Mortgage & Credit: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines says it will now accept VantageScore 4.0 as mortgage collateral, letting member banks use the score to reach about 4 million more consumers—an industry move that could affect local home-lending conditions. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium, arguing the federal environmental review must be thorough and science-based, with unresolved risks like sediment “plumes” to fish stocks; meanwhile, Guam’s new seabed mining ban highlights how territorial actions may clash with upcoming federal lease sales. NOAA Budget Pressure: A proposed 2027 NOAA budget would cut more than $1 billion and eliminate or reduce programs tied to Pacific weather forecasting, fisheries, and coral/coastal resilience—raising concerns for island communities. Local Politics & Representation: Sandra King Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to Congress, formally launching her fundraising and compliance process. Education & Workforce: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern and will sail aboard E/V Nautilus for seafloor mapping between Hawaiʻi and Guam. Food Assistance: DHSS announced Summer-EBT (SUN Bucks) for public school students, increasing benefits to $180 per student for June–August, with paper coupons for the final time. Community & Events: ASTCA and partners unveiled major July 4th Independence Day events, including women’s cricket, fautasi, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert plus fireworks and a drone show. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Council’s science panel will review American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment updates and other fisheries research affecting Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. Health & Climate Outlook: NOAA forecasts an 82% chance El Niño develops by May–July, with impacts that could shape rainfall and cyclone risk across the Pacific.