AI and the Future of American Politics

Two years ago, Americans anxious about the forthcoming 2024 presidential election were considering the malevolent force of an election influencer: artificial intelligence. Over the past several years, we have seen plenty of warning signs from...

Columbus Day Or Indigenous Peoples Day? It Depends Which State You’re In

The holiday observed today, October 13, remains one of the most inconsistently celebrated in the United States, reflecting the nation’s ongoing debate over how to mark the second Monday in October. Once only known as Columbus Day, the date is also...

Amata issues update on status of critical services during shutdown

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has released a statement and informational update on the partial government shutdown, adding details to remarks she posted to her facebook page yesterday. She reiterates that she...

CJPA opens workshops for multi-disciplinary training for First Responders

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With the support of the current administration, the Criminal Justice Planning Agency through a VAWA STOP grant will deliver a series of workshops in American Samoa beginning with two one-day trainings for LBJ medical...

15-year-old Australian lands plane at Kona airport during world ‘patient-to-pilot’ flight

Byron Waller, a 14-year-old from Australia, is flying around the world to raise awareness for Crohn’s disease, which he has battled his whole life. (Courtesy photo) On his 2025 world flight, 15-year-old Australian pilot Byron Waller recently...

Marking anniversary of 2009 earthquakes and tsunami

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Today marks a solemn anniversary—16 years since two powerful earthquakes violently shook the waters between Samoa and American Samoa. These colossal tremors unleashed devastating tsunami waves that surged up to an...

Reserve Airmen of the 79th ARS Carry Warrior DNA Into the KC-46 Era

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES 10.12.2025 TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The story of the 79th Air Refueling Squadron began on the beaches of Normandy and continues today in the skies of the Pacific. From dropping paratroopers...

Governor nominates two new members of the Retirement Fund board

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has announced revisions to his nominations for members of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund Board of Trustees, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the governance of...

Daylight Saving Time: Will it exist in N.Y. in 2026?

Each spring, clocks “spring forward” one hour to start Daylight Saving Time, giving New Yorkers an extra hour of sunlight each day before sunset. The reverse happens each fall. We “fall back,’' by setting our clocks one hour back, bringing...

Amata hosts 2025 TTOY, receives letters from students

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata was delighted to welcome 2025 American Samoa Teacher of the Year Mikaela Saelua, accompanied by her parents, Rep. Fiu and Catherine Saelua, on her Teacher of the Year visit to Washington, D.C. Mikaela hand-delivered...

Foeoletini Foundation launches “Elevate Sports 684”

“Elevate Sports 684”, is a new community initiative offered by the Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation to promote healthy living, prevent substance abuse, and strengthen families through youth development in sports and recreation. The...

Heading out to the beach? Guam EPA warns of 13 polluted beaches

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency warned that 13 beaches on the island were polluted this week. Based on the results of 43 samples taken by Guam EPA on Oct. 9, the following recreational waters were identified to be polluted above the...

Four new members nominated to ASPA Board

The Governor has nominated four new members to the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Power Authority. They are Talaimalo Marcellus Uiagalelei, Tamaalemalo Tasi Mauga who replaces Leilua Stevenson, Douglas Buhr who replaces Fonoti Perelini...

Trump isn’t cutting Pell Grants, after all …

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As an education researcher who has studied the economic returns of higher education, I know that college degrees remain cost-effective investments for most students. But college tuition has risen at roughly twice the...

ASDHS holds after-action report on needed updates to emergency ops

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Homeland Security held a final After-Action Report (AAR) meeting, yesterday morning, September 25, 2025, for its Hurricane Lala Table Top Exercise (TTX) that had identified 15 areas for improvement in...

Healing Our Soldiers — Hawaii’s MRPU

Circa 2006 There are too many stories for Major Edna Smith to narrow it down to just one. Selecting one single soldier’s rehabilitation testimony is like picking which child has left a greater impression on a mother. Each is unique. Each is...

AS-DOE appoints new athletics director, while demoting Ta’ase

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Education has appointed a new Athletics Director. Tulaga Kevin Magalei has been selected by the Director of Education, Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e, as announced in a public statement....

Brother flees after family reports disturbance

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 5, 2025, a woman called the Tafuna Police Substation and reported her brother for allegedly disturbing the peace — throwing rocks and harassing their elderly neighbor, who was also their aunt. ‘The suspect was...

We remember the Sept 29 earthquake & tsunami

Monday, September 29 marked 16 years since the September 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami which claimed the lives of 34 men, women and children. The bodies of two children were never found. 149 others were killed in Samoa and 9 perished in the same...

Man denies giving his girlfriend a black eye

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 11, 2025, a mother called the Leone Police Substation (LPS) and reported that her daughter was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend. The suspect was arrested and later charged with: Count 1: Private Peace...