Stories by Mark Rabago
News
Northern Marianas badminton receives recognition from governing body
The Northern Marianas Badminton Association won Badminton World Federation's BWF Member Association Participation Award during the recent 3rd Annual Member Association Awards held in Chengdu, China.
CNMI legislature beefing up security following rock-throwing incident
The Northern Mariana's Legislature is implementing a security enhancement plan following a vandalism incident at the office of Senator Celina Babauta last year.
'A stain on our country': Call to leave Supreme Court rulings in the past
The Insular Cases are a series of US Supreme Court opinions on US territories, including the Northern Marianas, Guam and American Samoa.
Fire warnings amidst Marianas drought
The National Weather Service said extreme to exceptional drought persists across the Marianas, Yap State and the northern Marshall Islands.
Northern Marianas generates 34,000 tonnes of waste annually
The CNMI on average generates around 34,000 tonnes of waste per year. Of that total, around 6 000 tons - or almost one-fifth of the CNMI's waste - is plastic waste.
Northern Marianas joins alliance to 'transition to clean energy'
The US territory has signed a Blue Planet Climate Agreement, a document declaring its intention to commit itself on the path to a 100 percent renewable-energy future.
Better broadband on the way for the Marianas
Two cables, named Proa and Taihei, are to improve digital connectivity between the United States and Japan.
Indigenous rights activist burns CNMI flag in protest
A man on Saipan has burned the CNMI flag in protest, saying that it does not truly represent Indigenous people of the CNMI.
CNMI: Memorial for Navajo code talkers and Saipan scouts
A memorial court of honour for the Navajo code talkers and the Marianas' marine scouts will soon be erected on Saipan in the Northern Marianas.
Northern Marianas' only hospital targeted by cyberattack
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation said these attacks have targeted hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, compromising patient information.
Asiana Airlines halts regular flights to Saipan
Asiana Airlines has replaced its regular flights from Incheon to Saipan with a charter schedule, citing low demand and the recent increase in the airport usage fees.
Northern Marianas appeals US govt for improved air travel
Governor Arnold Palacios is appealing to the US federal government to give the CNMI designation to become part of the Essential Air Service community.
Exercise Cope North 2024: US and allies taking Pacific threats seriously
The United States and its allies are taking perceived threats from China and North Korea seriously in the Asia-Pacific region with its largest multinational military exercise to date.
Saipan cyclists welcome bike lanes along main highway
Mariana Islands Cycling Federation president Vince Seman said wider bike lanes is welcome news to the island's growing cycling community.
Gusty winds may lead to 'fire concerns' in CNMI - weather office
The Marianas is expected to see an increase in gusty trade winds throughout the week, which could lead to a rapid spread of fires.
Northern Marianas tourist arrivals climb
Visitor arrivals to the CNMI grew to 23,840 tourists in January 2024, compared to 12,436 visitors received in January 2023, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority.
CNMI's Edwin Propst to run for US Congress
The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas House of Representatives floor leader Edwin Propst has announced his intent to run as the territory's delegate in US Congress.
Animal cruelty concerns after incidents of 'dogs being shot', dead turtle
A spate of animal abuse incidents recently occurred on Saipan following the shooting of four dogs with two succumbing to their injuries and a sea turtle being impaled in separate incidents.
New program to lure Chinese tourists to CNMI
The Northern Marianas will now have a new visa program to attract tourists from China following a decision by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Northern Marianas delegate to US Congress announces retirement
The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI) first and only delegate to the US Congress has announced his retirement.
Homicide and water death in Northern Marianas
Northern Marianas police have reported a murder and a water death in the first few days of 2024.
Revised tropical tuna conservation deal a loss to Pacific territories, CNMI says
The CNMI head of delegation to WCPFC meeting said the revised tropical tuna Conservation and Management Measure for 2024 through 2026 is a loss to Pacific territories.
Only hospital in CNMI to lose as much as 30 nurses
The Northern Marianas' Commonwealth Health Centre may temporarily lose up to 30 nurses in the next six-to-eight months due to working visa rules.
'Reliable and affordable': Northern Marianas aims to provide free internet
The CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office has set a goal to make broadband service costs free of charge for residents in an effort to make it even more accessible under its five-year action…
CNMI to use 2023 Pacific Games as inspiration
The CNMI delegation to the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands exceeded expectations and the head of the islands' sports body wants to use it as inspiration for future competitions.