Military & Defense: The U.S. deployed its Dark Eagle hypersonic weapon to Guam for Exercise Valiant Shield, with photos showing the system in training while Indo-Pacific Command leadership watched—an escalation in regional deterrence that also touched the Northern Mariana Islands. Aviation/Defense Industry: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat “wingman” flew in Valiant Shield in the Marianas, and a Boeing exec said more exercises could follow as CCAs move toward operational use. Disaster Recovery & Utilities: CUC says it received new power restoration materials (poles and transformers) to speed repairs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, though Saipan villages still face longer restoration and Rota remains the toughest. Telecom Restoration: IT&E and Docomo Pacific reported most mobile sites are back on Saipan and Tinian, but fuel limits, damaged towers, and waiting on CUC commercial power are slowing full recovery; Rota is still struggling. Infrastructure/Construction: DPW plans to resume Saipan beach restoration by reusing dredged sand after reassessing conditions post-Bavi. Logistics & Business Opportunities: Two Saipan firms say informal Air Force mentor-protégé ties are already opening federal contracting doors, while a mentor-protégé workshop continues on Saipan and Tinian. Tourism & Travel Policy: CNMI industry groups pushed back on a Senate move that blocked fast-tracking EVS-TAP repeal, arguing the program is vital for tourism and security screening. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new push for seabed mining leases off American Samoa is drawing renewed regional opposition, with concerns about irreversible environmental and community impacts. Public Health/Assistance: NAP extended disaster nutrition assistance intake and capped daily applicants at 600 to reduce long waits.