Week in Review: CUC Accountability, Tourism Strain, and the Shadow of Iran
The week that began March 29 and closed April 4 was defined by three converging threads: a sustained public push for accountability at the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, a tourism sector showing new signs of strain, and the ripple effects of the U.S. conflict with Iran reaching island families through fuel prices and aviation disruption.
CUC warns of temporary sewer odor in Sadog Tasi, Puerto Rico on March 2
Saipan —Residents in the Sadog Tasi and Puerto Rico areas may notice odor Monday afternoon as the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation activates equipment at the Sadog Tasi Wastewater Treatment Plant.
S&P raises Guam GO debt rating to BB, assigns positive outlook
Saipan — S&P Global Ratings has raised Guam’s long-term rating on its general obligation debt one notch to BB from BB-, citing continued positive operating performance and the designation of rainy day reserves, while assigning the territory a positive outlook that signals the possibility of another upgrade within the next two years.
Labor reminds CNMI employers of notice rules for layoffs, closures
Saipan — The CNMI Department of Labor is reminding employers that businesses planning a reduction in force or closure must provide advance written notice both to the department and to affected employees under Commonwealth labor regulations.
PIC Saipan to close for month-long repairs, plans in place since November
Saipan — Pacific Islands Club Saipan will temporarily close from March 31 through April 30 for maintenance and repair work, with plans to reopen on May 1 after a month-long round of property upgrades.
Apatang says he will seek way to restore Macaranas, Cabrera after acting governor defends firings
Saipan — Governor David Mundo Apatang said Friday he was “very, very much surprised” and “very, very disappointed” by the firings of former Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas and Grants Management Director Epiphanio “Epi” Cabrera, and said he will try to find a constitutional way to return both men to their positions after Acting Governor Dennis C. Mendiola publicly defended the removals earlier in the week.
Mendiola defends Cabrera, Macaranas firings after days of questions, says complaints and leadership concerns drove move
Saipan — Lieutenant Governor Dennis C. Mendiola, who was serving as acting governor during Governor David M. Apatang’s off-island absence, sat down with NMI News Service on Wednesday and offered his first extended public explanation for the removals of Epiphanio “Epi” Cabrera and former Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, saying the decisions were driven by complaints, unresolved issues, and leadership concerns.
No statement yet from acting Governor after Macaranas firing as Governor Apatang set to return Friday
Saipan — The Apatang administration and Acting Governor Dennis Mendiola have yet to make any public comment about the sudden termination of Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas on Monday. As of this morning, Macaranas hasn’t been informed of any reason for termination, either.
On Monday morning, Mendiola said a statement would be issued later that afternoon following a proclamation signing, but no statement had been released as of Thursday, leaving the administration’s position and next steps unclear.
Governor’s Office yet to issue statement on Cabrera, Macaranas firings
Saipan — Acting Governor Dennis Mendiola briefly stopped to speak with NMI News Service in a hallway at the Governor’s Office yesterday afternoon and explained that he was unable to do an interview because he was heading into another meeting, but said his schedule was full and that he would issue a statement regarding the firings of Epiphanio “Epi” Cabrera and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.
NMTech Opens Spring 2026 Registration, Celebrates 111 Graduates
SAIPAN – NMTech, the CNMI’s only technical trade school, is now accepting registration for its Spring 2026 semester, which begins January 20, following a graduation ceremony Thursday night that saw 111 students receive certificates across multiple programs.
