Deep-Sea Mining Push: CNMI Governor David Apatang says he’s received more than 20 letters urging action over a proposed deep seabed mining lease sale, supports public outreach in Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and says court challenges over a key federal concurrence should play out first. Local Opposition: Mayors from Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota and the Northern Islands also formally oppose seabed mining, citing a lack of clear info and unanswered environmental and economic questions. Military Buildup Talks: CNMI sent a 24-member delegation to San Francisco for high-level federal meetings on defense impacts, joining Guam and federal officials focused on infrastructure, disaster readiness and territorial resilience. Public Health Alert: CHCC reports methamphetamine-related cases and deaths are rising sharply, with 179 cases already identified through Aug. 31, 2026. GVB Court Fight: The Guam Visitors Bureau is contesting Guam’s OAG representation in a civil case involving Jane Doe, as filings and identity-protection issues continue in federal court. Science & Community: UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to help make research more accessible across Guam and the CNMI. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii, Guam, the CNMI or American Samoa.