Congresswoman continues call for seabed mining moratorium based on unknown environmental impacts
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, in response to several questions from constituents, is providing the following update that continues her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Sa




![Senior citizens recently gathered at the Department of Youth and Women Affairs (DYWA) facility in Tafuna to celebrate Senior Citizens Day. During the event, TAOA Director Paopao Kuresa shared updates on initiatives, including efforts to revive travel programs for senior citizens in Tutuila and Manu‘a. He also announced that senior citizens will receive a pay increase to $7.25 beginning this July. [Courtesy photo] Senior Citizens Day gathering](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/senior_citizens_day.jpg?itok=gxltvfwO)
![What an amazing day at the American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 event this past Saturday. It was exciting to see our community come together students, families, government agencies, and organizations all engaging, learning, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Fa’afetai tele lava to the American Samoa Oceania Community Development Network and all its partners for a successful event. [ASVB photo] STEAM Fest 2026 event](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/steamfest_event_2.jpg?itok=WHQhl2r9)

![Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down "Coconut Cartel" ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa's associate, Steve Tofa, 23, has confessed to being his accomplice in the shooting. [Photo: Screengrab / 7NEWS Sydney] Joseph Vaa and Steve Tofa](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/vaa_tofa_copy.jpg?itok=zI7Efxnp)

