AGP Executive Report

Disaster Recovery: CNMI officials say Super Typhoon Sinlaku has already wiped out up to 60% of Saipan’s livestock, with preliminary losses hitting cattle, chickens, swine and goats, as water shortages, heat stress and damaged enclosures are blamed. Utilities & FEMA: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. says FEMA denied its request for an advance disaster payment, meaning CUC must fund restoration first before reimbursement—while power and water restoration continues. Local Power Progress: CNMI Homeland Security Special Assistant Clement Bermudes reports major gains, including about 99% of primary power lines re-energized on Saipan and generation capacity restored above pre-storm levels, though full distribution repairs and reconnections are still underway. Regional Safety: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center issued advisories for Guam and CNMI, warning of hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents even after the threat was later downgraded. Sports & Community: The CNMI Pickleball Federation selected six Open Division athletes for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, but says the team size could drop from six to four if fundraising falls short. Governance & Travel: Guam and CNMI leaders renewed calls for visa-free travel for Filipinos by adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing mainland rules ignore island realities and hurt tourism recovery.

Typhoon Sinlaku Aftermath: Saipan’s livestock losses are severe, with CNMI agriculture officials saying preliminary counts show up to 50–60% of cattle, chickens, swine and goats wiped out, as damaged enclosures, lack of water and heat stress drive deaths. Disaster Recovery & Utilities: FEMA denied CUC’s request for an upfront disaster payment, meaning the utility must fund restoration first and wait for reimbursement, while CNMI officials report power and water restoration is advancing after the storm. Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: After a powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories for Guam and CNMI were later lifted, but officials still warn of hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents/rip risks. Local Sports: The CNMI Pickleball Federation named six athletes for Team CNMI at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, with final team size depending on fundraising. Regional Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI leaders renewed calls for the Philippines to be added to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost tourism and economic recovery. Tech & Healthcare (Global): NHS England plans to roll out Microsoft 365 Copilot to about 505,000 staff by October 2026 after a trial showed major admin time savings.

Rev & Tax Facilities: Sen. Jesse Lujan is pushing for a permanent Department of Revenue and Taxation home after the agency pays about $1.3 million a year in rent for the “leaky” old Price Costco warehouse in Barrigada, warning the building could be “inoperable” if Super Typhoon Sinlaku hits Guam directly. Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific, but Guam and CNMI were later told there’s no tsunami threat—while officials still warn of hazardous rip currents and dangerous coastal conditions. Court Update—M/V Mariana: A Guam federal court approved a $226,800 claims fund as the M/V Mariana owners seek to limit liability for Sinlaku-related deaths and injuries, with claims directed to be handled in Guam. Travel & Tourism Links: Guam and CNMI governors are urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, and Philippine Airlines’ Manila–Saipan service is set to resume in June after Sinlaku disruptions. Storm Season Outlook: The National Weather Service says CNMI could see three to five typhoons in 2026, with the Marianas facing a higher chance of stronger storms than last year. SBA Recovery Loans: SBA approvals for Sinlaku recovery loans in CNMI have reached about $9 million, with a new business assistance site added on Capital Hill. Micronesian Games: Kiribati was selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, while CNMI withdrew its bid after Sinlaku devastation. Saipan Services: The Survivor Recovery Center on Saipan is reopening Monday at 1:30 p.m.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Programme, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and improve air connectivity; the request comes as Philippine Airlines works to restore service after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Air Travel Update: PAL says its Manila–Saipan flights will stay suspended until Oct. 22, 2026, while Cebu–Osaka–Cebu is paused July 1–Oct. 24, with rebooking/refund options for affected passengers. Storm Season Forecast: The National Weather Service warns CNMI and Guam could see three to five more storms through the rest of 2026, with higher-than-average activity tied to El Niño—officials stress preparedness even though direct hits aren’t guaranteed. Typhoon Recovery Loans: SBA disaster loans for Sinlaku survivors in CNMI have reached $9 million, with most approvals going to homeowners and renters and a new recovery center location added for outreach. Workforce Immigration Reform: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is pushing H.R. 8931 to ease CW-1 “touchback” requirements for certain workers, saying the Commonwealth can’t afford to lose people as recovery continues. GVB Misconduct Probe Call: Guam Sen. Therese Terlaje is calling for an AG investigation into allegations tied to a $61.5 million lawsuit over sexual assault and concealment at the Guam Visitors Bureau, demanding transparency.

Micronesian Games: Kiribati was selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games after the Micronesian Games Council endorsed its bid by majority vote on June 6, while the Northern Mariana Islands withdrew due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku devastation. Typhoon Preparedness: NWS officials said Sinlaku’s impacts were driven by its large wind field, and warned Guam and the CNMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before the end of 2026, as Typhoon Preparedness Month kicks off. Local Recovery: USACE is running residential debris removal on Tinian, with residents asked to sort debris and use the right-of-way pickup rules; Saipan’s SWEEP program also continues for eligible residents. Regional Travel Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang urged federal officials to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost tourism and air service. Energy/Outages: CUC reported a power outage affecting multiple Saipan areas due to an auto trip, with crews working to restore service. Governance & Rights: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted how 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights under the “consent of the governed” principle.

Typhoon Preparedness in the Marianas: National Weather Service officials said Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s huge wind field—not just peak intensity—drove impacts across Guam up past north Saipan, with some landfall peak winds never directly measured because stations went offline. Storm outlook: NWS and emergency managers warned Guam and CNMI could see 3 to 5 more systems before the end of 2026 as El Niño boosts activity, urging residents to keep improving readiness. Regional recovery logistics: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is running residential debris removal on Tinian, asking residents to sort debris and keep roads clear; Saipan’s SWEEP program also continues debris help for eligible residents. Power disruptions: CUC reported a power outage affecting multiple Saipan areas including Kiya 1 and the airport, with crews working to restore service. Visa waiver push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang urged federal officials to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver to include the Philippines to boost tourism and air service. Local governance: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider filed a resolution calling for federal study of small modular reactors and microreactors to improve energy security.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang renewed their push to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, arguing it would boost lawful travel, tourism, and air service links between the islands and a key treaty ally. Ocean Exploration: The research vessel E/V Nautilus is set to return to Mariana waters with local participants aboard, including University of Guam and CNMI fish and wildlife staff, as new sonar mapping expands deep-sea coverage. Typhoon Preparedness: NWS and FEMA officials warned Guam and the Marianas could see 3 to 5 more storms before the end of 2026, urging residents to keep improving readiness as El Niño may increase activity. Power and Recovery: CUC reported a Saipan-area power outage affecting multiple villages and facilities, while Tinian debris removal continues with residents asked to sort materials and use proper curb placement. Local Governance: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider filed a resolution calling for federal study of small nuclear reactors and microreactors to improve energy security and resilience. Sports: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair was eliminated in the King’s Guam World Tennis Tour quarterfinals by Japan’s Hiromasa Koyama.

Typhoon recovery in the CNMI: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crews are continuing residential debris removal on Tinian, with residents asked to sort materials and place them along public right-of-way (and not block hydrants or meters). Saipan cleanup help: The Saipan-Wide Environmental Enhancement Program (SWEEP) is still taking requests for eligible residents, with a June 12 deadline for assistance for elderly, medically vulnerable, or anyone unable to safely move debris. Power disruption: CUC reported a power outage affecting Kiya 1 and several Saipan areas after an auto trip, with crews working to restore service. Local governance and oversight: CNMI Sen. Therese Terlaje called for a “full” investigation into Guam Visitor’s Bureau allegations tied to a $61.5M lawsuit. Energy policy push: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider pre-filed a resolution urging federal study of small modular and micro nuclear options for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—without authorizing construction. Regional military coordination: Guam and CNMI leaders met with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Saipan to align on military activity timelines and environmental compliance. Sports: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair fell in the King’s quarterfinals to Japan’s Hiromasa Koyama.

Typhoon Recovery Updates: US Army Corps of Engineers is running residential debris removal on Tinian, with residents asked to sort materials and place them along public right-of-way (no road blocking; regular trash won’t be collected). Saipan Cleanup Help: The Saipan-Wide Environmental Enhancement Program (SWEEP) is still taking requests for eligible residents, with a June 12 deadline and a hotline through DPW Solid Waste. Power Disruption: CUC reported a power outage affecting Kiya 1 and several Saipan areas after an auto trip, with crews working to restore service. Regional Infrastructure Planning: Guam and CNMI leaders met during Typhoon Preparedness Month to align recovery milestones and infrastructure metrics. Energy Policy: CNMI senator Jude Hofschneider pre-filed a resolution calling for a study of advanced nuclear options like small modular reactors to improve energy resilience. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a deep-sea mining ban for Guam and nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and restrictions tied to port use. Military & Contracting: A $249M U.S. MilCon architect-engineer contract was awarded for electrical projects across Guam and Tinian, and Indo-Pacific Command leaders met with CNMI stakeholders in Saipan. Sports & Community: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair lost in men’s singles quarterfinals in the King’s Guam World Tennis Tour; LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort plans to reopen June 6, and badminton tournaments are set for July in Saipan.

Energy Security: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider pre-filed a joint resolution urging the U.S. to study advanced nuclear options, including small modular reactors and microreactors, for Saipan, Tinian and Rota—without authorizing construction—citing fuel-price volatility and Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s power vulnerabilities. Tourism Recovery: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 3,277 visitor arrivals in April, down 72% year-over-year, as Sinlaku disrupted flights and damaged infrastructure; stakeholders are watching a June 20 restart of direct Seoul-Saipan service (subject to conditions). Local Funding: Gov. David Apatang signed Saipan Local Law 24-27, allocating $1.5 million from remaining Imperial Pacific casino license fees to projects including solar work at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, youth substance-abuse outreach, and Kagman Community Health Center support. Disaster Assistance: The Red Cross said late Red Cross financial-assistance applications for Sinlaku survivors can still be reviewed case-by-case if people missed the June 1 deadline due to hospitalization, displacement, or other extenuating circumstances. Justice System: A former DPS officer, Earl Borja, was set for a jury trial in Feb. 2027 in a Marpi assault case involving a man with a disability.

Typhoon Sinlaku’s tourism hit: The Marianas Visitors Authority says April visitor arrivals to the Marianas fell 72% to 3,277 after the storm disrupted flights and damaged infrastructure, with South Korea down 90% and Japan down 75%; officials point to Jeju Air’s planned Seoul–Saipan direct flights starting June 20 as a key summer recovery step. Local recovery support: The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a third disaster recovery center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill to help businesses and nonprofits apply for and fix federal assistance paperwork; the Red Cross also said late applications for Sinlaku financial aid can still be reviewed for medical or displacement-related delays. Tinian power restored: Large-scale U.S. military generators were connected to Tinian’s grid after Sinlaku damaged the power plant, restoring electricity for health, safety, and recovery. Saipan community funding: Gov. David Apatang signed a bill directing $1.5 million from remaining casino license fees to projects including the Kagman Community Health Center, solar for Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, youth substance abuse outreach, and sports support. Sports and culture: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair advanced in men’s tennis at the King’s Guam World Tennis Tour; and Guam’s Team Masakåda hosts EAFF E-1 prelim matches this week with admission proceeds earmarked to support the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association’s Sinlaku recovery. Public safety: Police arrested a burglary suspect and a suspected DUI driver in separate incidents at the Baldwin Park church.

Typhoon Sinlaku recovery: More than a month after the strongest storm on Earth this year, Western Pacific communities are still dealing with damaged homes, uncertain housing and power, and a growing death toll, with officials in Chuuk estimating thousands of homes destroyed and more than 13,000 displaced. Tourism hit by storm: Marianas visitor arrivals fell sharply in April and March, with April down 72% and March down 8%, while hotel occupancy averaged 29.47% in March as properties focus on repairs and await the June 20 restart of international flights. Local funding for community needs: Gov. David Apatang signed a bill setting aside $1.5 million from remaining exclusive casino license fees for Saipan projects, including $1.2 million for the Kagman Community Health Center and support for libraries, youth programs, and sports. Red Cross assistance deadline flexibility: Officials say missing the June 1 deadline doesn’t automatically disqualify Sinlaku survivors; late applications tied to hospitalization or displacement will be reviewed case-by-case. Power restored on Tinian: Large-scale military generators have been connected to Tinian’s grid to support recovery while permanent repairs continue. Sports & community: Masakåda and Matao are set for international matches this week, with admission fees supporting CNMI football recovery from Sinlaku. Business recovery support: SBA opened a third disaster recovery center on Saipan to help residents, nonprofits, and businesses apply for and manage federal assistance.

Typhoon recovery and local services: The U.S. Small Business Administration opened its third disaster recovery center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill, expanding help for businesses and residents after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Power restoration: Large-scale U.S. military generators have been connected to Tinian’s grid, restoring community-scale electricity while permanent repairs continue. Maritime court case: Owners of the M/V Mariana, which capsized during Sinlaku, filed in Guam federal court seeking exoneration or limitation of liability, calling the vessel seaworthy and the disaster without their knowledge. Supply chain strain: A Saipan electronics shop says post-storm shipping changes mean higher costs and harder inventory decisions as demand shifts. Local governance and money: Gov. David Apatang submitted a FY 2027 budget proposal totaling $157.7 million, with only $101.9 million available for appropriation, and a revenue council pushing new revenue measures. Sports and youth: Rota promoted 29 eighth graders, while Saipan’s President’s Cup futsal awards highlighted Golden Boot winners and sportsmanship. Community and culture: MVA and MTEC continued tourism education outreach in Tinian schools, and a missing CNMI flatbed truck prompted a $1,000 reward callout.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and institutional failures by former GVB president Carl Gutierrez and alleged misconduct by board leadership. CNMI Court Fight: CNMI Attorney General’s office is asking the Superior Court to toss a settlement that cleared former governor Ralph Torres, saying it was unauthorized and improperly granted broad immunity. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to remove the “touchback” requirement for long-term CNMI-only CW-1 workers, aiming for more stability for families and employers. Healthcare Legal Action: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice suit against CHCC and a physician over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging negligent performance and lasting injuries. Local Economy & Costs: CNMI diesel prices dropped 30 cents, while gasoline stayed steady, with lawmakers noting diesel affects utility costs. Community & Nature: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation efforts.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a federal suit seeking more than $61.5 million, alleging sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures tied to former GVB leadership, including misconduct during trips that included Saipan. Marianas Shipping Cleanup: The U.S. Coast Guard updated the Saipan location for clearing damaged vessels, pointing partners to Outer Smiling Cove as a 30-day removal effort continues. Local Courts: A Saipan case saw a Texas man on federal probation admit supervised-release violations tied to his earlier arrest; sentencing is set for June 9. Workforce Policy: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to remove the CW-1 “touchback” requirement and give longer permit stability. Education: Tinian High School held its Class of 2026 commencement, with Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence Camacho noting recovery progress after Sinlaku. Energy Costs: Residents are increasingly looking at off-grid solar as electricity bills stay high, even as CUC’s fuel adjustment charge shifts. Sports & Community: CNMI pickleball organizers launched a countdown for a June 26–28 fundraising tournament to support Team CNMI’s push to the World Pickleball Championships in Vietnam.

Disaster Recovery Deadlines: The Red Cross says June 1 is the last day to apply for financial help for Super Typhoon Sinlaku home damage, with caseworkers still assisting missing paperwork. Emergency Housing Support: Homeowners can also register for the S.T.R.O.N.G. Tent and Roofing Program by June 1 for temporary roof and/or tent help while permanent repairs proceed. Local Economy & Costs: CNMI diesel prices fell 30 cents to $7.08 a gallon, while gasoline stayed steady; officials say lower diesel could ease CUC fuel adjustment charges. Health Care Accountability: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against CHCC and a doctor over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging severe injuries and long-term complications. Workforce Policy Push: Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to remove the CW-1 “touchback” requirement and give longer permit stability. Immigration Court Case: A Texas man arrested on Saipan for supervised-release violations admitted the allegations and is set for sentencing June 9. Sports & Community: Tinian High School held its Class of 2026 graduation, and the NMI women’s soccer team was sent off for EAFF E-1 prelims in Guam June 3–9.