Budget & Governance: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting items including Manu’a shoreline/disaster road funding, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and about $11.9M in CIP projects, while restoring a $79,000 Legal Affairs cut. Legislature Watch: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget after trimming spending and local revenue, including removing interest earnings tied to the UAE Pension Fund arrangement from “Transfers-in.” Medicaid Funding: A House-approved change reportedly halves the Governor’s Medicaid subsidy from $6M to $3M, raising concerns about provider enrollment and home/personal-care services. ASTCA Legal Steps: Senators postponed final action on a bill to codify ASTCA in territorial law, while the House previously approved ASTCA by statute; the delay centers on who controls unbudgeted expenditures. Retirement Debt: The Senate postponed a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ debt to ASGERF into a formal loan, citing repayment concerns. Seabed Mining Opposition: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata told IGIA/DOI agencies that American Samoa should reject deep-sea mining, warning about environmental risks and autonomous “AI drones.” Banking & Education: Territorial Bank of American Samoa marked its 10th anniversary and announced the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship for ASCC students. Energy & Tech Access: Applications opened for Hawaiʻi/Pacific communities to join DOE’s ETIPP; meanwhile, ASCC will receive Starlink kits for 4-H clubs to help close the digital divide. Local Business & Youth: The Chamber of Commerce named a student to represent American Samoa at the National Civics Bee, and a local report highlighted growing Facebook-based side hustles.