VA Funding for Veterans Cemeteries: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is awarding more than $7.1 million to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota, adding burial access beyond Marpi on Saipan. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near France’s New Caledonia; the tsunami warning system reported no tsunami threat to Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. GVB Lawsuit Secrecy: A federal court temporarily sealed key Guam Visitors Bureau filings in a “Jane Doe” case as her damages request rose to $121.5 million, with allegations including sex trafficking and retaliation. Public Health Alert: Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation reports methamphetamine-related cases and deaths are rising sharply in the CNMI, with 179 cases already identified through Aug. 31, 2026. Seabed Mining Pushback: CNMI mayors formally oppose proposed seabed mining, saying the federal process lacks clear information and transparency on environmental and economic impacts. Military Buildup Talks: CNMI and Guam officials met in San Francisco with federal counterparts on defense-related impacts, aiming to advance a path for federal assistance. School Funding Pressure: PSS warned FY 2027 local funding around $25 million could force major cuts, including possible two- or three-day school weeks.