Apatang confirms $29M MPLT pension loan, urges emergency action on FY 2026 budget
SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang has formally notified legislative leaders that his administration has executed a $29 million pension loan with the Marianas Public Land Trust, clearing the way for his FY 2026 revised budget plan and warning of potential disruption to government health insurance if lawmakers delay action.
Apatang, Mendiola mourn passing of Senior U.S. District Court Judge Alex R. Munson
SAIPAN — Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola issued a statement expressing condolences on the passing of Senior U.S. District Court Judge Alex R. Munson, calling his death “the end of an extraordinary chapter” in the CNMI’s legal history.
President Trump says US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
AP – President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela amid mounting tensions with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Holiday Pop-Up Soup Kitchen and Food Drive Distribution set for Saturday
A Holiday Pop-Up Soup Kitchen and Food Drive Distribution will be held this Saturday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joeten/Daidai Social Hall at Mt. Carmel Cathedral. Organizers say all donations are welcome.
Alex Robert Munson September 25, 1941-December 5, 2025
SAIPAN — The man who donned a robe and wielded a gavel in for more than two decades in the Marianas has passed away, as the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands announced the death of Senior Judge Alex R. Munson, the court’s second chief judge, who died December 5, in Sandpoint, Idaho, at the age of 84.
UOG students to present capstone on procurement reform today
MANGILAO, Guam — University of Guam students will present their capstone findings on procurement reform during a public event today, hosted by UOG’s Public Administration and Legal Studies (PALS) Program.
PSS Parent Advisory Council announces Statewide Fall Parent Summit on Dec. 13
SAIPAN — The CNMI Public School System’s Parent Advisory Council announced a Statewide Fall Parent Summit set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kensington Hotel and is encouraging parents and guardians to register early because seating is limited.
Governor’s Office expresses concern over Grandvrio temporary closure, cites lowest occupancy since 1992
SAIPAN — The Office of the Governor said it is “profoundly concerned” about the temporary closure of Grandvrio Resort Saipan, scheduled for April 2026, calling it a sign of broader economic strain tied to a sustained decline in visitor arrivals.
Labor: No official notice yet from Grandvrio; Rapid Response services ready for affected workers
SAIPAN — The CNMI Department of Labor said it has not received an official notice from Grandvrio Resort Saipan regarding the hotel’s planned temporary closure, but will be reaching out as the agency prepares support services for workers who could be affected, according to Acting Labor Secretary Timothy Asaivao.
Philippines says China fired flares toward its patrol plane in the disputed South China Sea
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Chinese forces fired three flares from an island toward a Philippine plane undertaking a routine patrol Saturday in the disputed South China Sea, but the incident did not cause any problem and the aircraft proceeded with its surveillance mission, the Philippine coast guard said.
