Interior Dept takes steps to strengthen scientific integrity and evidence-based policymaking
WASHINGTON — The Interior Department this week took steps to recommit to scientific integrity and empower the agency’s scientific and technical experts to use the best available science.


![Faumui was credited the 12 months he spent in pretrial confinement and the balance (8 months) is stayed as long as he complies with all conditions of probation. Faumui is ordered to pay a $500 fine within 6 months, and find a job. [SN file photo] TCF Territorial Correctional Facility sign](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/tcf_100.jpg?itok=4CtPT5VJ)
![Dr. Adam Robinson, right, talks to a nurse at a mass vaccination event for veterans on Oahu. [Kevin Knodell/Civil Beat] Dr. Adam Robinson, right, talks to a nurse](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/vas_dr_robinson_n_nurseweb.jpg?itok=hYizDhSZ)
![According to the victim’s son, Toala became upset when his father did not do what the defendant wanted him to do. The victim and his family are neighbors with the defendant and there are times the defendant gave instructions to the victim for things he wanted the victim or his children to do. However, the victim instructed his children not to do anything Toala instructed them to do because he (Toala) is not the family Sa’o. [SN file photo] Court Report banner](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/court-report_605.jpg?itok=8uM_CEYS)
![David Tone, who has a pending drug case in High Court made his initial appearance in District Court two weeks ago. [SN file photo] American Samoa District Court building](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/district_court_196.jpg?itok=PmgjiiL8)
![According to the federal judge, the “Court finds that Hueter has not met his burden to show that the extraordinary relief of a temporary restraining order is warranted here.” [SN file photo] Federal Courthouse Washington, D.C.](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fed_ct_washington_dc_3.jpg?itok=S2STBffD)

![The good news is, according to the court, the stolen items were recovered by cops and returned to the owner. [SN file photo] Court Report banner](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/court-report_604.jpg?itok=b-Sx9A7a)
![The bill sponsored by Sen. Soliai requires that the certification be made “no later than the first day of October on each general election year. [SN file photo] Sen. Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/sen_soliai_5710.jpg?itok=mjcEZP9n)
![Execution of sentence was suspended and the defendant is placed on probation for the period of 5 years, subject to certain conditions, including serving a period of detention of 20 months at the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF); time already served would be counted toward his sentence; the remaining period of detention is stayed, and he is ordered to depart the territory and remain outside of its border for this stayed period. [SN file photo] American Samoa High Court building](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/high_court_123.jpg?itok=8ZGtZDe8)