AGP Executive Report

Pacific Sports Roundup: Oceania athletes turned heads at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, with Northern Marianas represented among the region’s small but proud delegations. Power Update: CUC crews are continuing Saipan restoration work today, listing feeder and lateral areas plus safety steps for customers on generator or solar power. Local Scholarships for Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is accepting 2027–2028 applications for fishery capacity-building scholarships for students with strong ties to CNMI and other U.S. Pacific territories. Arts & Culture in Tourism: The CNMI Arts Council is being moved under the Marianas Visitors Authority, aiming to better link cultural heritage with tourism while sorting out grant and vendor payment issues. Elections Watch: The Commonwealth Election Commission certified 72 of 75 candidates for the 2026 general election, with three still not cleared for different reasons. Saipan Dining: NOAH Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, bringing a chef-driven multi-course Japanese experience with local seafood front and center. Tennis Spotlight: Saipan’s Carol Lee captured her first WTA title in Warsaw, Poland, beating Gabriela Knutson 6-4, 7-5. Business Support: CNMI SBDC and SBA wrapped up disaster recovery loan workshops, helping small businesses navigate applications and resilience planning.

Power Restoration: CUC crews kept restoring Saipan’s grid today, Aug. 12, with transformer work and line/service drop installations across multiple feeders and laterals, and reminded customers on solar or generators to switch off main breakers during energization. Local Scholarships for Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened 2027–2028 scholarship applications for up to three biology or marine-science students with strong ties to CNMI, supporting tuition, fees, and some living expenses. Arts & Culture + Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority is set to take over the CNMI Arts Council after an executive order, aiming to better link cultural heritage with tourism while sorting out federal grant transitions and payments. Elections Update: The Commonwealth Election Commission certified 72 of 75 candidates for the 2026 general election, with three left out over petition, challenge, or qualification issues. New Dining Spot: Noah Omakase soft-opened in Chalan Kanoa, bringing a chef-driven Japanese omakase experience that highlights local seafood. Sports Spotlight: Saipan tennis star Carol Lee captured her first WTA title in Warsaw, winning the championship match 6-4, 7-5. Business Resilience: CNMI SBDC and SBA wrapped a four-part disaster recovery workshop series, guiding small businesses through disaster loans and application documentation. International Wayfinding Loss: A presidential proclamation from Palau honors Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, a key keeper of traditional wayfinding knowledge.

Tennis Spotlight: Saipan’s Carol Lee just won her first WTA title at the Warsaw T-Mobile Polish Open, beating Gabriela Knutson 6-4, 7-5, and saying she carries “home” with her wherever she plays. Arts & Entertainment: Opera drama “Maya Butterfly” is underway, starring Jessica Reynolds and Charlotte Rampling, with filming planned at the National Opera House in Wexford and Belfast. New Dining in Saipan: NOAH Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, offering a chef-driven multicourse counter experience with local seafood options. Local Power Updates: CUC crews continue restoration work across multiple Saipan feeder laterals and laterals, with safety reminders for customers on generator/solar systems to switch off main breakers during energization. Elections Watch: The CNMI Election Commission certified 72 of 75 candidates for the 2026 general election, with three still not cleared for specific reasons. Arts Funding Shift: The Arts Council is moving under the Marianas Visitors Authority, aiming to better connect cultural work with tourism while sorting out grant and payment issues. Wayfinding Legacy: Palau honors late Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur with a presidential proclamation recognizing traditional wayfinding. Business Grants: CNMI SBDC and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant program, offering up to five $5,000 awards plus required Smart Money Seminar training.

Drug Pricing Fallout: Nevada’s AG Ford and a 43-state coalition announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition; if approved, total payments could reach about $469M, with reforms and consumer restitution later. Local Elections: The CNMI Election Commission certified 72 of 75 candidates for the 2026 general election; three were left out after signature, challenge, and residency-qualification issues. Tennis Spotlight: Saipan’s Carol Lee won her first WTA title at the Warsaw T-Mobile Polish Open, beating Gabriela Knutson 6-4, 7-5. Arts & Culture/Travel: The Marianas Visitors Authority is taking over the Arts Council via an executive order, aiming to better link CNMI culture with tourism while sorting grant and payment handoffs. New Dining: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, bringing a chef-driven Japanese counter experience with local seafood. Sports Tourism Push: MVA says sports events can boost hotels, food, transport, and global visibility—while NMSA points to facility upgrades at Oleai as the base for bigger competitions. Power Update: CUC crews continue restoration work across Saipan; customers on solar/generators are urged to switch off main breakers during energization.

Election & Community Values: A new op-ed argues that no party, candidate, family, or administration “owns” the CNMI—urging voters to treat ballots as personal choices and democracy as something to respect. STEM & Youth Achievement: Two CNMI-linked stories highlight 17-year-old finalists in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search—Ryka Chopra using AI and game theory to model Arctic ice conservation, and Rohan Arni using deep learning to classify fast radio bursts with 98% accuracy. Sports for Tourism: The Northern Marianas Sports Association renews its school-year partnership with the Public School System, while MVA doubles down on sports tourism and local leaders point to upgraded facilities like Oleai as the path to more international events. Culture & Education Exchange: Northern Marianas College’s Marianas Education Tourism Program welcomed an inaugural Japanese cohort for English and cultural exchange through dance and community performances. Travel & Recovery Updates: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed, and CUC restoration work continues across multiple Saipan feeder and lateral lines as crews energize areas. Local Business Support: The CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii continue the “I Kinometi Para I Kuminidat I Isla-ta” revitalization grant program for small businesses, including Smart Money Seminar training. Arts & Commemoration: Micronesia Mall will host a toy-timber Twin Towers replica for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe.

Sports & Youth: Acting Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che and PSS Athletics Program Director Nick Gross renewed their partnership with the Northern Marianas Sports Association and eight sports federations, keeping student access to sports front and center. Sports Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority is leaning harder into sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgrades at the Oleai Sports Complex as the key to landing bigger regional events and training camps. Arts & Culture: The 80th Liberation Day festivities are back on the calendar for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, with cultural performances, live entertainment, food and vendors, and a parade on Aug. 22. Community Grants: CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii continue the “I Kinometi Para I Kuminidat I Isla-ta” Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant, offering up to five $5,000 awards plus required Smart Money Seminar training. Travel: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2, reconnecting Japan with the Marianas after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions. Power Update: CUC crews continue restoration across multiple Saipan feeder and lateral areas, with safety reminders for customers on generator/solar systems.

Sports & Community Spotlight: Saipan-born tennis player Carol Young Suh Lee kept rolling at the Warsaw Open, knocking off the top seed and advancing to the quarterfinals. Tourism & Culture: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2, and NMC launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program with a Japanese breakdance cohort on Saipan. Local Grants for Small Business: The CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii are back with up to five $5,000 revitalization grants, with mandatory “Smart Money” seminars in August. Sports Tourism Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority is betting on sports events to drive hotel stays and spending, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex. Major Event Update: Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, with performances and a parade. Power & Recovery: CUC crews continue restoration work across Saipan’s feeder and lateral lines, with possible schedule changes due to weather.

Arts & Community: Tower for Humanity is bringing a 25-foot toy-timber replica of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers to Micronesia Mall, with construction starting Aug. 29 and finishing Sept. 9 for the 9/11 anniversary. Local Business: Northern Marianas College’s CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the “I Kinometi Para I Kuminidat I Isla-ta” Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant, offering up to five $5,000 awards plus mandatory Smart Money Seminar training. Education & Culture Exchange: NMC’s Center for Training and Innovation launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program, welcoming a first Japanese cohort for English learning and breakdance-led cultural activities on Saipan. Travel & Entertainment: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2, and Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is rolling out August dining and staycation promos. Sports Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority is leaning into sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex to attract international events. Liberation Day: The 80th Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, with performances, vendors, and a parade on Aug. 22. Power Update: CUC crews continue restoration work across multiple Saipan feeder and lateral areas, with schedules subject to weather.

Arts & Community: Tower for Humanity is bringing a 25-foot toy-timber replica of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers to Micronesia Mall, with construction starting Aug. 29 and finishing by Sept. 9 for the 9/11 anniversary. Local Business: The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network, with Bank of Hawaii, is continuing its “I Kinometi Para I Kuminidat I Isla-ta” revitalization grant program, offering up to five $5,000 awards plus mandatory Smart Money Seminar training. Education & Culture Exchange: Northern Marianas College launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program, welcoming an inaugural Japanese cohort for English learning and cultural performances tied to local dance groups. Travel & Entertainment: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights have resumed (three weekly flights), and Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is rolling out August dining and staycation specials. Sports Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority is pushing sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex to attract international events. Liberation Day: The 80th Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, with performances, food vendors, and a parade on Aug. 22.

Small Business Grants: The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network, hosted by Northern Marianas College, is continuing its 5th-year partnership with Bank of Hawaii for up to five $5,000 “Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant” awards, with mandatory Smart Money Seminar training on Aug. 19 and 20. Education & Culture Exchange: NMC’s Center for Training and Innovation launched its inaugural Marianas Education Tourism Program on Saipan, welcoming a Japanese breakdance cohort for English and cultural exchange, with local performance partners and champion dancer Shintaro Yuya. Tourism & Travel: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2 (three weekly flights), reconnecting Japan with the Marianas after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, while MVA also pushes sports tourism as a growth engine. Sports & Community Events: The Northern Marianas Sports Association highlights upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex to attract international competitions and training camps, and the 80th Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe. Power Update: CUC crews continue restoration work across Saipan with transformer and line installations, and customers on solar/generator systems are urged to switch off main breakers during energization.

Sports Tourism Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority is leaning harder into sports tourism to drive hotel stays, dining, transport, and social-media buzz as the islands rebuild their visitor economy. Facilities Upgrade: The Northern Marianas Sports Association says upgraded venues—centered on continued improvements at the Oleai Sports Complex—are key to landing higher-level regional and international competitions and training camps. Travel Connections: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights are back with three weekly flights, and Jeju Air is extending Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027, signaling steady demand from South Korea. Community & Culture: The 80th Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, with performances, vendors, and a parade on Aug. 22. Power & Recovery: CUC restoration work continues across multiple Saipan feeders and laterals, with safety reminders for customers on solar or generators. Health & Food: A local cardiologist warns of rising childhood obesity and diabetes tied to increased sugar consumption and modern food marketing. Local Tennis: Saipan-born Carol Young Suh Lee upset the top seed at the Warsaw Open and advanced to the quarterfinals.

CNMI Politics & Economy: A resident lays out a “Deep Blue Economy” “New Deal” built around federal mining Territorial Parity, plus Port of Saipan & Tinian modernization and telecom resilience funding. Campaign Trail: Republican lieutenant governor candidate Benjamin Jones Jr. tells the Saipan Chamber forum he’ll focus on tourism recovery, investor recruitment, and rebuilding the economy—while former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres officially pushes his comeback bid. Power & Recovery: CUC crews continue restoration work across multiple Saipan feeder and Kiya laterals, with safety reminders for customers on solar/generators; on Rota, USACE says it has completed more than half of requested temporary generator installs after Super Typhoon Bavi. Travel & Tourism: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resume, and Jeju Air extends Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027; MVA also doubles down on sports tourism, while upgraded Oleai facilities aim to bring more international competitions. Community & Culture: Private schools welcome students back with optimism despite typhoon recovery, and the 80th Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 in Susupe. Health & Lifestyle: A local practitioner urges easier access to healthier choices as childhood obesity and diabetes concerns grow.

Direct Tokyo flights resume: Marianas Visitors Authority says nonstop service between Tokyo and Saipan is back with three weekly flights, reconnecting Japan with the Marianas after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions and boosting demand for culture, history, wellness, and less-crowded travel. Tourism & dining: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan rolls out August staycation perks and new menu favorites, including Pad Thai and a coconut bliss cheesecake, plus family “Kids Eat FREE” offers. Power restoration (Saipan): CUC crews continue restoration work across multiple feeder and Kiya laterals, with possible schedule changes due to weather and a reminder for customers on generator/solar setups to switch off main breakers before energization. Private schools reopen: Saipan private schools welcomed students back with optimism and resilience after typhoon recovery repairs, while noting some ongoing facility work. Sports tourism push: The Northern Marianas Sports Association highlights upgraded facilities like the Oleai Sports Complex as a path to bigger international competitions and training camps. Liberation Day plans: The 80th Liberation Day Festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, featuring cultural performances, local entertainment, food and vendor booths, and an Aug. 22 parade. Weather watch: Officials warn the Marianas to prepare for an extended typhoon season driven by strong El Niño conditions.

Power Restoration in Saipan: CUC crews are continuing restoration work today across multiple Saipan feeders and laterals, including transformer installation, energization, and service drop work, with schedules possibly shifting due to inclement weather; customers on generator/solar are urged to switch off main circuit breakers during energization. Private Schools Reopen After Typhoon Recovery: Leaders from Saipan International School, Mount Carmel School, and Grace Christian Academy say the new academic year opened with optimism as repairs continue following Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Daylight Saving Time Push: A bill to make daylight saving time permanent has moved to the Senate after House passage, with Trump urging lawmakers to back it. Marianas Tourism via Sports: The Marianas Visitors Authority is leaning harder into sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex to attract international events and training camps. Liberation Day Returns: The 80th Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, featuring cultural performances, live entertainment, food and vendor booths, and a parade on Aug. 22. Typhoon Season Warning: Officials warn the region to prepare for an extended 2026 tropical cyclone season tied to strong El Niño conditions. GEDA Arts & Media Grants: Guam Economic Development Authority awardees are using community contributions funding to build media and arts projects across the region.

Sports Tourism Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority is leaning harder into sports tourism to drive hotel stays, dining, transport, retail spending, and global exposure, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgrades at the Oleai Sports Complex as the key to landing bigger regional and international events. Liberation Day Festivities: The 80th Liberation Day celebration returns after Typhoon Bavi delays, set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, with cultural performances, live entertainment, vendors, and an Aug. 22 parade. Arts & Community Media: GEDA grant recipients are using media and the arts to connect communities, including Inspire Marianas’ plan for a video series spotlighting local businesses and creators. Tourism Airlift Update: Jeju Air will extend Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027, a boost MVA says signals continued demand from South Korea. Health & Food: A local cardiologist warns of rising childhood obesity and diabetes tied to increased sugar consumption and modern food marketing. Weather Readiness: Officials are urging Marianas businesses and leaders to prepare for an extended typhoon season into late 2026.

Marianas Tourism & Sports Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority is leaning harder into sports tourism to boost hotel stays, dining, transport, retail, and global visibility, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded facilities like the Oleai Sports Complex as the key to landing bigger regional and international events and training camps. Liberation Day Returns: The 80th Liberation Day festivities are set for Aug. 21–22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, with cultural performances, live entertainment, food and vendor booths, and an Aug. 22 parade plus float prizes. Storm Season Warning: After Super Typhoon Bavi, officials are urging Marianas businesses and leaders to prepare for a prolonged tropical cyclone season tied to a strong El Niño pattern. Rota Power Recovery: US Army Corps of Engineers says it has completed more than half of requested temporary generator installs on Rota, targeting key facilities to restore essential services. Arts & Media Grants: GEDA awarded 17 community projects, including Inspire Marianas’ media storytelling video series featuring local creators and businesses. Local Power Update: CUC crews continue restoration work on Saipan with feeder and lateral repairs, with safety guidance for customers on generator/solar setups. Entertainment/Community Calendar: Jeju Air extends Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027, supporting travel demand for the islands’ events and experiences.