The Times Colonist

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games King's Baton Relay has arrived in Tonga for a six-day celebration. To mark its arrival, the Tonga-designed baton was presented to the Crown Prince last night, with several events scheduled to follow.

Tonga celebrates arrival of Commonwealth Games Baton Relay ↗

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Four community-based aged care centres will be built, with three in Tongatapu and one in Vava’u, under the Tonga Integrated Aged Care Project, said the Minister for Ministry of Internal Affairs, Hon. Fane Fituafe. Her Ministry is also prioritising a review of the Tonga Labour Mobility Policy 2024, and planning renovations to sports facilities in preparation for Tonga's hosting

Building of community-based aged care centres for Tonga, a priority for new Minister ↗

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Two individuals from Havelu have been arrested and charged following a Tonga Police drugs operation conducted in Havelu on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Police arrest two in Havelu for drug-related offences ↗

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The height of steam and vapour emissons from Home Reef have increased in January, during an ongoing eruption. The Alert Colour Code (ACC) for the Aviation Community is now increased to ORANGE, due to the possibility of ash being emitted, the Tonga Geological Services Volcano Watch reported this week.

Home Reef Volcano alert code for aviation increased to Orange ↗

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The suspension of the United States visa, previously enjoyed by Tongan visitors to the USA, was triggered by high percentages of visa overstayers, the Minister for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, told reporters yesterday, when questioned on the issue at the Prime Minister's first official media briefing for the year.

PM invites US Deputy Secretary of State to visit Tonga during “high-level” talks on US visas and other issues ↗

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Kolofo’ou in Tongatapu signed a sister city partnership with East Palo Alto, at the US Embassy in Nuku’alofa today, 30 January 2026, in a first “sister city” partnership between Tonga and the United States of America.

Kolofo'ou and East Palo Alto sign ‘sister city’ partnership ↗

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President of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society, Hon. Fredrica Tuita received a cheque for $5,000 panga from ANZ Tonga Country Head, David Dudley today, at the ANZ Ma’ufanga branch.

Tonga Breast Cancer Society receives $5000 from ANZ and staff ↗

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Gout—a chronic condition that disproportionately affects Pacific populations – was the subject of an educational research project led by two Tongan academics, who partnered closely with Pacific groups in New Zealand.

Pacific-led study aims to improve therapy among Pacific gout patients in South Auckland. ↗

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