CNMI Elections & Residency: The Commonwealth Election Commission voted 4-1 to certify Keli Tenorio for Northern Islands mayor, clearing her for the Nov. 3 ballot after a residency challenge from Mayor Valentino Taisacan Jr.; Tenorio drew ballot No. 1, while Taisacan drew No. 2. Delegate Race & Military Policy: In CNMI SPJ’s delegate debate, Galvin Deleon Guerrero and incumbent Kimberlyn King-Hinds sparred over whether the U.S. military buildup is delivering jobs and benefits for locals, with both also trading views on deep-sea mining and federal relations. Gubernatorial Debate & Buildup Stance: Three gubernatorial candidates argued over the military buildup’s impact, including calls for federal contractors to register and pay CNMI taxes and for stronger local economic spillovers. Courts & Benefits: CNMI says a Nutrition Assistance Program lawsuit is moot because a fair hearing is set for Sept. 1, 2026, after a Saipan man alleged his food-benefit calculation was mishandled. Labor & Courts: A federal judge approved a $45,000 settlement in a workers’ class action tied to a 2018 mass layoff connected to the Imperial Pacific casino project. Disaster Recovery: Gov. David Apatang extended a State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days as recovery continues after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Environment & Access: Managaha Island will reopen to the public Sept. 7, 2026, with trail and beach restrictions still in place to protect nesting areas and sensitive habitat. Youth Safety & Big Tech: Northern Mariana Islands is included in a sweeping multistate Meta settlement requiring child-safety changes to Instagram and Facebook, alongside payments to participating jurisdictions.