News - Northern Mariana Islands

United Airlines has revised its planned service resumption on Saipan – Tokyo Narita route, due to impact from Typhoon Sinlaku in April.

Both the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Marianas Visitors Authority will be promoting their charms later this year at the annual Japan Association of Travel Agents Tourism Expo from Sept. 24 to Sept. 27 at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center.

Due to post Typhoon Sinlaku and other aviation industry issues, airline routes for the Mariana Islands plan various changes.

Federal agencies and lawmakers are directing millions of dollars to water safety, transportation, and transit projects across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Utility restoration and commercial transit infrastructure across the Northern Mariana Islands are nearing stabilization following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, though significant electrical grid damage continues to suppress recovery on Tinian.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. raised the fuel adjustment charge from $0.245 to $0.44489 per kilowatt-hour, from May 15, effectively doubling the cost of power for households in the Northern Mariana Islands. The increase was reportedly approved by the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services confirmed two new laboratory-confirmed cases of Pertussis, bringing the total number of confirmed cases for 2026 to 13.

Q&A courtesy of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce with Raenada A. Mason, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mason is currently in Saipan. The SBA will be assisting businesses and residents at the Survivor Recovery Center at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.

Team Rubicon personnel have had 24 “grey shirt” volunteers in Saipan and Tinian since April 20. The organization has fielded an advance/recon team and medical and support teams and conducts community outreach during the day, addressing basic needs and chronic conditions.

Even before Saipan was struck by Super Typhoon Sinlaku — its third 150 mph storm in just over a decade — small businesses were already grappling with a prolonged economic downturn marked by declining revenues, shrinking customer bases, and persistent operational challenges.