Coast Guard Shifts to Environmental Recovery as CNMI Ports Reopen; Five Vessels Need Follow-Up After Pollution Review
SAIPAN — The U.S. Coast Guard shifted its focus Monday from storm response to environmental recovery and marine safety following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, deploying pollution response teams to Saipan and resuming aids to navigation restoration across the region as ports progressively reopen.
Saipan Woman Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison for Wire Fraud
SAIPAN — A Saipan woman who befriended elderly women and defrauded them of nearly $770,000 through a scheme involving false claims of wealth, Bitcoin investments and forged court documents was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison last week, United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson announced.
PSS Staff to Return Thursday for Campus Cleanup; Student Return Date Still Pending Safety Review
SAIPAN — The CNMI Public School System will bring staff back to campuses Thursday, April 30, to begin cleanup and prepare for deep cleaning services following damage assessments across all schools, the Office of the Commissioner of Education announced Monday.
Multinational Search for MV Mariana Crew Enters Day 12; Islands from Farallon de Pajaros to Anatahan Searched by Air
SAIPAN — A multinational search involving the United States, Japan and New Zealand continued Sunday for five missing crew members of the cargo vessel Mariana, with aerial teams conducting overflights of ten islands in the Northern Marianas chain after more than 85 hours of operations covering over 127,900 square nautical miles — an area roughly the size of California.
NWS Meteorologist: No Storm Forming Yet, But Something Could Develop Next Week — Stay Focused on Recovery
SAIPAN — The National Weather Service’s meteorologist-in-charge for Guam is urging Marianas residents not to panic over social media posts about a potential tropical system next week, saying there is currently no organized disturbance being tracked and considerable uncertainty remains about whether anything will develop or where it might go.
Governor, King-Hinds and Federal Officials Tour Sinlaku Damage Sites Monday
SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang, Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds and a delegation of federal officials toured Sinlaku damage sites across Saipan Monday, conducting firsthand assessments of schools, shelters, water operations and the hospital as recovery enters its 12th day.
NWS: Tropical System May Threaten Marianas Region Next Week; Considerable Uncertainty Remains
SAIPAN — The National Weather Service in Guam is tracking a potential tropical circulation forming in Eastern Micronesia over the next several days that could affect portions of the region during the May 3 to 6 time frame, as the CNMI continues recovery operations from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Mayor’s Office Disaster Tent Program Now Open; Accommodations Available for Elderly and Special Needs
SAIPAN — The Saipan Mayor’s Office Disaster Tent Program is accepting applications Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2799 Teer Drive Suite A, with accommodations available for Man Amko’ and individuals with special needs.
CNMI Senate Calls Third Special Session for May 1; Agenda Includes Customs Division, Labor Relations, Tourism Recovery Funds
SAIPAN — The Senate of the Twenty-Fourth Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature will convene its Third Special Session on Friday, May 1, at 11 a.m. in the Senate Chamber at the Vice Speaker Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building on Capitol Hill, Senate President Karl R. King-Nabors announced Monday.
Bank of Guam Saipan and Tinian Branches Open With Limited Hours; Tinian ATM Down
SAIPAN — Bank of Guam’s Saipan and Tinian branches are open and handling all transactions under limited hours following Typhoon Sinlaku, while the Tinian ATM remains out of service until further notice.