Front Page Tuesday March 16, 2010

Marisco files lawsuit: Expense charges at heart of ASG/ Marisco dispute

Marisco shipyard in Honolulu has filed a complaint in Federal District Court in Hawaii against ASG demanding payment of more than $800,000 for repairs, other services and equipment provided for the tugboat Sa’ilele which ASG purchased nearly 2 years ago. However, an ASG spokesman claims there are disputed expenses charged by Marisco to the ASG account. Patty Page & Beverly Annesley [+]

ASCC ConCon Forum: Governor supports selecting senators through county councils

(Samoa News continues its coverage of the first Constitutional Convention forum hosted Friday by the American Samoa Community.) Tina Mata’afa [+]

Faga’alu Village’s Fetu O Le Afiafi Christened

Crew members of Faga’alu’s Fetu o le Afiafi fautasi, row out to sea after the boat was christened yesterday. Captain of the Fetu is Teiutafeau Mitch Shimasaki. Villagers crowded Faga’alu Park for the christening ceremony yesterday. [+]

Fiji declares state of emergency for cyclone aid

SUVA, Fiji (AP) -- Fiji declared a state of emergency Tuesday and ordered troops to launch relief operations in northern regions battered by a powerful cyclone that knocked out power and forced thousands of people to flee into shelters. [+]

 

UPDATES WILL BE SHOWN HERE


 
 

Fono News

Paogofie Fiaigoa was sworn in yesterday as Senator for the Tualauta county, to replace Senator Tuana’itau F. Tuia who had passed away last month. Senator Fiaigoa passed a committee review that was held by a three member committee handpicked by the Senate President, Gaoteote P. Tofau. Samoa News Staff [+]

In spite of difficult times, Am Samoa economy has potential for growth says DOC official

While these are “especially challenging times” for American Samoa’s economy, Commerce Department deputy director Lelei Peau believes the territory has many opportunities to grow economically in the future. Fili Sagapolutele [+]

Community Briefs

Lupelele Elementary School observes Disability Awareness Week and students with Special Needs at Lupelele are taking part in a Career Day and a field trip to ASCC Land Grant. Samoa News Staff [+]

Samoa Briefs

The Samoa government has decided to introduce legislation to allow the operation of casinos despite opposition. Critics say the operation of casinos would attract tourists but will adversely affect those on low incomes . Samoa News Staff [+]

Pacific Briefs

The Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office says it plans to ask the government to build cyclone shelters on Rennell and Bellona. Samoa News Staff [+]

Dems start countdown toward health care vote

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democratic congressional leaders showed signs of progress Monday in winning anti-abortion Democrats whose votes are pivotal to President Barack Obama's fiercely contested remake of the health care system. [+]

Aide: Karzai 'very angry' at Taliban boss' arrest

KABUL (AP) -- The Afghan government was holding secret talks with the Taliban's No. 2 when he was captured in Pakistan, and the arrest infuriated President Hamid Karzai, according to one of Karzai's advisers. [+]

US Israel criticism ignites firestorm in Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration's fierce denunciation of Israel last week has ignited a firestorm in Congress and among powerful pro-Israel interest groups who say the criticism of America's top Mideast ally was misplaced. [+]

Obama's Asia trip more about influence than policy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's second trip to Asia since taking office is unlikely to result in tangible accomplishments, but the two-country sojourn could be an important step in restoring U.S. influence in the region. [+]

APNewsBreak: Governors seek wind energy boost

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A coalition representing governors of 29 states is urging the federal government to take steps to boost wind energy, such as a renewable electricity standard requiring utilities to produce at least 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2012. [+]

CAPITAL CULTURE: Indonesia remembers young Obama

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Somewhat bluntly, Barack Obama's former teacher sums up the neighborhood thinking when the future American president turned up with his family in Indonesia's capital more than 40 years ago. [+]

Arteries improve after smokers quit, study finds

ATLANTA (AP) -- Quitting smoking can turn back time. A year after kicking the habit, smokers' arteries showed signs of reversing a problem that can set the stage for heart disease, according to the first big study to test this. [+]

NASA finds shrimp dinner on ice beneath Antarctica

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a surprising discovery about where higher life can thrive, scientists for the first time found a shrimp-like creature and a jellyfish frolicking beneath a massive Antarctic ice sheet. [+]

Jackson estate in record deal worth up to $250 mll

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Even in death, Michael Jackson is breaking new records. The King of Pop's estate has signed the biggest recording deal in history. [+]