Meta Settlement for CNMI Youth Safety: The Northern Mariana Islands is among jurisdictions in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta deal, with Meta required to add major child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger controls—while CNMI is also named in the claims driving the settlement. Local Courts & Jobs: The U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands approved a $45,000 settlement in a workers’ class action tied to a 2018 mass layoff connected to the Imperial Pacific International casino project. Military Build-Up Debate: CNMI congressional and gubernatorial candidates are clashing over whether the growing U.S. military presence is delivering real economic benefits, with calls for local hiring, contractor tax compliance, and stronger environmental and cultural protections. Ports & Airport Costs: The Commonwealth Ports Authority board approved FY2027 revenue projections and a 15% increase in Saipan airport landing and rental fees, alongside cost-cutting moves like a 72-hour pay period and staffing caps. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved Disaster Unemployment Assistance for the CNMI totaling $10.16M for Super Typhoon Sinlaku impacts, aimed at helping residents rebuild after lost work and income. Tourism Workforce Pipeline: MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority are planning youth-focused tourism education for SY 2026–2027, including school outreach and a youth tourism summit to connect students to the visitor industry.