Defending champion Saipan International School Lady Geckos (SIS1) outlasted Marianas High School Lady Dolphins (MHS1) and remained the only undefeated team left in the eight-team varsity division of the Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization girls volleyball season.....full story

Today marks the 62nd Republic Day of India, after its Constitution finally took effect in 1950. The day also marks the self-rule independence declaration of 1930, though India's Independence Day from England is celebrated on Aug. 15, after its independence from the British Empire in 1947.....full story

On Dec. 21, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mary Louise O. DeLeon Guerrero wed Air Force 1st Lt. Johnathon E. McCashland in an intimate family ceremony.....full story

Bank of Guam is opening its new Mangilao Branch on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. Located in the Mangilao Payless complex, the branch site has places for 80 vehicles. It is outfitted with LED lighting, high efficiency air-conditioning, and insulated walls. The parking lot lights are solar-powered.....full story

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is proposing to allow existing hotels and golf courses to acquire through fee simple the public lands they are currently leasing from the CNMI government within 180 days after voters approve of such a move-a proposal that some lawmakers said is “bold” and needs careful consideration. ....full story

The NMI Retirement Fund board of trustees has approved a new contract for its investment consultant, Wilshire Associates, with an expanded service but at a reduced price. From the previous service fee of about $195,000 a year, Wilshire will now be paid at a lower $165,000. ....full story

An ex-convict's long list of pending and prior court cases may prompt the Superior Court to bring in an attorney from Guam because all his cases have conflicted out all on-island attorneys. ....full story

John H. Davis Jr. yesterday removed Senate President Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota) and House Speaker Eliceo D. Cabrera (R-Saipan) from his lawsuit that seeks to allow U.S. citizens who are not of NMI descent to vote on any issues relating to Article 12.....full story

• 2012 MMAC Committee gearing up for 10th anniversary
• Commerce has new deputy chief, statistics director
• NMC notes increase in full-time enrollment