Deep-Sea Mining Fight: U.S. House Rules blocked Delegate James Moylan’s push to keep seabed mining off Guam and the CNMI from using FAST-41’s expedited permitting, even as the House passed H.R. 1501 that permanently adds mining and mineral processing to the fast-track list. Regulator Shake-Up: The acting director of the Marine Minerals Administration, Matt Giacona, is set to leave for Halliburton with no successor named, while regulators still aim for a Dec. 16 Marianas lease sale—leaving island leaders pressing for a real role and slower review. CNMI Startup Pipeline: The CNMI Innovation Incubator Program is opening applications for its second cohort, with a Sept. 11 deadline for early-stage businesses (up to five years old) seeking hands-on support from the Northern Marianas College SBDC network. Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, starting $1.095M in safety and accessibility work at Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Fuel Costs: CNMI gasoline and diesel prices rose again, with residents citing pressure on household budgets. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Manibusan announced the multistate Meta settlement requiring major Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes, including time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Sports Sponsorship: IT&E backed Saipan darts and billiards leagues with $1,500 for tournaments and youth activities. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: A Chinese national died in ICE custody in Saipan, prompting renewed calls for answers about detainee medical screening and care.