AGP Executive Report

Disaster Recovery: Gov. David M. Apatang extended CNMI’s State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days, citing ongoing restoration needs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, including power and water work on Saipan/Tinian and continued displacement on Rota. Infrastructure Resilience: CNMI Homeland Security Advisor Clement Bermudes told a Guam conference that the islands need to harden critical systems—power, water wells, and backup generators—warning that gaps leave communities without water when the grid goes down. Local Education & Skills: Northern Marianas College finished a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program, with nine students earning CompTIA certification after storm disruptions. Sports Tourism: Saipan will host the Oceania Badminton Masters (July 29–Aug. 4), bringing visiting players and local officiating opportunities. Legal Update: A Ninth Circuit ruling says many immigrants detained in the U.S. (including Guam and CNMI) are not subject to mandatory detention, opening the door to bond hearings. Public Safety Weather Watch: Super Typhoon Dolphin remains far from the Marianas, but forecasters warn of monsoon surges, higher seas, and hazardous conditions for small craft. Community Support: Salvation Army delivered eight pallets of canned goods to Rota as residents continue recovering from Typhoon Bavi. Government & Defense: The U.S. House passed FY2027 defense bill amendments for CNMI, including a Saipan geothermal study, security risk reviews for military-support infrastructure, and more academy seats for CNMI students.

Infrastructure & Disaster Readiness: CNMI Homeland Security Advisor Clement Bermudes says Guam and CNMI aren’t hardening key systems enough, warning that without backup generators and stronger power and water infrastructure, outages can mean communities lose water and services. Education & Skills: Northern Marianas College wrapped up a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruption; nine students passed CompTIA certification. Recovery on Rota: The Salvation Army delivered eight pallets of canned goods to Rota for Super Typhoon Bavi recovery, with more distributions planned for Saipan and help for Tinian under updated damage reports. Local Government & Records: CNMI DOL says it can’t provide copies of historical umbrella permits, work histories, or LIIDS-derived employment certifications because the records were destroyed and the legacy system is permanently inoperable. Sports Tourism: Saipan will host the Oceania Badminton Masters (Crowne Plaza Oceania Masters in Paradise 2026), bringing visiting players and volunteer officiating opportunities. Weather Watch: Super Typhoon Dolphin is forecast to pass far north of the Marianas, but a monsoon surge and hazardous seas could still affect Micronesia and the Marianas. Typhoon Response Tech: FlyGuys and TerraFort say drone-and-AI damage assessments after Sinlaku cut large-scale documentation to about 10 days. Politics & Elections: Independent candidate Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero filed for CNMI delegate, while the Saipan Chamber urged members to RSVP and submit questions for a lieutenant governor forum. Courts: A judge ruled child support should be based on retirement benefits—not past wages—after finding retirement wasn’t used to avoid support. Federal Appointments: Trump nominated Gretchen Shappert as U.S. attorney for Guam and CNMI, pending Senate confirmation.

Typhoon & Marine Safety: Typhoon Dolphin is moving west to west-northwest and is expected to pass between Wake Island and the far northern Marianas, with no direct impact forecast—but forecasters warn of a monsoon surge, rising seas (8–12 feet), and possible Small Craft Advisory conditions, plus fresh to strong winds and swells into next week. Disaster Recovery & Defense: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says damage assessments after Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi are still underway, with Saipan’s power situation improving but Tinian still “bad” and Rota still without power. Local Relief: The Salvation Army delivered eight pallets of canned goods on Rota for Bavi recovery, with more distributions planned for Saipan and help for Tinian being assessed. Courts & Work Disputes: Former Commonwealth Ports Authority exec director Leo Borja Tudela is asking the federal court to deny the CPA’s motion to dismiss his age bias lawsuit. Records Access: CNMI DOL says it can’t provide copies of historical umbrella permits and related employment records because the legacy systems are no longer available. Sports Tourism: Saipan is set to host the Oceania Badminton Masters (July 29–Aug. 4), continuing the push to bring visitors and training opportunities to local players and volunteers. Community & Culture: A virtual meeting Friday will gather CHamoru input on whether a national Asian Pacific American museum should be built, with comments due soon. Business & Elections: Saipan Chamber urges members to RSVP and submit questions for an Aug. lieutenant governor forum. STEM & Health: A CNMI cardiologist is urging schools to promote ancestral foods to help fight obesity and diabetes, and APES will hold its video competition award ceremony Aug. 14 in Saipan.

Typhoon & Recovery Updates: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says power restoration is still uneven after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi—Saipan’s power situation remains tight, Tinian is still “bad” with a likely need to rebuild its power plant, and Rota remains without power as crews work to move poles, transformers and wires. Disaster Relief on Rota: The Salvation Army delivered eight pallets of mostly canned goods to Rota on July 25, with more distributions planned for Saipan and Tinian pending updated damage reports. Local Sports & Community: The Blue Jays won again in the T-Ball League, and Saipan is set to host the Oceania Badminton Masters (July 29–Aug. 4), boosting sports tourism. Work & Records: CNMI DOL says it can’t provide copies of historical umbrella permits, work histories, or employment certifications tied to the old LIIDS system. Courts & Employment: Former CPA executive director Leo Borja Tudela asks the federal court to keep his age discrimination case alive. Citizenship Politics: Rep. Morgan Griffith defended a bill aimed at limiting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, citing CNMI and Guam. Defense & Energy: The House passed the FY2027 NDAA with CNMI-focused amendments, including a Saipan geothermal study and security reviews for infrastructure tied to military operations. Weather Watch: Typhoon Dolphin is forecast to pass north of the Marianas and bring monsoon surge, higher seas, and hazardous conditions for small craft.

Citizenship Fight: The Trump administration missed the U.S. Supreme Court deadline to seek rehearing of the June 30 birthright citizenship ruling, leaving the decision in place as lawmakers push new territory-focused bills. Local Recognition: BBMR director Lester L. Carlson Jr. won a top national budget officer honor, the Gloria Timmer Award, for improving the fiscal condition of Guam and helping bring NASBO attention to CNMI. Storm Watch: Typhoon Dolphin is moving west-northwest and is not expected to directly hit the Marianas, but it could bring a monsoon surge, higher seas, and hazardous conditions for small craft. Disaster Recovery Tech: FlyGuys and TerraFort say drone-and-AI damage assessments cut post-typhoon documentation from months to about 10 days after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Defense & Energy: The House passed the FY2027 defense bill with CNMI amendments, including a Saipan geothermal study, security reviews for military-support infrastructure, and more CNMI students eligible for U.S. service academies. Power Update: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says power restoration is still ongoing after Sinlaku and Bavi, with Tinian “bad” and Rota still without power. Politics & Elections: Independent candidate Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero filed for CNMI delegate, while the Saipan Chamber is urging members to RSVP and submit questions for the lieutenant governor forum. Regional Travel Push: Guam and CNMI officials renewed efforts to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, citing both security and family connections.

STORM RECOVERY: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says damage assessments after Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi are still underway, with power restoration uneven—Saipan’s capacity has improved but Tinian remains “bad,” and Rota is still without power as crews work to get poles, transformers and wires to the island. DISASTER AID SPEED-UP: FlyGuys and TerraFort say their drone-and-AI partnership produced FEMA-ready damage assessments in about 10 days after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, covering thousands of residential structures to help recovery start sooner. ELECTION & POLITICS: Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero filed to run as an independent for CNMI delegate; the Saipan Chamber is urging members to RSVP and submit questions for a lieutenant governor candidates forum. HEALTH & FOOD: A CHC cardiologist urged a return to ancestral foods in schools to help fight obesity and diabetes. DEFENSE POLICY: The U.S. House passed the FY2027 defense bill with CNMI-focused amendments, including a Saipan geothermal study, security reviews for military-support infrastructure, and more academy slots for CNMI students. LEGAL/COURTS: A judge ruled child support should be based on retirement benefits—not past wages—when retirement is found to be in good faith. WEATHER WATCH: Typhoon Dolphin is rapidly intensifying but forecasts say it’s not expected to directly threaten the Marianas. FEDERAL APPOINTMENT: Trump nominated Gretchen C. Shappert to serve as U.S. attorney for Guam and CNMI, pending Senate confirmation. CULTURE & COMMUNITY: A Saipan-based push highlights long delays in paying artists, calling it a trust and accountability issue. REGIONAL TRAVEL TALKS: Guam and CNMI officials met with Philippines counterparts to advance adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program.

Typhoon Recovery Update: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says damage assessments after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi are still underway, with power restoration uneven—Saipan’s capacity rising to 31 MW, Tinian restoring 980 of 1,059 customers but still calling the situation “bad,” and Rota remaining without power as crews work to get poles, transformers, and wires to the island. Infrastructure & Utilities: CUC reports new power materials received July 22, including wooden/concrete poles and transformers, to speed repairs across Saipan villages and feeder lines, while Tinian restoration continues and Rota progress remains in motion. Disaster Aid Tech: FlyGuys and TerraFort say they completed rapid AI damage assessments for Sinlaku on Saipan and Tinian, using aerial data collected by a network of pilots after flights and communications were disrupted. Defense Policy for CNMI: The U.S. House passed the FY2027 defense bill with CNMI-focused amendments—geothermal study on Saipan, counterintelligence risk review for infrastructure supporting military operations, and expanded access for CNMI students to U.S. service academies. Legal Appointments: President Trump nominated Gretchen Shappert to serve as U.S. attorney for Guam and concurrently for the Northern Mariana Islands, pending Senate confirmation. Marianas-Philippines Travel Push: Guam and CNMI officials, joined by Philippine representatives, advanced a bid to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, framing it as both an economic boost and a way to reconnect families. Sports (Marianas in Regional Play): Northern Mariana Islands tennis was beaten 2-1 by Sri Lanka in Davis Cup Asia/Oceania league play, with local players winning one singles match and a doubles loss in the deciding set.

Typhoon Recovery Watch: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says damage assessments after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi are still ongoing, with power restoration uneven—Saipan’s “power situation” remains a concern, Tinian’s restoration is progressing but may require rebuilding its power plant, and Rota is still without power as crews push for more supplies. Defense & CNMI Priorities: The U.S. House passed the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act with CNMI-focused amendments—geothermal study work on Saipan, a security risk review for infrastructure tied to military operations, and expanded access for CNMI students to U.S. service academies. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new push to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is gaining traction in Congress, with CNMI and other Marianas voices raising concerns as the debate intensifies after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. Marianas-Philippines Travel Push: Guam, CNMI and Philippine officials met to advance a Guam-CNMI visa waiver bid that would include the Philippines, aiming to balance tourism growth with security. Military Training in the Marianas: During Valiant Shield 2026, AFOSI supported joint operations across the Pacific, including Guam and CNMI, while the Ghost Bat drone program drew praise for its integration. Science Under the Sea: Scientists surveyed Ruby Seamount for the first time since its 2023 eruption, completing the first direct visual look at the seafloor after the blast.

Defense & Energy for CNMI: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says three King-Hinds amendments cleared the House in the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act, including a Saipan geothermal resource study, a counterintelligence risk assessment for civilian infrastructure tied to U.S. military operations, and expanded CNMI student access to U.S. service academies. Visa & Travel: Guam and CNMI officials met with Philippine leaders to push for adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing it’s a jobs-and-family win that can be paired with security planning. Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing in the Marianas to a federal bill that would end automatic birthright citizenship in territories for births after Jan. 1, 2027, with CNMI leaders warning it threatens the Covenant and could create legal limbo for future generations. Power Restoration: CNMI’s CUC says new storm-recovery materials arrived July 22 to speed repairs for customers still without electricity after Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Sports: Marianas karate athletes returned from Japan’s Karate Dream Festival with multiple kata victories, while CNMI also faced Sri Lanka in Davis Cup play.

CNMI Power Recovery: The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. says it has received new restoration materials—wood and concrete power poles and transformers—received July 22 to keep repairing damaged lines and equipment after Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with some Saipan villages still facing longer outages. Federal Health Aid: HHS/ASPR has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for Saipan, Rota, and Tinian to help uninsured residents replace lost medications and certain medical equipment, plus it deployed a Disaster Behavioral Health Team. Visa Waiver Push: Guam and CNMI leaders met with Philippine officials in a working group at the Guam International Airport Authority to advance Philippine inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, focusing on balancing tourism growth with border security. Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing in Guam and CNMI to a federal bill that would end automatic birthright citizenship in territories for children born after Jan. 1, 2027, with local leaders warning it could disrupt families and the Covenant. Defense & Readiness: The House rejected an amendment that would have codified Trump’s transgender military ban, but passed other anti-trans provisions tied to TRICARE and school sports. Regional Security Drills: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” system during Valiant Shield, with training reported across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Local Notes: NMI Division of Parks and Recreation announced a new $500 interment permit fee for Marpi Public Cemetery starting Aug. 9, 2026.

Defense & Security: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” system to Guam as part of Valiant Shield, with training reported across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, underscoring a sharper focus on striking targets in China. Regional Travel: Guam and CNMI leaders met with Philippine officials to push Philippine inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to balance tourism growth with border security and build a case for federal approval. CNMI Recovery & Utilities: The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. received new power restoration materials for Super Typhoon Bavi repairs, while HHS expanded health support in CNMI through the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and a Disaster Behavioral Health Team. Local Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building modular classrooms and restrooms at Northern Marianas College to restore higher education after storm damage. Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing in Guam and CNMI to a federal bill that would end birthright citizenship in territories starting in 2027, with local leaders warning it could create legal and family uncertainty. Sports (CNMI link): Qatar’s Davis Cup team advanced after beating the Northern Mariana Islands, while Sri Lanka ended its campaign unbeaten by defeating CNMI in group play.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam and CNMI leaders met with Philippine officials at the Guam airport to move the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program toward reality, weighing tourism growth against border security. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new federal bill, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” would change automatic citizenship rules for children born in Guam and CNMI starting in 2027, and local opposition is growing, including warnings it could leave families in legal limbo. Defense & Readiness: The House rejected an amendment that would codify Trump’s transgender military ban, but related anti-trans provisions advanced, keeping the policy debate hot. Power Restoration: CNMI utility crews received new materials to speed restoration after Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, though some Saipan areas remain without power longer. Regional Security: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” system on Guam during Valiant Shield, with training involving Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Community & Sports: T-Ball action kicked off at Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Field, and local youth teams opened the season with wins.

Marianas Visa Push: Guam, CNMI, and Philippine leaders met at the Guam airport to move the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver effort toward Philippine inclusion, with Sen. Jesse Lujan calling it “not ceremonial” and focused on balancing economic growth with security. CNMI Power Recovery: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. says it received new restoration materials—like poles and transformers—after Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with longer outages expected in several Saipan villages as crews keep repairing damaged lines. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing in CNMI to a federal bill that would end automatic citizenship for many territory-born children starting in 2027, with Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and others warning it could undermine the Covenant and leave future generations in legal limbo. Defense Policy Update: The House rejected an amendment that would codify Trump’s transgender military ban, but passed other anti-trans provisions tied to TRICARE and military-run school sports. Regional Security Drills: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” weapon to Guam for Valiant Shield, with the exercise also involving training across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Health Aid After Bavi: HHS expanded CNMI recovery support, including prescription replacement help and disaster behavioral health support for Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new federal bill, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” would end automatic citizenship for children born in Guam, Puerto Rico, and the CNMI after Jan. 1, 2027 unless a parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident—sparking pushback from CNMI and Guam leaders, including claims the bill wasn’t drafted with territorial input. Local Governance & Recovery: CNMI power restoration continues as CUC receives new infrastructure materials, including wooden/concrete poles and transformers, while HHS expands health support for Typhoon Bavi recovery with prescription and behavioral health help. Defense & Security in the Marianas: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” to Guam for Valiant Shield, with the exercise also involving the Northern Mariana Islands. Regional Travel & Visas: Guam-CNMI officials move to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver program to include the Philippines, aiming to cut travel friction and boost tourism. Community & Infrastructure: USACE is building modular classrooms at Northern Marianas College, and the Marpi Public Cemetery will require a $500 interment permit starting Aug. 9. Business & Tech: A Guam tech conference highlighted how cybersecurity, AI, and power-grid constraints are forcing regional companies to rethink their systems.

Defense & Security: The U.S. deployed its Dark Eagle long-range hypersonic weapon to Guam for Exercise Valiant Shield, with training tied to the Northern Mariana Islands and Japan—raising the stakes for the region as tensions with China continue. Local Power Recovery: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. says it has received new restoration materials (including poles and transformers) to keep power coming back after recent typhoons, with some Saipan areas still facing longer outages. CNMI Health Support: HHS/ASPR is expanding recovery help for Typhoon Bavi, including the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, plus a Disaster Behavioral Health Team. Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing in the Marianas to a federal bill that would end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in CNMI and other territories starting Jan. 1, 2027—local leaders warn it could disrupt the Covenant and future families. Trans Military Vote: A House NDAA amendment to codify Trump’s transgender military ban failed 212-217, but two other anti-trans amendments advanced. Birth Tourism/Visas: Separate policy moves and visa discussions continue to swirl around Guam/CNMI travel and citizenship rules, including a push for a Philippines visa waiver. Business & Tech: A Guam tech conference highlighted how cybersecurity, AI, and power-grid limits are forcing regional companies to rethink how they protect and run operations. Courts/Drugs: Two people were indicted in separate federal meth conspiracy cases in the CNMI. Weather: NWS says Invest 90W has dissipated and the Marianas should see mostly sunny conditions with a few showers.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act, which would end automatic U.S. citizenship for children born on/after Jan. 1, 2027 in Guam, CNMI, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—sparking pushback from CNMI leaders including Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and others who warn it could violate the CNMI Covenant and leave families in legal limbo. Local Governance & Recovery: HHS/ASPR activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for Saipan, Rota and Tinian after Typhoon Bavi, helping uninsured residents replace lost prescriptions and some medical equipment, and deployed a Disaster Behavioral Health Team. Power Restoration: CUC says new infrastructure materials arrived July 22 to keep restoration moving, though many Saipan villages remain without power and longer outages are expected in heavily damaged areas. Regional Travel & Economy: Guam-CNMI leaders advanced a working group to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines, citing strong two-way travel demand and the need for federal security and administrative safeguards. Education After Storms: USACE is building 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms at Northern Marianas College to restart learning as the school recovers from Super Typhoons. Congress & Military Policy: A House NDAA amendment to codify Trump’s transgender military ban failed 212-217 after four Republicans joined Democrats, including CNMI’s Kimberlyn King-Hinds.