These immigrants served in the US military. Now they fear being deported

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

OFC U-19 Women’s Championship kicks off in Tahiti today 

Tonga's National U-19 Women's Football team arrives in Tahiti. Papeete, Tahiti. 19 September 2025. Photo: Tonga Football. Tonga’s Junior Mataliki team will compete in the U-19 Women’s Football Championship, which kicks off in Tahiti today, 22...

Revived US deep-sea mining ambitions meet fierce Pacific opposition

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — July 1970. The Cold War is thawing, but far from over; the Nixon government is retreating from Vietnam in the face of an enormous anti-war movement; and a corporation called Deepsea Ventures is conducting the world’s...

Teachers' union proposes 'leather belt' discipline, Fiji government emphasizes child rights

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) is advocating for "some form" of corporal punishment to enforce discipline in primary and secondary schools, but the government says physical punishment cannot be the solution to...

Dr. Hollister-Marek confirmed as new ASGERF board member

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate has approved Dr. Jean Hollister-Mareko to serve on the Board of Trustees of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF). She received a 14- 0 vote in her favor after a brief confirmation...

Polynesian voyaging canoes to return to Waitangi for 40‑year commemoration

This will be Hōkūleʻa’s third visit to Aotearoa. It also came here in 2014 during the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage. For many people, this year’s arrival will be the first opportunity in over a decade to welcome both Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia...

New Fono building set for official inauguration on Thanksgiving Friday

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After nearly a decade of on-and-off construction, the long-awaited Fono building is finally scheduled to be officially inaugurated on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. This milestone was confirmed during...

Egg prices return to normal in 3rd quarter of 2025

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Despite the inflation rate for American Samoa (1. 7%), being one point higher than it was last quarter, eggs have returned to their regular prices following a shortage that had previously caused prices to spike to $6...

When do we set our clocks back an hour? Time change 2025 daylight saving time start and end

Get ready for those dark and gloomy late afternoons. Of course the sun has already been setting earlier and earlier, but soon we will turn clocks back an hour for the 2025 fall time change. Here's when and what to know about the end of daylight...

Pacific beauty queens set to shine

Source: Fiji Government / Facebook Fiji will host the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in February, returning as the venue after a seven-year gap. Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa announced that Fiji will host the 37th Miss Pacific Island...

Senate confirms Dr Hollister-Mareko for Retirement Fund Board

The Senate approved by unanimous vote Tuesday the Governor’s nomination of retired educator Dr Jean Hollister-Mareko to the Board of Trustees of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund. The vote was 14-0. During her confirmation...

Hospital board member refuses to step down despite governor’s action

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Hospital Board member Afamasaga Dr. Talifa Talifa Jr. has refused to tender his resignation from the LBJ Tropical Medical Center Board of Directors. This was confirmed in his letter to Governor Pulaalii N. Pula, dated...

To Plunder the Abyss: Revived US Deep-Sea Mining Ambitions Meet Fierce Pacific Opposition

The US push for deep-sea mining, framed as national security against China, risks permanent environmental damage and ignores the emphatic opposition of the people of American Samoa. — July 1970. The Cold War is thawing, but far from over; the...

Everything you need to know about the clocks changing in 2025

As we, once again, try to figure out how to change the time on our cars and appliances, it's only natural to question the purpose of daylight savings - and when it might come to an end. When do the clocks change in 2025? In Ireland, the clocks...

Washington D.C. Finalizes Plan for $100M in Federal Broadband Funding

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2025 – The District of Columbia has become the latest jurisdiction to finalize a plan to eliminate Internet access gaps utilizing $100.7 million the city was allocated under the federal government’s Broadband Equity, Access...

Congresswoman pays tribute to Fofo Sunia

Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata says Fofo Sunia had the wisdom of experience and a gentle but effective way of expressing his opinions and views. In a statement about Fofo’s passing, Uifaatali said, “Congressman Sunia was a dear friend and counselor...

Is it still daylight saving time 2025? When do the clocks fall back

The nights are growing longer and colder as the colorful autumn leaves begin to fall — a sign that clocks are about to turn back an hour for the 2025 fall time change. Here's when and what to know about the end of daylight saving time. Many...

Troy Polamalu now: life after the NFL and his Hall of Fame legacy

Troy Polamalu now stands as an iconic Pittsburgh Steelers legend, inspiring fans worldwide. Known for his explosive plays during his heyday, Polamalu continues to make an impact off the field. Today, he dedicates himself to mentoring athletes and...

Honoring the life and legacy of Congressman Sunia

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the memory and life of Congressman Fofó I.F. Sunia. “Congressman Sunia was a dear friend and counselor to me. I cherish his memory and kindness. He was helpful as I followed in his...

6,500 miles and a solidified purpose

“The Bible is super clear that God desires that every tribe, tongue, and nation be represented in Heaven,” Anna Claire Carwile said, stepping into what would be her home for seven weeks of serving in American Samoa. A plane takes off from...