Caribbean Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean-wide dialogue tied to the Caribbean Culture Fund spotlighted how communities in Jamaica, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Saba are preserving historic sites, oral histories, and traditional building knowledge—highlighting the Resilient Houses Project’s focus on wooden construction, climate resilience, and digital storytelling. Local Community & Health: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th year at the St. Croix Educational Complex track, with survivors and volunteers rallying around a $300,000 goal and survivor stories like Wendy Graham’s message of hope. U.S. Virgin Islands in the News: The USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean-area missions supporting counter-narcotics and humanitarian efforts. Travel for VI Families: A new Caribbean travel trends report says the Cayman Islands are surging for family travel, with the U.S. Virgin Islands also ranking among the top destinations for growing family-sized groups. Democracy in the Territories: A bipartisan congressional briefing revisited “consent of the governed,” underscoring that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—still lack full voting representation. Workforce & Emergency Care: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the eligible training provider list, enabling WIOA-funded EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Culture & Community Abroad: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped with major tourism and culture moments, including the Rum & Rhythm party featuring multiple Caribbean destinations, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.