Storm Readiness: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is racing to protect power and water as Tropical Storm Bavi strengthens toward the CNMI, with crews securing equipment, moving transformers, and planning reservoir closures so residents and the hospital can fill tanks. Disaster Recovery Funding: SBA approved over $30 million in disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with economic injury loans still available. Power Planning for Tinian: CUC says the future of Tinian’s power plant is still undecided as federal engineers weigh repair vs. replacement after structural and cost-benefit reviews. Energy Transition: CUC is targeting Dec. 2027 completion for a Saipan-Tinian-Rota solar-plus-storage project (53 MW Saipan, 11 MW Tinian, 3 MW Rota). Tourism Recovery Budget: CNMI Senate passed compromise spending measures for Sinlaku relief and tourism recovery, including tobacco settlement funds for the Marianas Visitors Authority. Biosecurity on Guam: Volunteers at Andersen Air Force Base helped catch brown tree snakes, supporting ongoing invasive species control efforts. Regional Military Activity: Valiant Shield 2026 continues across the Marianas, with U.S. and allied air defense and human-machine teaming drills underway. Birth Tourism Debate: New reporting and political pushback continue around “birth tourism,” including claims about how CNMI numbers changed after the 2009 visa waiver/parole shift.