Federal authorities will strengthen the vetting process for Chinese tourists seeking to travel to the Northern Marianas under the visa waiver program, amid growing security concerns over the entry of travelers from the communist nation.

By Bryan Manabat Songsong, Rota—Super Typhoon Bavi delivered a second major blow to Rota’s fragile business sector this year, as several merchants were still reeling from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck the region in April. "It’s been hard, downhill,” said Juan Pan Tenorio Guerrero, acting president of the Rota Chamber of Commerce. “Sinlaku was just three months past us and we haven’t fully recovered in any economic sense." The island’s commercial community is facing im

Commonwealth Utilities Commission crew fixes a power pole knocked down by Typhoon Bavi. Photo courtesy of CUC By Pacific Island Times News Staff Saipan—President Donald J. Trump has approved the major disaster declaration for the Northern Mariana Islands, paving the way for more federal disaster assistance to boost recovery efforts in areas battered by Super Typhoon Bavi last month. The presidential declaration, which took effect on Aug. 3, unlocks the Federal Emergency Mana