Election Watch: The Commonwealth Election Commission held 2026 ballot-placement raffles, setting ballot order for key races including Delegate (Kimberlyn King-Hinds drew No. 1; Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero drew No. 2) and the nonpartisan AG contest (Michael Evangelista No. 1; Joaquin DLG Torres No. 2; Jonathan Robert Glass No. 3). Voter Roll Update: The CEC reported 18,022 registered voters as of Aug. 7, with more drives planned ahead of the Sept. 4 registration deadline. Local Business & Civic Life: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce canceled its September general membership meeting and announced a Sept. 9 delegate debate featuring Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero. Disaster Recovery: The governor’s office says Saipan and Tinian are still being considered for FEMA Individual Assistance for Typhoon Bavi, while a rural disaster declaration is in process that could unlock SBA disaster loans. Public Safety: CNMI mayors issued a unified plea to the DEA to help fight a methamphetamine epidemic they say has overwhelmed local resources. Immigration & Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority is reviewing DHS’s proposed EVS-TAP vetting changes for Chinese travelers, warning any major shifts must be communicated to the CNMI government. Governance & Accountability: A federal judge ordered Amalia Abo Guanlao to explain why her lawsuit should not be dismissed after she failed to serve defendants for nearly a year.