BREAKING NEWS: Grandvrio Resort Saipan to temporarily close starting April 2026; withdraws from HANMI
SAIPAN — Grandvrio Resort Saipan has notified the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands (HANMI-Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands) that it plans to temporarily close starting April 2026, citing “extremely challenging business conditions” tied to a significant decline in tourist arrivals after the reduction and suspension of direct flights to Saipan.
Saipan International School to host Christmas Market Dec. 18
Saipan International School is hosting a Christmas Market on Dec. 18 — free to the public from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Gecko Talent Show begins at 5:30 p.m. Expect unique Christmas gifts, handcrafted items, pre-made decorations, food, and more — with proceeds going to the SIS Art Department. Vendors can contact a.mcroberts@sissaipan.net
House passes HB 24-75 to fund retiree health premiums, send 25% collections share to PSS
SAIPAN — The CNMI House of Representatives voted 19-0 to pass House Bill 24-75 on first and final reading to authorize continued payment of employer premiums for the Group Health and Life Insurance program for retirees by appropriating $3,747,585 “recently identified by the Governor” for FY 2026.
CUC Board Meeting This Thursday
SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) Board of Directors will hold its Regular Board Meeting this Thursday, December 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the CUC Conference Room on the 3rd Floor of the Joeten Dandan Building.
Apatang recognizes SuperTECH, Saipan Beacons Lions Club for donating new Marpi site signage
SAIPAN — Gov. David M. Apatang recognized a joint project by SuperTECH Inc. and the Saipan Beacons Lions Club, led by SuperTECH owner Mar Masilungan, for donating newly installed signage at several of Marpi’s most visited tourist and historic sites, including Banzai Cliff, the Public Cemetery, Suicide Cliff, the Grotto, and Bird Island, according to the Office of the Governor. The release said Apatang, Masilungan, and Parks and Recreation Director Mike Cruz marked the installation with a brief unveiling and photo in Marpi. The new signs are intended to improve visitor navigation and accessibility while enhancing the overall appearance of the area, the governor’s office said.
American Samoa Said “No.” The CNMI Must Decide What Future We Are Willing to Accept
When American Samoa overwhelmingly rejected deep-sea mining earlier this year, many
believed their position would be decisive. But despite unified opposition from government
leaders, cultural practitioners, and local communities, the final decision may still be made in
Washington, D.C. — not Pago Pago.
Op-Ed: Classification should follow duties, not org charts, in PSS grievance decisions
When Legal Counsel doesn’t Objectively apply the Regulations
Floor leader Flores: backing retiree-linked measure is ‘a responsibility,’ calls for stronger systems
SAIPAN — House Floor Leader Marissa Flores said she is “not a fan” of the situation surrounding the government’s financing decision tied to retiree obligations, but said supporting the measure became “not just a decision, but a responsibility” because of its impact on the Commonwealth’s retirees and man’amko.
