Deep-Sea Mapping for Critical Minerals: NOAA says it will run two summer-to-fall expeditions aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map and characterize deep waters around American Samoa, using ROVs, sensors, and daily live streams, with all data planned for public release to support future marine planning. Critical Minerals Push vs Local “No”: An op-ed argues American Samoa should keep a firm “No” to any BOEM lease sale, warning that a territorial stance can’t stop federal action but can shape how the territory engages, demands protections, and insists on science and enforceable safeguards. Lease Sale Momentum in the Pacific: The Trump administration is moving toward a proposed offshore critical minerals lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, with a Proposed Leasing Notice and an Environmental Assessment tied to Outer Continental Shelf development. Religious and Public Caution on Deep-Sea Mining: Pacific bishops urge prudence, saying lack of complete certainty can’t justify proceeding when serious or irreversible harm is possible. Clean Water Compliance Support: AS-EPA hosted USEPA Region 9 training on Clean Water Act permits (401 certification, mixing zones, TMDLs, effluent limits) and joined inspections of wastewater facilities and operations. Local Fire Damage: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials are still assessing damage and investigating the cause. Climate Scholarship for Pacific Youth: A Samoan student received a University of Waikato climate scholarship to return home and tackle climate impacts. Fisheries Monitoring and EEZ Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and maritime security at WCPFC, including coordination with regional partners and American Samoa on EEZ boundary issues. Community Capacity Boost: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program was approved, adding three members to expand workforce and community opportunity in American Samoa.