Coast Guard Update: The crew of Cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering more than 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls in American Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati. Deep-Sea Mining Push: A U.S. bill would limit presidential power to ban commercial fishing in marine national monuments, while local concerns grow over fast-tracked commercial deep-sea mineral leases in American Samoa waters; a letter urges transparency and fact-based answers from federal officials. Local Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update and urged better tools for Pacific Island fisheries, plus continued work on catch estimates and community impacts. Funding Watch: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlights $12.2 million for American Samoa nutrition support in the 2027 agriculture appropriations bill, and also reports House progress on multiple OIA and port-related priorities. Disaster Preparedness: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued across the Pacific, including American Samoa, with officials urging coastal communities to follow guidance and stay out of the water. Sports & Youth: American Samoa names Tele Jennings and Sina Talataina to the national softball team for the Canada Cup, and the territory’s football federation lays out plans for international flag football development.