Seabed Mining Fight: The Trump administration’s Marine Minerals Administration has advanced a proposed Mariana Trench lease sale, triggering a 60-day CNMI governor review, while Guam leaders say they’re being shut out of the comment process and CNMI officials warn the process is moving like a “race to the bottom.” Local Politics & Economy: In the Marianas Press 2026 gubernatorial debate, the three governor candidates traded plans on rebuilding the economy, restoring trust, disaster readiness, and utility costs—while voters focus on shrinking revenues and possible furloughs. Budget Priorities: Candidates also laid out what they’d protect in a new budget—education, health care, public safety, and retirees—alongside cuts and workforce transitions. Storm Preparedness: Tropical Storm Saudel has prompted CNMI emergency updates and port restrictions, with Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian and higher alerts for the far northern islands; officials urged residents to secure property and stock essentials. Tinian Digital Economy: Marianas Rai Corp. doubled down on Tinian’s online gaming and MUSD stablecoin pitch after court arguments, saying it could unlock major new tax revenue. Education & Workforce: Northern Marianas College reported 377 students in a paid summer internship tied to food science and agriculture, and the Saipan Chamber backed career pathway internships for participants. Public Health & Safety: The Parent Advisory Council urged lawmakers to fund the Public School System, while DYS reported 785 active child-welfare cases as of June.