Deep-Sea Mapping for American Samoa: NOAA’s ROV dives east of Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin found a medium-density polymetallic nodule field, with nodules up to 15 cm, plus deep-sea life like glass sponges and black corals—new data as the U.S. weighs potential seabed mineral leases. Local Tech Education: The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation wrapped its inaugural PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp for ages 10–12, training students in emerging tech and engineering basics through a three-week program tied to prevention outreach. Youth Safety & Social Media: A landmark $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta requires major Instagram/Facebook changes for children, including daily time limits, nighttime blocks, and school-time access limits—American Samoa is among the jurisdictions included. Pacific Ocean Policy Pushback: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace USA protested NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over fears mapping and radon testing could support federal deep-sea mining plans despite the territory’s moratorium. Regional Governance & Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met in Palau amid China-Taiwan tensions and missile-response talks, with attendance gaps and protocol disputes shaping the week’s tone. Marianas Mining Oversight Fight: Conservation groups sued to block deep-sea mining lease actions in the Marianas, challenging claims that impacts on threatened species and critical habitat were properly assessed. Congress Moves to Fast-Track Mining: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to exclude seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed after the House Rules Committee declined his amendment, even with support from American Samoa’s delegate. US Pacific IUU Enforcement Tech: The State Department announced a $17M project to counter illegal fishing, including compliance training and non-human monitoring technologies, with American Samoa’s delegate urging stronger Coast Guard presence. Broadband Cost Snapshot: A study by Broadband Genie ranked the UK 46th for average mobile data cost ($0.27 per 1GB), a reminder that connectivity affordability remains a tech policy issue. Rainbow Games Ambassadors: Rainbow Games 2026 named ambassadors including American Samoa’s Jaiyah Saelua, highlighting LGBTQI+ representation in sport ahead of the Auckland event.