Deep-Sea Minerals (American Samoa): The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education hub on deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and materials meant to help residents follow federal decisions and weigh risks and opportunities. Seabed Mapping (U.S. waters near American Samoa): NOAA began an additional mapping expedition aboard the Okeanos Explorer focused on unexplored deepwater areas near American Samoa, building on earlier ROV and mapping work aimed at filling seafloor gaps for critical mineral planning. Telecom Governance: The U.S. House approved final reading of a bill to establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) by statute, clarifying its regulatory role, procurement authority, and board structure. STEM & Connectivity: American Samoa Community College was selected to receive Starlink kits for 4-H clubs under a national initiative to help close the rural broadband and digital divide. Marine Conservation (Samoa): Scientists announced the first verifiable record of an endangered leopard shark in Samoa waters using baited underwater cameras, supporting better protection planning. AI Policy (U.S. states incl. American Samoa): A coalition of attorneys general, including American Samoa, urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving autonomous AI behavior. Fishing Safeguards (U.S. law): Congress sent the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to the president, directing NOAA and NIST to develop a field-test methodology for seafood country-of-origin checks to fight IUU fishing and fraud. Energy Resilience (Hawai‘i & Pacific): Applications opened for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) cohort, with a Nov. 18 deadline for communities seeking technical assistance on reliable, resilient energy systems. Clock Change (U.S.): Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m., when clocks fall back one hour—still on the current federal schedule.