CEDA takes CNMI investment pitch to Southeast Asia, Philippine trade mission in the works
SAIPAN — At a time when the CNMI seems to have its proverbial back against the ropes, the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority traveled to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines last month as part of the SelectUSA ASEAN Roadshow, promoting the CNMI as a U.S. investment destination and returning with a group of Philippine investors already planning a trade mission to the Commonwealth.
Mendiola announces he will not seek election in November, cites pending court matter
SAIPAN — Lieutenant Governor Dennis James C. Mendiola announced Monday that he will not seek any candidacy in the November 2026 election, citing the need to focus on defending himself in a matter pending before the Superior Court while continuing to fulfill his duties in office.
Domestic violence coalition raises concerns over Macaranas reinstatement
SAIPAN — The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence issued a statement Friday expressing concern over the reinstatement of DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, following sexual harassment complaints that emerged after he was removed from the position last month.
DPS to begin charging fees for non-essential services starting Sunday
SAIPAN — The Department of Public Safety will begin charging fees for a range of services it considers outside its core law enforcement responsibilities beginning this Sunday, March 8, under authority granted by Public Law 14-77.
Op-Ed: The CNMI Must Organize Now on Deep Sea Mining
Recent reporting highlighted by Angelo Villagomez of the Center for American Progress and published in the Guam Daily Post should concern everyone in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Macaranas Reinstated as DPS Commissioner, Fired During Governor’s D.C. Trip
SAIPAN — Police Commissioner Anthony Macaranas has been reinstated to his position at the Department of Public Safety. Macaranas was reinstated Thursday morning, days after Acting Governor Dennis Mendiola fired him while Governor David Apatang was in Washington, D.C. on a federal engagement trip.
This Week on NMI News Service: March 2-5, 2026
It was a week dominated by federal engagement, legal battles, and community milestones across the Marianas and Guam, with developments moving simultaneously in Washington, D.C., Taipei, Hagåtña, and Saipan.
CNMI Visa Waiver Program Surfaces in Congressional Hearing as Noem Confirms Meeting With Governor Apatang
WASHINGTON — The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program came under renewed scrutiny Wednesday during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed she had recently met with the CNMI governor, acknowledged the islands want the program restored, but said compliance with security concerns would need to come first.
Marianas High School Claims ISL Girls Soccer Championship
SAIPAN — Marianas High School is the Interscholastic Soccer League High School Girls Division champion for school year 2025-26, capping a season the league described as filled with determination, teamwork, and standout playoff performances.
Moylan and King-Hinds Introduce Bill to Raise SBA Loan Guarantees for Territorial Small Businesses
WASHINGTON — Congressman James Moylan and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds have introduced H.R. 7229, the Territorial SBA Loan Guaranty Adjustment Act of 2026, legislation that would increase federal backing for certain Small Business Administration loans issued to businesses in U.S. territories.
