AGP Executive Report

Energy Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Affordable Power for the Northern Marianas Act, proposing $15 million annually in mandatory Covenant funding to cut electricity costs and upgrade CNMI’s aging power system, prioritizing projects that stabilize rates and reduce outages. Tourism & Culture: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported June 2026 arrivals at 1,497, down 81% year over year after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; MVA also moved to bring the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Cultures under MVA to better align arts funding with tourism promotion. Ports & Recovery: Commonwealth Ports Authority chair Bart Jackson urged CPA to rebuild more resiliently after typhoon recovery, as airline service resumes and the focus shifts back to daily cargo and passenger operations. Military & Infrastructure: The Navy approved expanded joint training on Tinian, adding about 15% more activities and new facilities including live-fire ranges and radar towers; Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan said residents should have been better informed. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Gov. David Apatang told AFP there were “no consultations” before the U.S. floated ocean auctions for deep-sea mining near CNMI and Guam, warning about potential impacts to food security. Workforce & Education: NMC launched the Marianas Education Tourism Program with a Japanese cohort, and Saipan’s Chamber-backed Project H.A.F.A. connects people with disabilities to paid local internships starting Aug. 10. Business & Food: Noah Omakase opened on Saipan with a 10-seat, reservations-only omakase concept using locally sourced ingredients as the islands continue rebuilding. Legal/Health: Attorney General Ford announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price and competition conspiracies.

Tourism Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority says June 2026 arrivals hit 1,497—down 81% from June 2025—after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted international flights, with leisure travel picking up as service resumed in late June. MVA Leadership & Funding: MVA board chair Warren Villagomez is overseeing the Arts Council’s move under MVA via Executive Order 2026-014, aiming to better link cultural programming with tourism while working through federal grant drawdowns and vendor payments. Typhoon Recovery & Resilience: Grace Christian Academy reports about $130,000 raised for recovery, with roughly $95,000 earmarked for repairs and a goal of $500,000 (repairs could total near $2 million, with FEMA reimbursements in play). Ports & Logistics: Commonwealth Ports Authority chair Bart Jackson says the authority is shifting from emergency response back to everyday operations and using typhoon recovery as a chance to rebuild facilities more resiliently. Military Training on Tinian: The U.S. Navy approved expanded joint training on Tinian, adding about 15% more activity plus live-fire ranges, radar towers, and biosecurity facilities—while the Tinian mayor says residents should have been better informed. Workforce & Inclusion: Saipan Chamber and CNMI Technology PIECS launch Project H.A.F.A., a four-week internship pathway connecting people with disabilities to local employers starting Aug. 10. Aviation/Defense Tech: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat completed operational sorties from Rota during Valiant Shield 2026, testing remote deployment and sustainment in the Northern Marianas. Deep-Sea Mining Push: CNMI Gov. David Apatang tells AFP there were “no consultations” before the U.S. proposed auctioning nearby ocean areas for deep-sea mining, raising food-security concerns for communities reliant on ocean resources.

Marianas Tourism: Marianas Visitors Authority reports just 1,497 arrivals in June 2026—an 81% drop from June 2025—as typhoon impacts kept international flights down; Jeju Air resumed Seoul–Saipan service June 20 and plans 4 weekly flights through March 2027. School Recovery & Construction: Grace Christian Academy says it has raised about $130,000 for typhoon recovery, with roughly $95,000 earmarked for campus repairs and a broader goal of $500,000 (repairs could total about $2 million). Ports & Logistics Resilience: Commonwealth Ports Authority chair Bart Jackson urges a shift from emergency response to rebuilding port facilities “better and more resilient,” as airline service continues to return. Military Training on Tinian: Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan welcomes expanded Navy training approval but says residents should have been better informed; the Record of Decision allows more land training and new infrastructure, including live-fire ranges. Workforce & Inclusion: Saipan Chamber and NMC launch Project H.A.F.A., a four-week internship pathway connecting people with disabilities to local employers starting Aug. 10. Local Business & Dining: Noah Omakase opens on Saipan with a 10-seat, reservations-only 23-course omakase concept using local ingredients when possible. Weather Watch: The Marianas remain under high surf and small craft advisories as multiple western Pacific systems churn north of the islands. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Gov. David Apatang tells AFP there were “no consultations” before the U.S. proposed ocean auctions for deep-sea mining near CNMI, raising food-security concerns.

Typhoon Recovery & School Repairs: Grace Christian Academy says it has raised about $130,000 for recovery from Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with roughly $95,000 earmarked for construction and a longer-term repair bill that could reach about $2 million as it seeks FEMA reimbursements. Local Governance & Resilience: Commonwealth Ports Authority board chair Bart Jackson urges CPA to use typhoon recovery to rebuild facilities more resiliently while returning focus to day-to-day airport and seaport operations. Weather Watch: Typhoon Peilou formed in the western North Pacific, creating a rare three-typhoon setup alongside Dolphin and Chan-hom, with Peilou expected to move east and strengthen. Politics & Leadership: Sen. Paul Atalig Manglona, CNMI’s longest-serving legislator, confirmed he is retiring from politics and not seeking reelection. Deep-Sea Mining Push: Gov. David Apatang says the U.S. deep-sea mining auction plans for waters near CNMI and Guam came with “no consultations,” raising food-security concerns. Military Training on Tinian: Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan welcomed expanded Navy training approval but says residents should have been better informed; the plan includes added live-fire ranges and supporting infrastructure. Workforce & Education: NMC CTI launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program, welcoming an inaugural Japanese cohort for English and cultural exchange. Business & Community: Saipan Chamber forum coverage highlights lieutenant governor candidates’ competing priorities for fiscal reform, infrastructure hardening, and workforce stability. Aviation/Defense Industry: Boeing’s Ghost Bat MQ-28 completed multiple sorties during Valiant Shield 2026 from Rota, testing deployment readiness in austere Pacific conditions.

Military & Readiness on Tinian: The U.S. Navy approved expanded joint military training on Tinian, including more land-based drills and new infrastructure such as live-fire ranges, landing zones, ammo holding areas, radar towers, and biosecurity facilities—Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan welcomed the approval but said residents should have been better informed. Deep-Sea Mining Push: CNMI Gov. David Apatang told AFP there were “no consultations” before the U.S. floated ocean auctions for deep-sea mining near the Marianas, raising fears about food security and disruption to ocean resources. Typhoon Recovery & Power: Governor Apatang updated recovery progress after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, saying water service is in good shape on Saipan and Tinian while power restoration—especially on Tinian and Rota—remains a priority, and he opposed CUC fuel adjustment rate hikes. Business & Tourism Momentum: Marianas Visitors Authority continued international outreach via Brand USA’s Korea & Japan mission, citing extended Seoul-Saipan service and renewed Tokyo flights as signs of tourism recovery, while Gov. Apatang reappointed MVA board chair Warren F. Villagomez to keep momentum. Workforce & Education: NMC’s Center for Training and Innovation launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program, welcoming an inaugural Japanese cohort for English and cultural exchange, and Project H.A.F.A. (Helping All Find Advancement) connects people with disabilities to four-week CNMI internship pathways. Local Economy & Policy: At the Saipan Chamber forum, lieutenant governor candidates laid out competing plans for fiscal reform, infrastructure hardening, workforce stability, and government transparency as the CNMI seeks a stronger post-typhoon footing. Maritime Logistics: Western Pacific port leaders discussed how regional ports are upgrading operations and coordination to handle accelerating military construction and troop relocations, with FEMA and port officials also sharing resiliency lessons from recent storms. Food & Health: A public health piece urged CNMI residents to reclaim traditional foods and make healthier choices easier, not just harder.

Court & Claims: A Guam federal judge granted families of five M/V Mariana crew members more time to file wrongful-death claims after the capsizing during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, extending deadlines in the vessel owners’ limitation of liability case to Oct. 31 while estates for the missing mariners are set up. Workforce & Disability Inclusion: Saipan Chamber of Commerce and CNMI Technology PIECS launched Project H.A.F.A., a four-week program connecting people with disabilities to paid local internships starting Aug. 10. Deep-Sea Mining Push: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says the U.S. announced deep-sea mining auction plans with “no consultations,” raising fears about food security and ocean disruption for the Marianas. Military Readiness on Tinian: The U.S. Navy approved expanded joint training on Tinian, adding about 15% more activity and new infrastructure including live-fire ranges and radar towers, though the Tinian mayor says residents should have been better informed. Tourism Recovery: Marianas Visitors Authority ramped up Korea and Japan marketing via Brand USA, while sports tourism remains a key MVA strategy for diversifying visitor arrivals. Business Relief: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Bavi, with Rota eligible for physical damage and economic injury loans.

Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says the U.S. floated deep-sea mining ocean leases “without consultations,” raising fears over food security and disruption to ocean resources that islanders rely on. Tinian Military Training: Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan welcomed expanded Navy training approval but criticized residents for not being better informed; the Record of Decision boosts training by about 15% and adds live-fire ranges, landing zones, ammo areas, radar towers, and biosecurity facilities. Disability-to-Work Pipeline: Saipan Chamber and NMC’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities launched Career Pathways: Project H.A.F.A., a four-week internship program connecting people with disabilities to local employers. Tourism & Education Exchange: NMC CTI’s Marianas Education Tourism Program welcomed an inaugural Japanese cohort for English and cultural exchange on Saipan, with breakdance as a central theme. Workforce & Recovery Support: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Bavi, with Rota eligible for physical damage and economic injury loans. Local Business & Dining: Noah Omakase opened on Saipan with a 10-seat, reservations-only omakase concept using locally sourced seafood where possible. Sports Tourism Push: MVA is doubling down on sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex to attract international events.

Education & Tourism: Northern Marianas College’s Center for Training and Innovation rolled out its Marianas Education Tourism Program on Saipan, welcoming an inaugural Japanese cohort for English and culture exchanges tied to breakdancing workshops and performances. Deep-Sea Mining: Gov. David Apatang says the U.S. deep-sea mining push left CNMI leaders with “no consultations,” raising alarms about food security and surprise leasing plans. Military & Logistics: The Navy approved expanded joint training on Tinian, including new live-fire and support infrastructure, while port leaders continue adapting regional shipping and logistics for a faster military buildup. Tourism Recovery: Noah Omakase opened on Saipan with a 23-course, locally sourced omakase concept, and the Marianas Visitors Authority is doubling down on sports tourism as air service to Seoul and Tokyo strengthens. Disaster Recovery & Business Support: SBA announced low-interest disaster loans for CNMI businesses and residents hit by Super Typhoon Bavi, and schools continue reopening and rebuilding after the storms. Infrastructure & Power: Governor Apatang pushed back on utility rate hikes while reporting ongoing power restoration needs, especially on Rota and Tinian.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says the U.S. announced potential ocean mining leases “with no consultations,” raising alarms about food security and disruption to ocean resources as tracts near Guam and the CNMI are considered. CNMI Recovery & Utilities: Gov. Apatang reports water restoration is essentially complete on Saipan and Tinian, while power remains a key challenge—plus he opposes CUC fuel adjustment rate hikes amid typhoon recovery strain. Tinian Military Training: Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan welcomes expanded Navy training approval but criticizes limited public awareness; the Record of Decision boosts activity and adds live-fire ranges, landing zones, ammo areas, radar towers, and biosecurity facilities. Typhoon Relief Loans: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Bavi, including physical damage and economic injury options for Rota, Saipan, and Tinian. Tourism & Sports Economy: MVA is doubling down on sports tourism, while local sports leaders point to upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex as a path to more international events and training camps. Local Dining Boost: Noah Omakase opened in Saipan with a 10-seat, reservations-only omakase concept using locally sourced seafood when possible. Business Forum Politics: Three lieutenant governor candidates laid out competing plans for fiscal reform, infrastructure hardening, workforce stability, and government transparency at a Saipan Chamber debate. Marianas Logistics for Defense: Port officials and industry leaders discussed how Western Pacific ports are adapting infrastructure and logistics to support faster military construction and troop movements.

Tourism & Dining: Noah Omakase opened in Saipan with a 10-seat, reservations-only 23-course omakase concept, leaning on locally sourced seafood as CNMI pushes forward with post-typhoon recovery. Local Economy & Governance: At the Saipan Chamber business forum, lieutenant governor candidates zeroed in on fiscal reform, hardened infrastructure, workforce stability, and government transparency—each pitching a different “four-pillar” style roadmap for rebuilding investor confidence. Disaster Recovery Funding: SBA announced low-interest disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Bavi, with Rota eligible for physical damage and economic injury loans. Education Rebuild: Koblerville Elementary broke ground on USACE modular classrooms designed for typhoon-level winds, targeting a mid-October return to a full-day learning setup. Military & Ports: Tinian mayor welcomed expanded US Navy training approval, while port leaders discussed how Western Pacific logistics are adapting to a regional military buildup. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: CNMI Governor David Apatang said the US deep-sea mining exploration push sparked unease due to lack of consultation, raising food-security concerns. Tourism Marketing: MVA continued international outreach, including Brand USA Korea & Japan, and is doubling down on sports tourism to drive visitor spending.

CNMI Defense & Training: Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan welcomed the U.S. Navy’s Record of Decision approving expanded joint military training, but criticized the lack of public detail; the plan would boost training about 15% and add live-fire ranges, landing zones, ammo holding, radar towers, and biosecurity facilities. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: CNMI Gov. David Apatang says the U.S. deep-sea mining push has sparked unease because of “no consultations,” warning it could disrupt ocean-based food security as leases are considered near Saipan and Guam. Typhoon Recovery & Utilities: Gov. Apatang updated recovery progress after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, saying Saipan is largely back to normal for water and Tinian is 100% for water, while power restoration remains a key issue; he also pushed back on proposed CUC fuel adjustment increases. Business Relief After Bavi: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Bavi, with Rota eligible for physical damage and economic injury loans. Tourism Push: Marianas Visitors Authority is strengthening international marketing and doubling down on sports tourism, while Jeju Air extends Seoul-Saipan service through March 2027 and Japan flights resume. Ports & Logistics Resilience: Port leaders and FEMA discussed how typhoons disrupted cargo and power operations, and how partnerships helped move fuel and equipment for Tinian and Rota. Education Rebuild: Koblerville Elementary broke ground on modular classrooms to restore full-day learning for nearly 500 displaced students by mid-October. Workforce & Community Grants: Kupu received a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand conservation training host sites across Hawai‘i and the Pacific, including Guam and Saipan.

Typhoon recovery finance: SBA says low-interest disaster loans are available for CNMI businesses, private nonprofits, and residents hit by Super Typhoon Bavi (July 4–12), with Rota eligible for physical damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Saipan/Tinian/Northern Islands limited to EIDLs. Education rebuilding: Koblerville Elementary in Saipan broke ground on USACE modular classrooms, targeting a mid-October return for nearly 500 displaced students. Utilities and policy: Gov. Apatang updates CNMI recovery, pushing back on CUC fuel adjustment rate hikes while noting power restoration gaps remain on Tinian and Rota. Local business and jobs: Lt. governor hopefuls faced a Saipan Chamber forum focused on economic priorities, workforce stability, and utility reliability. Tourism push: MVA is leaning into sports tourism and touts upgraded facilities as Jeju Air extends Seoul-Saipan service and Japan flights resume. Port and logistics resilience: Western Pacific ports are adapting infrastructure and logistics for faster military construction and troop moves, with FEMA and port leaders comparing typhoon lessons. Biosecurity: Guam agriculture urges free brown tree snake inspections for cargo, vehicles, and vessels before leaving Guam and again on arrival in CNMI. Drug pricing enforcement (national): A 43-state coalition announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over generic drug price-fixing, pending approvals.

Typhoon Season Watch: Forecasters say Invest 96W near Wake Island is expected to shift north and pose “pretty much 0%” risk to Guam, even as the Marianas head into peak tropical activity. Disaster Recovery & Power: CNMI Governor David Apatang pushed back on proposed CUC fuel charge hikes while reporting progress on water restoration and ongoing power work on Tinian and Rota after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Tinian Power Contract Scrutiny: The CPUC is reviewing an $8.4M emergency temporary generator rental deal for Tinian, with commissioners pressing CUC for clearer ratepayer impacts. Saipan School Rebuild: Koblerville Elementary broke ground on USACE modular classrooms designed for typhoon-level winds, targeting mid-October reopening. Ports & Logistics for Defense Buildout: Western Pacific ports, including CNMI facilities, are adapting infrastructure and logistics to move heavy equipment, fuel, and construction materials tied to regional military expansion. Tourism Momentum: MVA says Jeju Air will extend Seoul–Saipan flights through March 2027, while local leaders double down on sports tourism and upgraded facilities to grow visitor spending. Conservation Jobs: Kupu received a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand conservation leadership training with host sites across Guam and Saipan. Biosecurity for Cargo: Guam agriculture urges free brown tree snake inspections for all cargo, vehicles, and vessels traveling to CNMI.

Disaster Recovery & Power: Governor David Apatang says CNMI is “at 100% on Saipan” for water, but power restoration is still the main challenge on Tinian and ongoing on Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, while USACE reports it has installed more than half of requested temporary generators on Rota to restart critical services. Education Rebuild: Koblerville Elementary in Saipan broke ground on Aug. 4 for 22 USACE/ FEMA modular classrooms, targeting a mid-October return to full-day learning. Energy Contracts: The CPUC is set to review CUC’s $8.4M temporary Tinian power generator rental deal, as CUC defends the emergency contract and pushes for FEMA reimbursement. Tourism & Airlift: MVA is expanding sports tourism and touts upgraded facilities, while Jeju Air extends Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027 and Brand USA Korea & Japan mission activity supports visitor growth. Governance & Appointments: Apatang reappointed MVA chair Warren Villagomez, and also moved to keep continuity on key boards. Agriculture Biosecurity: Guam agriculture urges free brown tree snake inspections for all cargo and vehicles heading to CNMI. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: A “Miss Abyss” tour is rallying Pacific support against deep-sea mining in American Samoa and the CNMI.

Sports Tourism Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority is betting on sports tourism to diversify arrivals and spread spending across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, saying events bring athletes plus families, crews, and media exposure. Facility Upgrades: The Northern Marianas Sports Association links that strategy to continued improvements at the Oleai Sports Complex, aiming to attract higher-level competitions and overseas training camps. Tourism Airlift: Jeju Air will extend Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027, a move MVA calls a strong signal for continued Korean demand. Disaster Power on Rota/Tinian: USACE says it has completed more than half of temporary generator installs on Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, while CPUC reviews an $8.4M CUC contract for temporary Tinian power. Biosecurity for Cargo: Guam agriculture urges free brown tree snake inspections for all cargo, vehicles and vessels traveling to CNMI. Community & Culture Funding: GEDA grant recipients are using up to $25,000 awards to support cultural preservation and economic development projects. Military Training Clarity (Tinian): The Navy’s Record of Decision approves expanded joint training on Tinian, with officials urging clear communication with residents. Humanitarian Shipping (Rota): Fuel help totaling $7,000 supports free ocean transport of water and supplies to Rota after Typhoon Bavi.

Antitrust & Health Costs: A coalition of 43 U.S. attorneys general reached a $400 million settlement in principle with generic-drug maker Sandoz over alleged price-fixing and reduced competition; if approved, Sandoz would pay about $469 million, with South Dakota’s share set at $996,862.80 (including $157,474.93 directed to Medicaid). CNMI Power & Utilities: After Super Typhoon Bavi, US Army Corps of Engineers crews say they’ve completed more than half of requested temporary generator installs on Rota, targeting hospitals, telecom, water wells, and emergency facilities; meanwhile, CNMI’s CUC is defending an $8.4 million temporary power rental contract for Tinian as CPUC pushes for more transparency on ratepayer impacts. Disaster Response & Logistics: Guam’s agriculture department urges free brown tree snake inspections for all cargo, vehicles, and vessels traveling to CNMI—before departure and on arrival—to protect islands during recovery travel. Military Training & Local Planning: Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan welcomed the Navy’s Record of Decision approving expanded joint military training, saying residents need clear communication as preparations begin. Tourism & Air Service: Jeju Air will extend Seoul–Saipan flights through March 2027, and MVA says it’s a positive signal for Korean visitor demand. Digital Skills: Northern Marianas College completed a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program, with nine students passing CompTIA certification after storm disruptions.