Regional
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is offering a sunny outlook on the Pacific economy, but with clouds on the horizon.
In its latest forecasts, the Bank puts economic growth at 4.1 percent regionwide, while projecting a dip in inflation.
But the region is expected to slow...
Apia, SAMOA — (September 30, 2025) A State of Emergency has been declared in Samoa, effective from September 30 to October 29, 2025, to authorize the release of funds from the Treasury to address an ongoing economic emergency.
The proclamation was signed on Sept 26 by the Head of State, His...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Japan is providing Tonga with a US$17.7million airport upgrade.
PMN reported the initial request for the upgrade was made by Tonga in 2022, following a detailed study by Japan. A grant aid of US$17.7m was approved in August for Fua'amotu International Airport in...
Salt Lake City, UTAH — Communities worldwide are mourning the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a former world-renowned heart surgeon. President Nelson passed away peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City shortly after 10 p.m....
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As an education researcher who has studied the economic returns of higher education, I know that college degrees remain cost-effective investments for most students.
But college tuition has risen at roughly twice the rate of inflation during the past two decades, and...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It has been almost a year since the HMNZS Manawanui sunk off the southcoast of Upolu in Samoa.
But people living in affected coastal communities say their calls for fair compensation and the removal of the wreck continue to fall on deaf ears.
RNZ Pacific journalist Grace...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tonga's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u have been in Australia for their first official visit.
PMN reported the king and queen were given a tour of Ngunnawal, the traditional homeland of the Australian capital, Canberra; and met with foreign minister Penny Wong.
Also...
Apia, SAMOA — Lauano Aukuso Ah Ching sees the divine at work in the landslide election win that brought Samoa's new prime minister to power.
He gets emotional as he describes Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt's victory, or, as he describes it: "Our people's choice".
"I thank...
‘WASHINGTON (AP) — After serving with the Marine Corps in Iraq, Julio Torres has the American flag and Marine insignia tattooed on his arms to show his pride in serving a country he calls home.
After post-traumatic stress syndrome, drug addiction and a criminal charge following his deployment, the...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoa's newly elected prime minister is in New Zealand for medical treatment.
And while, according to Samoa’s government policy, the prime minister is entitled to fully funded overseas medical treatment, the Prime Minister's family, however, is funding all his expenses...