Local Courts: A 78-year-old business owner faces charges after alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl in Dec. 2025; he was held without bail. Local Courts: A 15-year-old’s cousin is accused in a separate case of rape, deviate sexual assault, sexual abuse, false imprisonment and assault; the suspect was also held without bail. Public Safety Leadership: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula named Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Police Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation. Health & Aging: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with remarks from Gov. Pulaali’i and Congresswoman Amata. Health Funding: Congresswoman Amata announced a $96,750 HHS/HRSA grant for the Department of Health to strengthen care coordination for children and youth with special health needs. Environment & Fisheries: Amata renewed her push for a deep seabed mining moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science and potential harm to fish stocks; meanwhile, WestPac’s SSC will review the American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment in Honolulu. Weather Outlook: NOAA forecasts a strong El Niño pattern developing this summer, with possible impacts for Pacific rainfall and storms. Community & Culture: ASTCA and partners are gearing up for America’s 250th Independence Day with cricket, rugby sevens, the fautasi race, a Stan Walker concert, and fireworks. Sports: Sean Manaea—whose father is from American Samoa—threw a no-hitter for the A’s as he starts strong in his third season. Remembering: Kalaupapa community mourns Meli Watanuki, described as a tireless “never give up” worker.