Local News

THE jury trial of Justin C. Diaz, 40, who is charged with second-degree sexual assault of a minor and disturbing the peace, opened Tuesday before Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo.

Samples collected from the following locations contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria or enterococci that exceeded CNMI marine water quality standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.

(Commonwealth Utilities Corporation) — There will be a scheduled power service interruption on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Commonwealth Utilities Corporation) — Dye tests and smoke tests will be conducted in Garapan (Bukiki Ave.) on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The purpose of these tests is to identify leaks, breaks, and other connections in CUC’s sewer system.

THE Department of Public Safety has filed a formal complaint with the Civil Service Commission alleging unprofessional and inappropriate conduct by former DPS Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.

THE CNMI government’s revenue collection in January exceeded projections by 19%, according to the monthly report submitted to the Legislature by Finance Secretary Tracy B. Norita.

LARISSA Sablan Flores and Eloida Dela Cruz Macaranas will seek a jury trial on the misconduct-in-public-office charges filed against them.

COMMUNITY volunteer and environmental advocate Max Aguon is urging residents to stop dumping household items at the Paupau Beach trash bin and to dispose of their trash properly.

A CHALAN Piao resident is calling on public and elected officials to repair the roads leading to their homes.

SAIPAN experienced its third islandwide power outage in February when an “auto‑trip” shut down the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s power system early Friday morning, leaving businesses and residents without electricity for more than two hours.