Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

OPINION | Rebranding paradise: Saipan deserves a stronger identity
Steve Jang SAIPAN is beautiful — no doubt about it. But in today’s cutthroat tourism market, beauty isn’t enough. Visitors from Japan, Korea, China, Guam, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan aren’t just chasing beach photos — they want something real....

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands in 'very dire' condition: officials
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Gov. Arnold Palacios reportedly said in February he was optimistic about federal aid. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is in "very dire" fiscal condition, its government told the...

DFS to exit Oceania with closure of Sydney, Auckland and Queenstown businesses
OCEANIA. DFS Group is to close its operations in Sydney, Auckland and Queenstown, marking the travel retailer’s exit from the Oceania market. The move is part of an ongoing review of the company’s global store network revealed by Chairman & CEO Ed...

Over 30 employers to participate in CNMI DOL job fair
THE CNMI Department of Labor invites job seekers to a job fair on July 25 at the Marianas Beach Resort, the former Hyatt, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 30 employers will set up at the hotel, including the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation,...

Saipan Chamber to host workplace communication training on July 25
(SCC) — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its upcoming 3rd quarter professional development training on effective communication in the workplace, scheduled for Friday, July 25, 2025, at Northern Marianas College campus, Room...

CNMI Innovation Incubator receives 46 applications from aspiring startup owners
Interested applicants of the CNMI Innovation Incubator program speak with program manager Cherese Palacios, left. NMC photo (NMC) — The CNMI Innovation Incubator Program, an initiative of Northern Marianas College, is proud to announce that it has...

CUC provides update on renewable energy initiatives
(CUC) — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is making steady progress toward establishing a renewable, reliable, and secure electric power system across the CNMI. As part of its strategic energy planning, CUC had contracted GHD Inc. to update...

Rota SBDC to host exclusive AI training for small business owners
(SBDC) — The Rota Small Business Development Center at Northern Marianas College is excited to announce an in-person training titled “Let AI Handle Your Day-to-Day Grind” on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the NMC Rota...

DPW-Division of Energy announces cool roof rebate program outreach on Tinian
THE CNMI Division of Energy is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a Cool Roof Rebate Program outreach event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, on Tinian at the Tinian Youth Center, to assist residential homeowners to improve the cooling...

CNMI-Taiwan dialogue focuses on economic growth and education
Director General Jerry S. Chang of the Taiwan Economic & Cultural Office of Hawaii and CNMI Sen. Celina R. Babauta in Hawaii. Contributed photo HONOLULU — CNMI Senator Celina Babauta met with Director General Jerry S. Chang of the Taipei Economic...

Tinian’s growing geopolitical relevance receiving mixed reactions
Saipan—As the Department of Defense moves forward with its billion-dollar investment plan to transform the pristine island of Tinian into a strategic military hub for Indo-Pacific operations, residents are grappling with its implications. Is the...

Northern Mariana Islands enacts captive law
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has enacted new legislation to allow captive insurance companies to operate within its jurisdiction. Governor Arnold I. Palacios has signed Senate Bill 24-09 into law, officially designating...

Maria Ayuyu receives accounting degree from Bentley University
JOSE and Marcia Ayuyu proudly announce the graduation of their youngest daughter, Maria Pilar Kanako Erra Ayuyu. Maria received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Bentley University on May 17, 2025. The private university, located in...

House bill to abolish CCC
Marissa Flores AMID the looming Senate rejection of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ Executive Order 2025-2, which seeks to abolish the Commonwealth Casino Commission, House Floor Leader Marissa R. Flores on Thursday pre-filed House Bill 24-37, a measure...

Pacific airlines team up for pilot cadetships, four countries sign new trade and healthy food deal
The airlines said the programme would include “rigorous training, structured mentorship, and professional development to produce a pilot workforce trained to operate in complex and remote Pacific environments”. The two airlines said they would...

GAO: CNMI stuck in fiscal quagmire
The once lively district of Garapan is now a ghost town. Photo by Mar-Vic Cagurangan/Pacific Island Times By all measures of economic standing, the CNMI’s fiscal condition is very dire, made worse by a struggling tourism industry, slowing federal...

Saipan Chamber of Commerce to meet this Wednesday; RSVP now
(SCC) — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce reminds all members and guests to RSVP now for the July general membership meeting happening this Wednesday, July 2 at the Taga Hall of World Resort Saipan. This is a vital opportunity to receive real-time...

AK Saipan launches ‘Corolla Miles That Matter’ social media campaign
(Special Advertising Feature) — Atkins Kroll, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of “Corolla Miles That Matter,” a community engagement campaign designed to honor the drivers, families, and stories behind one of Saipan’s most trusted vehicles:...

Triple J Motors launches Hyundai Santa Cruz on Saipan
(Special Advertising Feature) — Triple J Motors is excited to introduce the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai’s bold Sport Adventure Vehicle that combines the comfort of an SUV with the versatility of a pickup truck — now available on Saipan....

Roy Keane Live at the Marquee: ‘I think Paul McGrath could kill the pope and they’d say the pope deserved it’
Pity poor Éanna Hardwicke, the Cork actor charged with playing Roy Maurice Keane in the soon to be released film ‘Saipan’. Why? Because, unlike, say Bob Dylan, nobody plays The Boy Roy better than Roy himself as he proved last night with a...