Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Interior plans to auction about 33 million acres of seabed off American Samoa for deep-sea critical minerals mining, with the lease sale set for Nov. 19, 2026—an effort tied to mineral security that’s already sparked tension with the territory and environmental groups. Territory Travel Alert: The National Park of American Samoa says visitors must show a valid passport or certified birth certificate to enter, reflecting the park’s remote, multi-island access via Pago Pago International Airport. Manu‘a Ferry Disruption: MV Manu’atele is grounded for at least two weeks after a U.S. Coast Guard inspection found new mechanical and safety issues; Port Administration says cargo continues via charter vessels and urges travelers to use air or alternative transport. Citizenship Debate in the Territories: House Republicans introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act, aiming to end automatic birthright citizenship for future births in most U.S. territories (excluding American Samoa), after Supreme Court action on the mainland. Roaming for Travelers: Starlink updated Starlink Roam rules by grouping the U.S. and Canada (including American Samoa) into one shared region, which can help avoid the 30-day international roaming countdown for eligible plans. Time-Change Talk: The House passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, but American Samoa already doesn’t observe DST—so the change mainly affects travel planning elsewhere. Local Port Updates: Port Administration added voyage email notifications and improved vessel-tracking on Manu’ateleSchedule.com, plus clearer reasons for delays and a new special voyage notice section.