AGP Executive Report

Storm Prep & Shelters: As Tropical Storm Bavi strengthens toward the Marianas, CNMI officials urge people in STRONG tents, damaged homes, low-lying areas, or unsafe structures to relocate early. Shelters open Friday, July 3 at 3 p.m.: Saipan (Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Koblerville Elementary), Tinian (Tinian Head Start, Tinian Elementary), Rota (Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High). Bring bedding, food, water, meds, documents, and a valid ID. Holiday Crowd Guide: For the July 4 weekend, New York’s America 250 celebrations and World Cup matchups are expected to pack streets and transit—plan for closures and big crowds. Solar Power Update: CUC says it’s targeting completion of a major solar-plus-storage project by Dec. 2027, with contract talks moving toward CPUC review. Local Sports: MHS and SSHS kicked off the boys volleyball recovery tournament with wins. Culture & Learning: JKPL wrapped up its 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” blending local history and STEAM for kids. Tourism Vision: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a conceptual plan to turn Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center.

Birthright Citizenship Debate: After the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s executive order, Trump allies renewed “birth tourism” claims, while local voices in the Marianas pointed to the Covenant’s promise of citizenship—setting up more federal fights as Republicans push new bills. CNMI Power & Infrastructure: CUC is targeting Dec. 2027 completion for a Saipan-Tinian-Rota solar-plus-storage project, while Tinian’s damaged power plant future is still undecided. Liberation Day & Community Events: Saipan will host a two-day Liberation Day celebration tied to America’s 250th, and SBA disaster recovery centers will close Friday for the holiday. Weather Watch: Invest 95W remains a concern for the Marianas as forecasts shift toward Guam and the CNMI around early July—stay alert. Arts & Culture: NIST experts are preserving America’s 250-year history with a time capsule headed for burial in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. Sports: MHS and SSHS kicked off a boys volleyball recovery tournament with wins, and CNMI Juniors opened their regional Little League run with a 14-3 victory over American Samoa.

America250 in the Marianas: The Times Square ball drop is back—eight times across U.S. time zones—starting July 3 at 10 a.m. in the Chamorro time zone covering Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with the main midnight drop in New York and the final drop at 7 a.m. July 4 in American Samoa. Storm Watch: Forecasters are tracking Invest 95W, with models increasingly pointing toward the Marianas as early as July 6–7; Guam officials say no watches or warnings are in effect, but residents are urged to stay ready. CNMI Community & Recovery: Saipan is set for a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend, while the SBA will close its Saipan Business Recovery Centers on July 3 for the holiday. Tinian Power: CUC says the future of Tinian’s damaged power plant is still undecided as federal engineers weigh repair versus replacement. Local Culture & Learning: JKPL wrapped its 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” tying literacy and STEAM to CNMI50 and America250. Entertainment & Business: A new medical oncology practice opened at Tumon Sands Plaza in Guam, and Guam’s bar/entertainment sector is feeling pressure from inflation and labor shortages.

Marianas Tourism & Culture: Saipan is set for a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and the CNMI’s 50th year under the Covenant with the U.S., with events starting Friday at the Civic Center in Susupe. Arts & Community: JKPL wrapped up its 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” bringing together kids and families for local history, paleontology, archaeology, literacy, and STEAM activities. Local Infrastructure: CUC says Tinian’s power plant future is still undecided as federal engineers weigh whether to repair or replace damaged generation equipment. Disaster Recovery: SBA Business Recovery Centers on Saipan will close Friday for the holiday, while disaster loan help continues online. Entertainment & Business: A new Guam oncology practice opened at Tumon Sands Plaza, adding to the island’s growing private-sector medical options. Sports: CNMI Junior League All-Stars opened their regional tournament in South Korea with a 14-3 win over American Samoa. Weather Watch: Invest 95W remains a concern as forecasts increasingly point toward the Marianas around the July 4 holiday period.

Tropical Weather Watch: Invest 95W is organizing near the Marshall Islands, and forecasts are now converging on a possible pass anywhere from near Guam to as far as Pagan early next week—no Guam cyclone watches or warnings yet, but officials urge island-wide preparedness. Tourism & Culture: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a concept to turn Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center, while MVA also plans a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to rebuild nature-based experiences after Sinlaku. Community & Arts: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library wrapped its 2026 “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program, bringing STEAM, local history, and hands-on learning to more than 60 kids in the first phase. Local Sports: CNMI Junior League All-Stars opened their regional run in South Korea with a 14-3, six-inning win over American Samoa. Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is seeking CPUC approval to replace about 2,500 failed water meters with ultrasonic models, citing corrosive groundwater as the cause. Public Safety: Two people were charged in separate cases for unlawful firearm discharge on Saipan without required DPS permits.

Arts & Heritage: A new museum feature spotlights CHamoru ancestral compound fishhooks and what they reveal about thousands of years of life across Låguas yan Gåni. Tourism & Culture: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a conceptual plan to turn Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center, while also pushing trail access with a Bird Island Fun Hike on June 27. Community & Learning: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library wrapped up its “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program, blending local history, paleontology, archaeology, and STEAM for kids. Public Safety & Justice: Two people were charged in separate cases for unlawful firearm discharge on Saipan without required DPS permits. Disaster Recovery: The Red Cross says it delivered $1.5M in immediate aid to nearly 2,400 Sinlaku-affected households, and Saipan’s mayor continues pressing FEMA over ongoing temporary roof leaks. Sports: CNMI Juniors opened the Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament with a 14-3 win over American Samoa. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance near the Marshall Islands was upgraded, with models still uncertain on whether it could pass near the CNMI around July 6–7.

Water & Power Update: CUC is seeking CPUC approval to replace about 2,500 failed ultrasonic water meters across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, blaming corrosive groundwater and saltwater intrusion; Infrastructure Recovery: CUC also says long-delayed power materials are arriving, with Saipan power restoration reported at 83.8% as FEMA generators phase out; Disaster Relief: SBA extended Sinlaku disaster loan physical-damage applications by 60 days to Aug. 21 for renters, homeowners, businesses and nonprofits; Public Safety: DPS reports burglary and theft cases since Sinlaku, with business establishments making up nearly half of incidents; Local Governance: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho defended asking for an AG opinion on DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas’ reinstatement, saying it’s to protect the commissioner and avoid cases being dismissed; Temporary Housing Complaints: Camacho says residents are still reporting leaks and gaps in temporary roofs installed after Sinlaku, renewing pressure on FEMA; Sports & Community: CNMI Junior League All-Stars opened their regional run in South Korea with a 14-3 win over American Samoa, while Saipan Little League’s Cubs clinched third place with an 11-3 victory over the Cobras; Tourism: MVA reports May visitor arrivals fell 82% year-over-year as flights resume, with Jeju Air and United Airlines service updates on the way.

Utilities & Recovery: CUC is asking the CPUC to approve $2.2M for 2,500 ultrasonic water meter replacements across Saipan, Tinian and Rota after corrosive groundwater and saltwater intrusion caused mechanical meters to stop measuring. Power Update: CUC says long-delayed power materials are arriving, with Saipan power restoration reported at 83.8% as transformers and poles help speed remaining repairs. Disaster Housing Watch: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho says residents are still reporting leaks and gaps in FEMA temporary roofs installed after Typhoon Sinlaku, and he’s pushing for fixes. Tourism & Travel: MVA reports May visitor arrivals fell 82% to 2,171 after flight suspensions, with Jeju Air resuming direct Seoul-Saipan service and Japan flights set to restart Aug. 2. Sports & Community: CNMI Juniors opened the Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional in South Korea with a 14-3 win over American Samoa; Saipan’s Cubs clinched third in Little League Majors; and the Summer Strong fastpitch tournament was postponed due to weather. Arts & Culture: MVA will host a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike June 27 to bring locals and visitors back to nature trails.

Media & Governance: OHA is weighing a possible purchase of Honolulu TV stations KITV and KIKU, arguing it could boost Native Hawaiian media influence—while critics warn it could tilt public policy messaging. CNMI Tourism & Recovery: Marianas Visitors Authority reports May arrivals at 2,171, down 82% year-over-year, as flights resume and Jeju Air’s Seoul–Saipan service restarts June 20. Power Restoration: Commonwealth Utilities says key power materials (transformers, poles, conductors) have started arriving, pushing Saipan’s restoration to 83.8% as FEMA generator phaseouts continue. Disaster Loans: SBA extended Sinlaku physical-damage disaster loan applications for CNMI residents to Aug. 21. Local Politics: Former Rep. Leepan Guerrero denies he’s running for Saipan mayor, despite a circulated nominating petition. Sports & Community: Saipan Little League: Cubs clinch third place with an 11-3 win over the Cobras; Summer Strong Fastpitch tournament opening games postponed due to weather. Arts & Culture: Tacoma’s Chamorro Day Festival (June 27) aims to unite the CHamoru diaspora through song, dance, and language. Military/Tech: MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to join Valiant Shield 26, with Rota as a key deployment location.

Tourism & Community Recovery: MVA says May visitor arrivals hit 2,171—an 82% drop year over year—as flights resume after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with Jeju Air restarting Seoul-Saipan service June 20 and United Airlines set to return Tokyo-Narita flights Aug. 2. Outdoor & Local Fun: Marianas Visitors Authority will host the Bird Island Trail Fun Hike June 27 to bring visitors and locals back to nature trails as access improves. Sports & Youth: Saipan’s Cubs clinched third in the 2026 Little League Majors with an 11-3 win over the Cobras, while local skaters lit up the new Capital Hill Skate Park, with Kurt Arboliras taking top honors in both Game of SKATE and Best Trick. Arts & Culture: The CHamorro Day Festival in Tacoma (June 27) aims to unite the diaspora through song, dance, and language. Local Governance & Safety: Saipan Mayor “RB” Camacho says FEMA temporary roofs after Sinlaku have leaks and gaps, and he’s pressing for fixes. Power Update: CUC reports long-delayed power materials are arriving, with Saipan power restoration at 83.8% as transformers and poles come in.

Tourism & Community Recovery: Marianas Visitors Authority reports May arrivals at 2,171, an 82% drop from last year, but flights are resuming and MVA is pushing updates and welcome messaging—plus it’s hosting a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to bring visitors and locals back to nature. Power & Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power materials are arriving, with Saipan power restoration at 83.8% and new transformers/poles expected to speed remaining repairs as FEMA generators phase out. Public Safety: DPS says burglary and theft cases since Sinlaku skew heavily toward business establishments (about 45%), urging residents and owners to secure properties and report suspicious activity. Local Politics: Former Rep. Leepan Guerrero denies he’s running for Saipan mayor, while a separate commentary questions the tone of campaign season amid ongoing disaster recovery. Sports & Culture: Saipan Little League crowns the Braves Majors champs; local skaters win at Capital Hill Skate Park’s Street Session “Volume 2”; and Saipan-born Muay Thai fighters Jesse and Roman Concepcion bring home major results from a national tournament.

Military & Tech: The U.S. Air Force says the MQ-28 Ghost Bat will join Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, with the drone operating from Rota to test human-machine teaming alongside crewed fighters. Local Tourism & Nature: The Marianas Visitors Authority is hosting a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 as flights resume and trail access gets restored after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Disaster Recovery Watch: Saipan residents are still reporting leaks and gaps in temporary roofs installed after Sinlaku, with Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho renewing pressure on FEMA for fixes. Power Update: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power materials are arriving, pushing Saipan’s restoration forward as FEMA generators are phased out. Community & Culture: Kodiak High School students won silver at a national JROTC academic bowl, while Tacoma’s Chamorro Day Festival on June 27 aims to bring the Marianas diaspora together through song, dance, and language. Sports: Saipan Little League wrapped up with the Braves defending their Majors title, and local skateboarders claimed wins at the Capital Hill Skate Park’s Street Session “Volume 2.”

World Cup on Screen: A new roundup notes how surprisingly few fictional films focus on the men’s FIFA World Cup—only about 20 since 1930—highlighting what Hollywood misses as Sports & Community: Saipan’s Cubs clinched third in Little League Majors (11-3 over the Cobras), while the Braves defended their title (7-4 over the Dodgers) and the Saipan G-Rollers earned respect at a 3×3 tournament in Guam. Disaster Recovery & Local Life: Saipan residents say temporary roof work after Typhoon Sinlaku still has leaks and gaps, renewing pressure on FEMA; meanwhile, CUC reports power restoration progress as transformers and poles arrive, and tourism numbers remain down sharply (May arrivals down 82%). Arts & Culture: Tacoma’s Chamorro Day Festival (June 27) is set to bring the diaspora together through language, song, and dance. Youth & Hobbies: Skate and billiards scenes keep moving—Capital Hill Skate Park’s Street Session “Volume 2” crowned winners, and youth 8-ball action showcased rising players.

Arts & Culture Funding: The US Regional Arts Organizations announced $3.34M in grants for “Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color,” including CNMI-relevant regional momentum for traditional arts—Lenape beadwork and Cuban social dance in Delaware were among the recipients. Sports & Community Pride: Saipan’s Capital Hill Skate Park hosted Mariana Surf and Skate League’s Street Session “Volume 2,” with Kurt Arboliras taking top honors in Game of SKATE and Best Trick. Tourism & Outdoors: Marianas Visitors Authority is clearing trails and inviting visitors to a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 as flights resume. Local Recovery Watch: Saipan’s temporary roof fixes after Typhoon Sinlaku are still drawing complaints, with residents reporting leaks and gaps and renewed calls to FEMA. Power & Daily Life: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power materials are arriving, pushing Saipan’s restoration forward as FEMA generators phase out. Sports Roundup: Saipan Little League crowned champions in multiple divisions, while youth billiards and Muay Thai standouts kept the action going across the week.

Sports & Community: The Micronesian Games Council named Kiribati host for the 2030 Micronesian Games, after CNMI withdrew its bid following Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage. Diaspora Culture: Tacoma’s Chamorro Day Festival (June 27) is set to bring CHamoru families from Guam, Saipan, Rota and Tinian together through song, dance and language. Baseball Development: Guam’s summer skills camp welcomed former Japanese pro players to coach local youth on fundamentals and confidence. Power & Recovery: CUC says key power restoration materials are arriving for Saipan and Tinian, with Saipan power restoration reported at 83.8% as FEMA generators phase out. Safety & Crime: DPS reports businesses made up about 45% of burglary/theft cases since Sinlaku, urging residents and owners to stay vigilant. Tourism: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 82% in May as flight disruptions continued, while airlines plan resumptions later this year. Weather Impact on Events: A Saipan summer fastpitch softball tournament was postponed due to tropical conditions and travel limits. Arts & Youth Recreation: Capital Hill Skate Park’s Street Session “Volume 2” crowned Kurt Arboliras in Game of SKATE and Best Trick. Military Training: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to join Valiant Shield 26, with Rota highlighted as a deployment location.

Military & Tech: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to join Valiant Shield 26, with the uncrewed aircraft expected to fly alongside crewed fighters during the big Indo-Pacific exercise running around the Marianas. Power & Recovery: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed restoration materials are arriving—transformers, poles and conductors—pushing Saipan’s power restoration to 83.8% as FEMA generators phase out. Tourism Hit: Marianas Visitors Authority reports May arrivals at 2,171, down 82% year-over-year, with Jeju Air resuming direct Seoul-Saipan flights June 20 and Japan service planned for August 2. Community & Sports: Saipan and Tinian students returned to school as summer programs began, while local skate and billiards scenes kept rolling—Capital Hill Skate Park’s Street Session “Volume 2” crowned Kurt Arboliras, and youth billiards highlighted rising talent. Arts & Culture: Wendell Pierce talks about his ongoing TV/film/theater push and starring in Othello, bringing fresh spotlight to Shakespeare work. Public Safety: DPS says businesses made up nearly half of burglary and theft cases since Sinlaku, urging residents and owners to stay vigilant.