Brown Treesnake Response on Rota: CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife says two dead brown treesnakes were reported on Rota—one found in personal cargo at Songsong after unloading, and another encountered in Sinapalo—prompting rapid-response plans with extra staff, traps, and cargo inspections, plus help requests to federal partners. Power & Solar Supply Shift for Storm Recovery: After tourism downturns, Saipan’s Panda Store pivoted from souvenirs to generators, solar equipment, e-bikes, and backup power—an approach now in higher demand following Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Defense Funding for CNMI Priorities: The U.S. House passed the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act with CNMI-focused amendments: a Saipan geothermal resource study, a security risk review for infrastructure supporting military operations, and expanded access for CNMI students to U.S. service academies. Saipan Casino Bankruptcy Nears End: Imperial Pacific International’s creditor group asked the court for a “structured dismissal,” which—if approved—could formally close its Chapter 11 case and revoke the casino license, with a hearing set for Aug. 4. Birth Tourism Pushback: A local businessman told House lawmakers that birth tourism threatens EVS-TAP and the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, backing a bill aimed at deterring compensated commercial birth tourism in the CNMI. Disaster Tech Speeds Damage Assessments: FlyGuys and TerraFort say drone data plus AI produced FEMA-ready damage assessments in about 10 days after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, covering thousands of residential structures. STEM & Community Programs: APES will host an Aug. 14 CNMI video competition award ceremony focused on discouraging underage alcohol and marijuana use, while a CNMI health leader urged schools to promote ancestral foods to help tackle obesity and diabetes.