Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration and BOEM have issued a Proposed Leasing Notice to move forward with offshore critical-minerals leasing near American Samoa, with a potential Nov. 19, 2026 lease sale and proposed 20-year terms; the notice says lessees should make “every reasonable effort” to hire American Samoans, use local businesses, and use the Port of Pago Pago, while critics warn the plan could harm marine life and ignore tens of thousands of public comments. Regional Opposition: Pacific leaders and environmental groups—including voices from Guam and the Marianas—condem the move as a threat to ocean ecosystems and island livelihoods, arguing the process sidelines local consent even as the governor is given a 60-day window to review. Fuel Prices Update: American Samoa’s Office of Petroleum Management set the new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, reporting continued downward market correction for diesel and other major fuel categories, with savings passed through the MAP formula. Local Governance & Safety: Swains Island faipule Alexander Jennings again asks the Fono to fund predictable transportation in FY2027 (requesting $300,000), while police reports include arrests tied to alleged threats at a Tafuna business and a separate case involving an intoxicated machete threat at a Pago Pago-area store. Citizenship Politics: Guam and CNMI leaders urged U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw a bill targeting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, warning it could conflict with territorial compacts and Supreme Court precedent.