Local News
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata is congratulating Thessalonica Lagafuaina for representing American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 in Washington, D.C.
“Congratulations to Thessalonica for representing American Samoa in this important...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a recent email to the director of Director of the Department of Search and Rescue (DSAR) Alefosio, Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa requested reports on eight (8) fires that have occurred since August of last year in the territory.
Fagaima is the chairman of the House...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA— The Port Administration American Samoa (PAAS) has added new public notification and vessel-tracking features to ManuateleSchedule.com, giving travelers and families, especially those in Manuʻa, a better way to follow voyage activity and receive timely updates.
Members of...
The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities has a special exhibition on display that focuses on American Samoa’s journey with the United States, called America 250.
It also re-introduces people to the origins of the Jean P. Haydon Museum — when gifts given to Gov. John Haydon and...
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that American Samoa has been awarded three grants totaling $803,015 to strengthen public safety, expand behavioral health services, and support juvenile justice initiatives in...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 3, 2026, a man called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that his sister allegedly assaulted their 83-year-old father inside their home in Iliiili.
The suspect was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 1, 2026, a man contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) requesting police assistance at his in-laws' residence in Vaitogi. The reporter stated that his father-in-law was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute with his wife.
The suspect reportedly fled the...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After the intense budget dispute in March — when the Fono accused the administration of violating budget law and moved to pursue legal action against the Pula and Pulu administration — a noticeably conciliatory atmosphere emerged between the Legislative and Executive...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has issued a declaration to enhance public safety and address bridge maintenance issues across the territory. This action follows a notification from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that several bridges exhibit structural...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa election office has confirmed to Uifa'atali Amata that her candidacy has been certified, and she is officially on the ballot for 2026 as Aumua Amata. The Election Office certification, which verifies the necessary signatures by eligible voters, and all...

![Thessalonica Lagafuaina represented American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 in Washington, D.C. She is a recent graduate of Tafuna High School, Class of 2026, and is from the villages of Nuʻuuli and Futiga. [courtesy photo] Thessalonica Lagafuaina](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/thessalonica_lagafuaina.jpg?itok=ayVhYOz6)






![Legislature staff members share bright smiles at the conclusion of Monday’s opening of the Fourth Regular Session of the 39th Legislature at the H. Rex Lee Auditorium. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau] Legislature staff members](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_7132.jpg?itok=NGDvZ6f1)

