AGP Executive Report

CNMI Elections & Civic Life: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will hold its October general membership meeting this Wednesday, Oct. 7, featuring interim PSS education commissioner Jacqueline Che and updates on public schools and chamber plans. Gubernatorial Forum Rescheduled: The second half of the gubernatorial candidates forum resumes Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Gilbert S. Ada Gymnasium after a storm-related power outage cut the Oct. 1 event short; tickets already bought will be honored. Voting Deadline: The Commonwealth Election Commission says absentee ballot applications must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 9 (mail/fax/online), with late approvals requiring in-person pickup. Immigration & Work Programs: USCIS is seeking public comment until Nov. 13 on proposed extensions to CW-1 petition and employer reporting forms, while local HR leaders continue pushing for changes to the CW touchback requirement. Utilities & Costs: CUC is asking regulators for a three-year rate plan that would sharply raise electric base rates and increase water and wastewater charges. Weather & Safety: After Typhoon Choi-wan moved away, Saipan and Tinian were cleared, but officials warn hazardous seas and lingering conditions; separate tropical system Koguma remains far east of the Marianas.

CNMI Courts: A judge denied a defense bid to block autopsy photos and related medical evidence in the voluntary manslaughter case against Jeremy Guillermin, but said the defense can renew its objection; the jury trial is set to begin Oct. 19. Power & Water Costs: CUC is seeking CPUC approval for a three-year rate plan that would more than double some electric base rates by Year 3 and raise many water and wastewater charges. Workforce Pressure: Immigration attorney Bruce Mailman told HR leaders to prepare for tighter federal immigration rules, warning the CNMI could lose key CW and H-1B/H-2B cap exemptions without congressional action. Labor Policy Fight: Incoming UFO-CNMI president Valentino Cruz backs extending the CW-1 program and wants the CW-1 touchback requirement abolished, calling it costly and disruptive. Storm Watch—Koguma: A new tropical depression, Koguma (27W), formed far east of the Marianas and could strengthen into a typhoon later this week, though it poses no direct threat right now. After Choi-wan: Typhoon Choi-wan has moved away and Marianas watches/warnings are ended, but hazardous seas and lingering monsoon conditions remain. Port Update: Guam’s port says one gantry crane is back in service after high winds, while recovery and inspections continue for the other cranes. Health Care Costs: OPM says average FEHB premiums will rise 10.9% in 2027, with some plan options actually costing less.

Typhoon Choi-wan Aftermath: Saipan and Tinian were placed under an all-clear at 8 a.m. Sunday as Choi-wan moved away, but officials warn hazardous winds, seas and flooding risks can linger; gale warnings, wind advisories, high surf and rip-current risk remain in effect, while Pagan, Agrihan and Alamagan stay under Typhoon Condition I. Local Power & Government Disruption: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce gubernatorial debate was cut short when a power outage hit the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium during Tropical Storm Choi-wan, forcing the forum to move online later. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says CNMI’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance rollout has been slowed by the lack of an unemployment insurance system and fraud concerns, and she also pushed federal action to eliminate the CW touchback requirement that she says is harming local projects and hiring. Aviation & Defense: A new Saipan radar on Mount Petosukara is moving through the FAA review process to restore long-range north-facing surveillance, supporting both air traffic and Indo-Pacific defense needs. Utilities Costs: CUC has proposed multi-year rate hikes plus a typhoon recovery surcharge, with CPUC hearings set for Oct. 19-21. Sports: The Dee Clayton Classic and Northern Marianas Bodybuilding Federation’s 15th DC Classic returns Oct. 10 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan Aftermath: CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management lifted Typhoon Condition I for Saipan and Tinian effective 8 p.m. Saturday, but officials stressed it’s not an “all clear” as monsoon-driven gusts, hazardous seas, and flooding risk continue into the weekend. Local Economy & Work Permits: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged business leaders to back federal action to eliminate the CW touchback requirement, saying it disrupts projects and harms the labor pipeline; she introduced H.R. 8931 to rewrite the statute. Tinian Casino Bill: The Oct. 4 veto-override deadline for a Tinian casino bill passed, but the Senate’s session was canceled due to the storm, leaving uncertainty over whether the deadline still applies. Utility Rates Hearing: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation filed a three-year rate increase proposal plus a typhoon recovery surcharge; CPUC hearings are set for Oct. 19-21 in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Sports & Community: The 15th DC Classic and NMBF competition returns Oct. 10 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, and CNMI paddlers are fundraising for the Oct. 15-18 Guam Micro Cup.

Typhoon Choi-Wan Update: Choi-Wan strengthened as it moved away from the far Northern Marianas, but hazardous weather is still hitting the Marianas. CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management said Saipan and Tinian were under All Clear Sunday morning, yet a Wind Advisory remains until 10 p.m., with gusts up to 45 mph, plus ongoing coastal flood and high surf risks. Local Politics: Independent delegate candidate Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero says his campaign is giving voters a close look at the struggles CNMI families face, while highlighting their resilience. Immigration Oversight: A report says ICE deaths in custody are rising sharply in 2026, as critics warn standards are falling amid the administration’s crackdown. Utilities & Costs: The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation filed a three-year rate hike proposal for CNMI, including a temporary typhoon recovery surcharge; CPUC hearings are set for Oct. 19-21. Community & Culture: The National Museum of the Pacific War will host “Road to Victory: Saipan” live battle reenactments Saturday, Oct. 3. Sports: RHI remains undefeated in girls volleyball after a mid-season tourney, according to Sports Leigh-Out.

Typhoon Choi-wan Update: CNMI officials say Governor David Apatang canceled Tropical Storm Condition I for Saipan and Tinian effective 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3—but it’s not an all-clear. A strong monsoon surge will keep gusty winds and hazardous seas and surf through the weekend and likely into early next week, with gusts up to 50 mph in heavy showers. Flood Risk: A Flood Watch remains in effect for Saipan and Tinian through late Sunday night as heavy rain from Choi-wan and a trailing monsoon band could bring 5 to 8 inches, with flash flooding possible. Northern Islands: Typhoon Condition I stays for Pagan, Alamagan, and Agrihan. Local Impacts: Choi-wan disrupted daily life with closures and outages, including NMC campus closures and canceled SAT testing on Oct. 3. Utility Costs: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation filed a three-year rate hike proposal plus a typhoon recovery surcharge; CPUC hearings are set for Oct. 19-21. Drug Settlement: The Northern Mariana Islands is listed among states seeking court approval of a $400 million multistate settlement over alleged generic drug price manipulation by Sandoz and Fougera.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan: Choi-Wan lingered near-stationary and slowly turning north-northeast, keeping Saipan and Tinian under Tropical Storm Condition I as the wind field expanded; NWS warned tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain could continue through Saturday, with Guam and Rota facing strong gusts and rough surf even as the storm moved away. Flood Risk: A Flood Watch stayed in effect for Saipan and Tinian through late Sunday night, with 5 to 8 inches of rain possible and flash flooding concerns in low-lying and poorly drained areas. CNMI Disruptions: The storm forced school closures and canceled NMC classes on Saipan and Tinian, while government offices released employees early and shut down Friday. Local Travel: Philippine Airlines will resume nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, restoring a direct link for tourism and family travel. Drug Settlement Push: AGs including CNMI-area partners urged eligible consumers to file claims tied to the $400 million Sandoz generic-drug price-fixing settlement. Community & Culture: The National Museum of the Pacific War hosts a “Road to Victory: Saipan” battle reenactment Saturday, with performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Storm Prep and School Closures: Tropical Storm Choi-Wan is churning toward the Marianas, with a Flood Watch still in effect for Saipan and Tinian through late Sunday night as heavy rain could bring 5 to 8 inches and flash flooding risk remains. Local Impacts: Saipan and Tinian schools shifted to half-days Thursday and closed Friday, while Northern Marianas College canceled classes on Saipan and Tinian and kept offices closed. Government Operations: CNMI issued Tropical Storm Condition I for Saipan/Tinian and Typhoon Condition I for Pagan/Alamagan, released some government employees early, and urged residents to shelter in place. Power and Travel Disruptions: A CUC outage hit parts of Saipan, and airlines warned of possible flight delays and cancellations. PAL Route Update: Philippine Airlines says it will resume nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25. Child Care Costs Study: CNMI launched an 8-month study to calculate the real operating costs of licensed child care centers. Drug Price Settlement: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including those in the coalition, are seeking court approval for a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan: Saipan and Tinian are under Tropical Storm Condition I, with residents urged to shelter in place from sunset Thursday through sunrise Saturday as heavy rain (4–8 inches possible) and damaging winds and rough surf move in; Pagan and Alamagan face Typhoon Condition I as the storm is forecast to intensify into a typhoon late Friday into Saturday. Local Preparedness: Government employees were released at 12:30 p.m. Thursday and schools shifted to half-days Thursday, with PSS closed Friday; Homeland Security and the Joint Information Center pushed residents to secure outdoor items, clear drains, and avoid travel and flooded roads. Travel Disruptions: Jeju Air warned of possible Saipan flight delays and cancellations from Thursday afternoon through early Sunday. Government Shutdown & Budget Strain: CNMI government operations were suspended for lack of an approved 2027 budget, with only essential services continuing; the House advanced the budget earlier but the governor said there wasn’t enough time to review before the Oct. 1 deadline. FEMA Support: FEMA approved more than $1M for CNMI, including over $800,000 for backup generators and emergency power at the Tinian Health Center. Airline Connectivity: Philippine Airlines will restore nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25. Community & Services: A Kiya 1 power outage hit multiple Saipan areas, and DFEMS PIO Robert Mojica announced he’s leaving after 10 years.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Choi-Wan is strengthening east of the Marianas, triggering a Tropical Storm Warning for Saipan and Tinian, with hazardous surf and worsening marine conditions as the system could become a typhoon. Storm Watch Update: Tropical Depression 26W has formed east of the Marianas; Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan, while Saipan and Tinian are under Tropical Storm Condition II as impacts could begin late Thursday night. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $1 million for CNMI, including over $800,000 for backup generators and emergency power at the Tinian Health Center, plus about $267,000 in Individual Assistance. Government & Budget: The House adopted a $100.7M FY2027 conference budget, but Gov. Apatang declared a partial government shutdown because no appropriations law was in place by Oct. 1. Pension Notice: The Department of Finance says the Oct. 15 25% pension payment won’t be funded, and subsequent payments are also unavailable. Local Economy & People: CNMI officials told federal partners the territory is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to lack of opportunity, warning it could threaten government solvency. Tourism & Business: Marianas Visitors Authority strengthened ties at Tourism Expo Japan 2026, while SipTea Café opened in Chalan Laulau despite tough economic conditions. Community & Sports: Rotary is reviving its trash can program with a new plan focused on getting regular collection; local youth sports saw multiple wins in soccer and basketball, and the SIS Gecko 5000 cross-country qualifier drew hundreds.

Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 26W has formed east of the Marianas and is strengthening, prompting Tropical Storm Watches for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan and Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian, with officials urging residents to monitor updates as the system is forecast to pass north of the islands. CNMI Budget Fight: The House adopted a $100.7M FY2027 conference budget that largely follows the Senate plan, but Gov. Apatang says a partial government shutdown is underway because an appropriations law wasn’t in place by Oct. 1. Retiree Shock: The Department of Finance says there are no funds for the Oct. 15 25% pension payment, meaning retirees may need to pay insurance and loan obligations directly through GHLI/NMIRF. Meth Health Warning: A recovery program reports “scarier” meth withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes, as meth-related cases continue rising. Local Economy & People: CNMI officials told federal partners the territory is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to lack of opportunity, while a new SipTea Café opens in Chalan Laulau. Community Sports: SIS and SCS posted big wins at the PSS cross country qualifier and Gecko 5000 fun run; Saipan Little League wrapped up with the Fielders going 8-0 and Ol’Aces winning the Junior title 11-10. STEM Opportunity: CNMI programmers can mentor and build projects using real NASA data through the NASA Space Apps Challenge.

Tropical Weather: Invest 93W has rapidly organized east of the Marianas, with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center issuing a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert; the National Weather Service says it may pass north of Saipan late this week but warns uncertainty is still high, with a monsoon surge expected to bring stronger showers, gusty winds, and rough seas. CNMI Economy & Self-Government: A senior CNMI official told federal partners in San Francisco the Commonwealth is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to lack of opportunity, shrinking the private sector and tax base and raising fears about the long-term viability of self-government. Public Schools Funding: House-Senate budget talks are still in flux as lawmakers move toward a conference committee, with the Senate version cutting PSS and Northern Marianas College funding and the House pushing for a higher PSS level. Air Service Pressure: The Commonwealth Ports Authority board voted to pause scheduled airline fee increases for 60 days to keep carriers from abandoning CNMI routes, citing financial strain from fuel and currency pressures. Local Life & Recovery: SipTea Café opened in Chalan Laulau despite the downturn; Rotary is reviving its trash can program with a new plan focused on getting regular collection; Casa Marianas wrapped up another pet-food distribution across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Sports: Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School stayed undefeated in the PSS-NMIVA mid-season girls volleyball tournament, while SIS and SCS posted decisive wins in middle school girls soccer.

Public Schools Funding: House-Senate budget conferees agreed on a framework to lift FY2027 Public School System local funding to $32 million after hours of talks, moving away from the Senate’s $25 million level. Airport Fees: The Commonwealth Ports Authority Board voted to pause scheduled airline fee increases for 60 days, extending the airline rate reduction program through Nov. 30 to keep carriers from cutting service. Typhoon Recovery Emergency: Gov. David Apatang extended the State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days as CNMI still works to recover from Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Weather Watch: NWS says Invest 93W is not expected to directly hit the Marianas but could boost showers and thunderstorms late in the week, with a monsoon surge bringing gusty winds and rough seas. Air Link Restored: Philippine Airlines will resume Manila–Saipan flights Oct. 25–26, twice weekly, after waiting for recovery conditions. Community & Health: Casa Marianas wrapped up a final dog-food distribution across Saipan, Tinian and Rota; and a CNMI recovery program reports meth withdrawal symptoms are getting “scarier,” including hallucinations and psychotic episodes. Sports: SIS dominated the PSS cross country meet, and Saipan Little League crowned the Fielders (Senior, 8-0) and Ol’Aces (Junior, 11-10).

Emergency Powers: Gov. David Apatang extended CNMI’s State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days, saying recovery from Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi still needs emergency authority—progress on Saipan/Tinian, but Rota remains far from fully back. Tropical Watch: Invest 93W could pass northeast of the Marianas Thursday through Friday, with forecasters warning of a possible monsoon surge and urging residents to monitor updates. Air Connectivity: Philippine Airlines will resume Manila–Saipan flights Oct. 25–26, twice weekly, after waiting for conditions to stabilize post-typhoons. Airport Costs: The Commonwealth Ports Authority Board froze scheduled airline fee increases for 60 days to keep carriers from cutting service. School Funding Fight: House and Senate budget plans for FY2027 clash over cuts—especially for PSS and NMC—sending the issue to a House-Senate conference committee. Public Health: A CNMI drug recovery program says meth withdrawal symptoms are getting worse, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes, as CHCC reports rising meth-related cases. Community Recovery: Casa Marianas wrapped up its final day of free dog food distribution, with demand still high after typhoon recovery efforts. Sports & Community: SIS and SCS topped the PSS cross-country meet, while Ol’Aces won the Saipan Little League Junior title 11-10; free beginner pickleball lessons are set for Oct. 3.

CNMI Budget Fight: The House rejected the Senate’s FY 2027 budget version, sending the PSS and Northern Marianas College funding differences to a conference committee ahead of Oct. 1, with education leaders warning a $25 million baseline could trigger a “structural collapse” and cut school days to just two or three per week. Settlement Fund Update: A federal judge approved the NMI Settlement Fund’s FY 2027 budget, setting spending at $40.476 million, a 2.57% increase tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku repairs and refunds. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: NRDC says Marianas residents need more time and a real say as deep-sea mining decisions move forward, while Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine urged a seabed mining moratorium and called for a UN apology over nuclear testing harm. Public Health: CNMI’s meth recovery program reports more severe withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes, alongside rising meth-related cases. Travel & Community: Philippine Airlines will resume Manila-Saipan direct flights Oct. 25, and the Western Pacific Fishery Council urged federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews tied to cultural harvests.

CNMI Public Schools Budget Fight: The House and Senate are still at odds over FY 2027 funding, with the Senate pushing a $25 million baseline that PSS warns could trigger “structural collapse” and cut instruction to just 2–3 days a week, sending the plans to conference just days before Oct. 1. Settlement Fund Update: A federal judge approved the NMI Settlement Fund’s FY 2027 budget, raising spending 2.57% to $40.476 million for storm repairs tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku and increased refunds. Meth Crisis: The SAAR recovery program says meth withdrawal symptoms in the Northern Marianas are getting “scarier,” including hallucinations and psychotic episodes, as CHCC reports cases rising sharply through 2025. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: NRDC says Marianas residents lack time and information to weigh a fast-moving seabed mining lease sale, while President Hilda Heine urged the UN to halt seabed mining without safeguards and to apologize for nuclear testing harms. Local Governance Debate: The House debated whether the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture should stay independent or move under the Marianas Visitors Authority, with Saipan Mayor RB Camacho opposing a transfer. Immigration/Travel: A Trump administration effort aims to close a visa-free loophole for Chinese visitors using Guam and CNMI for birth tourism. Philippines Labor Access: The Philippine Consul General in Guam says a Migrant Workers Office will open in Guam, bringing labor services closer to Filipino workers in CNMI. Sports: Ol’Aces won the Saipan Little League Junior Division title, beating the Mariners 11-10.