This blog post covers the key stories from KSPN2 News on March 10, 2025, including a jury verdict in a murder trial, political discussions on funding, a summit for emergency preparedness, and highlights from the San Marathon.
Good evening, Commonwealth! Welcome to the KSPN2 News recap for March 10, 2025. Tonight, we cover significant local stories, including a jury verdict in a murder trial, political discussions regarding funding, a summit for emergency preparedness, and exciting highlights from the San Marathon.
In a notable case, the jury has reached a verdict regarding Calvin Tagwell, a 48-year-old local man involved in a fatal altercation at Co Laundry in Kagman. The jury found Tagwell not guilty of murder but guilty of aggravated assault and battery. The incident occurred on January 6, 2024, when patrons and a security guard attempted to remove an apparently intoxicated man, Larian Cason, from the premises.
Video surveillance footage revealed that Cason swiped at Tagwell, prompting Tagwell to punch him, causing Cason to fall and hit his head on the concrete. Cason remained unresponsive for hours and died six days later. Chief prosecutor Chester Hines expressed gratitude to the jury for their service, emphasizing the importance of the verdict in sending a message about community responsibility and care.
Tagwell faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for aggravated assault, with sentencing scheduled for June 18.
In another court case, 36-year-old Jolani Tenorio appeared before Judge Joseph Kamacho seeking bail modification for multiple charges, including robbery and assault. The prosecution argued that Tenorio poses a danger to the community, leading to the denial of her request for a third-party custodian. Tenorio remains in custody, with a status conference set for April 16.
Governor Arnold Palacios addressed the ongoing political union with the United States, raising concerns about the lack of changes in appropriations and allocations over the past two decades. During discussions in Washington D.C., he emphasized the need for renewed negotiations regarding Article 7 of the Covenant, which pertains to U.S. financial assistance.
Palacios highlighted that the current annual funding of $27 million is insufficient and has not been adjusted for inflation, effectively reducing its value over time. He called for a reevaluation of the funding structure to ensure that the Commonwealth receives the support it was promised.
The CNMI recently hosted the 2025 Figu Pacifico Pacific Island Preparedness and Emergency Response (Piper) Summit at the Kensington Hotel. This biannual event gathered regional and federal partners to discuss strategies for enhancing emergency preparedness across the Pacific Islands.
Key topics included incident command systems, medical countermeasures, and resource management during emergencies. Participants from various jurisdictions shared insights and collaborated on improving response strategies, particularly in light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In sports, the 2025 San Marathon attracted over 600 runners from 17 countries, showcasing a vibrant mix of participants and unique categories. Runners donned creative costumes, including a full T-Rex suit, adding a fun twist to the event.
Runners shared their experiences, with some noting the challenges posed by the warm weather. Emergency medical teams were on standby to assist those experiencing heat-related issues. The marathon concluded with a festival featuring local food and performances, celebrating the spirit of the event.
Thank you for tuning in to KSPN2 News. We hope you found this recap informative and engaging. Stay tuned for more updates on local news, sports, and community events as we continue to bring you the latest from the Commonwealth.
