Bryan Manabat
Saipan CorrespondentBryan is a seasoned journalist based in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, reporting on regional issues for KPRG News.
He covers a wide array of topics such as local governance, court proceedings, crime, environmental policy, and tourism, focusing on their impact on the Northern Mariana Islands community.
His work often highlights the intersection of local and international interests, particularly for the CNMI's geopolitical relevance, military presence, and economic challenges in tourism and labor.
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CNMI voters overwhelmingly returned Republican Kimberlyn King-Hinds to Congress for another two-year term Tuesday, but failed to give any gubernatorial ticket or attorney general candidate the majority needed to avoid a runoff. -
With control of the governor’s office, the CNMI’s seat in Congress and legislative positions at stake, voters throughout the commonwealth are casting ballots Tuesday in the 2026 general election. -
The Marianas Visitors Authority, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and Saipan Chamber of Commerce are pushing for the reinstatement of EVS-TAP, warning the federal decision could jeopardize airline service and visitor growth at a critical time for the CNMI economy. -
The Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved a proposed $500 million solar energy project Thursday, advancing one of the largest infrastructure investments in CNMI history and setting the stage for a transition toward renewable power. -
Early voting opened Tuesday in the Commonwealth with voters turning out at polling sites on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, while election officials simultaneously prepared contingency plans for a possible runoff election in two closely watched races. -
The Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission is expected to decide Thursday whether to approve Eastern Power Solutions' multimillion-dollar solar and battery storage project, a proposal supporters say could transform the Northern Mariana Islands' energy future and reduce dependence on imported fuel. -
Warning that a prolonged disruption could further strain the Commonwealth's tourism industry, CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds said her immediate priority is securing the resumption of EVS-TAP following a federal suspension of the program. -
Northern Mariana Islands Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres announced Friday that he is stepping down from his post, closing out a tenure marked by security enhancements, rehabilitation initiatives and operational reforms within the Commonwealth's correctional system. -
Gov. David Apatang is urging the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission to promptly approve a proposed solar energy agreement between the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation and Naftan Solar LLC, saying the project would save ratepayers millions of dollars annually while reducing the CNMI's dependence on imported diesel fuel. -
Gov. David M. Apatang expressed cautious support for the nation's pursuit of critical minerals but urged federal officials to address environmental, cultural and economic concerns before moving forward with a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale offshore the Northern Mariana Islands.
