AGP Executive Report

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta has agreed to pay up to about $18 billion over the next decade and overhaul how Instagram and Facebook work for minors, ending a major U.S. trial brought by states including American Samoa. The deal requires default daily time limits (a combined two hours across both apps), mandatory “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks (generally midnight to 6 a.m. unless a parent lifts limits), and school-hour notification silencing. It also calls for stronger age assurance, tighter age-appropriate content controls (including limits on certain harmful beauty filters), and expanded parental controls plus an independent auditor to track compliance. Territory Impact: The settlement’s inclusion of American Samoa means local families could see new platform restrictions and safety features as implementation rolls out over months, with payments distributed through the multistate framework. US Policy Watch: Separately, coverage notes Congress is juggling must-pass funding items that could affect ASG and territory priorities, including potential delays tied to federal spending timelines.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta (Facebook/Instagram) agreed to pay up to about $17–$18 billion over 10 years and roll out sweeping teen protections after a landmark multistate case, including default two-hour daily limits, overnight blocks (midnight–6 a.m.), school-day push-notification limits, stronger age-assurance, tighter parent controls, and restrictions on harmful content and features like cosmetic filters and public like counts; the deal covers 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and could grow if other platforms (notably TikTok/YouTube/Snap) adopt similar terms. Local Governance & Funding: Congress is back to work on must-pass bills with government shutdown risk and ASG funding still in play, including a reported $1 million boost for ASG and $1 million for Pago Pago Port improvements tied to the House Interior package, while other negotiations (defense and farm bill items affecting ASNAP) remain politically tangled. Sports Business: The NFL ended the Pro Bowl game format, starting in 2026 with an 88-player roster focused on recognition rather than an AFC vs. NFC matchup, a shift that could affect how fans and sponsors engage with the league’s all-star brand. Pacific Economy & Environment: The U.S. deep-sea mining push is intensifying after an executive-order path for licenses in Pacific territories, with American Samoa mentioned in plans for a nearby auction, as island leaders and regional governments debate the economic upside versus environmental and governance risks.

Big Tech Accountability: Meta (Facebook/Instagram) agreed to a multistate settlement worth up to about $17.1B (reported as up to $18B) over claims it used addictive design to harm teens and misled the public; the deal is subject to federal judge approval and covers 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Youth Safety Rules: Meta must roll out sweeping default safeguards for ages 13–17, including a combined two-hour daily limit across Instagram and Facebook with “productive pauses,” overnight blocks from midnight to 6 a.m., reduced school-day notifications, stronger age verification, and tighter content controls. Payments to States/Territories: Washington is set for at least $237M (up to nearly $339M); Wisconsin up to $313M; Kansas over $134M; Nevada up to about $256M; Virginia at least $353M; Tennessee $700M-plus (total about $751.9M); New Jersey at least $525M (up to $752M); South Carolina $247M; Alabama over $117M; Michigan at least $171M; Utah $212M expected (up to $301M); South Dakota minimum $52.6M (up to $73.5M); Hawaii up to $76M; West Virginia up to about $114.6M; North Carolina up to $645M. Industry “Match” Incentive: About $5.3B of the total is conditioned on TikTok and YouTube adopting similar one-hour/day and related default protections, with states receiving the remaining portion only if those platforms sign on.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, via Earthjustice, sued to stop the first U.S. deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA/NMFS failed proper Endangered Species Act review; the sale is slated for Nov. 19. Local Governance & Compliance: The Governor signed an executive order adopting the FDA Model Food Code as the official retail food safety reference, with enforcement starting in four months after outreach to restaurants, markets, and vendors. Education Funding Assurance: After testimony raised concerns that the DOE FY2027 budget lacked sports-event money, the Education Department said all school athletics will continue as scheduled, citing coordination on the athletics budget. Cost of Living: Samoa’s latest inflation update shows transport driving prices up, with diesel up 51.6% and petrol up 37% over the year—hitting fuel-dependent households and businesses. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1. Business Continuity: After a fire destroyed the Manu’a Store in Tafuna, about half the staff returned to work at the remaining Malaeimi and Pago Pago branches, with more placements pending.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight (American Samoa): Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, backed by Earthjustice, sued the Trump administration to block the first commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA/NMFS wrongly found mining “not likely to adversely affect” endangered species under the Endangered Species Act; the challenge targets the Nov. 19 sale and comes as the process faces mounting public backlash. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback (Marianas/Guam): U.S. territories are also objecting to a separate Trump-era plan to auction deep-sea mining leases off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, with leaders warning regulators are moving faster than science and that Guam lacks a formal comment role. Seafloor Data vs Public Access: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer sent robots to map American Samoa’s seafloor Aug. 24, but a key concern is that commercial leasing decisions and bidding are scheduled before the dive data is publicly archived. Food Safety Regulation: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula issued an executive order making the FDA Model Food Code the official retail food safety reference for American Samoa, with enforcement starting after a four-month outreach and training period for local businesses. Local Economy/Cost of Living: Samoa’s latest inflation report points to transport costs driving prices up, led by sharp fuel increases (diesel +51.6%, petrol +37%), squeezing households and businesses alike. Sports Funding Idea: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund Department of Education sports programs. Business Continuity (Manu‘a Store): After a Manu‘a Store fire, about half the staff are back at work via rotations across remaining branches while the insurer and fire division investigate the cause. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set American Samoa’s 2026 midterm election for Nov. 3, with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1.

Fuel and inflation squeeze: Samoa’s latest inflation figures show prices up 3.1% year-on-year in July, with transport driving most of the jump as diesel rose 51.6% and petrol 37%, pushing up costs for families, bus/taxi operators, and businesses moving goods. Deep-sea mining push sparks legal fight: Earthjustice, with Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, sued the U.S. government to stop the first American Samoa seabed lease sale, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service wrongly found mining “not likely to adversely affect” endangered species. Territory politics and ocean concerns: American Samoa’s Democratic Party praised faith leaders for urging caution on deep-sea mining, while leaders in the Marianas and Guam criticized the federal process as too fast and too limited for local input. Food safety update for local businesses: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed an executive order making the FDA Model Food Code the official retail food safety reference, with enforcement starting after a four-month outreach and training period. Sports funding proposal: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. floated a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund Department of Education sports programs. Customs capacity-building: Oceania Customs Organization training focused on strengthening American Samoa Customs’ post-clearance audit capability to protect revenue and support compliant trade. Local economy and jobs after fire: Manu‘a Store owner says about half the staff from the burned Tafuna store are now working at remaining branches in Malaeimi and Pago Pago, with reduced hours while placement continues. Upcoming election logistics: Chief Election Officer Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and reminded candidates of the Sept. 1 filing deadline.

Deep-Sea Mining Push (American Samoa): Environmental groups, including Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and that required reviews were inadequate. Deep-Sea Mining Push (CNMI): The Trump administration also advanced a proposed lease sale off the Northern Mariana Islands, setting Dec. 16 for a sale covering about 67 million acres—prompting Guam officials to complain they’re shut out of the comment process and warning regulators are moving faster than science. Local Economy & Jobs: After a fire destroyed the Manu‘a Store in Tafuna, about half the staff returned to work at the remaining branches in Malaeimi and Pago Pago, with reduced hours while the company investigates and weighs rebuilding. Education Funding Idea: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund Department of Education sports programs. Customs & Trade Capacity: American Samoa Customs took part in Oceania Customs Organization training to strengthen post-clearance audits, aiming to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Ocean Mapping for Commerce: NOAA announced two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa to map and characterize the seafloor, generating public data to support future exploration and decision-making. Sports Media Business: The NFL criticized Nielsen’s upcoming TV ratings methodology changes, saying the rushed shift could hurt sports viewership measurement.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The Trump administration has advanced a proposed auction of deep-sea mining leases off the Northern Mariana Islands, covering about 67 million acres, and Pacific territories are pushing back over rushed timelines and unclear risks to marine life and local economies. American Samoa Legal Challenge: In parallel, Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i—via Earthjustice—filed suit to stop the first U.S. lease sale off American Samoa, arguing federal regulators didn’t properly assess impacts under the Endangered Species Act. Local Governance & Review: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has a 60-day window to review and comment on the proposed terms, while local leaders and groups continue to call for more study before any mining moves forward. NOAA Mapping for Minerals: NOAA says two expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall will map deep seafloor areas to support future decisions on offshore critical minerals. Education Funding Idea: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund sports programs under the Department of Education. Customs Capacity: Oceania Customs Organization training is building American Samoa Customs’ post-clearance audit capability to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Manu‘a Store Recovery: After a fire destroyed the Manu‘a Store, about half the staff are now working at remaining branches while management plans next steps for rebuilding. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set American Samoa’s 2026 midterm election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups, including Faʻasao Amerika Samoa, sued the U.S. government to stop the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly found mining “not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and failed to do proper review ahead of a Nov. 19 auction. NOAA Mapping for Minerals: NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners announced two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sep and late Sep–Oct) to map and characterize the seafloor, with publicly available data meant to guide future exploration and decisions. Local Education Funding: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund sports programs under the Department of Education. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training began to strengthen American Samoa Customs’ post-clearance audit capability, aiming to protect revenue and support compliant trade. Manu‘a Store Recovery: After last week’s Manu‘a Store fire, about half the staff are back to work on reduced hours across the remaining Malaeimi and Pago Pago branches while investigations continue. Elections Update: The Chief Election Officer officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Earthjustice, on behalf of Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA’s “not likely to adversely affect” finding for Endangered Species Act-protected animals was unlawful and skipped key habitat impacts; the planned sale covers about 31 million acres with a Nov. 19 target. Federal Fast-Tracking in the Pacific: The Marine Minerals Administration also advanced a separate proposed lease sale off the Northern Mariana Islands, setting Dec. 16 for five lease blocks totaling about 67 million acres, while Guam leaders criticized being shut out of the comment process and warned regulators are moving faster than science. Local Ocean Data Push: NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners will run two deepwater mapping expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sep and late Sep–Oct) to generate public data to guide future offshore critical-mineral decisions. Sports Funding Proposal: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund Department of Education sports programs. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training is helping American Samoa Customs strengthen post-clearance audit capability to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Manu‘a Land Meeting Delayed: An Atu‘u land trusteeship meeting was moved to the second Saturday of September after limited matai attendance. Elections Set: Chief Election Officer Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei proclaimed Nov. 3, 2026 for the midterm election and reminded candidates of the Sept. 1 filing deadline.

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.

Deep-Sea Mining Push (Marianas): The Marine Minerals Administration advanced a proposed seabed leasing notice for five blocks near the Mariana Trench, setting Dec. 16 for a potential sale—while Guam officials say the process is moving too fast and that Guam was shut out of formal comment rights even though the waters are adjacent. Deep-Sea Mining Push (American Samoa): Earthjustice and local groups Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i filed suit to stop the first U.S. deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly found mining “not likely to adversely affect” endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Local Economy & Jobs: After last week’s Manu’a Store fire in Tafuna, about half the staff are back at the company’s remaining Malaeimi and Pago Pago branches on reduced hours, with the rest expected to be placed through HR. Education Funding: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund DOE sports programs. Customs Trade Capacity: Oceania Customs Organization training is building American Samoa Customs’ Post-Clearance Audit capability to protect revenue and support compliant trade. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government to stop the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries wrongly found mining “not likely” to harm endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. NOAA Science for the Seafloor: NOAA Ocean Exploration will run two public deepwater mapping missions around American Samoa this summer and fall, using ROVs aboard the Okeanos Explorer to generate publicly available data for future mineral decisions. Local Pushback on Seabed Plans: The Governor’s office and Del. James Moylan criticized the rushed federal seabed mining process, warning national security can’t mean Pacific communities accept unknown environmental risks first. Manu‘a Land Trusteeship: A meeting on the Atu‘u land trusteeship was moved to September after only five matai attended, with officials saying the To‘oto‘o and senior chiefs must be present for meaningful next steps. Elections Set: Chief Election Officer Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei officially proclaimed the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training began to strengthen American Samoa Customs’ post-clearance audit capability to protect revenue and legitimate trade. Workforce & Training: The American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated its inaugural class, part of the Super Alia project, aimed at boosting local commercial fishing capacity. Public Safety & Courts: Two men were held without bail after an alleged assault during a Vailoa village curfew dispute; separately, a man accused of taking his ex-wife’s truck without permission was also held without bail.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government in Hawaii to block the Trump administration’s first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA/NMFS wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and failed to properly review impacts; the suit seeks a halt and compliance with the Endangered Species Act. NOAA Mapping for Critical Minerals: NOAA Ocean Exploration will run two public deepwater expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall aboard the Okeanos Explorer, using ROV mapping to generate publicly available data for future exploration and local/federal decisions. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training is strengthening American Samoa Customs’ Post-Clearance Audit capability to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Local Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1. Manu‘a Land Trusteeship: An Atu‘u land trusteeship meeting was moved to the second Saturday of September after too few matai attended, with officials stressing the To‘oto‘o must be present. Seafood Workforce: The inaugural American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated nine fishermen, part of the Super Alia project, boosting local commercial fishing capacity. Public Safety & Courts: Two men were held without bail after an alleged Vailoa aumaga assault during a village curfew dispute. Business/Trade Disruption: A fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna, with lawmakers thanking first responders and agencies for support.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: Faʻasao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, backed by Earthjustice, filed suit in Hawaii on Aug. 18 to block Trump-era plans to lease more than 31 million acres off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries’ “not likely to adversely affect” finding for endangered species under the Endangered Species Act was unlawful. Federal Fast-Track Pressure: The same push is moving ahead in the region, with BOEM/MMA advancing Mariana Trench leasing despite tens of thousands of comments and setting up another major CNMI sale timeline. Local Ocean Data Push: NOAA says two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sept and late Sept–Oct) will map and characterize the seafloor using ROVs, with publicly available data meant to guide future exploration and decisions. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training is underway in American Samoa to strengthen Post-Clearance Audit capability, aiming to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Skills for Local Fisheries: The American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated inaugural trainees under the Super Alia project, boosting commercial fishing capacity in the EEZ. Business & Community Notes: A fire destroyed the Manu’a Store in Tafuna, and local leaders thanked first responders and agencies for their help.

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.