CNMI

Federal officials say the CNMI must keep pace with fast‑changing biosecurity threats as the Commonwealth works to update its laws and strengthen its defenses against invasive species.

NMI hosts its first biosecurity forum, uniting agencies and global experts to tackle invasive species and emerging threats.

A federal judge has allowed a former dishwasher’s wage‑and‑hour lawsuit against the operator of Shirley’s Coffee Shop to move forward, finding the claims sufficient to proceed and not subject to dismissal at this early stage.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is asking the CPUC to lift the cap on its Fuel Adjustment Charge and allow the rate to rise to 44 cents per kilowatt-hour, saying fuel prices have doubled and the utility cannot absorb the increase. With monthly fuel costs expected to jump from $4.2 million to more than $8.2 million, officials warn CUC faces a $4 million shortfall and could run out of cash by June.

Philippine Airlines has resumed twice‑weekly Saipan–Manila flights, a move CNMI leaders say will boost the economy by increasing visitor traffic, cargo capacity and family travel. Officials welcomed PAL’s return as the airline highlighted its focus on community ties, healthcare access, tourism growth and logistics, while exploring streamlined entry for Filipino travelers under the CNMI’s EVS-TAP program.

Public input is now being sought as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advances a sweeping proposal to designate critical habitat for 22 native plants and animals across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Three people were arrested early Saturday morning on vandalism, theft, and drug‑related charges after police interrupted an alleged fuel‑siphoning incident outside the Saipan Mayor’s Office in Susupe.

A tip to investigators led to the arrest of a corrections officer and a woman accused of attempting to smuggle methamphetamine and other contraband into the Department of Corrections facility in Susupe, Saipan, on March 24.

T’way Air is suspending its Seoul–Saipan flights from May 5 through Oct. 24, citing rising fuel costs, supply shortages, and weakened travel demand tied to the Middle East conflict.

March 24 marked the 50th anniversary of the Covenant to Establish the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States.