Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental and community groups are urging Northern Marianas Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to stop a Dec. 16 deep-sea mining lease sale near the Mariana Trench, ahead of an Oct. 19 deadline—while Apatang says he won’t write Interior to pause the process, pointing to pending lawsuits and planning separate public comments. Visa-Free Transit Updates: New Zealand published a list of 25 countries/territories whose citizens can transit Auckland without a visa (still requiring an NZeTA), and Australia released guidance for visa-free transit through its airports for 70+ countries under strict lounge and timing conditions. Medicaid Overhaul in the U.S.: North Carolina is preparing for major Medicaid changes tied to federal law, including tighter noncitizen eligibility, work/community engagement requirements starting in 2027, and more frequent renewals. Micronesian Culture in Hawaiʻi: UH Mānoa hosts “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition opening this Sunday with performances and a gallery tour. Tokelau Marine Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline expedition to study Tokelau’s reefs and deep-sea environments to guide future ocean protection planning. Shark Conservation Data Gaps: New research highlights migratory shark and ray routes across borders—and the lack of movement data for most species—underscoring the need for international cooperation.