Seabed Mining & Ocean Stewardship: U.S. lawmakers and Pacific leaders are clashing over deep-sea mining near American Samoa, with Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata urging federal agencies to reject the rush to mine and warning about risks to the ocean and community trust. Energy & Infrastructure: The Port of Pago Pago is moving ahead with a major airport solar-plus-battery project (about 25 MW solar and 20 MW/80 MWh storage) under a public-private partnership, targeting full operation by end of 2027. Local Economy & Jobs: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce says South Pacific Academy student Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent the territory at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Government Finance: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ debt to the ASGERF pension fund into a loan tied to ASTCA repayment, while another ASTCA-related measure was temporarily set aside over spending-approval concerns. Budget Watch: Governor Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget into law but used line-item vetoes, cutting several appropriations including parts of the Capital Improvement Program. Healthcare Funding: Advocates are pushing back on a House-approved reduction to the Medicaid subsidy, warning it could limit provider enrollment and strain home-care services. Timekeeping Policy: Daylight saving time changes remain in limbo nationally, but American Samoa continues to observe standard time year-round. Biotech Launch: YD Bio and EG BioMed launched an AI-based online cancer risk assessment priced at $10, generating personalized reports from a 10-minute health survey.