Deep-Sea Mining Consultation Fight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says Interior must consult Guam under federal rules before the Marianas seabed mining lease sale can proceed, arguing Guam was left out even though it qualifies as an “adjacent state.” Revenue Split Push: Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the PACMESA bill to route 50% of seabed mining lease revenue to Pacific territories near the sites, while insisting the Dec. 16 sale timeline is already moving. Local Opposition Holds Line: American Samoa and Guam leaders warn the U.S. can’t rush into commercial deep-sea mining without protecting island communities, calling it an untested threat. CNMI Head Start Disrupted: Typhoon damage and teacher shortages forced CNMI Public School System Head Start into a modified reopening, leaving 130+ funded slots unserved. CNMI Budget Strain: House passage of a $100.73M FY2027 budget came amid warnings that finances worsened after low activity and two super typhoons. Senate vs. DPS Commissioner: The Senate filed suit seeking to block DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, arguing a reinstatement missed required advice-and-consent steps. Utilities Crackdown: CUC authorized cooperation with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute water theft. Sports Governance: The Northern Marianas Jiu-Jitsu Federation moved toward NMSA membership to expand regional competition pathways. Visa Waiver Expansion: CNMI and Guam leaders push to add more countries to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, with the Philippines inclusion projected to boost arrivals and spending.