Corrections Dept. proposes new jail — some buildings over 50 years old

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Corrections has made a proposal to the American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASDEA ) for $7.11 million to build a new jail facility. The proposal is outlined in a letter sent to...

Democracy in the US territories, in context

Being a part of the United States, but not represented as a state, ensures the territories’ democracies are unique. The US territories consist of five different islands. These include Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa,...

House passes short-term funding to keep federal government open

Short-term funding to keep the government open through mid-November now moves to the U.S. Senate, after a raucous House debate and nearly party-line 217-212 vote. KHJ News Washington D.C. correspondent Matt Kaye reports… House Democrats blamed...

Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program photo & caption

On January 20, 2025, a new Postgraduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (PGCFE) cohort officially launched and is made up of seven dedicated fellows from the Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program (PPHFP), representing American Samoa, Palau,...

HHS stakeholders strategize to improve health care accessibility

The Governor’s Office hosted last Thursday its first Health and Human Services Stakeholders meeting with a focus on strengthening collaboration among key agencies and partners with health and human services functions. Governor Pulaalii Nikolao...

Man arrested after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend with metal baseball bat

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 28, 2025, the Leone Police Station (LPS) received a call from a concerned taxi driver who reported an alleged domestic dispute between a couple. The suspect was later arrested and charged with: Count 1: Assault...

CDC firings undermine public health work far beyond Washington

KFF Health News — The Trump administration’s sudden firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees gutted training programs across the nation whose participants bolstered the workforce of state and local public health departments...

Medicaid Health Summit March 24-26

The American Samoa Medicaid Office is inviting the public to attend its Medicaid Health Summit, scheduled for March 24th to 26th at the ASCC Multi-Purpose Center. The three-day event aims to inform residents about Medicaid benefits, eligibility,...

Health experts speak out against RFK Jr. leading Health and Human Services

Senate confirmation hearings will likely start in January for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. | Photo by Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons Groups...

Samoa’s PM-elect receiving congratulations from world leaders

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoa’s Prime Minister-elect, Hon. La'aulialemalietoa, has received warm congratulatory messages, from the Prime Ministers of Samoa’s closest regional development partners, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. After a...

Mental health exam is latest twist in HPD corporal case riddled with delays

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Honolulu police corporal charged with lying to investigators after he slammed his subsidized vehicle into a motorcyclist will now undergo a mental examination. In September 2023, Vasai Isala Jr. was captured on body...

Alleged assault in parking lot leaves one man unconscious

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 27, 2025, the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call regarding an alleged brutal assault in a fast food restaurant’s parking lot that left the victim unconscious after being beaten up by a group of men....

U.S. Public Health

As indicated in the name, “public” health is primarily shaped and supported through the public sector, i.e., governments. In the U.S., public health powers and responsibilities are shared across federal, state, and local levels of government....

Proposed Senate bill would change requirements for Health director

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The recently confirmed Director of Health, Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, appeared before the Senate Hospital & Public Health Committee last Friday to discuss a proposed Senate bill amending the law to specify the requirements...

Trump's CDC Firings Will Gut Public Health at the State and Local Level

The Trump administration’s sudden firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees gutted training programs across the nation whose participants bolstered the workforce of state and local public health departments that for decades...

CDC Firings Undermine Public Health Work Beyond Washington

The Trump administration’s sudden firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees gutted training programs across the nation whose participants bolstered the workforce of state and local public health departments that for decades...

Building the Foundations of Our Future

A Call to Invest in Healthcare, Education, Wellness, Safe Transport, Fair Wages, and Communities Across American Samoa Honorable Leaders, Policy Makers, Teachers, Healthcare Workers, Elders, and Fellow Citizens, The proposed Fiscal Year 2026...

Multisectoral approach to assess risks towards enhanced health security

Presentation of the identification of risks during the workshop. Photo: WHO/Chandra Gilmore/25030523 In response to the increasing frequency and severity of health emergencies and natural hazards like tropical cyclones becoming more frequent and...

Now's The Time To Prepare For Daylight Saving Time Health Issues

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most of America “springs forward” Sunday for daylight saving time and losing that hour of sleep can do more than leave you tired and cranky the next day. It also could harm your health. Darker mornings and more evening light...

March 5 - How springing forward to daylight saving time could affect your health — and how to prepare

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most of America “springs forward” Sunday for daylight saving time and losing that hour of sleep can do more than leave you tired and cranky the next day. It also could harm your health. Darker mornings and more evening light...