Starlink satellites seen from New Zealand Photo: Supplied / Alexander Robertson
Cook Islands - eco-friendly hygiene products
Female students in the Cook Islands are being encouraged to use reusable period products to reduce landfill waste.
Throughout last year, Te Ipukarea Society visited schools in the outer islands.
They promoted products such as diva cups and reusable pads as a more environmentally friendly option for period hygiene.
Society director Alanna Smith said this is a new project for the organisation and they look forward to continuing it this year.
"So [we're] working really closely with our senior female students and showing, talking more about these products which saves our girls more money over time, and also that's one less feminine hygiene waste ending up in landfills or getting burnt."
US state of California - Asian and Pacific Island history
The US state of California is considering expanding Asian and Pacific Island history lessons in its state-wide curriculum.
California's education body has confirmed it would review adding content that would highlight Asian-American, Pacific Islander and native Hawaiian communities in its next revision.
Sacbee reports State Representative Mike Fong saying the changes would highlight the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who make up 15.5% of California's population.
Fiji - teachers
Fiji is experiencing a heavy labour drain in teachers.
A total of 735 teachers quit their positions in 2023 - a figure revealed by Fiji's Education Secretary Selina Kuruleca.
Ms Kuruleca told local media in Suva, her Ministry had approached and re-employed 191 former teachers.
FBC reported she expressed her concern about the loss of teachers continuing into this year.
Papua New Guinea - Starlink
Starlink can now operate in Papua New Guinea after it was given a five-year operator license.
The company, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, promises to deliver high-speed internet to the remotest parts of the world, using low-orbiting satellites.
PNG's Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu made the announcement, saying it was a New Year's gift to the country.
He said it will allow rural areas to be connected to broadband.
Solomon Islands - police investigation
Solomon Islands police are investigating the death of a 20-year-old woman hit by a car.
Police say the woman was near at the eastern gate of the Supreme Casino driveway in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Traffic department supervising director Measly Kelo said the initial report stated that around 3-5am, the vehicle drove through the gate and made a turn and went straight towards a group of girls.
He said right after the incident, the driver reversed the vehicle and escaped out of the Supreme Casino area.
The driver was arrested and will appear in the Honiara Central Magistrates' Court on a later date.
Samoa - prayer
Samoa's annual week of prayer and fasting will start on January 7th and end on January 12th.
TV1Samoa reports Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa announced the Cabinet approval of the period in a statement in Apia.
Fiame pointed out the importance of God's guidance and blessings on the country as it starts the new year with many challenges to overcome.
