Deep-Seabed Mining Pushback: Environmental and community leaders across the Marianas, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands urged Gov. David M. Apatang to formally oppose a proposed Northern Mariana Islands deep-seabed mining lease sale, calling for suspension or cancellation and more public participation before the Oct. 19, 2026 deadline. Road Town Sidewalks & Tree Impacts: The DeCastro Street Sidewalks Improvement Project has been delayed, with the RDA citing ongoing contract and administrative steps; the plan still faces scrutiny over root-lifted sidewalks and ADA access, and the RDA says mature trees with aggressive roots will be replaced with salt-tolerant bottlebrush and verawood Bulnesia species. Climate Funding for Resilience: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund opened its first call for proposals, with $1 million available for community resilience (including bonus points to reach outer islands and vulnerable groups). Public Health Alert: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk for immunocompromised travelers and people with medical devices. Local Environment Research: UT researchers are studying how hurricanes and extreme weather are reshaping Puerto Rico’s environment and communities through CCAN, linking science to local adaptation needs.