Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government in Hawaii to block the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries’ “not likely to adversely affect” finding for Endangered Species Act-protected whales and sea turtles was unlawful and lacked proper analysis. Federal Leasing Push: The Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM is moving ahead with seabed leasing—American Samoa’s sale is set for Nov. 19, while the Northern Mariana Islands’ proposed auction is slated for Dec. 16—despite tens of thousands of public comments and calls for stronger environmental review. NOAA Mapping for Minerals: NOAA Ocean Exploration will run two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sept and late Sept–Oct) to map and characterize the seafloor, with real-time ROV operations streamed online and data made public to support future decisions. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training is helping American Samoa Customs strengthen post-clearance audit capability to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Local Skills & Jobs: The American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated its inaugural class, part of the Super Alia project, boosting local commercial fishing capacity in the EEZ. Infrastructure Oversight: A senator says raised crosswalks and road signs installed by Public Works may be illegal under the American Samoa Code, after a Senate hearing. Business/Trade Costs: USPS is requiring territory-to-states mailers (including American Samoa) to use a third-party app for duty/tax/fee collection, raising shipping costs. Sports & Community: American Samoa notched a major flag football upset at the world championships, adding momentum to the territory’s growing sports profile.