Typhoon Sinlaku

With the Coast Guard refusing live testimony in the MV Mariana probate hearings, attorney Andrés Ojeda Morales is asking the court to permit the release of certified records — but only under strict conditions demanded by federal officials.

The flight arrived from Hong Kong to Saipan with 156 passengers aboard the 162-seat aircraft, representing an approximate 96% load factor.

The eight trucks arrived on a barge at the Port Authority of Guam on Tuesday night after the 12-hour trip from Saipan.

Facing mounting recovery costs and the loss of anticipated FEMA advance funding, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Kevin Watson is calling on residents to lobby House lawmakers to approve a $40 million line of credit he describes as essential to keeping restoration work moving forward.

Speaking from Rota during a Wednesday phone interview, Sen. Donald Manglona said Typhoon Bavi delivered some of the island’s worst damage in a decade, knocking out water service and destroying up to half of its power poles.

Federal Coordinating Officer Andrew Grant said Saturday that FEMA is mobilizing “in full force” ahead of Bavi, using lessons from Typhoon Sinlaku to accelerate the CNMI’s federal response.

FEMA is reviewing the CNMI’s $10.1 million request for Disaster Unemployment Assistance after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Del. Kimberlyn King‑Hinds said Friday.

Jeju Air has committed to four flights a week until Oct. 25, with daily flights during peak periods.

With homeowners absorbing most of Sinlaku’s damage, SBA disaster‑loan approvals have climbed past $10 million, according to figures released Tuesday.

As SBA loan approvals reach $9 million, the agency is adjusting hours at its Capitol Hill recovery center to better serve businesses and residents seeking in‑person help.