Paco-San Agustin: Three habits make or break public communication — be reachable, be clear, and follow through

SAIPAN — Krystal Paco-San Agustin, who recently wrapped up her tenure as communications director for Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, told NMI News Service viewers that strong public communication comes down to three habits: accessibility, managing expectations, and follow-through.
Saipan Marathon 2026 set for March 7; Northern Marianas Athletics invites Oceania federations

SAIPAN — Northern Marianas Athletics (NMA), in partnership with the Marianas Visitors Authority, has issued a formal invitation to Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) member federations to participate in the Saipan Marathon on March 7.
Lunch & Learn workshop in Saipan aims to help businesses avoid common tax and compliance pitfalls

SAIPAN — Local business owners and managers can get a practical walk-through of common tax and reporting mistakes at an upcoming Lunch & Learn workshop, “Avoiding Common Tax Pitfalls,” focused on compliance issues that can come up when operating in the CNMI with agencies including the IRS, USCIS, USDOL, and FinCEN.
Governor Apatang forms Governor’s Revenue Council, sets first meeting January 21

SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang is establishing a Governor’s Revenue Council to help develop the FY 2027 revenue forecast that will serve as the basis for the administration’s FY 2027 budget proposal, and has invited a group of government and private-sector stakeholders to participate.
OAG adopts new regulations to strengthen CNMI investigative subpoena process

SAIPAN — The CNMI Office of the Attorney General said it has adopted new regulations to create a “clear and fair process” for the use of investigative subpoenas, describing them as a key tool used to gather evidence during criminal investigations before charges are filed.
Op-Ed: CNMI Deep-Sea Mining: Regulating Onshore Support to Protect Our Islands

After hearing many perspectives, I want to share my own—one that reflects both my views and the concerns of others.
Rota SBDC completes federal contracting training, helps local businesses get procurement-ready

ROTA — The Rota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) completed a no-cost Federal Contracting Training this week at the Northern Marianas College Rota Center Computer Lab, aimed at helping local businesses prepare for government procurement opportunities.
Saipan Chamber names Docomo Pacific as gold sponsor for Business Person of the Year gala

SAIPAN — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce announced that Docomo Pacific has signed on as a Gold Sponsor for the upcoming Business Person of the Year and Board Installation Gala, providing $3,000 in sponsorship support.
Finding Andromeda 2.0 returns Friday night at American Memorial Park

SAIPAN – A public astronomy observation and outreach event entitled “Finding Andromeda 2.0: Jupiter Rising” is set for Friday, January 16, at the American Memorial Park ball field, hosted by Island Astronomy in collaboration with Tinian Astro Dad.
OPA flash report: Most CNMI agencies late on required federal audits; catch-up plan stretches into 2027

SAIPAN — The Office of the Public Auditor says the CNMI government and several autonomous agencies have been significantly late in submitting required single audit reports tied to federal funding, a pattern the office warns can trigger serious federal consequences if not corrected.