Vinnie Sablan says he’ll seek CNMI GOP nomination for governor in 2026
Letter to party chair Patrick Cepeda signals Republican field taking shape ahead of the 2026 general election.
SAIPAN — Former Senator Vinnie Vinson Flores Sablan said Monday he intends to seek the Republican Party’s nomination for governor in the 2026 general election, formally notifying CNMI GOP President Patrick M. Cepeda in a letter dated Nov. 10. In the letter, Sablan frames his run around “stability, accountability and prosperity,” and pledges to prioritize jobs, schools, health care and fiscal transparency.
MVA launches “Far From Ordinary” tourism brand; rollout starts in Korea
SAIPAN — The Marianas Visitors Authority has launched a new global brand platform, “Far From Ordinary,” to reposition the islands as an experience-led destination and jump-start visitor demand. The concept is built around six pillars—culture, diversity, environment, sustainability, adventure, and history—and is aimed at travelers in Asia, the U.S., and other markets.
Patrick Cepeda takes the helm at RPNMIA after Guerrero’s resignation; Rasa declines
SAIPAN – The Republican Party of the Northern Mariana Islands Association named Patrick Cepeda its new president after Joseph “Lee Pan” T. Guerrero resigned for personal reasons, the party said Saturday.
Bauer Earns United World Wrestling Level II Coaching Certification
Big news for the Northern Marianas Wrestling Federation as Head Coach Rick Bauer earned his United World Wrestling Level II Coaching Certification. Bauer accomplished the certification at the Oceania Regional Educational Development Program in Sydney, Australia.
CNMI HSEM: Monitoring continues at Ahyi Seamount as unrest persists
SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is maintaining heightened watch over Ahyi Seamount after partner agencies noted renewed signs of submarine unrest. The volcano’s status remains at Advisory with an Aviation Color Code of Yellow, indicating activity above background that does not currently pose a hazard to aviation.
Governor Apatang to present the revised FY26 Budget today at 11am. Watch it LIVE here
Two weeks after signing the temporary FY26 CNMI Budget into law, Governor Apatang will present the revised FY26 Budget today at 11am. Watch it LIVE here
King-Hinds requests H-1B exemption for U.S. territories
Congresswoman cites CNMI workforce shortages, hospital staffing crisis
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds has called on the Department of Homeland Security to grant an exemption from President Trump’s September 19 proclamation restricting the entry of H-1B nonimmigrant workers, arguing that the U.S. territories face distinct economic and workforce challenges that justify special consideration.
NMBA Launches Redesigned Website to Promote Badminton in the Marianas
SAIPAN – Rackets and shuttlecocks have a much larger profile thanks to the work of some passionate fans of the CNMI’s growing sport of badminton. Now the Northern Marianas Badminton Association (NMBA) has unveiled its redesigned website, offering a modern platform to showcase the sport’s growth and connect with players, schools, and fans in the Marianas and beyond.
CNMI BOE and PSS Proclaim October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Medicaid Office Moves to Garapan, Expands Services and Staffing
SAIPAN – The Commonwealth Medicaid Office has officially opened its new headquarters in Garapan, with Director George Cruz announcing expanded services, increased staffing, and a push toward electronic applications during a press conference Monday morning.