Largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific
A Chinese national has died in ICE custody in Saipan after arrest on assault charges. Authorities say death is under investigation; the incident widens scrutiny of migrant detention in blue states and international responses.
Super Typhoon Bavi has direct-hit Rota with winds over 150 mph, triggering warnings for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Officials warn of catastrophic damage and prolonged outages as the storm tracks westward toward the Philippines and Taiwan amid El Niño-linked warming.
Bavi has intensified to a Category 5 super typhoon with winds of 162 mph (260 km/h) and gusts up to 315 km/h, threatening Guam, Tinian and Rota as it roars toward the Northern Marianas. Officials warn of torrential rains, coastal flooding and potential widespread power outages.