Regional
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Independent State of Samoa welcomed its eighth Prime Minister since gaining independence in 1962, as Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi took the oath of office on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in a historic ceremony that lasted nearly five hours.
The swearing-...
HONOLULU — (September 15, 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) concluded its 157th meeting this week, providing key scientific recommendations to the Council on bottomfish management, climate impacts, bycatch and new ocean...
Apia, SAMOA — The testimonies of two medical professionals in the high-profile murder trial of celebrated Samoan poet and playwright Papalii Sia Figiel on Thursday, September 11, 2025, confirmed that she is suffering from a serious psychotic disorder.
Amituanai Dr. Cecilia Alailima was the final...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A new light trail in Rotorua will see the geothermal valley of Te Puia filled with swirling steam and illuminated with laser lights, with the waiata of singer Maisey Rika guiding the way.
Mārama — the Geyser Night Trail will run until 18 April 2026 — enhancing the night-...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As the final prosecution witness began to testify in the trial surrounding the murder of Dr Caroline Gabbard in May last year, the accused walked out of the courtroom to break into a fit of wails and loud weeping on Thursday morning (Samoa time).
Dr Cecilia Alailima was...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said she has no regrets in her four years in office, which she described as a challenging period of significant transition and reform.
After delivering her concession speech on Tuesday, Fiame said dwelling on regrets is...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — South Auckland’s Māngere Arts Centre will host a special one-night-only stand-up comedy showcase, Va’ine Fresh, on September 27, shining the spotlight on Pasifika women breaking new ground in comedy.
The show will feature 10 Pasifika women performing stand-up for the...
The Spartans Cricket Team announced their victory in the 2025 Tacoma, Washington Men’s Cricket League Championship, which was officially secured on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The team successfully defended their title from 2024, thus achieving the distinction of being consecutive champions. The...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathalie Aviles from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam played a pivotal role in the success of Operation Island Chief 2025, a multinational maritime surveillance operation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing across...
Moose, WYOMING — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata took part in a Friday hearing of the House Committee on Natural Resources, held in Grand Teton National Park, discussing renewal of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which provided a generational surge in support for national parks over the past...

![The an unfamiliar sound of the 'shofar,' a traditional Hebrew horn made from a goat’s horn was heard as the Prime Minister-elect and members of the FAST Party entered the venue where the swearing-in ceremony and official opening of the 18th Parliament of Samoa took place on Tuesday.It was blown by a man dressed in traditional Hebrew attire, his head covered with a 'tallit' or prayer shawl. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] the 'shofar,' a traditional Hebrew horn](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_3542.jpg?itok=vSHzuAw7)

![Amituanai Dr. Cecilia Alailima was the final witness called by the Prosecution. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Amituanai Dr. Cecilia Alailima](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/dr._cecilia_alailima.jpeg?itok=jZ7w6nKE)
![View of the Pōhutu Geyser. [Photo: Supplied/Te Puia] Pōhutu Geyser](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/geyser_in_rotorua.jpeg?itok=g7C8SIND)
![Sia Figiel's home and theatre in Apia. [File photo] Sia Figiel home](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/image_processing20240527-2-ujammt_copy.jpg?itok=hXzhj4oB)
![Fiame Naomi Mataafa and her cabinet concede after which Fiame said dwelling on regrets is unproductive, noting that the changes made are part of an ongoing and necessary process for Samoa’s future. “There is no value in regrets because what has happened is part of a process,” she said. [Photo: Junior S. Ami] Fiame Naomi Mataafa and cabinet members](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fiame_cabinet_conceding.jpeg?itok=W6WVzGco)
![The show will feature 10 Pasifika women performing stand-up for the very first time, hosted by Kiwi comedian Rhiannon McCall. [screenshot from video] Kiwi comedian Rhiannon McCall](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/kiwi_comedian_rhiannon_mccall.png?itok=-0xFqOYl)

![Petty Officer 2 Nathalie Aviles role involved analyzing intelligence and developing actionable products that guided surface and air assets in conducting 100 boardings (53 in port, 47 at sea) and identifying 12 vessels of interest. [courtesy photo] Petty Officer 2 Nathalie Aviles](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/uscg_petty_officer_aviles.png?itok=8jB-c_yI)
![renewing the Great American Outdoors Act on location in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Amata was one of seven Members of Congress participating in the hearing, aimed at having America’s national parks ready for next year’s 250th anniversary of the country and beyond. [courtesy photo] Amata and the other House Committee on National Resources members](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/deliberating_over_the_bipartisan_great_american_outdoors_act.jpg?itok=JjJc1ACi)