AGP Executive Report

Typhoon recovery & health access: US military generators were connected to Tinian’s grid after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damaged the power plant, with officials saying restored electricity is critical for health, safety, food and medicine, and getting families back to daily routines. Marine health & safety: Saipan’s east-beach water quality monitoring sites (Jeffery’s Beach, Bird Island Beach, North Laulau Beach, Old Man by the Sea) remain temporarily inaccessible due to storm damage, with the public urged to avoid unsafe coastal areas while access is restored. Care for cancer patients: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to supply CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, including items like Ensure/Glucerna, adult wipes/diapers, and colostomy supplies, with 100% of proceeds going to the campaign. Emergency transport costs: Guam’s Fire Department proposed major ambulance fee hikes (plus a new per-mile charge), a change that could sharply raise out-of-pocket costs for rides. Legal/health system risk: A medical malpractice lawsuit was filed against CHCC and a physician over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging negligent technique and long-term complications. Radiation justice: Radiation survivors renewed calls to include CNMI in a proposed expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, seeking parity for Pacific survivors. Nutrition support: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to provide $120 per school-age child in June, including for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, to help cover summer grocery costs.

Sexual Harassment Lawsuit: A Guam court filing seeks $61.5 million from the Guam Visitors Bureau, alleging former president Carl Gutierrez subjected an employee to escalating unwanted sexual harassment and assault during official travel and in GVB offices. Neonatal Care Under Scrutiny: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice suit against Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation and a physician over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging negligent technique, lack of informed consent, and resulting long-term injuries. Emergency Medical Costs: Guam’s fire department proposed major ambulance fee hikes (plus a new per-mile charge), arguing rates haven’t changed in nearly 20 years and don’t cover rising costs. Post-Typhoon Health & Safety: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Saipan’s east-beach marine water monitoring sites remain temporarily inaccessible due to storm damage, with public urged to avoid unsafe areas. Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to help CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, collecting supplies and donations. Radiation Justice Push: Radiation survivors backed CNMI inclusion in a proposed expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. Tinian Power Recovery: FEMA and partners delivered temporary generator power to Tinian to restore electricity for residents and critical facilities. Food Assistance: Summer EBT/SUN Bucks is set to provide $120 per school-age child in participating territories, including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Immigration Policy Impact: A new USCIS memo signals stricter treatment of adjustment of status, raising concerns about labor stability in Guam and CNMI.

Medical Access & Evacuation: Optimum Air described how its 24/7 communications and specialized aircraft loading help families arrange urgent medical evacuation from the islands, including long-range flights based in Las Vegas and Honolulu. Neonatal Care & Accountability: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against CHCC and a physician over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging negligent technique and resulting long-term complications. Emergency Services Costs: Guam’s Fire Department proposed steep ambulance fee hikes (including a new per-mile charge), with town halls and a final senator review before any changes take effect. Disaster Recovery & Health: FEMA and the U.S. Army delivered temporary large-scale generator power to Tinian after Sinlaku damaged the island’s power plant, supporting homes and critical facilities. Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to supply CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, including items like Ensure, Glucerna, and adult care supplies. Nutrition Assistance: Summer EBT/SUN Bucks is set to provide $120 per eligible child in June, including participation by Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Public Health & Water Safety: CNMI’s water quality agency said several Saipan east-beach monitoring sites remain temporarily inaccessible after Sinlaku, urging caution near storm-damaged areas. Environmental Health: NAVFAC and partners counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, supporting conservation of a threatened pollinator species. Immigration Policy & Families: A new USCIS memo signals tighter discretion for adjustment of status, raising concerns about added stress and possible family separation for CNMI and Guam residents. Community Wellness: Northern Marianas Athletics hosted World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Day at Oleai Sports Complex to get children moving through fun, inclusive drills. Youth Sports Fundraising: CNMI pickleball’s “Paddle for the World Stage” tournament (June 26–28) aims to raise support for Team CNMI’s trip to the World Pickleball Championships in Vietnam.

Medical & Patient Safety: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation and a CHCC physician, alleging a July 2024 neonatal circumcision was negligently performed and led to severe bleeding and long-term complications including scarring, deformity, urinary obstruction, pain, and hydroceles. Emergency Services Costs: Guam Fire Department is proposing major ambulance fee hikes—raising rates by hundreds to over $1,000 depending on service—and adding a new $13.19 per mile charge, with public town halls and a final Senate review before any changes take effect. Post-Typhoon Public Health: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Saipan’s east-beach marine water monitoring sites (including Jeffery’s Beach and Bird Island Beach) remain temporarily inaccessible due to storm damage, with officials urging caution until access is restored. Radiation Justice: Radiation survivors’ advocates renewed calls to include the Northern Mariana Islands in a proposed expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, seeking parity for CNMI residents impacted by nuclear fallout. Community Health Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to help CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, aiming to supply essentials like nutrition products and medical supplies. Youth Wellness & Activity: Northern Marianas Athletics hosted World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Day at Oleai Sports Complex, promoting movement, inclusion, and healthy habits for children.

Ambulance Costs: Guam Fire Department is proposing major ambulance fee hikes—rates could jump from under $200 to over $1,000, plus a new $13.19 per mile charge—after nearly 20 years without updates, with public town halls and a final Senate review expected before any changes take effect. Storm Recovery & Public Health: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, CNMI’s Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality says several Saipan east-beach marine monitoring sites are temporarily inaccessible due to storm damage and unsafe access, urging residents to avoid unstable areas and debris. Power for Health Services: FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delivered temporary generator power to Tinian’s grid to restore electricity for residents and critical facilities while permanent power is repaired. Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to help CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, seeking supplies like Ensure/Glucerna and adult care items, with 100% of proceeds going to the effort. Radiation Justice: Radiation survivors and CNMI advocates renewed calls to include the Northern Mariana Islands in a proposed expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, pushing for parity for Pacific survivors. Immigration Policy Pressure: CNMI and Guam candidates are criticizing a new USCIS memo that treats adjustment of status as “extraordinary relief,” warning it could worsen labor shortages and raise costs in the islands.

Immigration Policy: A new USCIS memo (PM-602-0199) is shifting adjustment of status toward “discretion,” and CNMI/Guam candidates say it could worsen labor shortages and raise costs where employers already rely on foreign workers. Disaster Recovery & Public Health: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Saipan’s east-beach marine water monitoring sites (Jeffery’s, Bird Island, North Laulau, and Old Man by the Sea) are temporarily inaccessible due to storm damage, limiting data used for public health updates. Tinian Power Restoration: FEMA and USACE delivered temporary generator power to restore electricity to Tinian after storm damage to the power plant, supporting homes and critical facilities. Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to supply CNMI cancer patients with essentials like nutrition and medical supplies impacted by Sinlaku. Radiation Justice: Radiation survivors and advocates renewed calls to include CNMI in a proposed expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, pushing for parity for Pacific survivors. Community & Wellness: Northern Marianas Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics Day at Oleai Sports Complex promoted movement, inclusion, and healthy habits for children. Food Access: SUN Bucks Summer EBT is set to provide $120 per school-age child in June for eligible families in CNMI and other participating territories.

Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: Marine water quality monitoring on Saipan’s east beaches is temporarily paused after storm damage made several sites unsafe to access, including Jeffery’s Beach, Bird Island Beach, North Laulau Beach, and Old Man by the Sea. Power Restoration: Tinian residents received sustained temporary generator power after Sinlaku damaged the island’s power plant, with officials stressing electricity as key to health, safety, and recovery. Health Support After the Storm: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to supply CNMI cancer patients with essentials like nutrition products and medical supplies impacted by Sinlaku. Radiation Justice Push: Radiation survivors and advocates renewed calls to include the Northern Mariana Islands in a proposed expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, seeking parity for Pacific survivors. Local Environment & Safety: The Department of Public Lands says Managaha could reopen by early June after cleanup and safety/biohazard clearance following severe erosion and debris from Sinlaku. Community & Food Access: SUN Bucks Summer EBT is set to provide $120 per eligible child in June, and CNMI is listed among participating territories. Policy & Rights: A congressional briefing on June 4 will examine “consent of the governed” for U.S. territories, including CNMI. Immigration Enforcement: A Filipino national was sentenced to 18 months in CNMI federal court for a work-permit fraud scheme involving hundreds of fraudulent applications. Funding & Infrastructure: FEMA approved over $1.3 million in post-disaster support for Public Assistance and hazard mitigation projects affecting the Northern Mariana Islands.

Land & Culture: Åmot Para Taotao Tåno owner Bernice Tudela Nelson faces possible eviction after a CHamoru Land Trust Commission hearing over lease eligibility and agricultural compliance, with concerns about proof of “native CHamoru” status and residency/birth requirements. Storm Recovery & Health Access: On Tinian, FEMA-directed temporary generator power was delivered after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damaged the power plant, aiming to keep homes and critical facilities running. Marine Health Monitoring: Saipan’s east-coast marine water quality monitoring sites (Jeffery’s Beach, Bird Island, North Laulau, and Old Man by the Sea) remain temporarily inaccessible due to storm damage and unsafe access. Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to supply CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, including items like Ensure/Glucerna and adult medical supplies. Radiation Justice: Radiation survivors’ group PARS endorsed CNMI inclusion in a proposed expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, pushing for parity for Pacific survivors. Utilities & Public Services: CUC CFO warned of a liquidity crisis after Sinlaku, citing limited cash and fuel shortages that could disrupt power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety. Food & Nutrition: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin paying in June, including for Northern Mariana Islands families. Immigration & Work: A Filipino national was sentenced to 18 months in CNMI federal court for a work-permit fraud scheme involving 242 fraudulent applications. NextGen Opportunity: Applications are open for 2026 NextGen Summer Internships in food and agriculture tracks across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Storm recovery & public health: The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality says several Saipan east-beach marine water monitoring sites are still temporarily inaccessible after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including Jeffery’s Beach, Bird Island Beach, North Laulau Beach, and Old Man by the Sea, with unsafe access from debris, erosion, and damaged routes; officials urge caution near unstable ground while restoration and safe monitoring access are assessed. Power restoration on Tinian: FEMA and U.S. Army partners delivered sustained temporary generator power to Tinian’s grid May 28 after Sinlaku critically damaged the island’s power plant, aiming to keep homes and critical facilities running while permanent power is restored. Cancer support after the storm: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to help CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, seeking supplies like Ensure, Glucerna, adult wipes/diapers, and colostomy items. Utility cash crunch: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. CFO Betty Terlaje warned the utility is facing a liquidity crisis, with limited unrestricted cash and fuel shortages threatening power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety unless borrowing authority is approved. Nutrition & food waste: Japan’s “Marianas Kyushoku Project” highlights school-meal waste in Saipan, where many students leave leftovers uneaten, and works with students to improve meals. Wildlife & wellness: NAVFAC Marianas and regional agencies held the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) population count, recording 24 bats on Saipan and four on Tinian to support conservation of the threatened species. Immigration & health workforce stability: Advocates warn a new USCIS memo restricting green-card “adjustment of status” could increase fear and family separation in CNMI’s foreign worker community, potentially affecting staffing in sectors that include health care. Radiation justice: Radiation survivors’ group PARS endorsed CNMI inclusion in a proposal to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, pushing for parity for Pacific radiation survivors. Food assistance: SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is set to include Northern Mariana Islands among participating territories, providing $120 per school-age child for SNAP-approved groceries during summer break.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA-directed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the 249th Engineer Battalion delivered sustained temporary generator power to Tinian on May 28 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damaged the island’s power plant, with leaders saying electricity is key for health, safety, food and medicine, and getting families back to daily routines. Utility Stability: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation CFO Betty Terlaje warned the utility is facing a liquidity crisis—$18.3M in disaster costs in 37 days, limited unrestricted cash, and fuel shortages—urging lawmakers to authorize borrowing to prevent cascading failures in power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety. Public Health Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to supply CNMI cancer patients affected by Sinlaku, including items like Ensure, Glucerna, adult wipes/diapers, and colostomy supplies, with 100% of proceeds going to the campaign. Nutrition Access: Summer EBT/SUN Bucks will provide $120 per school-age child in June across many states and includes the Northern Mariana Islands, helping families buy SNAP-approved groceries during school break. Radiation Justice: The Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors endorsed CNMI inclusion in a proposal to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, aiming for parity for Pacific radiation survivors. Immigration & Health Workforce Risk: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for green card applicants already in the U.S., which advocates warn could disrupt families and the local workforce that supports health and care services. Environmental Health: EPA announced grants for PFAS and emerging contaminant work in Guam and CNMI, plus funding to replace lead water pipes in the region.

Work Permits Fraud Sentencing: A Filipino man, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months in federal court in the CNMI for submitting about 242 fraudulent work-permit (EAD) applications, leading to 66 unlawfully issued permits used to hire undocumented migrants. Cancer Care Support After Typhoon Sinlaku: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to help CNMI cancer patients affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, aiming to supply items like Ensure/Glucerna, adult wipes/diapers, and colostomy supplies. Green Card Policy Shift: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for people seeking green cards inside the U.S., with adjustment of status limited to “extraordinary circumstances,” raising concerns about more overseas processing and possible family separation for CNMI’s foreign worker community. Utility Recovery Pressure: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation CFO Betty Terlaje warned the CNMI faces a liquidity crisis—limited cash and fuel reserves—threatening power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety unless borrowing authority is approved. PFAS and Water Safety Funding: EPA announced grants for PFAS and emerging contaminant testing/planning in Guam and the CNMI, plus funding to replace lead water pipes in the region. Nutrition & School Meals: Japan’s Ehime University “Marianas Kyushoku Project” highlights high school-meal waste in Saipan, where many students leave uneaten food, and explores ways to improve meals. Disaster Relief Funding: FEMA approved over $1.3 million in post-disaster support for the Northern Mariana Islands and other Pacific areas to repair critical infrastructure and strengthen resilience. Online Child Safety Policy Fight: CNMI readers may note broader U.S. legal debates as attorneys general oppose the KIDS Act, arguing it could weaken state protections for children online. Food Assistance Summer EBT: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to provide $120 per school-age child in June across many states and territories, including the Northern Mariana Islands.

Disaster Relief for Cancer Patients: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to help CNMI cancer patients affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including supplies like Ensure, Glucerna, adult wipes/diapers, and colostomy items; the group says many patients lack power and access to fresh food, and it will sell $20 t-shirts/umbrellas or accept donations with proceeds going to the campaign. Utilities Under Strain: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. CFO Betty Terlaje warned the utility is facing a liquidity crisis after Sinlaku, with $18.3M in disaster costs in 37 days and limited unrestricted cash, warning of possible disruptions to power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety without urgent borrowing authority. Island Access & Safety: CNMI’s Department of Public Lands said Managaha could reopen by late May or early June after assessments found fallen trees, dead birds, severe beach erosion, and major sand shifting; cleanup is planned with multiple agencies. Water Safety Funding: EPA announced new grants for PFAS and emerging contaminants testing/planning and lead pipe replacement in Guam and the CNMI, supporting utilities and well owners. Nutrition at School: Japan’s Ehime University “Marianas Kyushoku Project” is spotlighting high school-meal waste in Saipan, where many students leave uneaten food, and working on ways to improve meals. Online Child Safety Policy: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including CNMI-relevant coalition coverage, urged Congress to oppose the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. Immigration Policy Shift: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for green card applicants already in the U.S., pushing many toward consular processing overseas—raising concerns about family separation and workforce instability in Guam/CNMI.

Online Child Safety Policy: CNMI residents are likely to feel the ripple effects of a new pushback from U.S. attorneys general. Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, warning it could override stronger state protections for kids online and leave big tech less accountable, while supporters point to the Senate’s KOSA as a better approach. Nutrition Support for Families: Summer EBT (SUN Bucks/SNAP) is set to begin in June, with Northern Mariana Islands listed among the overseas territories participating—$120 per school-age child to help cover groceries during the break. Immigration & Family Stability: A new USCIS memo signals tighter rules for green card “adjustment of status,” pushing many applicants to complete processing overseas—an issue labor advocates say could raise fear, delays, and family separation in CNMI’s foreign worker community. Radiation Justice: The Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors backed a proposal to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include the Northern Mariana Islands, aiming for parity for Pacific radiation survivors. PFAS & Water Safety Funding: EPA announced grants for Guam and CNMI to test and address PFAS and other emerging contaminants, plus funding aimed at replacing lead water pipes. Disaster Recovery & Utilities: CUC leadership warned of a liquidity crisis after Typhoon Sinlaku, citing depleting cash and fuel reserves and warning of cascading failures without authority to borrow. Island Access After Storm: Managaha remains closed for safety and biohazard concerns after Sinlaku, with DPL saying reopening could happen by late May or early June.

Online Child Safety Fight: CNMI advocates are watching a new U.S. green card policy closely after warnings it could separate families by pushing many applicants to process overseas instead of adjusting status locally. Kids Online Protections: At the federal level, Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition urged Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state power to protect children online and leave big tech less accountable. Utilities Under Strain: On Saipan, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. CFO Betty Terlaje says the territory is facing a liquidity crisis—cash and fuel are running out—raising fears of cascading failures in power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety. Managaha Reopening: Managaha could reopen by early June after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, pending safety and biohazard clearance. Health & Water: EPA announced grants for PFAS and emerging contaminant work in Guam and CNMI, plus lead pipe replacement funding. Ongoing Recovery Funding: FEMA approved over $1.3M for post-disaster recovery in the region, including CNMI.

Kids’ Online Safety Pushback: California AG Rob Bonta joined 44 attorneys general in opposing the federal KIDS Act, warning it would override state protections and replace them with weaker federal rules for children’s online safety. CNMI Utility Crisis: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. CFO Betty Terlaje says the islands face a “liquidity crisis” after Typhoon Sinlaku—cash and fuel are running low, and without authority to borrow, power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety could be disrupted. Managaha Reopening: The Department of Public Lands says Managaha could reopen by late May or early June after cleanup and safety checks following major storm damage and biohazard concerns. Federal Funding Moves: FEMA approved over $1.3M in post-disaster support for the Northern Mariana Islands and other Pacific areas, while EPA announced new grants tied to PFAS and lead pipe replacement. Youth & Community: The 10th Annual President’s Cup futsal tournament kicked off in Saipan, running May 26–29, highlighting local youth talent.

PFAS & lead cleanup funding: The EPA announced $9.45M for PFAS and other emerging contaminant work in Guam and the CNMI, plus $6.2M to find and replace lead pipes in the NMI—aimed at testing, planning, and infrastructure upgrades. Utilities in crisis: CUC’s CFO says the utility is running out of cash and fuel, warning that without quick authority to borrow, power, water, wastewater, communications, and public safety could face cascading failures. Managaha reopening: DPL says Managaha could reopen by early June after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with cleanup and safety/biohazard checks underway. Tourism watch: GVB laid out a bumpy recovery path, citing a 28% April drop in arrivals after March gains, while pointing to fuel-surcharge support and a Japanese market push. Federal disaster support: FEMA approved $1.3M+ for post-disaster recovery and resilience projects that include the Northern Mariana Islands. School meals reform: Japan’s Ehime University students are studying high food waste in Saipan school meals and pushing ideas to cut leftovers.