AGP Executive Report

Marianas Visa Push: Guam, CNMI and Philippine officials met in Hågatña to move the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program toward action, weighing how to expand travel while addressing security concerns that have stalled the proposal for years. Birthright Citizenship Fight: CNMI Gov. David Apatang and Guam leaders urged U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill ending birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, arguing it conflicts with local constitutional protections and would create serious legal and human fallout. Typhoon Recovery Updates: After Super Typhoon Bavi, FEMA reported generators airlifted to Rota to restore critical services and ports, while CNMI’s utilities and emergency teams continue power and water restoration across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Public Safety: DPS said it expects to file charges after a fatal motorcycle crash involving a Saipan Ice & Water truck on Middle Road, with the investigation ongoing. Sports (CNMI Connection): Northern Mariana Islands’ tennis team was beaten by Sri Lanka in Davis Cup Asia/Oceania play, while Qatar clinched promotion after edging Kyrgyzstan.

Disaster Recovery Update: FEMA says it airlifted about two dozen generators to Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, prioritizing power for clinics, schools, shelters, public facilities and communications, while Coast Guard and Navy assessments helped reopen one port to restart fuel deliveries. Utilities Restoration: CUC reports new restoration materials received July 22, but longer outages continue on Saipan in areas including Kagman, Capitol Hill, Gualo Rai, Chinatown, Tanapag and As Matuis; crews are also working on Tinian and Rota with power restoration still in progress. Local Safety: The Department of Public Safety expects to file charges after a fatal motorcycle crash involving a Saipan Ice & Water truck on Middle Road; the rider died after the truck failed to yield during a left turn. Regional Travel Talks: Guam, CNMI and Philippine officials met in Hagåtña to push Philippine inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to balance tourism growth with security concerns. Citizenship Fight: Guam and CNMI leaders urged U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill ending birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, warning it could create stateless children and arguing the Covenant can’t be unilaterally changed. Sports: Saipan’s Northern Mariana Islands tennis team was beaten by Sri Lanka in Davis Cup action, while the Crowne Plaza Saipan International men’s singles title match heads toward a deciding set.

CNMI Recovery Update: After Super Typhoon Bavi, FEMA says it airlifted about two dozen generators to Rota to restore critical services and keep ports moving, while the Red Cross opened recovery resource centers across Saipan, Tinian and Rota for financial help. Utilities Watch: CUC reported new power materials arriving to speed restoration, with Saipan power at about 75% and Tinian nearly fully restored, but some Saipan villages still facing longer outages. Health & Supplies: HHS expanded prescription and durable medical equipment support for Bavi survivors, and FODAC is distributing donated medical gear at the former Kanoa Hotel. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new push to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is drawing fresh pushback, including reports that bill sponsor Rep. Morgan Griffith did not consult Guam or other territories before introducing the measure. Sports & Community: The Crowne Plaza Saipan International tennis event continued with men’s singles action, and NMI Wrestling rolled out new Olympic-sized mats for clinics. Road Safety: DPS expects charges after a fatal crash involving a Saipan Ice & Water truck and a motorcycle on Middle Road.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s new “End Birthright Citizenship for the Territories Act” would strip automatic citizenship for babies born in Guam, CNMI, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Jan. 1, 2027 unless a parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident—sparking pushback from territorial leaders and questions about whether Griffith consulted them before filing. CNMI Power Recovery: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. says new restoration materials arrived July 22, but some Saipan villages will see longer outages as crews repair heavily damaged areas; separate updates show Saipan power around 75% and Tinian near full restoration, while Rota repairs continue. Typhoon Aid on the Ground: FEMA reports generators and communications equipment have been airlifted to Rota to restore critical services, and HHS has expanded health support for Bavi survivors, including prescription replacement help. Local Safety: DPS says it expects to file charges after a fatal motorcycle crash involving a Saipan Ice & Water truck on Middle Road. Sports: NMI Wrestling Federation is expanding with new Olympic-sized mats for clinics and training.

Typhoon Recovery Watch: CNMI agencies report continued restoration across Saipan, Tinian and Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, with shelters still active (112 occupants) and Saipan power at about 75%, Tinian at 980 of 1,059 customers, and Rota repairs ongoing; Saipan wells are 84% restored and the airport is fully operational while seaports are open with restrictions. Utilities Update: CUC says new power materials arrived July 22, but some Saipan villages (Kagman, Capitol Hill, Gualo Rai, Chinatown, Tanapag, As Matuis) may see longer outages as crews reframe and restring lines and install secondary service drops. Aid on the Ground: FEMA airlifted about two dozen generators to Rota to restart critical infrastructure, while the American Red Cross is running disaster resource centers across the islands for financial help. Local Human Stories: Tinian’s Gene’s Barber & Beauty Shop has reopened after Bavi flooding and a week-long outage, and Saipan is hosting ongoing distribution of donated durable medical equipment for survivors. Politics in the Region: Gov. David Apatang marked Palacios’ death anniversary and also weighed in on a federal push to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories.

Birthright citizenship fight: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” aiming to end automatic citizenship for children born in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands starting Jan. 2027, while local leaders in Guam and CNMI say it threatens the Covenant and could leave families in legal limbo. Trans military policy showdown: A House NDAA amendment to codify Trump’s transgender military ban failed 212-217 after four Republicans (including Guam’s James Moylan and CNMI’s Kimberlyn King-Hinds) voted with Democrats; two anti-trans amendments by Rep. Nancy Mace did pass, including TRICARE limits on gender-affirming care and a ban on transgender girls in military-run K-12 girls’ sports. Typhoon recovery on Saipan, Tinian, Rota: FEMA airlifted about two dozen generators to Rota to restore critical services and communications while port reopening supports fuel and goods; CNMI power restoration continues as CUC receives infrastructure materials, and medical equipment distribution is underway via FODAC at the former Kanoa Hotel. Local public safety: DPS expects charges in a fatal Middle Road crash involving a Saipan Ice & Water truck and a motorcycle; the rider died after failing to yield. Community updates: Gene’s Barber on Tinian fully reopened after Bavi, and Aria Keilbach reflects on leaving Saipan after years running Boonie Babies.

Power Restoration in CNMI: CUC says new July 22 materials—wood and concrete poles plus transformers—have arrived to keep restoring electricity on Saipan, where some villages may still see longer outages, while Tinian power is largely back and Rota restoration continues. Disaster Aid Access: The American Red Cross is opening Disaster Recovery Assistance resource centers across Saipan, Tinian and Rota for residents to apply for financial help, with ID and address verification required. Medical Equipment Distribution: CNMI agencies and partners, including FODAC, coordinated to distribute donated durable medical equipment to survivors with disabilities and other critical access needs. Road Safety: A motorcyclist died after a crash on Saipan’s Middle Road involving a Saipan Ice & Water truck; authorities are still investigating. Tech & Security: Regional leaders discussed how AI and cybersecurity threats are now tied to infrastructure reliability, pushing businesses to rethink protection strategies. Travel Market Talk: Guam and CNMI leaders discussed a Guam-CNMI visa waiver push, with analysis pointing to the Philippines as a major untapped visitor source. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Guam and CNMI officials continue opposing a federal bill that would end automatic citizenship for many territory-born children starting in 2027. Sports: Saipan hosted international badminton and local T-ball action, with multiple winners on opening days.

Typhoon Bavi recovery health support: HHS/ASPR activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for Saipan, Rota and Tinian, helping uninsured residents replace lost prescriptions and some medical equipment, and deployed a Disaster Behavioral Health Team. Local courts: The CNMI Superior Court declared MV Mariana captain Frederick Leroy Nosek Jr. presumed dead, ordering a death certificate for “Lost at Sea during Super Typhoon Sinlaku.” CNMI labor policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act to extend and modernize the labor stabilization framework through at least 2039. Birthright citizenship fight: CNMI leaders and residents renewed pushback on a federal bill that would end automatic citizenship for many territory-born children starting in 2027, warning it threatens the Covenant and could create legal uncertainty. Telecom restoration update: IT&E and Docomo Pacific told the PUC most mobile service is back on Saipan and Tinian, but Rota remains the hardest hit due to damaged towers and fuel/power limits. Power and public safety: CUC posted ongoing Saipan restoration schedules, while BECQ issued “red flag” advisories for two Saipan sites due to high fecal indicator bacteria. Community and culture: The Marpi Public Cemetery will require a $500 interment permit starting Aug. 9, and Saipan continued Liberation Day coverage. Sports: International badminton continues at Crowne Plaza Saipan International, with Saipan hosting singles and doubles action.

Birthright citizenship fight: CNMI lawmakers and leaders are pushing back hard on H.R. 9724, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” which would end automatic citizenship for children born in Guam and the CNMI starting Jan. 1, 2027—Sen. William Parkinson called it an attack on what Guam fought for, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and others warn it undermines the CNMI Covenant and could leave families in legal limbo. Disaster recovery and services: FEMA approved nearly $3 million in Public Assistance funding for Arizona, CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i, while the CNMI Joint Information Center reported ongoing sheltering, transport, and power/water restoration across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Saipan power and water updates: CUC crews continued restoration work across multiple Saipan areas, and the latest power service update lists ongoing repairs and restoration efforts for remaining customers. School rebuilding: USACE is building 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms at Northern Marianas College to restart higher education after typhoon damage. Public health notice: BECQ issued “red flag” advisories for Saipan west coast beaches and storm drainages after bacteria levels exceeded standards, advising residents not to fish or swim within 300 feet for 48 hours. Cemetery fee change: Marpi Public Cemetery will require a $500 interment permit starting Aug. 9, 2026. Regional travel push: A Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Working Group met to advance expanding the program to include the Philippines. Local events: The CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International badminton tournament continues, and the Saipan Chamber’s scholarship golf tournament is set for July 25 with a Mazda CX-5 as the hole-in-one prize.

CNMI Birthright Fight: A new House bill, H.R. 9724 “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” would end automatic U.S. citizenship for babies born in the CNMI, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on or after Jan. 1, 2027—prompting strong pushback from CNMI leaders and Guam’s Del. James Moylan, who called it a dangerous precedent. Disaster Recovery Updates: FEMA approved nearly $3 million in post-disaster Public Assistance funding for Hawai‘i, Guam, CNMI and Arizona, including more than $333,000 for CNMI emergency protective measures after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; the CNMI Joint Information Center also reported ongoing shelter operations and power/water restoration progress across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Rota Recovery Needs: Rota Sen. Donald Manglona urged expanded resources and faster aid delivery as Bavi recovery continues, saying local workers and municipal operations need more support while awaiting a presidential disaster declaration. Utilities Pressure: Residents renewed complaints about the extremely high cost of electricity in the CNMI, while CUC continued power restoration work with area-by-area crew schedules. Local Crime: Two people were indicted in separate federal meth conspiracy cases in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Community & Sports: Triple J Motors sponsored the Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarship golf tournament’s hole-in-one prize, and the Northern Marianas Open wrapped with Masuki and Park taking titles.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: CNMI Delegate James Moylan and other local leaders are pushing back hard against Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act” (H.R. 9724), which would end automatic citizenship for babies born in Guam and the CNMI (and other territories) starting Jan. 1, 2027—Moylan calls it a dangerous precedent and says citizenship in Guam was “earned” through military service. Disaster Recovery—Bavi: The CNMI Joint Information Center reports shelter counts and ongoing utility restoration across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with Saipan power still being worked on and a boil-water notice remaining; DPW volunteers are also clearing Rota roads, and DPW says beach restoration could resume using dredged sand after Bavi assessments. Utilities Update: CUC says crews are continuing targeted power restoration work on Saipan feeder lines and laterals, with safety reminders for customers on generators/solar. Weather: Invest 90W has dissipated and no tropical watches or warnings are in effect for the Marianas, though forecasters will keep monitoring for new development. Local Sports: The Northern Marianas Open badminton wrapped with Sakura Masuki defending her women’s singles title and Park Seul winning two golds; T-ball also kicked off at Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Field. Public Safety/Justice: Two people were indicted in separate federal meth conspiracy cases in the CNMI, with arrests made in Guam.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new House bill, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act” (H.R. 9724), would end automatic U.S. citizenship for babies born in Guam and other inhabited U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027, drawing sharp pushback as CNMI and Guam leaders argue it targets “birth tourism” and could reshape rights after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. Local Disaster Food Access: After Sinlaku and Bavi, CNMI’s Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program intake has been extended and capped at 600 per day amid long lines and document issues, while advocates say the process still makes recovery harder than it should be. Typhoon Recovery & Utilities: Lawmakers advanced a $40 million emergency line-of-credit for CUC to stabilize typhoon recovery, as CUC warns cash shortages could prolong outages; DPW also plans to resume Saipan beach restoration using dredged sand after Bavi assessments. Marianas Security/Travel: In the Senate, a fast-track move to restrict visa-free Chinese travel to U.S. territories was blocked after Sen. Martin Heinrich objected, with CNMI tourism groups warning it could harm the recovering economy. Courts & Crime: Two people were indicted in separate federal meth conspiracy cases in the CNMI. Weather: Invest 90W has dissipated; forecasters say mostly sunny conditions continue with monitoring for a new disturbance near the monsoon trough.

Citizenship Fight: A new House bill, H.R. 9724 “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” would end automatic U.S. citizenship for babies born in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the CNMI on or after Jan. 1, 2027, arguing Congress can change territory citizenship rules. Weather Watch: Invest 90W has fully dissipated and there are no cyclone alerts for Guam or the CNMI, but forecasters say a new disturbance could form later in the week farther west. Power Restoration: CUC posted Monday’s Saipan restoration schedule for several feeder laterals and neighborhoods, with crews reframing and restringing lines; customers are urged to turn off main breakers if using generators/solar. Typhoon Recovery & Food Aid: NAP extended disaster nutrition assistance intake through July 22 and capped processing at 600 applicants a day after reports of long waits; a Saipan SSI recipient also sued over alleged delays in scheduling a fair hearing for his food-benefit calculation. Local Governance & Tourism: Hotel groups and business leaders backed Senate action blocking fast-track repeal of EVS-TAP, saying it’s vital for CNMI tourism and security screening. Sports & Community: The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation elected new officers and unveiled a 2026–2030 strategic plan, while Saipan’s Profound Bandits raised funds for an international dance trip.

CUC Emergency Financing: The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation defended its $40 million emergency line of credit for typhoon recovery, with board chairman Allen Perez saying borrowing is the only way to keep electricity stable and prevent longer outages, as residents criticized the plan and a board resignation was announced. Food Assistance Backlog: The Nutrition Assistance Program extended disaster food intake through July 22, capping processing at 600 applicants a day to reduce 8–10 hour waits, after residents reported lining up as early as 8 p.m. Legal Challenge to NAP: A Saipan SSI recipient sued CNMI agencies in federal court, alleging they violated due process by not scheduling a required fair hearing for his food-benefit appeal after an 11-month delay. Tourism & Travel Policy: CNMI hotel and business groups backed a Senate move blocking fast-track repeal of EVS-TAP, saying the program’s DHS screening protects security while keeping tourism steady. Healthcare Partnership: Isla Community Health signed a regional pact with Guam’s Todu Guam Foundation to expand care, workforce support, specialty services, and disaster response across the Marianas. Air Service Update: Jeju Air says it will keep flying to Saipan in the winter season starting in October without MVA financial support. Weather Watch: Former Invest 90W was removed from suspect tracking and no cyclone watches or warnings are in effect for Guam or CNMI, though monitoring continues for broader monsoon activity. Relief & Recovery: The Salvation Army reported delivering thousands of meals to shelters in Guam after Super Typhoon Bavi, and Saipan/Tinian recovery centers will close Sundays starting July 19. Local Events: The T-Ball League kicked off at Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field, and the Saipan Baseball League began U12 Jr. tryouts for WBSC Oceania qualifiers.

Deep-Sea Mining Radioactivity: A new Deep Sea Mining Campaign report warns seabed mining could release unexamined radioactivity, citing a 2023 study that found alpha-emitting isotopes on polymetallic nodules and radon risks during storage and processing. Typhoon Bavi Relief in the Region: The Salvation Army says it delivered 2,342 meals to Guam shelters in the first four days, with Saipan outreach topping up food for families and planned shipments to Rota. CNMI Court Challenge: A Saipan SSI recipient has filed a federal lawsuit claiming CNMI agencies denied him a fair hearing over his food-benefit calculation. CUC Emergency Financing: The House unanimously passed a bill to let CUC secure up to a $40 million emergency line of credit for restoration and fuel after Sinlaku and Bavi. Recovery Services Update: Saipan and Tinian Survivor Recovery Centers will close Sundays starting July 19, with FEMA and SBA disaster assistance still available. Local Youth Sports: The T-Ball League kicked off Sunday at Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field for ages 5–8. Weather Check: Invest 90W has dissipated; no cyclone watches or warnings are in effect for Guam or CNMI, though monitoring continues. Fuel Prices: Diesel prices rose on Saipan and Tinian, with Tinian still under a 10-gallon purchase limit as residents line up.

Emergency Utilities Financing: The House unanimously passed a new $40M CUC emergency line-of-credit bill for utility restoration after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi; it now heads to the Senate. Typhoon Recovery Services: Saipan and Tinian Survivor Recovery Centers will close Sundays starting July 19, with FEMA and SBA hotlines still available. Public Health Data Warning: A new report says gaps from missing CDC data are creating blind spots for tracking and preventing diseases. Local Relief Effort: Rotary Club of Saipan approved up to $11,000 in hygiene and cleaning supplies for Rota, with smaller allocations for Tinian, Saipan, and the NMI School of Nursing. Fuel Costs Hit Hard: Diesel prices rose on Saipan and Tinian remains under strict fuel purchase limits as residents line up. Education Update: Green Meadow School took over Isla Montessori in Dandan, aiming to expand early childhood services while keeping the school’s name. Sports & Youth: Saipan Baseball League begins U12 Jr. National tryouts for WBSC Oceania Qualifiers in Guam. Aviation/Travel: Starlink changed roaming rules by grouping countries into shared regions, including Guam and the Northern Marianas in the North America region.