Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Earthjustice, on behalf of Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, sued the U.S. government to stop the first commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s “not likely to adversely affect” finding under the Endangered Species Act. Faith & Community Voices: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Catholic and Episcopal leaders for urging caution, saying the Pacific Ocean is a shared home tied to culture, food, livelihoods, and identity. Local Public Safety: Tafuna police charged a man after an alleged domestic dispute turned violent, holding him without bail; separate Aua case: a 14-year-old called 911 after his mother’s boyfriend allegedly threatened and assaulted her, also held without bail. Education & Youth Skills: Fagalii Tinifu members completed ASCC-ACNR’s 12-session Basic Sewing Program, sewing puletasi and other household items. School Year Start: The DOE opened the new school year with a church service at Holy Family Cathedral, with leaders urging teachers and stakeholders to work together for students. Sports Funding Idea: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 paycheck deduction for government employees to boost DOE sports programs. Elections: Chief Election Officer Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei proclaimed Nov. 3, 2026 as Election Day for the Midterm Election. Wildfire Service: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong response assignment.