Local Law & Rights: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed the “2026 Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety Act” (Bill No. 36-0144), updating USVI firearm licensing and registration with clearer standards and less subjective discretion, after months of local pushback and a federal veto request. Disaster Preparedness: Architect Stacy A. Bourne expanded her Disaster Smart™ resources, drawing on her U.S. Virgin Islands hurricane recovery experience to help families and communities build practical plans before storms hit. Kids & Education: New KIDS COUNT USVI data shows gains in unemployment and public school graduation rates, plus improved English Language Arts, while math scores, wages, dropout numbers, and housing pressures remain concerns. Scholarship Spotlight: St. Croix student Adaina Smith became the first Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship recipient, earning full tuition, fees, housing, and mentorship for up to four years at NC State. Culture & Fashion: Nicci’s Boutique opened at Gosman’s Dock in Montauk, bringing the St. Thomas retailer’s women’s apparel and locally inspired pieces to a new audience. Community Arts Funding (Regional): The Walking Together folklife initiative awarded $3.34M to 96 grantees, including Delaware support for Lenape beadwork and Cuban social dance—an example of the kind of cultural investment USVI audiences may want to watch. Sports (Regional): NORCECA beach volleyball results included U.S. Virgin Islands teams finishing 15th (men) and 12th (women).