Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, arguing the federal review must be science-based and warning about unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Fisheries & Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet June 2–4 in Honolulu, including a review of the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment, while the full Council meets June 9–11 in Pago Pago with offshore fisheries and a deep-sea mining update on the agenda. Climate Watch: The National Weather Service in Pago Pago issued an El Niño Watch (82% chance May–July), flagging likely shifts such as drier conditions, higher temperatures, and increased tropical cyclone risk. Banking & Cash Flow: Territorial Bank of American Samoa reported direct-deposit tax refund enrollment support is driving more account verification requests, with tax refunds released alphabetically and customers seeing shorter lines than past years. Power Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing long experience in customer operations and renewable energy permitting support. Port Planning: The Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master plan for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3 million FY2024 RAISE grant. Community & Skills: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 drew families and students, and American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates.