Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is moving ahead with plans to auction about 31.5 million acres of ocean floor near American Samoa for mineral exploration, with tenders opening as early as November 19—while critics warn of major environmental data gaps and long-term risks to deep-sea life and Pacific livelihoods. Local & Regional Backlash: Pacific leaders say there were “no consultations” before the U.S. announced nearby lease blocks, and American Samoa is framed as a “test case” for what comes next for Guam and the CNMI. Faith-Based Opposition: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa adopted a resolution urging precaution and protection of God’s creation, warning that seabed mining could cause irreversible harm to marine biodiversity and Indigenous ocean heritage. Legal Fight Over Federal Process: Eighteen territory-based groups filed a Supreme Court amicus brief urging the U.S. Air Force to follow strict environmental review and public participation rules for hazardous waste open burning and detonation on Guam—an issue tied to broader extractive concerns affecting American Samoa. Resilient Infrastructure After Typhoons: Commonwealth Ports Authority board chair Bart Jackson says CPA should use recovery from super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi to rebuild facilities “better and more resilient,” shifting from emergency response back to day-to-day port and airport operations. Tsunami Preparedness Support: The U.S. backed Samoa’s tsunami warning upgrades, including new hardware and training, plus community “Tsunami Ready” efforts with evacuation signage and exercises. Climate-Linked Health Alert: A first locally acquired dengue case was reported in Virginia, with officials urging calm and mosquito-bite awareness as dengue surges globally.