Typhoon Recovery Watch: Marianas Beach Resort says it will stay closed because typhoon Sinlaku and Bavi destroyed its below-sea-level generators and voltage equipment, with reopening only after specialized replacements are finished—while it continues lease payments to support CNMI recovery. Business Disruption: Kensington Hotel Saipan is considering a temporary closure for repairs, with management saying the date isn’t set yet; swimming pool damage is among the work planned. Federal Help for Storm Victims: The SBA has opened rural disaster assistance for Saipan and Tinian after Super Typhoon Bavi, offering home, business, and economic injury loans, with deadlines set for Oct. 13, 2026 (physical damage) and May 14, 2027 (economic injury). Community Resilience & Culture: Liberation Day returns Aug. 21-22 after being canceled earlier this year due to Typhoon Bavi, with more than 35 parade entries and 50 vendors confirmed. Public Safety: CNMI’s four mayors ask the DEA for more agents to tackle the meth crisis, saying local resources can’t keep up with trafficking networks. Housing Assistance Results: Right to Democracy reports Sinlaku housing referrals had a low 21.5% award rate, citing occupancy and ownership problems as top issues. Local Politics: At the Northern Marianas Descent Corp. forum, candidates sparred over public land revenue and education funding, with both sides pushing “practical solutions.” Sports & Youth: A local barbershop and lawmakers teamed up for free back-to-school haircuts for K-12 students, and basketball coaching lessons from Europe are coming home through Lumabi’s FIBA Europe training.