Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued the federal government to stop deep-sea mining plans around the CNMI and Guam, challenging the claim that the lease sale won’t harm endangered species like humpback whales, giant manta rays, and sea turtles, with a Dec. 16 lease sale targeted for the Marianas. Local Policy & Fairness: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds pushed for stronger protections and revenue sharing through her PACMESA bill, arguing territories closest to seabed mining should get a 50% cut and stronger environmental bonding. Education & Health: Guam’s Department of Education is waiting on an environmental health inspection report for the Tiyan High School campus and is preparing a double-session schedule to keep students on track for the 180-day requirement. Weather & Safety: NWS Tiyan issued a flash flood warning for central Guam and a flood advisory islandwide after heavy rain and thunderstorms, urging residents not to drive through flooded roads. Wildlife Recovery: A new update on the sihek (Guam kingfisher) recovery says captive-bred birds released on Palmyra Atoll have begun nesting and successfully adapting, a hopeful step after the species disappeared from the wild. Community & Food Security: UOG Land Grant hosted a “Tilapia to Table” workshop tying saltwater aquaculture to processing and shelf-stable fish products. Health & Prevention: A Guam mental health conference highlighted substance-use risk factors for minors, including marketing and easy access to vape products. Infrastructure Grant: GMHA received a $136,000 federal grant for a boom lift to improve in-house maintenance and safety.