Local News
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 16, 2026, a concerned co-worker of a victim of domestic violence called the local police to report an alleged assault at their place of employment.
The defendant was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor...
INDUSTRIAL PARK TAFUNA, American Samoa — Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula joined Congresswoman Aumua Amata, distinguished guests, and community leaders at the Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) to celebrate Senior Citizens Day recently, honoring the treasured elders of American Samoa.
The...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Community Development Network (OceaniaCDN), in partnership with community organizations, schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and local partners including the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA), held the American Samoa STEAM...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has made a significant leadership change by appointing Faʻalanaʻipupu Taase Sagapolutele as the Acting Police Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety.
This appointment is effective immediately and follows the resignation of Taʻaga...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Acting Police Commissioner Falanaʻipupu Lavataʻi Taʻase Sagapolutele has raised serious concerns regarding the recent arrest of a man in Samoa, who is believed to be linked to a network of Samoa nationals involved in a murder case in Vietnam.
Specifically, James...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The newly established Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its inaugural meeting last week, at the Office of Samoan Affairs, with the aim of strengthening healthcare access and support for the people of American Samoa, especially the territory's growing...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Saturday, May 23, 2026, local police officers were notified at approximately 6:40 a.m. regarding an incident in the village of Vaitogi involving an unidentified man who had been discovered with severe injuries in a remote area off an access road.
Upon receiving this...
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026 the world's most prestigious science competition for young innovators was held at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. Congratulations to our incredible students, Kim Garcia, Alana Joserose, Rachael Park and Yoon Seo Pyo who...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 207th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene in person June 9- 11, 2026, at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center, Fagatogo, AS. A remote participation option will be available by web conference (Webex).
Summary of...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 11, 2026, police officers at the Central Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) responded to a late-night disturbance in the village of Afono involving both adults and juveniles.
Two suspects, later identified as Fa’apo So’oula and Piliati Sauta were later charged with...


![Senior citizens recently gathered at the Department of Youth and Women Affairs (DYWA) facility in Tafuna to celebrate Senior Citizens Day. During the event, TAOA Director Paopao Kuresa shared updates on initiatives, including efforts to revive travel programs for senior citizens in Tutuila and Manu‘a. He also announced that senior citizens will receive a pay increase to $7.25 beginning this July. [Courtesy photo] Senior Citizens Day gathering](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/senior_citizens_day.jpg?itok=gxltvfwO)
![What an amazing day at the American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 event this past Saturday. It was exciting to see our community come together students, families, government agencies, and organizations all engaging, learning, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Fa’afetai tele lava to the American Samoa Oceania Community Development Network and all its partners for a successful event. [ASVB photo] STEAM Fest 2026 event](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/steamfest_event_2.jpg?itok=WHQhl2r9)

![Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down "Coconut Cartel" ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa's associate, Steve Tofa, 23, has confessed to being his accomplice in the shooting. [Photo: Screengrab / 7NEWS Sydney] Joseph Vaa and Steve Tofa](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/vaa_tofa_copy.jpg?itok=zI7Efxnp)
![Some members of the newly formed Home and Community-Based Services Commission. [Facebook photo] members of the commission](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/community_homebased_services.jpg?itok=a_Dj2C8G)



