CNMI Tourism & Travel Rules: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Marianas Visitors Authority are reviewing new DHS/CBP vetting steps for Chinese visitors entering under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver EVS-TAP program, including advance electronic submissions and extra questions—aimed at tightening screening while trying to preserve tourism certainty. Disaster Recovery & Hospitality: Kensington Hotel Saipan says it may temporarily pause operations for renovations tied to Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with reopening timing dependent on when recovery work starts. Local Business Closures: J’s Restaurant confirmed its longtime San Jose location is permanently closed after Sinlaku damage compounded years of storm repairs and insurance limits. Skilled Jobs Push: NMTech is urging residents and employers to look at skilled-trades careers as the CNMI reports about 4,000 job openings, led by construction and related fields. Energy Costs & Power System: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Affordable Power for the Northern Marianas Act, proposing $15M annually in Covenant funding to cut electricity costs and stabilize the aging grid. Trade & Security Watch: BOEM’s mineral exploration leasing plan could route more survey and support activity through the Port of Saipan, but it also flags risks to deep-sea habitats. Public Finance Oversight: The Office of Public Auditor says only 3 of 30 audit/inspection recommendations were resolved as of June 30, 2026. Community & Economy: Marianas Churisos, a CNMI Innovation Incubator startup, sold out its first customers during a soft opening in Garapan. Tax Relief: IRS deadline relief for Super Typhoon Bavi victims extends certain federal filing and payment deadlines to Feb. 1, 2027.