Deep-Sea Mining Showdown: American Samoa Gov. Nikolau Pula says the territory will resist seabed mining beyond territorial waters, but warns federal override could take over as the U.S. moves toward lease auctions tied to critical minerals. Congressional Pushback: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed in the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea projects on the fast-track list. NOAA Mapping vs. Lease Plans: Community leaders and Greenpeace confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer near Pago Pago, raising concerns as federal agencies advance a proposed Nov. 19, 2026 lease sale in waters offshore American Samoa. ARPA Interest Under Fire: The Fono is demanding answers on where about $10 million in ARPA interest was invested; Senate testimony says the funds were moved to a Kansas firm, but no return has been reported as of Aug. 31. Labor Day Operations: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. declared Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day with ASG offices closed. Immigration for Work: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other designated critical employers. Meta Youth Safety Payout: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Cyber Scams Warning: Experts urge Pasifika residents to protect themselves as AI-driven scams and e-commerce fraud surge. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the next president of American Samoa Community College, starting Sept. 8.