Indo-Pacific Drills: U.S. and allied forces kicked off multinational Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, running through July 1, with activity across the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Japan and at sea—highlighting multidomain interoperability from sea, air, space and cyberspace. Typhoon Relief & Tourism Funding: The CNMI House unanimously passed conference committee versions of bills funding Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief and Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery; Senate action is next. Disaster Nutrition Assistance: CNMI will roll out a $40M Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program next week, aimed at non-NAP households severely affected by Sinlaku during the April 11–May 10 disaster period. International Flights Return: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service, with four weekly flights through Oct. 25, as tourism officials push to keep air connectivity while visitor demand rebuilds. Visa Waiver Scrutiny: CNMI leaders warned a U.S. Senate hearing revived pressure to end EVS-TAP for Chinese travelers; industry groups say it’s a key pathway to restore flights and arrivals. Power & Campaign Agenda: Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said, if elected, his top priority is stabilizing CNMI’s power system via a new Saipan plant and expanded renewables. Military Training Review: The Marine Corps released the Final EIS for the CNMI joint military training project on Tinian, inviting public review at local libraries and offices. Local Courts & Public Safety: A court filing seeks to declare a missing Mariana crewman presumed dead; separately, a man pleaded guilty to meth distribution near a school.