Local News

THE CNMI tourism industry faced mounting challenges in 2025, but it also launched a global rebranding campaign aimed at redefining the Marianas’ identity in international markets.

FORMER Gov. Ralph DLG Torres closed 2025 under the shadow of criminal charges while pursuing a political comeback, as prosecutors indicated that his misconduct case may be resolved without going to trial.

U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King‑Hinds closed 2025 with a series of legislative accomplishments in Washington, D.C. She championed measures to stabilize the Commonwealth’s economy and secure long-term labor solutions, positioning herself for a 2026 reelection bid.

ON Wednesday, Dec. 31, the ABC Stores branch at Paseo de Marianas temporarily closed its doors amid weak tourist arrivals and a slowing CNMI economy.

THE Public School System will implement a reduced austerity measure on Jan. 11, 2026, restoring one of the Mondays previously removed in November and December 2025 following the enactment of the revised fiscal year 2026 budget.

ASUKA III, Japan’s newest flagship vessel operated by NYK Cruises, made its inaugural arrival in Saipan on Wednesday, Dec. 31, docking at 6:30 a.m. and departing at 5 p.m. The visit followed the arrival of the Mitsui Ocean Fuji on Dec. 30 and a stop in Guam the day before reaching Saipan.

SAIPAN has changed a lot since Hiroshi last visited 30 years ago, but “it’s still a beautiful island,” he said. He was one of the Japanese tourists who stopped in Saipan aboard the Mitsui Ocean Fuji Cruise, a luxury ship from Tokyo, on Wednesday.

JIMMY Philip Kaipat has been charged with second-degree sexual assault, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace after allegedly touching a woman on Dec. 16 at White Laundry in Chalan Kanoa.

THE federal court has granted the U.S. government’s motion to dismiss the case against Jianbing Zhao without prejudice. Zhao was indicted for obstructing his deportation from the CNMI under 8 U.S.C. § 1253(a)(1)(C), which covers actions that prevent or hamper removal.

GOVERNOR David M. Apatang and other CNMI officials on Monday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the One Stop Business Permitting Center on Capital Hill.