A nod to history

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.