Chamorro language & library roots: At Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, a new oral history project traced how the island’s first public library came to be, while researchers highlighted the modern evolution of Fino’ Chamoru—keeping shared spaces and spoken words tied together. Fine-dining comeback: Noah Omakase opened in Saipan with a 10-seat, reservations-only omakase menu, leaning on local seafood and a 23-course experience as the Marianas keep rebuilding after super typhoons. Campaign HQ & race talk: Attao-Villagomez held a first community conversation at their new HQ, saying Sinlaku forced a move and that super typhoons reshaped how “race” is understood. Lt. governor forum: At the Saipan Chamber debate, candidates traded fast pitches on fiscal reform, infrastructure hardening, transparency, and workforce stability—showing how business leaders want recovery to translate into results. Election filing surge: Seventy-five candidates qualified for the 2026 ballot after the Aug. 5 deadline. Tourism lift: Direct Tokyo flights to Saipan resumed, and MVA pushed Brand USA Korea & Japan outreach to keep visitor momentum going. Education rebuild: Koblerville Elementary broke ground on resilient modular classrooms to restore full-day learning for nearly 500 students. Sports tourism push: NMSA highlighted Oleai Sports Complex upgrades as a path to more international training camps and competitions. AmeriCorps conservation: Kupu secured a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand conservation leadership training across Hawai‘i and the Pacific, including Saipan. Liberation Day dates set: The 80th Liberation Day festivities are scheduled for Aug. 21–22 in Susupe. H-1B clarity for healthcare: USCIS confirmed CNMI isn’t currently requiring the $100,000 payment tied to certain H-1B petitions for medical professionals.