CNMI Leaders Warn Economic Crisis Could Undercut U.S. Indo-Pacific Presence

SAIPAN — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Gov. David M. Apatang, Senate President Karl King Nabors, and House Speaker Edmund Villagomez said they have sent joint letters to President Donald J. Trump and Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warning that accelerating economic deterioration in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands could carry direct implications for U.S. national security.

CUC smoke and dye testing set for San Antonio on January 8; road closures expected

SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation will conduct smoke and dye testing in San Antonio (Beach Road area) on Thursday, January 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as crews work to identify leaks, breaks, and other connections in CUC’s sewer system. Some roadways will be closed during the testing period so wastewater operators can access manholes. Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution, or take alternative routes.

Saipan Mayor restores Garapan Basketball Court backboard after vandalism

SAIPAN — Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Jose Blas Camacho said his office has restored the Garapan Basketball Court’s backboard after vandalism struck again, as the mayor’s office continues islandwide youth sports initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and steering youth away from drugs and crime.

Deleon Guerrero: CNMI “should not be a haven for crime” amid alleged export-control case

SAIPAN — Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero, an independent candidate for CNMI delegate to the U.S. Congress, issued a statement Tuesday denouncing alleged federal export-control violations referenced in a recently unsealed criminal complaint, saying any criminal activity tied to Saipan threatens national security and fuels negative national attention that harms the commonwealth.

Saipan tied to alleged plot to export U.S.-controlled military communications gear to China

SAIPAN — A federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Utah alleges a China-linked scheme to illegally export U.S.-controlled defense articles — including military-grade satellite modems — and identifies Saipan as a proposed in-person meeting site discussed in undercover communications, as well as the place where an arrest warrant would be executed.

NMI News Service