Deep-Sea Mining Push: The Trump administration advanced a proposed seabed mining lease sale off American Samoa, with the Marine Minerals Administration moving ahead on a fast track and setting a Nov. 19 sale date for about 31 million acres, while local leaders and environmental groups warn the process is too rushed and too limited for Pacific communities to weigh in. Lawsuit in Federal Court: Faʻasao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, backed by Earthjustice, sued to block the first U.S. deep-sea mining lease sale, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service improperly found mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Regional Tension Over Input: Guam officials and lawmakers criticized being shut out of the comment process as the CNMI seabed sale advances, with Guam’s governor and delegate pressing Washington to slow down and consult affected islands. Local Economy & Jobs: After last week’s Manu‘a Store fire, about half the staff are back at work through rotations at the remaining Pago Pago and Malaeimi branches while the insurer and fire division investigate. Education Funding Idea: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund Department of Education sports programs. Customs Capacity: Oceania Customs Organization training began to strengthen American Samoa Customs post-clearance audit capability to protect revenue and support compliant trade. NOAA Mapping Missions: NOAA will run two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall to map and characterize the seafloor for future critical-mineral decisions.