Territorial Democracy Push: Guam advocates held a June 4 Capitol Hill briefing asking why the “consent of the governed” principle still doesn’t apply to 3.6 million U.S. territory residents, spotlighting the Insular Cases and the lack of full voting rights. Port & Federal Funding: U.S. Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says the House Appropriations Committee advanced four priorities for American Samoa, including a $1M boost to the OIA operations fund (to $30M), $3M for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvement planning, plus another $1M for the Port in 2027. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near American Samoa, arguing the DOI/BOEM environmental review must be thorough and science-based, with unresolved risks like sediment “plumes” to fish stocks. Local Governance & Safety: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula appointed Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Public Safety Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation. Community & Business: The American Samoa National Football Federation hosted a dinner to promote flag football’s pathway to international competition, with business and sponsorship opportunities highlighted. Food Assistance: DHSS announced Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) for public school students starting June 3, increasing benefits to $180 per student for the summer. Sports & Culture: ASTCA and partners unveiled July 4 events, including women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert with fireworks and a drone show. Education/STEAM: OceaniaCDN and partners ran American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026, featuring hands-on stations, career booths, and solar car challenges. Public Safety Courts: Court reports covered alleged assaults tied to domestic disputes and workplace violence, with defendants held without bail.