Ocean Justice & Democracy in Territories: More than 400 ocean policy and environmental justice advocates met in Washington, D.C. for Upwell 2026, with Guam leaders pushing that territorial communities—like American Samoa—need a real say in decisions on conservation and deep-sea mining. Congressional Briefing on “Consent of the Governed”: A June 4 Senate briefing argued that about 3.6 million people in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights, tying the issue to the Insular Cases and ongoing limits on self-determination. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s debate over seabed mining continues as NOAA advances a deep-sea minerals application review, while local voices urge that regulatory process isn’t proof of safety or benefit. Local Governance & Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says the House Appropriations Committee advanced bills that would raise American Samoa’s OIA Operations fund by $1 million to $30 million, add $3 million for ASCC, and include a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements. Maritime Infrastructure: Port officials updated plans for the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, including an Environmental Assessment and a $3.7 million rebuild to support both Alia passenger service and cargo operations. Elections & Campaigns: The Election Office urged eligible graduates to register to vote ahead of the midterm elections, and Sandra King-Young formally registered her campaign committee with the FEC for Delegate. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP EBT system, moving food assistance to an electronic format for eligible recipients. Sports & Community: ASNFF held a dinner promoting international flag football and Olympic pathways, while American Samoa was awarded host status for the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier in July.