CUC Financing Stalled: CNMI lawmakers hit a snag on a CUC emergency loan line of credit as constitutional “two-subject” concerns and security-deposit collateral issues sent the Senate-House conference committee into recess. Power Costs Squeeze Businesses: A Garapan restaurant owner says rising electricity bills and unreliable power are driving up operating costs and pushing people away. Workforce Reality Check: A GAO report warns CNMI’s workforce is shrinking, but foreign workers still make up about one-third of employed residents—raising stakes for the CW-1 program’s end after 2029. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups sued to block the federal deep-sea mining lease push near the Marianas, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds backs PACMESA to route 50% of lease revenues to nearby territories. Disaster Recovery Hiring: FEMA hired 22 CNMI residents under a local hire initiative after Typhoon Sinlaku, offering a path into federal service. FEMA/USACE Deadlines on Rota: Rota residents face a 5 p.m. deadline for the temporary roofing program, with FEMA individual assistance still open. Tourism & Travel Dollars: Diesel prices jumped on Saipan, and DOD per diem rates for Guam/CNMI/American Samoa increased effective Sept. 1, affecting hotel and restaurant demand. Aviation Upgrade: FAA seeks public comment on a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara to close a radar coverage gap over the CNMI. Invasive Species Program Move: Gov. Apatang transferred the CNMI invasive species program to the Finance Department’s Customs and Biosecurity unit to streamline border-to-field response.