Birthright citizenship fight: CNMI lawmakers and leaders are pushing back hard on H.R. 9724, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” which would end automatic citizenship for children born in Guam and the CNMI starting Jan. 1, 2027—Sen. William Parkinson called it an attack on what Guam fought for, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and others warn it undermines the CNMI Covenant and could leave families in legal limbo. Disaster recovery and services: FEMA approved nearly $3 million in Public Assistance funding for Arizona, CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i, while the CNMI Joint Information Center reported ongoing sheltering, transport, and power/water restoration across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Saipan power and water updates: CUC crews continued restoration work across multiple Saipan areas, and the latest power service update lists ongoing repairs and restoration efforts for remaining customers. School rebuilding: USACE is building 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms at Northern Marianas College to restart higher education after typhoon damage. Public health notice: BECQ issued “red flag” advisories for Saipan west coast beaches and storm drainages after bacteria levels exceeded standards, advising residents not to fish or swim within 300 feet for 48 hours. Cemetery fee change: Marpi Public Cemetery will require a $500 interment permit starting Aug. 9, 2026. Regional travel push: A Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Working Group met to advance expanding the program to include the Philippines. Local events: The CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International badminton tournament continues, and the Saipan Chamber’s scholarship golf tournament is set for July 25 with a Mazda CX-5 as the hole-in-one prize.