AI Regulation Push: New York AG Letitia James and Connecticut AG William Tong joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to regulate AI fast, warning “unchecked” development could endanger Americans and threaten the financial system, critical infrastructure, and national security. COVID Vaccine Access: The CDC has delayed allowing states and a U.S. territory to order seasonal COVID-19 shots through the Vaccine for Children program, leaving many families facing uncertainty; American Samoa is listed among places affected. Deep-Sea Mining Court Fight: A Honolulu judge refused to delay a hearing that could decide whether an American Samoa deep-sea mining lease sale violates federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 timeline in play. Local Governance & Grants: The Governor’s Office announced the MATA Grants Clearinghouse Grants Management System, set to go live Oct. 1 and make grant management mandatory across the American Samoa Government. Public Safety & Justice: The Senate approved the Money Laundering Prevention and Enforcement Act of 2026, creating clear criminal rules and penalties, with the Office of Financial Institutions leading oversight. Health & Community: DOH hosted World Health Organization delegates in Samoa, while Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed a $358,519 DOJ award to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency for victim assistance services. Budget Transparency: The Fono’s Joint Budget and Appropriations Committee made FY2027 budget changes behind closed doors, with media denied access during deliberations.