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

Pacific population is generally growing, but some islands have the world’s biggest declines
The Cook Islands and American Samoa have the world’s fastest two declining populations, according to the most recent data. The Federated States of Micronesia is also among the top 10 nations bleeding its population, with CNMI not far behind. The...
![Up-Close Photos of Whale Eyes and Other Intimate Images by a Photographer Living at Sea [Interview]](https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rachel-moore-interview-fb.jpg)
Up-Close Photos of Whale Eyes and Other Intimate Images by a Photographer Living at Sea [Interview]
In 2016, photographer Rachel Moore left city life behind to embark on a voyage that would let her live on the high seas. Life aboard the Agápē Nui has brought her closer to the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it. Now a Sony, GoPro, and PADI...

Pacific sea levels are rising faster than anywhere in the world
The tranquil waters of the Pacific Ocean are revealing a disturbing truth. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently reported that the sea levels in the vast Pacific Ocean are climbing faster than the global average, raising alarm bells...
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6 Private Islands Owned by Celebrities
It all started in 1967. That was the year Marlon Brando bought a private island to call his own: Tetiaroa, a French Polynesian atoll about 30 miles north of Tahiti made up of 12 small islets strung around a lagoon. The actor had fallen in love...

Chikungunya moving into new regions, disabling millions and racking up billions in costs, data suggest
Globalization, urbanization, and climate change have significantly raised the risk of "explosive, unpredictable" outbreaks of the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya, which disabled millions and likely amassed close to $50 billion in healthcare and...

Summer deals: Holidays to Bali, Phuket, Hawaii, and Fiji that won’t break the bank
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort and Villas is a tranquil escape on a private island, featuring elegant villas, a world-class spa, and beachfront dining. Enjoy lush landscapes, water activities, and a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and...

Thousands gather to celebrate Hōkūleʻa’s arrival in Tahiti
A large crowd celebrates the arrival of the voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia in Papeete, Tahiti, on Sunday. Polynesian Voyaging Society/Jonathan “Sav” Salvador The voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia arrived in Papeete, Tahiti, on...

Stolen gold from French shipwreck could spell trouble for U.S. couple
An 80-year-old American novelist and her husband are among several people facing a possible trial in France over the illegal sale of gold bars plundered from an c shipwreck, after French prosecutors requested the case go to court. Eleonor "Gay"...
Collapse of government in Paris sends shockwaves to Noumea
By Nic Maclellan A no-confidence motion in the French National Assembly has ousted the government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. But for New Caledonians, still reeling from the economic, cultural and social impacts of six months of conflict...

Pacific sea level rise outstripping global average
Sea level rises in the Pacific Ocean are outstripping the global average, imperiling low-lying island states, a World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) report shows. Globally, sea level advances are accelerating as higher temperatures driven by...

Pride, joy and some questions: reactions to Moana 2 from across the Pacific
Audiences across the Pacific have welcomed Moana 2 and cheered seeing aspects of their culture on the big screen, while Disney’s portrayal of the demigod character Maui has drawn some criticism for reinforcing stereotypes. A sequel to the 2016...

Which European countries have the best - and worst - air quality?
Scientists say that air pollution is a ‘global health catastrophe’. Only seven countries in the world met safe air pollution levels in 2023, according to a report by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. The World Air Quality Report,...

France has 'belittled' PIF: New Caledonia wants Pacific mission 'deferred' - Wamytan
New Caledonia's Goverment President Louis Mapou (3rd L) and New Caledonia's Congress President Roch Wamytan (C) attend a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd R), New Caledonia's elected officials and local representatives at the...

The 10 countries with the most time zones in the world
At first glance, it seems obvious that Russia or the United States would dominate the time zone count, given their sheer size. But the rankings tell a more layered story, one shaped not just by continental spread, but by colonial history and the...

US expert condemns colonial practices by France and Netherlands
Colonialism is a dark chapter in human history, causing immense agony, discrimination, and the eradication of numerous ethnicities across various parts of the world. It demeaned indigenous peoples, enslaved them, appropriated their wealth, and...

Why Did Azerbaijan-France Ties Go South?
France’s decision to withdraw its top negotiators from the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan escalated tensions at a conference already rattled by global political upheaval, including Donald Trump’s unexpected win over Kamala Harris in November....

Paddles by Pacific artisans featured at Gallery ʻIolani exhibit
Reading time: < 1 minute A free exhibit of 14-foot hoe uli (steering paddles), Hoʻokāhi Ka ʻIlau Like Ana Wield the Paddles Together, will be on view at Windward Community College’s Gallery ʻIolani, January 18–March 7, 2025. It features paddles...

Smart Travel: Latest Sailing Trends, New Data Reveals Best U.S. Airports, United Partners with Turo and More
Listen to Audio Dreading your next post-flight rental car pick up? United Airlines is offering loyalty perks to those longing for an alternative. Wondering about your attendees’ flight experiences? A new study delves into what airports will keep...

BOOKS 2024 – AND THAT’S A WRAP!
COVER STORY As we prepare to bid farewell to 2024, it’s time to celebrate some of the most popular books that captivated readers this year. From gripping dystopian thrillers to heartwarming romances, 2024 proved to be a great year for both readers...

France needs to be wary of China’s influence in New Caledonia, report says
According to the new paper — “When China knocks at the door of New Caledonia,” issued by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute — if France were to lose the territory, it would be a significant blow to the West’s presence in the South Pacific,...