It feels like an accountability month.

Steve Limtiaco has been tied up on a big story — one that’s kept him very busy. It should be ready soon, and when it publishes, you’ll know. We’re excited for it.

Meanwhile, I’ve been watching the Guam Legislature’s budget session and wondering how I ever covered these marathons as a younger reporter. Hours and hours of debate — and yet, this is probably the most important session of the year. Sen. Chris Duenas’ attempt to remove Sen. Therese Terlaje brought back memories of earlier antics, like when former Sen. Carl Gutierrez, then chair of Finance, shut off Sen. Tommy Tanaka’s microphone mid-debate. Tanaka just kept speaking anyway. There are always shenanigans during session.

But behind the antics are serious issues. I hope you read my piece on Guam’s cost of living, because stories like that will shape how we cover the 2026 election. My hope is that voters think carefully about which candidates actually have a plan to close the wage and inflation gap. If they don’t, things will only get worse.

Right now, Guam’s economy looks strong mainly because of the military buildup. But how much of that growth reaches outside the base? Construction costs have never been higher — yet for manyeveryday families, the everyday benefits are harder to see. And if our economy is “booming,” why does our education system look like it’s collapsing? Double sessions, book shortages, facilities falling apart — Simon Sanchez High School still deteriorating. By that measure, we’re worse off than before. Accountability in education should matter just as much as in finance.

Therese Padua Howe, meanwhile, spent time with Gi Matan Guma’, a youth group on the mainland carrying CHamoru identity into the modern world through dance, chant, and community collaboration. They’re showing what accountability to culture and heritage looks like — one performance, one connection at a time.

Therese shared her reflections in an audio clip that’s worth a listen. She has good things to say.

Until next time, we’ll keep watching, asking, and telling the stories that matter. Thanks for coming along Behind the Scenes.

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