukuʻalofa. HRH Princess Sinaitakala...

"Yall gotta do better" - WWE Universe reacts to controversial Jacob Fatu comment
The WWE Universe has reacted to a controversial word being used by Jacob Fatu. The SmackDown star lost the United States Championship to Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions 2025 last weekend in Saudi Arabia. Fatu and WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi...

Barista in Denis Betts' cafe by day, rugby player by night: Meet Wigan Warriors' Wembley hero
Let’s rewind a month. Emily Veivers is working in Denis Betts’ cafe during the week whilst preparing to walk out for Wigan Warriors under the famous Wembley arch. The 24-year-old has one of the most fascinating backstories you are likely to come...

Major star leaves Scarlets as sudden announcement made
Tonga international Vaea Fifita has left the Scarlets to join newly-promoted French Top 14 side Montauban. The French club reached the top flight after defeating Sam Davies' Grenoble following an unlikely Pro D2 play-off run. They have now moved...

Solo Sikoa dumps The Bloodline and gives his faction a new name
Solo Sikoa’s branch of The Bloodline has seen a major overhaul over the last two months, with Jacob Fatu leaving the group and Tala Tonga joining JC Mateo as the newest members. But Solo made it clear on tonight’s (July 4) episode of SmackDown...

Siosi’ana Taumoepeau crowned Miss Heilala
Crowd favourite Siosi’ana Taumoepeau has been crowned Miss Heilala 2025-2026 at a special event held at the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium in Nuku'alofa. At just 24 years old, Taumoepeau represents Pangaimotu Island and has a unique background,...

Siosi’ana Taumoepeau crowned Miss Heilala 2025
Siosiana Patricia Taumoepeau, representing Pangaimotu Island, claimed the Miss Heilala 2025–26 title last night at Tonga High Indoor Stadium, earning a prize of 10,000 pa‘anga. Taumoepeau also won Best Sarong Beach‑wear and Best Puletaha, and...

We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why
Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the...

World Rugby rankings: Wales fall to record low as England move up
The international weekend delivered fireworks across the globe, shaking up the World Rugby rankings with shock upsets, dominant performances, and dramatic tumbles. While some teams soared, others crashed hard—and few fanbases will be as thrilled...

Jacob Fatu to bring back 59-year-old WWE legend to join his new team against The Bloodline? Exploring the possibility
At Night of Champions, Jacob Fatu lost his WWE United States Championship to Solo Sikoa. With JC Mateo, Tonga Loa, and Tala Tonga (formerly known as Hikuleo) on his corner, Sikoa seems unstoppable now. However, Fatu does have the help of Jimmy...

Solo Sikoa to replace veteran superstar with returning WWE legend in his new Bloodline? Chances explored
WWE Night of Champions 2025 saw a major title change as Solo Sikoa captured the United States Championship from Jacob Fatu. The Street Champion defeated his former Bloodline stablemate in Saudi Arabia, thanks to JC Mateo, a returning Tonga Loa,...

Solo Sikoa, Rhea Ripley, Big E, and others react to WWE stars' emotional personal update
Several current and former WWE personalities, including Solo Sikoa, Rhea Ripley, and Big E, recently took to social media to react to Carmelo Hayes' and Kelani Jordan's massive update. The duo recently got engaged. Both Carmelo Hayes and Kelani...

WORLD OF RUGBY: Alarm bells ring for Lions chiefs as Irish contingent fail their audition to leave plans up in the air with two weeks to go until Australia Test, writes CHRIS FOY
So much for best-laid plans. Andy Farrell has spoken throughout the early part of this tour about how all Test selection forecasts can go out the window – and that is certainly happening here. Given events in Sydney on Saturday, as the Lions...

Roman Reigns to return with new Enforcer & Wiseman; New faction to debut? 3 Predictions for WWE Saturday Night's Main Event 2025
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event 2025 will emanate live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on July 12, 2025. The company has announced three matches for the show so far, and could add a couple more in the new week. Apart from the...

Miss Heilala contestants present fantastic Island Creations
Heilala Pageant, Island Creations competition, Nuku'alofa. 4 July 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga. Photos by Tupou Vaipulu Jr. Report by Katalina Siasau Fantastic island creations using traditional materials were showcased tonight, 4 July, by the Miss...

Roman Reigns to re-form the Shield with 2 new stars, John Cena's greatest nightmare? - 5 Things the Tribal Chief could do upon WWE return
Roman Reigns has been out since RAW after WrestleMania when Bron Breakker assaulted him with a Spear and joined forces with Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman. Fast forward to today, the OTC is expected to return to WWE in the coming weeks, either to...
ZamStats’ Language Statistics Are A Dangerous Seed of Division- Political Activist
OPINION: ZamStats’ Language Statistics Are A Dangerous Seed of Division By Michael Zephaniah Phiri – Political Activist It is with a heavy heart and deep concern that I write to condemn the new trajectory the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats)...

Today's rugby news as Wales international switches allegiances and 'richest game in rugby' proposed
These are your rugby headlines on Friday, July 4 Halaholo gets Tonga call-up Willis Halaholo has been named in the Tonga squad for this summer's Pacific Nations Cup. Halaholo won 10 caps for Wales after moving to the country in 2016 and making...