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PNG - politics
The MP for Kairuku-Hiri Open in Central Province, Peter Isoaimo, has lost his seat for bribing voters during the 2022 national election.
The National Alliance Party MP lost an election petition in the National Court of Papua New Guinea last week.
The National reports the court has ordered a by-election for the Kairuku-Hiri Open seat.
Three of the allegations made it to trial and only one was successfully proven.
The newspaper reports the judge saying she was satisfied that a boat was used to induce voters to vote for Isoaimo in the 2022 General Election.
Samoa - transport
A UN Development Programme project is exploring the use of electric transport in Samoa.
The project, funded by Japan, began in June with a visit from renewable energy experts of the UN Information and Technology Management Department.
This team of experts provides technical support for electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, and outboard motors.
The visit looked into the EV fleet and charging infrastructure the Electric Power Corporation deployed; and discussed connecting additional charging stations to the power grid.
Meanwhile, Japan has donated small trucks to help Samoa's recycling programme.
The donation was made possible by a grant of about $US137,000 under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects.
Samoa/American Samoa - airlines
One of the two airlines flying between the Samoas is refusing to operate at the upgraded Fagali'i airport in Samoa until questions on safety are addressed.
Samoa Observer reports the co-founder of Talofa Airways, Maria Westerland Hunter, saying they will continue to operate their flights from Faleolo International Airport until the Fagali'i Airport's tarmac is up to standard.
Questions have been asked about the quality of the work to rebuild Fagali'i Airport's tarmac following reports of a plane damaging its tyres upon landing, soon after the airport was relaunched.
Samoa - price rises
Samoa's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor says it has been "inundated" with grievances about about price rises.
The Ministry has warned the business community to refrain from price hiking, especially on goods that are scarce.
The Samoa Observer understands some retailers increased the price of sugar in parts of Samoa due to the shortage of the commodity.
Fiji - govt ministers
Fijian government ministers will be taking a pay cut of 20 percent - following the annoucement of the national Budget on Friday.
Finance Minister, Biman Prasad said a significant cutback will also extend to ministerial travel allowances put in place by the previous government.
The administration is also removing what it called "exorbitant incidental allowances".
Fiji - leptospirosis
Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services has dispatched another team of medical officers to help clinically manage the spread of leptospirosis on Kadavu.
The Ministry has recorded 31 cases of the disease in Kadavu, including one death, between January and June.
People can become infected through contact with contaminated water, soil, or mud.
Divisional Medical Officer Eastern Dr Sravaniya Dasi said they have been urging residents to take precautions and to present themselves early to the nearest health facility to prevent serious disease and death.
Fiji - marathon
The Namosi Marathon in Fiji has raised nearly $US9,000 to help combat rheumatic heart disease.
Over 300 people participated in the event which took place in Suva on Saturday.
Suva Marathon Club president Beth Sargent said this year's event saw the highest number of participants.
