Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration has advanced a proposed American Samoa Outer Continental Shelf mineral lease sale, with an auction expected Nov. 19 and a 60-day comment period for Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula to respond. Radioactivity Concerns: A new report warns mining could release naturally occurring radioactive materials from targeted seabed nodules, citing studies that found radium-226 levels far above safety limits on nodule surfaces and raising fears during mining and processing. Local Leadership Response: Gov. Pulaali’i says the administration has kept communication “transparent,” but stresses concerns about impacts on the tuna canning industry and other sectors, urging public participation during the review period. Pacific Opposition Grows: Pacific leaders and environmental groups—including voices from the Marianas—condemn the plan, saying it ignores tens of thousands of public comments and threatens ocean life, culture, and island livelihoods. Citizenship Fight: Separately, Republicans in Congress are pushing to end birthright citizenship for future births in most U.S. territories, a move tied to the broader birth tourism crackdown debate. Fuel Prices: The Office of Petroleum Management set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, showing continued drops across major fuel categories, with diesel declining again. Community & Safety: Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association thanked sponsors and the community after a successful fundraising drive for St Joseph’s College renovations; and a fire in Ottoville displaced 14 people, with donations being sought for essentials.