Inflation Watch: Samoa’s June CPI rose 5.8% year-on-year, with transport costs up 20.3% driving the biggest jump—diesel +77.4%, petrol +37%, and even a return airfare to Pago Pago up 11.5%, adding 2.8 points to inflation. Congress & Timekeeping: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act (308-117) to end twice-yearly clock changes and let states keep daylight saving year-round, but the Senate’s next move is still uncertain. Local Governance: Gov. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula opened the 39th Legislature with an olive branch to the Fono, citing budget pressure and plans to align spending with expected revenues. Public Safety & Services: Fagatogo Fire Station is still partially staffed despite Health closing it over unsafe wiring and unsanitary conditions, with a limited crew responding to emergencies. Pacific Security & Fisheries: Pulaalii condemned China’s South Pacific missile test and urged action on illegal foreign fishing and regional security threats. Marine & Policy: Wespac filled two at-large seats with Hawai‘i longline industry leaders as conservation groups warn protections are being rolled back. Consumer Protection: AGs including American Samoa’s Anne Lopez pushed the FCC to tighten rules against robocalls by cutting scammers’ access to legitimate phone numbers. Finance Warning: Regulators across the Pacific warned American Samoa residents to avoid BG Wealth/DSJ Exchange, alleging an unregistered crypto investment scheme. Disaster & Climate: NOAA says El Niño is underway and could intensify this fall, raising risks for Guam and Micronesia.