Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A coalition led by Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing federal agencies wrongly cleared the plan under the Endangered Species Act and failed to properly analyze impacts on protected species. Faith & Community Voices: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised the Catholic Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago and CEPAC for their joint stance urging caution, saying the ocean is tied to culture, food, livelihoods, and identity—not just profit. Regional Politics: Sen. William Parkinson is pressing Guam Delegate James Moylan to account for major federal issues, including a fast-moving seabed mining lease process near the Marianas that Guam says it can’t formally weigh in on. Local Safety & Justice: Police charged a man after an alleged domestic dispute turned violent when he brought children into the argument; in a separate case, authorities responded to a 911 call from a 14-year-old about threats from his mother’s boyfriend. Culture & Skills: Fagalii Tinifu members finished a 12-session sewing program through ASCC-ACNR, sewing puletasi for graduation and making other household items. Education & Sports Funding: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 paycheck deduction for government employees to fund DOE sports programs. School Year Opening: The Department of Education kicked off the new school year with a church service focused on service and excellence for students. Wildfire Support: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong wildfire response.