Deep-Sea Minerals: NOAA’s American Samoa ROV dives found a medium-density polymetallic nodule field east of Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin, with nodules up to 15 cm and deep-sea life recorded—news that lands as the federal government moves toward seabed mineral leasing near the territory. Local Oversight Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the PACMESA bill to boost revenue sharing, bonding, and local consultation for Pacific territories affected by seabed mining. Community Opposition: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning mapping could feed a deep-sea mining agenda; meanwhile, Marianas/territorial leaders urged Guam Gov. Apatang to oppose the Northern Marianas lease sale, and lawsuits challenge the federal environmental review. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with rice, milk, fish, and ice cream up, while eggs, soda, and sugar fell. Telecom Scam Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including AG Labrador, Nessel, Raoul, Rayfield, and Davenport, urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Regional Coordination: On the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum, American Samoa officials met U.S. leaders to align federal Pacific engagement with territorial infrastructure and economic needs.