Despite being one of the smaller schools and teams in the 2025-2026 PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Boys Middle School Volleyball League, Agape Christian School showed that size doesn’t matter as they found their way back on top with the title after going the distance with Saipan International School on Saturday, Mar. 14, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. With just over 50 students in the whole school, ACS outlasted all schools and won their second title of the season after their first title in the elementary school division just last month. The Torchbearers had a one set advantage in the finals and needed just two more sets to clinch the championship. They took the second, 21-18, but the Geckos showed why they belonged there as they bounced back and took the third, 21-16, thanks to the hard-hitting Kanoa Owens and less mistakes by the team overall. A back-and-forth battle ensued on the court as both teams put out all the stops, with ACS trying to clinch it with the fourth, but the Geckos, led by hard Owens, Rayphand, and Quido Jambor who held it down to win by a close margin and thriller, 22-20. The final and deciding fifth set had both teams rattled, but costly mistakes got the better of the Geckos while the Torchbearers regained their composure. Timely blocks by Scott Li and well placed dinks by Jireh Fu put it away, 15-7, for their second boys middle school volleyball title. They won it for the first time in the 2024-2024 season against Francisco M. Sablan Middle School. With Li and Fu were Andy Chen, Ratul Bhuya, Benjamin Cai, Job Gong, Brian Li, and Daniel Li. The SIS team with Owens, Rayphand, and Jambor were Wilson Guo, Matt Zhu, Johnny Zhang, Jake Duenas, Carver Gross, Gabriel Walsh, Timothy Watson, and Jiaheng Zhang.

The community came out in full force to strike out child abuse in the 3rd Annual DYS Strike Out Child Abuse Softball Tournament at the Capital Hill Softball Field from Mar. 9-13. Despite the rain throughout the week, a champion was crowned on the final day—Team Bridge Capital after beating Team Blue Jays in the last game, 22-20. The Blue Jays beat the undefeated Bridge Capital, 23-14, in their fast match up, which forced the final game. Third place went to Team Warriors. Mariah Barcinas from the Child Protective Services under the Division of Youth Services said that since the first event in 2024, it has grown so much. “We are so, so proud of this initiative that we started back then. The reason for that is to continue to spread awareness of child abuse and neglect herre in the CNMI.” With the rainy weather throughout the week, Barcinas said that the teams and players all came out and brought positive vibes. “They were down to play in the mud and all of that—it was really nice. And, we all remembered the cause which is to strike out child abuse here in the CNMI.” On how the tournament went, she said that the first night on Mar. 9 was really “lit. We had a minimum of 150 people every night show up and we are just so, so proud of that because it shows us that our community cares. Shout out to Ben Ki and Island Grindz as well, they were our vendors for this year, our partner agencies, and everybody for making this event possible.” She then thanked everyone for giving them the opportunity to serve the community, protect the children, and serve families. “We want to continue to encourage everyone to call us. Call us when you need help, call us when you need us—we got you.” This year, there were 11 teams that participated.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is under-recovering the cost of fuel used to generate electricity, a situation that could eventually lead to higher power prices if not corrected, CUC chief financial officer Betty Terlaje told the board during its meeting last March 12 in the utilities company’s Dandan office. During the CUC board meeting, Terlaje said the fuel adjustment charge, or FAC, embedded in the current electricity rate is significantly below the level needed to cover current fuel costs. “Based on the methodology… we should be at 22 cents for this month, a little over 22 cents,” Terlaje said, referring to the fuel cost per kilowatt hour that should be reflected in the rate. The current Fuel Adjustment Charge is about 19 cents per kilowatt hour, meaning the utility has been under-billing customers for fuel costs for several months. “That has been accumulating,” she said, noting that the shortfall is being absorbed by CUC’s operations. “If we continue like this, it will continue to pull from operations to be able to keep up with our fuel payments,” Terlaje said.

Aging power plants, airport modernization needs, and ongoing road projects were among the infrastructure challenges highlighted during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum held last March 11 at the Kensington Hotel. Officials from the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Commonwealth Ports Authority, and Department of Public Works outlined current conditions and future plans aimed at supporting economic recovery in the CNMI. Speakers said reliable utilities, transportation infrastructure, and digital connectivity remain essential for economic growth, tourism recovery and business development across the islands. The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. said most of Saipan’s generators are decades old and increasingly difficult to maintain. CUC chief financial officer Betty Terlaje said Saipan currently has 49.5 megawatts of available generating capacity out of a designed capacity of 101 megawatts, with most units already well past their intended service life.

For former Northern Marianas residents now living in Dubai, the recent drone attacks on Iran have turned daily life into a mix of caution and continuity. From government alerts to the hum of intercepted missiles, the trio—model Zhee Frazier, events manager Enrico Cardoniga, and journalist Jojo Das—say residents are adapting while hoping for peace. “You’re constantly on your feet, you’re constantly being alert, even if you try to have a peaceful sleep, and you would get this message … to seek shelter and try to be alert,” said Zhee Frazier, originally from Rota, recalling the first night she witnessed a nearby explosion. “For the most part, everybody’s still living the normal life. Most businesses are still open. The only part that’s partially disrupted is the airspace, the airport, and other than that, everybody still tries to stay calm because of how well-protected we are.” Frazier, 32, who moved to Dubai in 2023 to pursue modeling and now aims to enter the healthcare field, described the frightening experience firsthand. “Last night … it was not really an attack, but more of the destruction, which was like 500 meters away from me, so that was really scary,” she said. Despite the tense environment, she emphasized the need for diplomacy over conflict. “War is not the answer. That’s all I can say. Our U..S leaders, this is not the answer, because a lot of people are getting affected. Those innocent lives, those people who are not aware even that there’s war happening.” Her memories of island life remain vivid despite the conflict in the Middle East.

Sentencing for Giselle Butalid and her mother, Clarissa Adlawan, in a federal fraud case tied to the CNMI Public School System was postponed last week after newly discovered information prompted the court to continue the proceedings. Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands vacated previously scheduled sentencing dates and reset the matter for May 6, 2026, to allow additional time to address the new information and update presentence reports. During the March 13, 2026, hearing, U.S. Probation officer Janet Yamashita informed the court of recently discovered information related to Adlawan’s initial green card petition and a possible marital relationship with another individual that had not been known when the final presentence investigation reports were prepared. The court directed probation to follow up on victim claims and statements from Perfectly Set and Dr. Solomon and to update the presentence report and victim impact report. Assistant U.S. attorney Eric O’Malley also told the court that the government intends to provide a manifest to Perfectly Set for verification and said a final forfeiture order will not be pursued until the matter is clarified and the parties have an opportunity to litigate the issue. Manglona noted that a victim identified as PSS was not present in court and asked whether the victims had been notified of the proceeding. Prosecutors confirmed that victims had been notified and that the government has been communicating by email with counsel for PSS. The court said it was inclined to continue the sentencing to give the government time to notify victims of its sentencing recommendation. The government also raised concerns about disclosures made by Adlawan and indicated it was prepared to present additional information through IRS special agent Dawn Wandschneider. Defense attorney Mark Scoggins said he was not prepared to address the proffered evidence during the hearing. Yamashita said information related to a “Farmhouse” construction matter had not been included in the presentence report because it was only recently provided by the government earlier this week.

When war erupts in the Middle East, energy markets and attacks on critical infrastructure often dominate conversations outside the region. But for coastal communities along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the greater concern spans far beyond oil and gas prices. It’s their safety, livelihoods, food security, and the decades-long ecological fallout that follows. As the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran escalates and casualties mount, the Persian Gulf has once again been transformed into an active warzone, specifically centered on the Strait of Hormuz, where the U.S. has struck Iranian vessels laying mines. While this narrow corridor is widely talked about as a global energy chokepoint — handling 20% of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas — it is far more than a transit point for commodities. These same waters nurture sprawling mangrove forests, fragile coral reefs, and wetlands that serve as critical ecosystems for many species and coastal communities. For those living along the south Iranian coast, in particular, “the strait is something much more personal,” said Nasir Tighsazzadeh, a doctoral student in resource and environmental management at Simon Fraser University and a fellow with Ocean Nexus. Born and raised in Isfahan, a central city in Iran, Tighsazzadeh is no stranger to Iran’s southern coast. “It is where fishers leave the harbor before sunrise, where families have earned their living for generations, and where coastal culture has long been tied to the rhythms of the sea,” he told The Confluence. When the strait is attacked, the cascading consequences come at a huge price. This article was originally published in The Confluence. Subscribe and learn more at https://theconfluence.news/p/introducing-the-confluence

After exchanging pleasantries at the start of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Forum 2026 last March 11, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and delegate candidate Galvin Deleon Guerrero later showed their differences in approaching the economic abyss the CNMI has found itself in and how to deal with the federal government. King-Hinds, who delivered the closing remarks at the Chamber’s summit, said the Commonwealth’s economic crisis stems largely from the collapse of outside spending and federal barriers affecting tourism. But Deleon Guerrero, responding afterward, said the address focused too much on assigning blame instead of presenting solutions for the CNMI’s economic challenges. Speaking at the conclusion of the forum, King-Hinds said the CNMI economy depends heavily on money coming from outside the islands, particularly visitor spending. “The CNMI economy runs on outside spending,” she said. “When that spending disappears, everything else begins to fall apart.” King-Hinds said many commonly held beliefs about the economy are incorrect, including the idea that government spending determines economic performance. “The government is not the economy,” she said. “The government can only misspend money that the economy first produces.” She also rejected the notion that the CNMI economy will recover on its own, saying past rebounds occurred because people in the community actively worked to restore economic activity. “Each time our economy recovered, it happened because people in this community recognized what was needed and fought to make it happen,” she said. While supporting long-term economic diversification efforts, King-Hinds said those initiatives would take years before they produce meaningful economic activity.

The Northern Marianas Bar Association (Bar Association) announced a new slate of officers during its Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Judiciary Assembly Hall in the Guma’ Hustisia, Iimwal Aweewe. The new officers and directors will serve a one-year term for 2026 and includes: -President: Gretchen A. Smith -Vice President: Sean E. Frink -Secretary: Rellani Ogumoro -Treasurer: Rachel Blue -Director: Carmen V. Borja -Director: Charity R. Hodson -Director: Hyun Jae Lee The Bar Association additionally has a new Executive Director, Mercilia “Iya” Teigita. (PR)

In response to a recent incident in which a student pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while using a crosswalk, Senator Corina L. Magofna is calling for enhanced safety measures at school zones across Saipan. Senator Magofna has formally requested assistance from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Public Works to install solar-powered School Zone Warning Signs at schools island-wide. The request was sent in a letter to Ray N. Yumul, Secretary of the Department of Public Works, urging the department to conduct an island-wide assessment and prioritize the installation of highly visible solar-powered warning signs in areas where students frequently cross roadways. “Protecting our students must always be a top priority,” said Senator Magofna. “When a child is struck while using a crosswalk, it reminds us that we must do more to ensure drivers slow down and remain alert in school zones. Installing solar-powered warning signs is a practical and effective way to improve safety for our children.” Solar school zone warning signs use flashing LED lights powered by solar energy to increase visibility and alert drivers when they are approaching school zones or pedestrian crossings. Because they operate independently from the electrical grid, these systems can be installed quickly and cost-effectively in locations where traditional powered infrastructure may be limited. (PR)

Isaiah Aleksenko is synonymous with swimming titles, records, and gold medals as he did it again—winning back-to-back NAIA Swimmer of the Year titles and helping Keiser University claim its seventh red banner during the NAIA Swimming and Diving Championships in Elkhart, Indiana held from Mar. 4-7. This year, along with his title, the NMI standout won seven gold medals and shattered multiple NAIA and meet records once again, including the 100 butterfly (45.21), 100 backstroke (45.70), 200 individual medley (1:44.48), 200 butterfly (1:43.37), and several relay records. Aleksenko helped set a NAIA record in the 400 freestyle relay (2:53.68), a meet record in the 400 medley relay (3:09.43), and additional records in the 200 freestyle (1:18.27) and 200 medley relays (1:25.42). “It means a lot to me and I’m very happy,” Aleksenko said of his second title in a row and multiple records and medals. “I didn’t know if I was going to win again because I was so focused on swimming and updating my PBs that I didn’t realize the opportunity was there.” The sophomore had an unforgettable meet and said his 100 fly was a personal highlight. “I updated my PB by almost a second and the time made me really happy,” he said. “The atmosphere definitely changed,” he said of the nationals compared to his freshman year. “More people, more cheering. It felt more intense, and that there was more pressure, and more teams it felt like.” When asked how his sophomore year went, he said, “It was good. It felt like it went by so fast and I didn’t realize that the school year was basically already almost over.” Read the full story by Leigh Gases on our website.

Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said she is working to educate members of Congress about the Northern Mariana Islands’ unique economic situation after 34 lawmakers sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seeking clarification on immigration programs affecting the CNMI, including the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program, or EVS-TAP. In a statement issued after the letter circulated among House members, King-Hinds said she is aware of the concerns raised by some of her colleagues about immigration policies and birth tourism tied to the islands. “The CNMI is a proud American community on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific, and our islands play an important role in advancing U.S. presence in this strategically important region,” she said. The CNMI’s economy, she noted, remains heavily dependent on tourism and requires continued access to international markets as the islands rebuild from years of economic disruption. “Our tourism-driven economy depends on responsible access to international visitors, and programs such as the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) are essential to ensuring that our islands remain economically viable while maintaining appropriate security safeguards,” King-Hinds said. The delegate added that many lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are still learning about the CNMI’s distinct circumstances within the U.S. immigration system. Read the full report by Mark Rabago on our website.

Northern Marianas College has received strong commendations from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in its 2026 Interim Report review, citing the College’s progress in leadership, planning, and data-driven decision-making. In an action letter dated March 4, 2026, WSCUC commended NMC for the continuity of presidential leadership and the clarification of governance structures, noting that these improvements strengthen institutional stability and effectiveness. The Commission also praised the completion of the College’s 2022–2025 Strategic Plan and the implementation of its facilities master plan, both of which are guiding investments in campus infrastructure and student learning environments. ​WSCUC further highlighted NMC’s implementation of a revised information technology structure and a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which enables standardized, centralized data reporting across the institution. “These commendations from WSCUC reflect the dedication of our faculty, staff, and leadership team in advancing NMC’s mission to improve lives through education,” NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, said. “We are proud of our progress and committed to addressing the recommendations as we build on this momentum for our students and the CNMI community.” Accreditation by WSCUC ensures NMC meets rigorous national standards for academic quality, faculty expertise, and student support, making the College’s degrees respected by employers and universities nationwide. It unlocks federal funding and grants, drives continuous improvement, and builds trust to attract top students and talent. For CNMI residents, it guarantees NMC delivers credible education that boosts careers and economic growth. Read the full press release on our website.

Economic diversification in the Northern Mariana Islands will require coordinated development across sectors such as sports tourism, healthcare, and new industries, speakers said during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum 2026 held last Feb. 11 at the Kensington Hotel Saipan. The forum’s second segment focused on economic diversification and was moderated by Jay Merrill, president and CEO of Market Research Development, with presentations from John Hirsh of the Northern Marianas Sports Association and Esther L. Muna, chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.. Hirsh said sports tourism has become an important contributor to the CNMI economy, particularly through regional and international competitions. “Sports and competition are nothing new here,” Hirsh said. “Not only did we host the Micronesian Games in 2006, but we also were the host for the Pacific Mini Games in 2022, which had 14 different countries from around the Pacific.” He said sporting events bring direct economic activity as visiting athletes and supporters stay in hotels and spend money locally. “These are folks that are not only participating in sports, being excited, having fun, but they're spending money, they're staying in the hotels, they're eating in the restaurants,” Hirsh said. Recent improvements to sports infrastructure have also helped position the CNMI to host more events and training camps, he added. “When the [Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium] looked like it did two years ago, there was no way to host any of these events,” Hirsh said. “When we didn't have those soccer pitches, we couldn't do it.” Hirsh also pointed to a major federal investment in the Oleai Sports Complex that could significantly expand the CNMI’s capacity to host aquatic sports. “One of the super exciting things… is that [the Economic Development Authority] has, I think it's about $21.3-million investment in the Oleai Sports Complex and the Cultural Center across the street,” he said. “This is going to allow us to basically be a game changer in terms of aquatics. We'll have a 50-meter swimming pool.” Read the full story by Mark Rabago on our website.

A Superior Court judge has found probable cause to charge former police officer Earl Marc Esmedilla Borja with assault and misconduct in public office for allegedly beating a handcuffed man last December. The preliminary hearing was held last March 11 with Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho presiding. Borja, out of custody and wearing a maroon long-sleeved shirt, was represented by attorney Janet King. The government was represented by Assistant Attorney General Heather Barcinas. During the hearing, one government witness, Ikluk T. Masayos, lead investigator for the Administrative and General Investigations Division, was sworn in and testified. Masayos explained that the case was referred to AJID by the Department of Public Safety, with the complaint originally filed by the victim’s father, following an incident on Dec. 19, 2025. The victim’s father first attempted to report the matter to DPS that evening but was directed to contact Internal Affairs. The complaint was formally taken on Dec. 22, and AJID received the referral on Jan. 7, 2026, after which Masayos began interviews. Read the full story by Mark Rabago on our website.