Mental Health & Health System Funding: Senators heard that delayed or partially used appropriations are stalling key behavioral health projects, including $18M for a facility at Anna’s Hope and $3.5M for the Eldra Schulterbrandt Facility, pushing the Department of Health to explore a smaller modular community housing model. Gun Violence & Community Support: After a teen was fatally shot in Vester Gade, the Department of Health offered behavioral health support while officials called for broader action as investigations continue. Territory-Wide Violence Update: Police reported three homicides in one day across St. Thomas and St. Croix, pushing the 2026 total higher and underscoring the strain on emergency response and public safety. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign ramps up for World Sickle Cell Awareness Day with events and blood drives, including outreach that reaches the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Health Preparedness & Sargassum: VI officials joined an OECS-EU study visit focused on sargassum interception, collection, monitoring, and health preparedness, aiming to strengthen coastal resilience and tourism recovery. BVI Legal Protections: The British Virgin Islands advanced plans for civil partnerships for same-sex couples, offering legal protections like inheritance and health benefits while keeping marriage defined traditionally. Epstein Files (Non-local): New Mexico’s Epstein Truth Commission issued nine more subpoenas, including to the Virgin Islands, as survivors testified and the deadline for its report nears.