Airport Funding: A U.S. House panel advanced a bill that would boost the federal share of airport project costs from 80% to 95% for rural, remote and underserved areas, including CNMI and Guam—an economic lifeline for tourism, jobs, and access to services. Telecom & Consumer Protection: A bipartisan push by 48 attorneys general urges the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls and scam texts that cost Americans nearly $2B last year. Local Governance & Public Spending: ASTCA’s CEO defended A-250 celebration spending during joint Fono budget hearings, saying $371,000 was spent from a $3.5M FY2026 allocation, with questions raised about whether the spending matched budget intent and delivered revenue. Corrections Oversight: A proposed executive order to temporarily merge the Department of Corrections with Public Safety was challenged during an AG budget hearing, with lawmakers questioning legality and budgeting impacts. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Conservation groups filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining push affecting American Samoa and the Marianas, while CNMI’s delegate backs a 50-50 revenue split for host territories. Food Safety: DOH shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga after sanitation violations, ordering immediate closure to protect public health. Fisheries Monitoring: Regional training in Samoa focused on fisheries data tools and biological sampling for reef and oceanic fish—aimed at strengthening monitoring for Samoa, American Samoa, and Tokelau. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard cutter Joseph Gerczak returned after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, conducting boardings with Pacific partners to counter illegal fishing and protect marine resources. Infrastructure Delivery: Renovations to the AP Lutali Executive Office Building are targeted for completion by next February under an $18.1M contract, with lawmakers also tracking ARPA rent and spending deadlines.