Typhoon Sinlaku Forces Cancellation of 2026 CNMI Youth Congress Summit
SAIPAN — The 20th Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Youth Congress has cancelled the 2026 CNMI Youth Congress Summit in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, according to a letter signed by Speaker Sen. Vinnie Juan Sablan and Vice-Speaker Sen. Monique Mendiola.
NMPASI Adjusts Office Hours Following Typhoon Sinlaku
SAIPAN — The Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. has temporarily adjusted its office hours in response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with in-person services now available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
CUC: Primary Feeder Assessments Complete, 21% of Saipan Has Water, Tinian Still Dark
SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reported Tuesday that primary feeder line damage assessments on Saipan are 100 percent complete, with work now shifting to secondary feeder lines and power services to residential roads, as restoration crews push through 604 downed power poles across the island.
Governor Retroactively Grants April 20-21 as Administrative Leave After Unclear Return-to-Work Messaging
SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang has retroactively authorized administrative leave for Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21 for non-essential Executive Branch employees, citing unclear messaging that left some workers without instructions to return to work following the all-clear declaration on April 17.
King-Hinds Presses USCIS to Expedite Work Permits for CNMI Long-Term Residents After Sinlaku
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds wrote to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph B. Edlow on April 20 urging immediate action on stalled Employment Authorization Document renewals for CNMI Long-Term Residents, arguing that documentation delays are creating an avoidable barrier to typhoon recovery at a time when the workforce is critically needed.
King-Hinds Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration With 100 Percent Federal Cost Share for CNMI
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds formally wrote to President Donald J. Trump on April 20 urging expedited approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the CNMI following Typhoon Sinlaku and calling for the federal cost share to be set at 100 percent for all eligible emergency and permanent work.
House Calls Emergency Session Thursday to Take Up Sinlaku Relief Appropriations for Tinian and Rota
SAIPAN — House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez has called an emergency session of the Twenty-Fourth Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature for Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the House Chamber at the Vice Speaker Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building in Capitol Hill to take up emergency appropriation legislation in response to Typhoon Sinlaku.
FEMA-Supported Bottled Water Distribution Begins at Airport Field Thursday; One Case Per Family
SAIPAN — HSEM and FEMA will distribute bottled drinking water to Saipan residents at the Airport Field beginning Thursday, April 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, or until supplies last, according to JIC Update 009 issued Tuesday.
Crystal Ecology Offering Typhoon Relief Discounts on Window Film Replacement Through June 30
SAIPAN — Crystal Ecology is offering Typhoon Sinlaku relief discounts on 3M window film replacement services through June 30, 2026.
Samaritan’s Purse Opens Free Outpatient Clinic at CHCC Parking Lot; Accepting All Patients
SAIPAN — Samaritan’s Purse has opened a free outpatient clinic in partnership with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, set up in the parking lot across from the CHCC Emergency Room and accepting all patients at no cost.