The Marianas Had a Lot to Say This Week
It was one of the busiest news weeks in recent memory for the Commonwealth, with federal policy, economic development, military affairs, politics and community all competing for the front page.
House Tourism Chair Flores Urges Federal Review of CNMI Travel Policy Based on Current Facts, Not Outdated Assumptions
SAIPAN — Rep. Marissa Flores, chairwoman of the House Committee on Tourism, has responded to a March 9 letter from U.S. Representatives Chip Roy, Thomas Tiffany and Elijah Crane regarding birth tourism, EVS-TAP and the CNMI, calling for any federal review to be grounded in present-day conditions rather than outdated assumptions.
Family of Julia Neisarhúg Kotomor Norita Expresses Gratitude to Community
The family of the late Julia Neisarhúg Kotomor Norita, known lovingly to her family and community as “Mom Sa,” has extended their heartfelt thanks to all who offered love, support and prayers during their time of loss.
King-Hinds Opens 2026 Congressional Art Competition for CNMI High School Students
SAIPAN — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds has announced the start of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, inviting high school students across the Commonwealth to submit original artwork for a chance to have their piece displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
NMTech Opens Mid-Spring 2026 Enrollment Through April 2
SAIPAN — The Northern Marianas Technical Institute is accepting registrations for its Mid-Spring 2026 semester through April 2, with classes in Baking and Pastry and NCCER Core Fundamentals available to new students.
Singapore-Based Pharmaceutical Company Plans First-Ever Manufacturing Facility in Saipan in $35M to $100M Investment
SAIPAN — A Singapore-based company with a 30-year operating history has submitted a qualifying certificate application to establish the first pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday.
King-Hinds Asks Energy Secretary to Address Structural Fuel Cost Crisis in CNMI and Pacific Territories
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds has written to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright asking the Department of Energy to work with her on solutions to fuel costs in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, where gasoline prices now range from $6.37 per gallon on Saipan to $7.34 and $8.50 per gallon on Rota and Tinian.
CHCC Says Oxygen Supply Stable Amid Guam Disruption Reports
SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation says its medical oxygen supply remains unaffected by disruptions reported in Guam, reassuring the public that patient care at its facilities is not at risk.
Mayor’s Office Pulls Cages from Active Spay and Neuter Clinic; Saipan Humane Society Calls for Stronger Partnerships
SAIPAN — The Saipan Humane Society issued a public statement Thursday calling for coordinated partnerships and shared accountability in animal welfare efforts, one day after the Mayor’s Office removed loaned cages from an active spay and neuter clinic mid-operation.
Deep-Sea Mining Expansion Draws Condemnation from Mariana Islands Conservation Advocate
WASHINGTON — A Mariana Islands conservation advocate is condemning BOEM’s recommendation to nearly double the deep-sea mining zone around the CNMI, calling it an industrial experiment in one of Earth’s most biodiverse ocean regions.
