Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Environmental and community groups are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a federal rule to recommend stopping the Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale, but Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause or cancel it before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits and instead submitting formal comments. American Samoa Mining Response: Separately, Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula has submitted formal BOEM comments on American Samoa’s proposed PACM-1 lease, saying commercial extraction should not proceed now and that early work should focus on science and environmental study. Fisheries Access Near Rose Atoll: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced changes that would allow larger American Samoa longline vessels to fish between 12 and 50 nautical miles from Muliava/Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 miles closed. Local Governance & Oversight: Lawmakers questioned the American Samoa Zoning Board’s enforcement after concerns that some businesses operate multiple ventures from one location, potentially violating zoning and safety rules. Public Safety: A coordinated Fagatogo drug bust led to four arrests. Health Funding: The Department of Health received a CDC grant of $324,271 for health data collection and equity work. Telecom Funding: Federal grants totaling $30 million were reported for the Le Vasa Google Cable project. Education & Care: An OHSU pediatric eye team is screening about 230 students, with follow-up in Manu‘a. Consumer Rules: The Senate passed a Product Labeling Standards Act requiring clear labeling for goods sold in the territory, including English and Samoan where feasible. DST Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m., when clocks “fall back” one hour.