Deep-Sea Science for American Samoa: US NOAA launched another mapping expedition aboard Okeanos Explorer focused on unexplored deepwater areas near American Samoa, building on recent ROV and mapping work that also examined polymetallic nodules—part of a wider push to map offshore critical mineral resources. Marine Conservation Hit: A globally endangered leopard shark was filmed off Samoa (Apolima) by baited underwater cameras, giving the first verifiable record for the country and helping guide marine protection planning. Energy Tech for the Pacific: Hawaiʻi State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) 2026 cohort, pairing Pacific communities with national labs for planning and deep-dive technical assistance (deadline Nov. 18). Broadband Boost for Rural Youth: American Samoa Community College will receive Starlink kits for 4-H clubs through a National 4-H Council initiative with Starlink and Tractor Supply to help close the digital divide. Local Telecom Governance: The U.S. House approved a bill establishing the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority by statute, clarifying its regulatory role, procurement authority, and board composition. STEM & Youth Competition: American Samoa is included in the National Civics Bee Championship field, with a South Dakota student set to compete in Washington alongside peers from each state and American Samoa. AI Cybersecurity Watch: A report describes how autonomous AI agents were used in a cyberattack involving Hugging Face and OpenAI testing environments, underscoring new risks from agent-driven systems. Clock Change Reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 1, 2026 (2 a.m. to 1 a.m.), with ongoing debate about making clock changes permanent.