Stories by Mark Rabago
News
CNMI retirees may need to pay money back
"The law that is supposedly repealing overtime pay, as well as bonuses for certain elected officials, was enacted back in 2003. However, the Settlement Fund did not collect overpayments then."
CNMI plans to house prisoners from other jurisdictions for profit
Northern Marianas' Department of Corrections wants to house inmates from other jurisdictions as its current number of prison beds far exceeds its present prison population.
Northern Marianas eyes manual counting for 5 November polls
A total of 61 candidates will vie for positions in US Congress, CNMI Senate and House of Representatives, municipal councils, and the CNMI Board of Education.
Change to drug testing law for CNMI govt jobs
A bill that essentially removes marijuana from pre-employment drug testing for government jobs has been signed into law by Northern Marianas governor.
Financial assistance, tourism, and workforce top agenda of US-CNMI talks
"We want [the United States government representatives] to come and see the challenges we face," Commonwealth of Northern Marianas' Governor Arnold Palacios says.
China missile test a cause of concern for CNMI
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands leaders are worried about China's recent missile test after a dummy warhead landed in the Pacific Ocean last week.
Two police dogs die from heat exhaustion on Saipan
The Department of Public Safety assistant chief of police said if there were criminal laws that were violated, officers may also face criminal actions.
The penny drops - police arrest alleged coin machine thieves
Northern Marianas Police have apprehended two suspects in the theft of a coin machine in Saipan last month.
CNMI tennis coach: Good chance to advance in Davis Cup
Former Pacific/Oceania Davis Cup captain Jeff Race is confident the Northern Marianas will fare well in its debut in the tennis tournament.
Airline says discrimination claim carries no weight
A Tinian inter-island carrier has been accused of discrimination by the US Customs and Border Protection after it requested a "lightweight" officer, due to aircraft weight restrictions.
Tinian in Marianas named WWII Heritage City
The recognition honours the contributions of American towns, cities, counties, and their citizens, who played a significant role in supporting the US war effort during World War II.
CNMI warned to expect 'Tropical Storm-force winds'
Emergency shelters have been set up in Guam as Tropical Depression 14W intensifies.
US court affirms ban on cockfighting in Northern Marianas
Former CNMI House rep Andrew Salas sued for the reversal of the ban and called cockfighting an important cultural and political activity throughout the islands.
CNMI group raises concern on Guam governor's nuclear stance
An indigenous advocacy group in the Northern Marianas is opposing Lou Leon Guerrero's stance on the use of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles on Guam.
$80m approved for CNMI to build out broadband
Governor Arnold Palacios said the funding "will create new opportunities in education, healthcare, and business, helping us build a more resilient and connected CNMI".
23 endangered Mariana crows released into the wild
The hand-reared birds are endemic to the Marianas and their release into the jungles of Luta last month marked an important step towards achieving a self-sustaining population.
CNMI hospital gets over $6m for 'badly needed' MRI machine
"Having an MRI on island will improve our ability to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions."
Chamorro-Samoan sprinter to fly American Samoa flag in Paris
CNMI's Filomenaleonisa Iakopo has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics where she will be running in the sprint events representing American Samoa.
Defunct CNMI airline sued for breaking antitrust law
Star Marianas has filed six counts of violations of the Sherman Act against Marianas Southern Airways, which flew away from the Northern Marianas in March 2023.
Assange lawyer: WikiLeaks founder's fight continues
Julian Assange may be back in his home country of Australia, but his fight for free speech and freedom of the press will continue, according to his lawyer Barry Pollack. Audio
Micronesian Games: Historic CNMI stint in 2024
The event wrapped up on Monday and Northern Mariana Islands has finished top in the unofficial final medal standings with 70 gold medals.
Marianas to experience some break from summer drought
The Marianas is expected to get a reprieve from brutal summer heat.
Northern Marianas leads Micronesian Games medal count
The CNMI swimming team continued to lead the charge as it added all 10 gold medals on Tuesday in the Kwajalein Pool in Kwajalein.
Census shows Marianas' economy problems
The US Census Bureau report showed that the largest decrease was in revenue, which went down 51 per cent.
Pasifika Sipoti wrap - results from the weekend
A round-up of results from weekend sports, including OFC Men's Nations Cup fixtures, Super Rugby Pacific semifinals, Micronesian Games, T20 Cricket