Typhoon Recovery & Utilities: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says damage assessments are still underway after Sinlaku and Bavi, with Saipan’s power repairs bringing capacity to 31 MW (of 42.5) and Tinian restoring 980 of 1,059 customers, while Rota remains without power and needs more poles, transformers, and wires. Disaster Aid & Small Business: The SBA’s Survivor Recovery Center schedule shifts Aug. 4 (Tue–Sat), and the Aug. 21 disaster-loan deadline is approaching; SBA reports $50.548M approved in Sinlaku loans and $12.704M disbursed. Energy Costs: CUC’s Fuel Adjustment Charge for August 2026 rises $0.01624 per kWh due to higher Mean of Platts Singapore fuel pricing. Local Business Pivot: Saipan’s Panda Store retooled from souvenirs to generators, solar gear, e-bikes, and backup power as outages became a bigger part of daily life. Tourism & Events: Saipan is set to host the Oceania Badminton Masters (July 29–Aug. 4), boosting hotel and local services demand. Policy Watch—Birth Tourism: The House unanimously passed H.B. 24-105 to curb compensated commercial birth tourism, with business leaders warning it threatens EVS-TAP and the tourism economy. Banking/Finance: BBMR director Lester L. Carlson Jr. received a national NASBO Gloria Timmer Award for improving territorial fiscal conditions. Wildlife Biosecurity: Two dead brown treesnakes were reported on Rota—one found in cargo and another encountered in Sinapalo—prompting a rapid response with added staff, traps, and cargo inspections. Sports Tourism/Community: The Saipan Chamber urged members to RSVP and submit questions for an Aug. lieutenant governor forum focused on business issues.