Indo-Pacific Defense Drills: U.S. Marines tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC air-defense system on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026, part of a wider joint exercise across Guam, the CNMI and the Mariana Islands Range Complex aimed at protecting dispersed island forces from drones and missiles. Local Military Footprint: The A.B. Won Pat International Airport is serving as a support and divert location for the same exercise, with commercial operations expected to stay unaffected. Uncrewed Airpower: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat drone is set to fly alongside allied fighter aircraft during Valiant Shield, with photos showing activity at Rota International Airport in the CNMI. Disaster Recovery Jobs: CNMI’s lack of an unemployment insurance system is slowing FEMA disaster unemployment assistance after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, requiring the territory to build a new claims platform before benefits can be released. Fisheries Policy: The Uraali Refaluwasch Association is asking the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council for clarity on CNMI’s share of tuna allocations and fisheries funds, including the territorial bigeye tuna allocation. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbance Invest 95W has been upgraded to a medium chance of development, with some models pointing toward the CNMI around July 6–7 while forecasts remain uncertain. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without another bar exam. Community & Culture: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library wrapped its 2026 Summer Reading Program, and mourned the passing of Susan Feller, a longtime advocate for Indigenous archives, libraries and museums.