DEQ replaces older diesel equipment with cleaner tractor through EPA grant program

SAIPAN — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ) Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is enjoying some new equipment and they’re making the environment feel a little better about it, too.
King-Hinds: CNMI NAP benefits secure through fiscal year as January 30 funding deadline nears

WASHINGTON — Representative Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the CNMI’s Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) is fully funded for the rest of the federal fiscal year, and that those benefits will remain secure regardless of what happens when the current temporary federal funding expires on January 30.
Tenorio: More than 60,000 registered opposition to deep-sea mining near Marianas Trench

HAGÅTÑA, Guam — Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio thanked community leaders and nonprofit organizations after groups announced that more than 60,000 people have registered their opposition to deep-sea mining near the Marianas Trench during a webinar held Tuesday morning.
CPUC to hold business meeting January 15

The Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission will meet this Thursday, January 15 at 10 a.m. at its Susupe office in the Marianas Business Plaza. The agenda includes a CUC rate petition update, FAC reconciliation, net metering, a solar procurement filing update, and a new item on diesel fuel bids for power plants across all islands.
Board of Education to meet in Susupe Wednesday

SAIPAN — All eyes of the CNMI Public School System will be focused on Susupe tomorrow evening as the CNMI State Board of Education’s Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution and Budget will hold a meeting Wednesday, January 14 at 5 p.m. at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.
Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run to retrace historic route this Saturday

SAIPAN — Thirty runners from Japan and the Marianas will take on the Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run 81K this Saturday, January 17, retracing the historic sugarcane railway route that once crisscrossed Saipan during the Japanese administrative period in the early 1900s.
Case Involving Two DPS Officers Referred to AG’s Office for Review

SAIPAN — The case involving two Department of Public Safety officers in connection with an alleged assault of a 28-year-old man has been referred to the Attorney General’s Office, Investigation Division, for review, according to a press statement released Monday by DPS Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.
Opinion: When the Pattern Is the Story: From Casinos to the Seafloor—and the Cost of Predictability

At a certain point, reporting on the Imperial Pacific International casino saga stops being about the casino.
King-Hinds urges deeper review, longer public input on BOEM offshore minerals interest in CNMI waters

WASHINGTON, DC — CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds has filed a formal public comment urging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to slow down and more carefully structure its early-stage process examining potential commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf minerals offshore the Commonwealth.
Rotary Club of Saipan set to hold “End Polio Now” cycling challenge on January 17

SAIPAN — The Rotary Club of Saipan will hold its 3rd Annual “End Polio Now” Cycling Challenge on January 17, with check-in at 5:30 a.m. and the race starting at 6:30 a.m. at Banzai Cliff.