Deep-Sea Mining Fight: An American Samoa environmental group, Fa’asao Amerika Samoa, and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, challenging how risks to threatened and endangered marine life were assessed ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Aviation Safety: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce questioned the environmental history and aviation safety reviews for a solar project under construction at Pago Pago International Airport, asking for proof of prior remediation and FAA-style checks for glare near the runway approach. Federal Opposition to Seabed Mining: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to reiterate opposition to deep-sea mining in American Samoa waters, tying the issue to stewardship and long-term ocean protection. Marine Life Conservation: Scientists reported the first verifiable record of an endangered leopard shark in Samoa waters from filmed footage, a win for conservation planning in newly protected areas. Energy Resilience Program: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering technical help to coastal and island communities through Nov. 18. Public Health & Environment: American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work was highlighted at a CDC meeting, including building the territory’s first lead surveillance baseline after rapid early testing. Community Preparedness: Samoa marked 17 years since the 2009 tsunami by recognizing villages for strengthening tsunami readiness through a UNESCO-backed program. Budget Update: The American Samoa Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, including notable reductions tied to revenue and program cuts.