CNMI Elections: The Commonwealth Election Commission reports 75 candidates filed by the Aug. 5 deadline, including three gubernatorial tickets and races for delegate, attorney general, and Saipan/Northern Islands mayoral posts. Lt. Gov. Race: At the Saipan Chamber forum, lieutenant governor candidates pushed competing plans for fiscal reform, workforce stability, infrastructure hardening, and government transparency—while each ticket tried to frame how it will work with the business community. Birthright Citizenship Fight: National groups warn President Trump’s Aug. 6 executive order could escalate pressure on citizenship rules in U.S. territories, raising fresh questions for CNMI residents and the political fight over the 14th Amendment. Deep-Sea Mining Push: Gov. David Apatang says the U.S. announced deep-sea mining auctions with “no consultations,” citing food-security concerns for CNMI and neighboring islands. Military Training on Tinian: Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan welcomed expanded Navy training approval but criticized residents not being better informed; the plan includes more live-fire areas and new supporting infrastructure. Disaster Relief Update: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for CNMI businesses and residents affected by Super Typhoon Bavi, while FEMA aid decisions remain a key recovery issue. Local Economy & Inclusion: CNMI SBDC and Bank of Hawaii launched small business revitalization grants, and Project H.A.F.A. connects people with disabilities to paid local internships.