AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mapping for Minerals: NOAA says it will run two summer-to-fall expeditions aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map and characterize deep waters around American Samoa, using a remotely operated vehicle and advanced sensors, with daily live streams and public data to support future decisions. Seabed Mining Push Near CNMI: The U.S. Interior Department’s Marine Minerals Administration proposed a December 16 auction of deep-sea mining leases in federal waters around the Northern Mariana Islands, covering about 67 million acres, after an environmental assessment and with comments sought from local leadership. American Samoa “No” on Critical Minerals: An op-ed argues American Samoa should keep a firm stance against federal critical-minerals actions, noting the territory’s limited legal control over federal seabed waters and demanding clear jobs, revenue, and environmental safeguards. Aircraft Recovery Update (Taʻū): Samoa Airways reports it is dismantling damaged aircraft 5W-FAY at its current location after assessment, with Unity Aviation Canada engineers supporting the work while a repair path is still being evaluated. Fisheries Tech Pathways: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is accepting applications for 2027–2028 scholarships to build local fisheries management capacity, including marine biology and oceanography tracks for students with ties to U.S. Pacific territories. STEM & Health Skills: A JVS student earned top honors at the HOSA-Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference, highlighting hands-on training and international competition opportunities for local learners.

Critical Minerals & Deep-Sea Mining: A new Trump EO on securing defense supply chains ramps up pressure for critical minerals, and American Samoa’s “No” stance is framed as a way to shape federal decisions on potential BOEM lease sales in nearby federal waters. Local Safety Tech: Raised crosswalks installed around schools in American Samoa are being clarified as FHWA-funded safety upgrades, with officials citing research showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents. Aviation Recovery: Port Administration of American Samoa and Samoa Airways completed a complex recovery of a Twin Otter aircraft from Fitiuta Airport, using specialized engineering, cranes, and temporary runway closures. STEM & Health Careers: A JVS student earned top honors at the international HOSA competition, highlighting hands-on health tech training and global student networking. Climate Scholarships: A Samoan student received a University of Waikato climate scholarship to return home and tackle Pacific climate impacts. Fisheries Capacity Building: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened applications for 2027–2028 scholarships to boost local marine science and fisheries management talent across U.S. Pacific territories. Ocean Caution from Faith Leaders: Pacific bishops urged prudence on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full scientific certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding without due care. Citizenship Court Fight: Alaska continues voter-misconduct prosecutions involving American Samoan residents despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court citizenship ruling.

Climate Education: A Samoan student, Lagi Talalupe (19), won a 2026 Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato to study climate impacts and plans to return home to help tackle Samoa’s climate challenges. Ocean Safety & Infrastructure: In Pago Pago, “speed bumps” complaints were clarified at a Senate hearing: the raised crosswalks outside schools are federally funded FHWA safety upgrades, backed by studies showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Pacific bishops urged prudence on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full scientific certainty can’t justify proceeding without due care; the same debate is heating up locally as the U.S. moves toward leasing large seabed areas near American Samoa. Fisheries Skills Pipeline: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened applications for 2027–2028 fishery capacity-building scholarships for students from American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI to study coral, sea turtle, and endangered species management. Citizenship & Courts: Alaska prosecutors opposed a motion to dismiss voter misconduct charges involving American Samoan residents, arguing against a recent Supreme Court citizenship ruling. Sports Tech Culture: American Samoa’s Taulia Tagovailoa led a 38-32 upset over Team USA at the Flag Football World Championships, setting up a quarterfinal vs Canada.

Climate & Education: A Samoan student, Lagi Talalupe (19), is one of three recipients of the 2026 Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato, planning to return home to tackle climate impacts in Samoa. Flag Football & Youth Sport: American Samoa pulled off a major upset at the Flag Football World Championships in Germany, beating Team USA 38-32 as Taulia Tagovailoa threw five touchdowns; Canada’s men and women also advanced, setting up a quarterfinal vs American Samoa for the men. Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Protection: Pacific leaders and faith voices are urging caution as the U.S. moves toward deep-sea mining leases near American Samoa, with bishops calling for prudence when serious harm is possible and op-eds warning the “critical minerals” push could threaten fisheries and future generations. Local Tech-Safety in Motion: Raised crosswalks installed around schools in American Samoa are being clarified as federally funded safety upgrades, with officials citing research showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents. Fisheries STEM Pathways: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is accepting applications for U.S. Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarships for 2027-2028, supporting biology and marine science students tied to American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI.

Flag Football & Olympics: American Samoa pulled off a major upset at the Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, beating Team USA 38-32 as Taulia Tagovailoa threw five TDs—setting up a Canada vs. American Samoa men’s quarterfinal matchup. Sports: Canada’s women booked a 2028 Los Angeles Olympic berth with a 20-6 semifinal win over Mexico, while Canada’s men advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Japan. Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Tech: Pacific leaders and faith groups are pushing back hard on deep-sea mining near American Samoa, warning that “prudence” is needed when serious harm is possible; meanwhile, a scholarship program is opening for local students to build fisheries and marine management skills. Local Tech & Safety Infrastructure: Raised crosswalks in American Samoa are being clarified as federally funded safety upgrades (not “speed bumps”), with claims of fewer crosswalk-related accidents. Citizenship & Voting Tech/Policy: Alaska continues voter-misconduct prosecutions involving American Samoan residents, arguing over a Supreme Court citizenship ruling. Health Coverage Policy: A new analysis warns changes to federal coverage rules for lawfully present immigrants could leave many families with fewer options, with optional Medicaid/CHIP for immigrant children as a potential buffer.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Ocean Safety: Pacific leaders and faith voices are pushing back as the U.S. moves toward deep-sea mining leases near American Samoa, warning that “prudence” should guide decisions when serious harm is possible and scientific certainty is still missing. Local Policy & Infrastructure: Pago Pago officials clarified that the “speed bumps” motorists complained about are actually federally funded raised crosswalks, citing national research showing fewer pedestrian-related accidents after installations. Fisheries STEM Scholarships: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is opening applications for 2027–2028 scholarships to train local students in marine biology and fisheries management across American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. Citizenship Court Fight: Alaska prosecutors are continuing voter-misconduct cases against American Samoan residents in Whittier despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court citizenship ruling. Sports Tech Spotlight (Flag Football): American Samoa’s Taulia Tagovailoa powered an upset over Team USA at the Flag Football World Championships in Germany, setting up a quarterfinal matchup. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s PM invited Japan to attend a Pre-COP31 leaders’ event, focusing on climate change, resilience, and climate finance.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Ocean Safety: The U.S. is moving ahead with deep-seabed mining plans near American Samoa, with local leaders and Pacific bishops urging “due care” and warning that lack of certainty can’t justify serious harm; spiritual and community voices are also framing the issue as a moral and Indigenous rights fight as federal lease steps approach. Local Tech for Safety: American Samoa’s raised crosswalks are getting a reality check in the Senate—Public Works says they’re FHWA-funded, based on national research, and tied to reported reductions in crosswalk-related accidents. Fisheries STEM Scholarships: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is opening applications for 2027–2028 scholarships to train local students in marine and fisheries management across U.S. Pacific territories, including American Samoa. Citizenship & Voting Tech/Policy: Alaska continues prosecuting American Samoan residents in Whittier over voter misconduct, even after a major U.S. Supreme Court citizenship ruling, keeping legal uncertainty front and center. STEM-Adjacent Education: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata joined a bipartisan trip where lawmakers toured a weather balloon facility in Cabo Verde, signaling interest in similar research opportunities for American Samoa. Sports Tech Spotlight: Taulia Tagovailoa led American Samoa to a 38–32 upset over Team USA at flag football worlds in Germany, setting up a quarterfinal matchup.

Flag Football (American Samoa): Taulia Tagovailoa threw five TDs as American Samoa stunned Team USA 38-32 at the Flag Football World Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany, with Bralon Brown hauling in 11 catches for 118 yards and Tai Tiedemann adding three scores. Flag Football (Tournament Update): Canada’s men and women advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Japan; Canada’s men will face American Samoa next, while the women play Austria. Deep-Sea Mining (Pacific Policy): Mauritius, Mozambique, and the Republic of the Congo joined a growing African push for a precautionary pause on seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority, arguing decisions should follow science and caution. Deep-Sea Mining (Local/Regional Impact): The Bishops of the Pacific urged prudence on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding when serious harm is possible—an issue tied to the ocean floor near American Samoa. Ocean Conservation (US Actions): A roundup highlights major US marine conservation rollbacks, including moves affecting protected Pacific waters. Fisheries Training (Scholarships): The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened applications for 2027-2028 scholarships to build local capacity in fisheries and marine science across US Pacific territories, including American Samoa. Transportation Safety (Road Tech): Raised crosswalks in American Samoa were clarified as federally funded safety upgrades, with research cited showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents after installation. Ports/Recovery (Resilience): Commonwealth Ports Authority leadership says recovery from major typhoons should shift toward rebuilding facilities more resiliently for day-to-day operations. Citizenship/Legal Tech (Courts): Alaska continues voter misconduct prosecutions involving American Samoan residents despite a US Supreme Court citizenship ruling, with defense arguing the precedent applies to those born in US territories. STEM/Legislative Outreach: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata joined a bipartisan delegation and discussed using American Samoa as a potential site for weather balloon research, citing geographic suitability.

Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Protection: Pacific bishops are urging caution on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full scientific certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding without due care, as the U.S. prepares lease steps tied to American Samoa’s seabed. Local Safety Tech: American Samoa’s “speed bumps” are actually raised crosswalks approved and funded through the FHWA, with Public Works citing national research showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents after similar installations. Fisheries Capacity Building: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is opening applications for 2027–2028 scholarships to help local students in marine biology and fisheries management—aimed at strengthening territory-led resource oversight. Citizenship & Voting Case: Alaska prosecutors are continuing felony voter misconduct prosecutions against American Samoan residents in Whittier despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court citizenship ruling, keeping the legal fight over birthright citizenship in U.S. territories in focus. Congressional STEM Interest: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata is joining a bipartisan science and technology delegation, including a stop where lawmakers toured a weather balloon facility and discussed potential research opportunities relevant to American Samoa.

Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says modern, certified submersibles can be “safer than flying,” pointing to her company DOER Marine’s new “Honu” vehicle for deep dives in French Polynesia later this year. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Pacific bishops urge caution on seabed mining, warning that lack of full certainty can’t justify proceeding without due care—especially as U.S. plans move toward lease activity near American Samoa. Local Policy & Infrastructure: American Samoa’s “speed bumps” complaints were clarified as raised crosswalks funded by the FHWA, with research cited showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents after installations. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: Fisheries capacity-building scholarships are open for U.S. Pacific territories, supporting biology and marine science students tied to American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. Education & Career Skills: FCCLA students from American Samoa and other regions attended national leadership conferences in Washington, D.C., highlighting hands-on career and technical training. Governance & Legal Tech: Alaska prosecutors continue voter misconduct cases involving American Samoan residents despite a major U.S. Supreme Court citizenship ruling. Critical Minerals & Strategy: An op-ed argues Trump’s critical minerals push raises pressure on territories like American Samoa, while local leaders stress the limits of territorial control versus federal ocean waters.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. is moving ahead with deep-seabed mining plans tied to American Samoa, including a proposed BOEM lease sale covering about 31 million acres near the territory, with tenders opening as early as November—sparking strong pushback from spiritual leaders, scientists, and conservation groups who warn the science is still uncertain and the process could lock in momentum toward extraction. Ocean Policy Shock: A separate Trump proclamation would reopen commercial fishing inside major Pacific marine national monuments, including the Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll units—raising alarms for endangered species and Indigenous cultural ties to the ocean. Local STEM Scholarships: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is accepting applications for 2027–2028 scholarships for students in biology and marine sciences across U.S. Pacific territories, aiming to build local capacity to manage fisheries and related resources. Tech & Education Exchange: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata joined a bipartisan science and technology-focused Congressional trip, including a weather balloon facility visit in Cabo Verde, and discussed interest in similar research opportunities for American Samoa. Aviation Recovery: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta crash recovery after a runway incident is expected to take at least 2–3 months, with engineers assessing the aircraft before relocation and repair planning.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa is at the center of a fast-moving U.S. push to lease and potentially mine the seabed, with spiritual and Indigenous leaders warning the effort treats the ocean as “empty” and could cause irreversible harm to marine life and culture. Ocean Protections Under Pressure: A Trump proclamation would reopen commercial fishing inside major Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll area tied to American Samoa, drawing condemnation from scientists and conservation groups. Local Research & Policy: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is joining a bipartisan science-and-technology delegation, including a weather balloon facility visit, and is pitching American Samoa as a site for similar research. Fisheries STEM Scholarships: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is accepting applications for 2027–2028 scholarships for local students in biology and marine sciences to build territory fisheries management capacity. Cyber Safety: The American Samoa Department of Education warns staff about phishing emails targeting DOE accounts and urges reporting and deleting suspicious messages. Aviation Recovery: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta runway deviation recovery is expected to take months, with a structured salvage plan and engineering assessment underway. STEM in Schools: FCCLA students from American Samoa and beyond are attending national leadership conferences, highlighting career and technical pathways.

Fisheries STEM Funding: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened applications for its 2027–2028 U.S. Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarships, covering tuition, fees, and some living costs for up to three local students in biology or marine sciences with “strong ties” to American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI, with preference for students two years or less until graduation. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Pacific leaders and faith groups are escalating opposition as the U.S. moves toward seabed mining around American Samoa, with coverage highlighting the moral and environmental stakes and warning that leases could lock in momentum toward extraction. Local Governance & Security: American Samoa’s Department of Education issued a phishing alert for staff, urging people not to click links or attachments, not to reply to suspicious emails, and to report and delete scams. Aviation Recovery Update: Samoa Airways and PAAS are coordinating recovery after a runway deviation incident at Fitiuta Airport, with officials saying salvage and structural assessment could take months. Ocean Policy Shift: A report says Trump’s proclamation would allow commercial fishing inside three Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll unit in American Samoa, drawing sharp criticism from scientists and Indigenous communities. Timekeeping Debate: Multiple stories track the push to make daylight saving time permanent, while health experts warn the plan could disrupt sleep and daily rhythms.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Sāmoa is at the center of a fast-moving deep-sea mining push, with U.S. lease plans near the territory framed by critics as a “terra nullius” moral and democratic crisis, while supporters argue it’s needed for future tech minerals. Local Governance & Environment: A Pacific church coalition (CCCAS) adopted a resolution urging precautionary, science-based ocean policies to protect marine life, fisheries, and Indigenous ocean heritage. Aviation & Infrastructure: At Fitiuta Airport, PAAS and Samoa Airways continue recovery after a runway deviation incident; officials say salvage could take months and require a detailed recovery plan before moving the aircraft. Public Safety Oversight: The Senate Public Safety Committee questioned American Samoa’s Fire Division response after July fires, citing reports of late arrivals and dry hydrants, and probing whether policy changes affected hydrant checks. Cybersecurity: The Department of Education warned staff about phishing emails targeting ASDOE accounts, urging no clicks on links or attachments and immediate reporting. Policy Watch (Timekeeping): The Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent is still stuck in the Senate, with health specialists warning about sleep impacts and lawmakers debating votes before the Nov. 1 clock change.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. is moving from talk to action on seabed mining near American Samoa, with a proposed BOEM lease sale covering 31 million acres and a tentative November auction—sparking strong pushback from Pacific spiritual leaders and scientists who warn of irreversible harm and a “terra nullius” mindset. Marine Protections Rollback: Trump also ordered commercial fishing to be allowed inside parts of major Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll unit in American Samoa, drawing condemnation from conservation groups. Local Aviation Recovery: After a runway deviation at Fitiuta Airport (July 28), PAAS and Samoa Airways launched a coordinated salvage and investigation effort; recovery is expected to take months, with NTSB involved and drone documentation used. Cyber Safety: American Samoa DOE issued a warning about phishing emails targeting ASDOE accounts, urging staff not to click links or attachments and to report and delete suspicious messages. STEM & Youth: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata discussed American Samoa research potential after observing weather balloon work in a trip that included Cabo Verde, while local students also continued to compete and train through national FCCLA and HOSA events. Policy Watch: A Fono hearing is set on a 12-month moratorium proposal tied to the Special Provision clause that affects foreign labor admissions.

Daylight Saving Fight: President Donald Trump is again pushing the Senate to pass the Sunshine Protection Act and make daylight saving time permanent, but lawmakers are in recess and health specialists warn the plan may clash with human sleep biology. Local Governance & Public Safety: American Samoa’s Senate scrutinized the Fire Division after July fires, with concerns about slow response, dry hydrants, and staffing limits. Deep-Sea Tech & Policy: The U.S. is moving toward deep-sea mining near American Samoa, with BOEM proposing massive lease sales despite major environmental uncertainty and Pacific spiritual and community opposition. Aviation Recovery: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta Airport runway deviation recovery is underway; officials say salvage and engineering assessments could take months. Cybersecurity: The Department of Education warned staff about phishing emails targeting ASDOE accounts, urging no clicks, no replies, and immediate reporting. STEM & Youth: A U.S. congressional internship highlights American Samoa’s young talent in civic-tech and policy work, while FCCLA delegations show growing career-readiness across the region.