Marianas Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 4,840 arrivals in July 2026, down 66% from July 2025, as international flights resumed in late June after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Business & Community: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce marked its 50th anniversary, calling for stronger public-private collaboration to help pull the CNMI out of economic trouble. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is demanding formal federal consultation on the CNMI deep-sea mining lease process, arguing Guam qualifies as an “adjacent state” under federal rules. CNMI Budget Pressure: House Ways and Means chair Rep. John Paul Sablan said the CNMI’s FY2027 budget “went from bad to worse” amid low activity and two super typhoons, as the House passed a $100.73M spending plan. Workforce & Immigration: SHRM CNMI will host an Oct. 1 meeting on visa and immigration updates, including discussion of the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act. Education Recovery: Acting PSS Commissioner Jacqueline Che outlined a 5-day Promise plan to restore a five-day school week by Oct. 1 despite the PSS facing its deepest deficit in 30 years. Visitor Ideas Contest: MVA launched the My Marianas 2040 High School Ideas Competition, with entries due Oct. 23. Disaster Loan Support: SBA announced the Tinian Survivor Recovery Center will close Sept. 25, with survivors directed to SBA customer service afterward. Legal & Workplace Claims: An attorney sued Micronesian Legal Services Corporation alleging discrimination tied to denied maternity/parental leave and unpaid leave.