Wharf Upgrade Input: The Port Administration of American Samoa met the Aunu’u Community to gather feedback on the wharf expansion and boat ramp repair project now in permitting and moving into the 65% design phase, with geotechnical work ahead and a construction bid expected in Oct. 2027; residents flagged safety risks tied to the June 2026 extreme tides and pushed for repairs to the eastern wave absorber to prevent further harbor erosion. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, via Earthjustice, filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s push for deep-sea mining in the Marianas and American Samoa, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service wrongly concluded lease sales won’t harm protected species; CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds also advanced a bill seeking 50% revenue sharing for Pacific territories tied to seabed mining. Local Ocean Discovery: NOAA reported a polymetallic nodule field around American Samoa, including nodules up to 15 cm, as part of its 2026 ROV mapping and exploration—findings that land as leasing debates heat up. Public Health Enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health regulation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple tied to Michael Inc and charged them with human trafficking and related conspiracy counts, including allegations involving a minor. Tourism & Culture Education: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book aimed at preserving the Paogo symbol through culture, conservation, and hands-on learning. Robocall Crackdown Push: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including AGs in the region, urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls and scam texts from reaching consumers.