Deep-Sea Minerals & Local Voice: American Samoa leaders are pushing back on a proposed federal lease for 31.5 million acres of seabed near the territory, arguing the “No” stance matters because the EO-driven push for critical minerals could move fast while local protections, jobs, and fishery safeguards remain unclear. Clean Water Compliance: AS-EPA and USEPA Region 9 delivered a six-hour Clean Water Act training for ASPA and StarKist, covering permits, 401 certification, mixing zones, TMDLs, and effluent limits, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Fisheries Monitoring & Security: Samoa is urging stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session, coordinating regional patrols against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking, and working with partners including American Samoa on E-Zone boundary issues. Local Governance & Safety Works: Raised crosswalks installed near schools are being clarified as FHWA-funded safety upgrades after complaints, with officials citing national research showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents. ASEDA Board Vote: The House again declined to confirm Brett Butler to the ASEDA board, keeping the appointment stalled on a second unsuccessful vote. Public Safety Incidents: Police charged suspects in separate cases including an alleged Tafuna Industrial Park burglary and an escape-from-confinement claim tied to a power outage at TCF. Climate Education: A Samoan student received a Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato, planning to return home to tackle climate impacts.