Pacific Minerals Policy: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (H.R. 10318) would push a 50-50 split of seabed mining revenues to adjacent territories, add stronger bonding and financial assurance, and tighten consultation rules for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa as lease processes move forward. Regional Voice at PIF: CNMI is seeking to keep observer status in the Pacific Islands Forum and potentially move to associate membership, arguing it needs a stronger say as geopolitical competition grows. Maritime Security & Fisheries: The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol that included port calls in American Samoa and boardings to combat illegal fishing; meanwhile, Samoa hosted a fisheries monitoring workshop for American Samoa, Samoa, and Tokelau focused on the Ikasavea data system and fish sampling. Local Health & Food Safety: American Samoa DOH Environmental Health Services shut down two retail food outlets (Gold Conda Store and JKL Food Center) for sanitation and public health violations. ASG Finance Oversight: Joint Fono budget hearings and a Senate Government Operations hearing examined ASG’s handling of $10 million in ARPA interest investments, including claims the investment was made without legislative knowledge. Logistics Costs: Maersk added a $500 surcharge for containers bound for the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, with American Samoa listed among “regulated countries” getting later start dates. Retirement Fund Watch: AMA members discussed the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund’s condition, including about $28 million owed in contributions and debate over a proposed cut to the employer contribution rate. Community & Courts: A man was arrested in Tafuna for allegedly forging and cashing stolen church checks; and a bus-driver altercation led to misdemeanor charges after a dispute over passenger scheduling.