Stories by Mark Rabago
News
Executive order to open marine protected areas in Pacific waters draws mixed reactions
The CNMI governor says it "would help the American Samoa tuna canneries", but one environmentalist says "local fishers may lose out to large commercial fleets". Audio
CNMI residents hold anti-Trump rally
The protest organiser said people are rallying throughout the US and around the world to protest the removal of due process under the Trump administration.
North Pacific joins in paying tributes to Pope Francis
The head of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Catholic Church said Pope Francis "challenged us to serve the most vulnerable and inspired a new era of faith".
CNMI scoops top honours at Marine Diving Awards
The US territory was recognised as the number two 'Best Overseas Diving Area' and also placed third in the 'First Overseas Destination' category.
Hotels in the CNMI now in 'survival mode'
The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands (HANMI) wants the restoration and expansion of flight services from Japan and China post-Covid pandemic recovery.
Sister of man semi-paralysed from basketbrawl on Saipan cries out for justice
Webster Taracatac, a 38-year-old salesman, sustained the traumatic injury on 21 March at the Gillette Multi-Purpose Center in the Gualo Rai settlement.
CNMI lists 29 species as endangered or threatened
The CNMI's Division of Fish and Wildlife is actively engaged in a variety of projects aimed at enhancing the recovery of these species.
CNMI Commerce: Potential upsides in Trump's proposed tariffs
The US territory's commerce secretary admits that the proposed tariffs would largely raise costs for US consumers and businesses.
How will Trump order to dismantle Dept of Education affect CNMI schools
The Northern Mariana Islands Education chief is urging students to "stay calm" amid President Trump's executive order to dismantle the US Department of Education.
'We are not seeking war with China'
The US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited Guam on Thursday and reiterated Washington's commitment to the region.
CNMI's King-Hinds meets with Trump
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands' delegate in the US House of Representatives says she looks forward to collaborating with Donald Trump and his administration.
Micronesian Air maiden flight expected next month
Micronesian Air Connection Services is expected to have its maiden flight in April, but it will not include Guam in its route as it will only initially service Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Debate on statehood takes center stage as CNMI celebrates Covenant Day
As the Northern Mariana Islands celebrates Covenant Day, its status as a commonwealth of the US is again front and center, as economic woes and China's influence looms in the region.
'Babies born positive with meth': CNMI child abuse and neglect cases rise
"When parents are stressed, a lot of things can happen in the home," US territory's Division of Youth Services diretor says.
US military, CNMI form biosecurity working group
The working group will also focus on the biosecurity facilities at the Tinian port to further improve biosecurity inspection procedures.
CNMI can earn up to $12M from untapped coco-peat industry
A privately-owned global import manufacturer of high-quality coconut materials wants to export coconut peat from the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
CNMI, Guam governors joke about reunification with the US
However, Northern Marianan Islands' leader Arnold Palacios says he is under no illusion that this would come into fruition any time soon.
Marianas Catholic leaders ask for continued prayers for Pope Francis
Diocese of Chalan Kanoa bishop-elect Romeo Convocar and Guam Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña Ryan Jimenez is asking the islands' Catholic faithful to continue to pray for Pope Francis.
CNMI agriculture census: Vegetables and melons dominate crop production
The census also revealed that there were 316 farms in the Northern Marianas in 2023, up 25% from the last census.
CNMI plans $2.7b Silicon Valley-inspired tech park
An envisioned technology hub, dubbed EUCON Silicon Valley Tech Park, is being touted as the savior of the CNMI economy, with the plan expected to create up to 10,000 new jobs.
'$1 per egg': CNMI struggles with egg shortage as prices skyrocket
The Northern Marianas Islands are facing an egg due to the spread of bird flu in the United States, sending businesses and the community into panic.
CNMI authorities say they're 'tired' of illegal rubbish dumping
Illegal dumping is not only a burden to those who have to mitigate it, but downgrades the overall environment quality of the island community, Saipan's mayor says.
CNMI eyes micronuclear energy as an alternative power source
This revelation came frrom the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation executive director last Thursday.
Luxury store to close amid Marianas economy worries
CNMI governor Arnold Palacios says there is no denying the impact the closure of Duty Free Shoppers will have at the local-level.
US congressman wants end to Chinese visa-free travel
Wisconsin lawmaker Tom tiffany wants the Homeland Security to put a stop to a Biden-era policy that allows Chinese tourists to enter the CNMI and Guam without applying for a US visa.