Deep-Sea Mining Push in the Pacific: The U.S. government moved ahead with plans to lease seabed mining areas off American Samoa, with a Nov. 19 sale timeline and only the territory’s governor holding the formal review role—prompting renewed calls from Pacific leaders and communities, including Guam and CNMI, for a moratorium. Wayfinding Legacy: Palau mourned Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, son of Mau Piailug, whose teaching and voyages helped keep traditional Pacific navigation alive. CNMI Education & Tech: CNMI educators represented the Commonwealth at ISTELive 2026, sharing culturally responsive AI storytelling and early STEAM approaches. Saipan Sports Comeback: International badminton returned to CNMI after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with the Northern Marianas Open drawing 200+ players and officials across 20 countries. Local Learning Expansion: Green Meadow School took over Isla Montessori in Dandan, aiming to grow early childhood services while preserving the school’s name. Community Health Partnership: Todu Guam Foundation marked its 10th anniversary by adding two doctors and partnering with CNMI’s Isla Community Health Center. Saipan Scholarships: Marpac backed the Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarship golf tournament with a $5,000 hole-in-one prize. Policy Watch: A U.S. House vote advanced a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, while Orthodox Jewish groups raised concerns about prayer times.