Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the Territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early work to stay focused on science, environmental baselines, and safeguards for fisheries and marine ecosystems. Federal Timeline Pressure: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told energy ministers the U.S. could issue deep-sea mining permits within months, while BOEM’s PACM-1 lease sale is still slated for Nov. 19, with PACM-2 following Dec. 16. Community & Legal Backlash: Environmental and community groups are also racing to challenge deep-sea mining in court, including a lawsuit tied to the American Samoa process, arguing the government’s review underestimates risks to protected species and ocean health. Local Government Works: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building are now projected to finish by February 2027, with lawmakers focused on making sure displaced departments budget rent costs as ARPA spending deadlines approach. Food Safety Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after inspectors found major sanitation and public health violations. Maritime & Fisheries Watch: The Western Pacific Fishery Council meets Sept. 15–17 and is set to decide on changes to the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva, a key issue for American Samoa’s longline fleet and access rules. Cyber Scam Warning: A new report highlights how AI-driven voice scams are draining household accounts, with older victims hit hardest—another reminder for residents to verify calls before sending money.