CSC warns Governor: austerity directive risks law violations without fixes
SAIPAN – As the administration and Legislature work toward a revised budget, and how any austerity measures will hit government employees, the Civil Service Commission has weighed in to warn Governor David M. Apatang that Directive 2026-008, the administration’s austerity plan, conflicts with CNMI and federal law in several areas and could trigger grievances, back pay, penalties, and due-process challenges unless corrected. In an Oct. 10 letter (OUT-2025-003) signed by CSC Chair Raymond M. Muña, the Commission says multiple sections of the directive require legal and procedural changes to comply with statutes, regulations, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
DPS: Charleston Aiken arrested; warrant issued after separate incidents in Chalan Kanoa
SAIPAN – Charleston Aiken is being held on $10,000 bail after a judge issued an arrest warrant Wednesday morning for Disturbing the Peace and Assault & Battery, according to the Department of Public Safety. Aiken was served the warrant at 10:38 a.m. at the Department of Corrections, where he is detained following a separate arrest on Oct. 21 connected to another disturbance and assault-and-battery case reported behind Shany Poker in Chalan Kanoa.
