Deep-Sea Mining Push (American Samoa): Environmental groups, including Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and that required reviews were inadequate. Deep-Sea Mining Push (CNMI): The Trump administration also advanced a proposed lease sale off the Northern Mariana Islands, setting Dec. 16 for a sale covering about 67 million acres—prompting Guam officials to complain they’re shut out of the comment process and warning regulators are moving faster than science. Local Economy & Jobs: After a fire destroyed the Manu‘a Store in Tafuna, about half the staff returned to work at the remaining branches in Malaeimi and Pago Pago, with reduced hours while the company investigates and weighs rebuilding. Education Funding Idea: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction from government employees to fund Department of Education sports programs. Customs & Trade Capacity: American Samoa Customs took part in Oceania Customs Organization training to strengthen post-clearance audits, aiming to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Ocean Mapping for Commerce: NOAA announced two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa to map and characterize the seafloor, generating public data to support future exploration and decision-making. Sports Media Business: The NFL criticized Nielsen’s upcoming TV ratings methodology changes, saying the rushed shift could hurt sports viewership measurement.