Governor Apatang Signs FY2026 Budget with Multiple Line-Item Vetoes, Cites Constitutional Concerns

SAIPAN – Governor David M. Apatang has signed the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act into law as Public Law 24-20, while exercising his line-item veto authority on multiple provisions he deemed unconstitutional or financially imprudent.
Citadel Pacific Celebrates 20 Years of Investment Leadership in CNMI

SAIPAN – Citadel Pacific received formal recognition from the CNMI government on Monday as the investment management firm marked two decades of regional operations across the Northern Mariana Islands and the Philippines.
CNMI Senator Babauta Dissents on Budget Bill Over Illegal Spending, New Positions

Saipan — In a pointed floor speech that balanced gratitude with sharp criticism, CNMI Senator Celina Babauta cast a dissenting vote on the budget bill, warning that the Commonwealth cannot continue governing with “fantasy budgets” while federal oversight looms.
CNMI’s Surla Selected as Lead Facilitator for National 4-H Conference

SAIPAN — Rosabelle Surla has been selected to serve as the Lead Collegiate Facilitator for the 2026 National 4-H Conference, marking her second consecutive year on the Facilitator Team.
King-Hinds Announces Re-election Bid for U.S. House Seat

SAIPAN — Kimberlyn King-Hinds has announced her intention to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives under the CNMI Republican Party, submitting a letter of intent to party President Patrick M. Cepeda on December 12.
Saipan Toys for Tots Campaign Collects 2,628 Gifts for Children in Need

SAIPAN— The Saipan Chamber of Commerce collected 2,628 toys and $1,458.09 in monetary donations through its 2025 Toys for Tots campaign, distributing gifts to children across the island through five partner agencies.
Taiwan AmCham feature asks if Marianas can be cross-Pacific manufacturing hub

SAIPAN — A December feature published by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan’s Taiwan Business TOPICS has spotlighted the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as a potential “strategic hub” for cross-Pacific manufacturing as companies look to diversify supply chains.
CHCC, PSS bring teen health services to CNMI high schools

SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation Public Health Services is continuing its partnership with the CNMI Public School System to provide on-campus health services and information for teens through visits to local high schools, according to CHCC.
M5.8 Quake Felt Across Marianas During “Good Morning Marianas”; No Tsunami Threat

SAIPAN — A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck southeast of Tinian at 9:06 a.m. Tuesday and was felt across the Marianas, prompting residents in villages across Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam to report where they were when the shaking hit.
NWS: Showers tonight, drier midweek for CNMI; winds and hazardous surf risk rises this weekend

SAIPAN — The National Weather Service office in Guam says a surface trough east of the Marianas is expected to bring scattered light to moderate showers to the CNMI tonight and Wednesday, followed by drier conditions through Friday.