CNMI Government & Jobs: Gov. David Apatang signed the FY 2027 budget after a shutdown, but most central government workers will work a reduced 26.5-hour week, and up to 400 employees could face furloughs once Civil Service Commission rules are finalized. Disaster Recovery & Benefits: Disaster Unemployment Assistance is still delayed because CNMI must build a new DUA system from scratch; FEMA has approved $10.16M for Sinlaku-related job losses. Workforce & Immigration: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged HR and business leaders to back federal action to eliminate the CW “touchback” rule, warning it’s disrupting projects; an immigration attorney also told employers to prepare for tighter federal labor pathways. Courts & Health Costs: Attorney General Nick Brown joined a coalition seeking court approval of a $400M settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with potential claims for buyers from 2009–2019. Public Safety & Weather: Typhoon Choi-wan has moved away and Saipan/Tinian are all-clear, but hazardous seas and lingering wind impacts remain. Community & Sports: Joeten Daidai Foundation awarded $16,000 in scholarships to eight NMI students, and the NMI Basketball Federation announced a 3x3 tournament at Ada Gym with registration now open. Local Crime: A man held on $100,000 cash bail faces federal meth distribution and threatening communications allegations tied to a Saipan bar incident.