AGP Executive Report

Super Typhoon Bavi Threat: Guam and the Northern Marianas are bracing for Bavi, now strengthening toward super typhoon strength with forecasts warning of at least tropical-storm conditions and potentially Category 5-level winds as it nears the islands. Emergency Declarations & FEMA Support: President Trump approved emergency declarations for Guam and the CNMI, unlocking FEMA emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance as residents prepare amid ongoing recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Port Closures (USCG): The U.S. Coast Guard set Port Heavy Weather Condition YANKEE for Guam and CNMI, ordering commercial vessels over 200 gross tons to evacuate and suspending inbound traffic, with stricter PHWC ZULU expected later. TRICARE Relief: TRICARE beneficiaries in Guam and CNMI can get emergency prescription refills through July 12 due to Bavi. America’s 250th Birthday, CNMI Time Zone Moment: Times Square’s Independence Day celebration includes eight ball drops, with the first marking midnight in Guam and the CNMI—tying the islands directly into the nationwide countdown.

Typhoon Bavi Threat: Guam and the CNMI are bracing for another major hit as Typhoon Bavi rapidly intensifies over the Pacific, with forecasts calling for super typhoon strength and possible Category 5-equivalent winds near the Marianas by Sunday night or Monday morning; residents are boarding up, stocking supplies, and preparing for hazardous seas and heavy rain—especially hard for communities still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Readiness: CNMI Gov. David Apatang and Guam Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero moved both islands into COR 3, ordered shelters to open, and warned that tracks and impacts could shift quickly. Emergency Help: TRICARE beneficiaries in Guam and the CNMI can get emergency prescription refills through July 12, and the Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 for crisis counseling ahead of Bavi. America 250 Spotlight: While storm prep ramps up, the U.S. 250th birthday celebrations are rolling—Times Square’s ball will drop eight times across time zones, with the first drop at 10 a.m. EDT July 3 marking midnight in Guam and the CNMI. FEMA Funding: FEMA approved nearly $14.7M in disaster assistance that includes $13.8M under Public Assistance for Guam and the CNMI.

Typhoon Bavi Emergency Prep: Residents in Saipan, Tinian and Rota are being told to closely follow forecasts as Typhoon Bavi strengthens and could bring typhoon conditions as early as Monday, with seas expected to turn hazardous Saturday and the 80th Liberation Day parade canceled. One Marianas Readiness: The U.S. Coast Guard in Guam is coordinating with local and federal partners, urging people and mariners to act now as track and intensity could shift quickly. Port & Health Updates: Port Heavy Weather Condition X-RAY is in effect for Guam and CNMI, requiring major vessels and facilities to begin preparations, while TRICARE beneficiaries in Guam and CNMI can get emergency prescription refills through July 12. Recovery Funding: FEMA approved nearly $14.7M in disaster funding that includes about $9M for CNMI power transmission and distribution repairs tied to earlier storms. America 250 Spotlight: Times Square will drop the ball eight times on July 3–4, with the first drop at 10 a.m. ET marking midnight in Guam and the CNMI. Local Community: A CNMI pickleball fundraiser is helping send players to the World Cup in Vietnam.

Supreme Court & Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship in a 6-3 ruling, rejecting President Trump’s executive order and drawing fresh calls in Congress to “rein in” birthright citizenship and crack down on alleged birth tourism. CNMI Reaction: CNMI leaders, including Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, welcomed the ruling as reaffirming constitutional citizenship and the CNMI Covenant’s promise. Congressional Pushback: Republican lawmakers say the decision will fuel more birth tourism and vow new legislation and possible constitutional amendments, while the Justice Department says it will prioritize prosecutions of birth tourism schemes. Tropical Storm Bavi Preparedness: Regional agencies urged residents and businesses to finalize disaster plans as Tropical Storm 09W/Bavi is forecast to rapidly intensify and could reach super typhoon strength near the Marianas late Sunday into Monday; officials advised 7–10 days of supplies, securing property, and clearing drainage. Crisis Support: The Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 for anyone struggling emotionally ahead of Bavi. Recovery Funding (CNMI): The SBA approved more than $30 million in disaster loans to help CNMI rebuild after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including support for businesses and residents. Local Economy (CW-1): USDOL approved CNMI’s 2026 Prevailing Wage Study for the CW-1 program, with updated wage data taking effect July 1. Military Readiness: Valiant Shield 2026 wrapped up with major multi-domain training across the Marianas and the region, including human-drone teaming and long-range strike drills.

Tropical Storm Bavi/09W Threat: Forecasters say the storm previously labeled 09W has shifted closer to Guam and could rapidly intensify into a Category 4 by the time it reaches the Marianas late Sunday into Monday, with emergency managers urging CNMI and Guam residents to finish 7–10 day preparedness, secure property, and clear drainage. Local Emergency Readiness: Guam’s Homeland Security/Civil Defense and the National Weather Service say all major islands in the potential path should plan for at least tropical-storm conditions. Citizenship Ruling: CNMI leaders welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision upholding birthright citizenship, saying it strengthens constitutional protections for children born in America and affirms the CNMI Covenant’s promise. SBA Recovery Dollars: The SBA approved over $30 million in disaster loans to help CNMI rebuild after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including support for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters. CW-1 Wages Updated: USDOL approved CNMI’s 2026 Prevailing Wage Study for the CW-1 program, with new wage data taking effect July 1, 2026. Tourism Recognition: Marianas Visitor Authority Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit for her long-running tourism leadership. Regional Military Drills: USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and Tinian, highlighting disaster-response work and ongoing regional readiness.

Supreme Court & Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s birthright citizenship order, and the fallout is already hitting politics and enforcement talk nationwide, including warnings about “birth tourism” and renewed calls for a constitutional amendment. CNMI Recovery & Economy: FEMA says federal recovery aid for Super Typhoon Sinlaku is topping $52 million as the islands shift from emergency response to rebuilding, with SBA disaster centers set to close Friday for the Liberation Day/Independence Day holiday. Regional Security Drills: U.S. and allied forces wrapped up Valiant Shield 2026 training across Guam and the CNMI, while new live-fire missile testing and air-defense evaluations underscore the region’s growing defense posture. Tourism & Community: Marianas Visitor Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit, and Saipan is set for a two-day Liberation Day celebration tied to the CNMI’s 50 years of self-government. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance (Invest 95W) is organizing and could affect the Marianas later in the July 4 holiday period, though no watches or warnings are in effect yet. Fisheries & Conservation: CNMI officials are pushing at WCPFC22 for urgent action on South Pacific albacore management, while local groups seek clarity on CNMI tuna allocation benefits.

Valiant Shield 2026 Wrap-Up: After 10 days of multi-domain drills, Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 concluded July 1, integrating U.S. and allied operations across land, sea, air, space and cyber in the CNMI, Guam, Japan and nearby waters. Regional Readiness: U.S. Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and Tinian, including the STRONG Roof disaster-relief effort that installed more than 130 temporary roofs after Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Disaster Recovery: FEMA says federal recovery aid for Sinlaku has topped $52 million as CNMI shifts from emergency response toward rebuilding, while CNMI also faces a hurdle rolling out disaster unemployment help because it lacks a regular unemployment system. Tourism Recognition: Marianas Visitor Authority Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres received a Pacific Asia Travel Association Award of Merit for her work advancing Marianas tourism. CNMI Leadership & Community: Saipan will hold a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend as the island marks 250 years of U.S. independence and CNMI’s 50th year of covenant self-government. Fisheries & Policy: CNMI is pushing at WCPFC22 for urgent action on South Pacific albacore, and the Refaluwasch group is seeking clarity on CNMI’s share of tuna allocations and fisheries funds. Weather Watch: Invest 95W has been upgraded to a medium chance of development, with models still uncertain but some tracks bringing it closer to Guam and the Marianas around early July. Citizenship Politics: The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship order, and the Trump administration vowed to crack down on “birth tourism” schemes nationwide.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA says federal recovery aid for CNMI after Super Typhoon Sinlaku has topped $52 million, with 12,136 households applying and $32.3 million approved for survivors as the territory shifts from emergency response to rebuilding. Liberation Day: Saipan will hold a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend, with organizers saying the event is meant to bring people back together despite ongoing recovery. SBA Support: SBA Business Recovery Centers on Saipan will close Friday for the holiday, but disaster loan applications will still be accepted online and assistance remains available. Military Readiness in the Marianas: U.S. and allied forces are running Valiant Shield 2026 across Guam and CNMI, with residents seeing more activity and traffic; the airport is also serving as a military support and divert location. Defense Tech: On Guam, Marines tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC air-defense system during Valiant Shield, part of a broader “Golden Dome” layered defense push. Weather Watch: Invest 95W is organizing in the Marshalls and forecasters say it could shift toward Guam and the Marianas around early July, though no watches or warnings are in effect yet. Fisheries: Refaluwasch group URA is asking WCPFC22 for clarity on how CNMI benefits from fisheries programs and tuna allocation funding. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without another bar exam.

Joint Military Drills: U.S. and allied forces kicked off Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 across Guam, CNMI, Japan and nearby waters (June 23–July 1), with residents near bases and airports expected to see more traffic and occasional delays; Citadel Pacific 2026 runs through June 30 at Naval Base Guam. Air Defense Testing: Marines on Guam tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC system during Valiant Shield to improve protection against drones, missiles and aircraft. CNMI Disaster Aid Hurdle: CNMI is building a new system to deliver FEMA Disaster Unemployment Assistance after Super Typhoon Sinlaku because the territory lacks its own unemployment insurance setup. Fisheries Push: Refaluwasch group URAali is asking WCPFC22 for clarity on CNMI’s share of tuna allocations and fisheries funding, including bigeye tuna arrangements. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers practice in either jurisdiction without a second bar exam. Marianas Research: E/V Nautilus launched deep-sea expeditions mapping unsurveyed areas east of the Mariana Trench to support conservation and critical minerals research. Community & Culture: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library wrapped its 2026 Summer Reading Program, and it mourned Susan Feller, a major Indigenous archives and museums advocate.

Indo-Pacific Defense Drills: U.S. Marines tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC air-defense system on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026, part of a wider joint exercise across Guam, the CNMI and the Mariana Islands Range Complex aimed at protecting dispersed island forces from drones and missiles. Local Military Footprint: The A.B. Won Pat International Airport is serving as a support and divert location for the same exercise, with commercial operations expected to stay unaffected. Uncrewed Airpower: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat drone is set to fly alongside allied fighter aircraft during Valiant Shield, with photos showing activity at Rota International Airport in the CNMI. Disaster Recovery Jobs: CNMI’s lack of an unemployment insurance system is slowing FEMA disaster unemployment assistance after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, requiring the territory to build a new claims platform before benefits can be released. Fisheries Policy: The Uraali Refaluwasch Association is asking the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council for clarity on CNMI’s share of tuna allocations and fisheries funds, including the territorial bigeye tuna allocation. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbance Invest 95W has been upgraded to a medium chance of development, with some models pointing toward the CNMI around July 6–7 while forecasts remain uncertain. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without another bar exam. Community & Culture: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library wrapped its 2026 Summer Reading Program, and mourned the passing of Susan Feller, a longtime advocate for Indigenous archives, libraries and museums.

Military & Readiness: Nearly 14,000 joint service members are taking part in Valiant Shield 2026 across Guam, the CNMI, Japan and nearby waters, with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed fighter joining crewed aircraft at Rota and other locations. Local Impact: The A.B. Won Pat International Airport is serving as a military support and divert site for the exercise, with commercial operations expected to stay on track. Disaster Recovery: CNMI is still working through Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery, including FEMA removing temporary generators as the islands transition back to permanent power. Jobs & Benefits: CNMI’s lack of an unemployment insurance system is slowing disaster unemployment assistance rollout, with officials building a new FEMA-required software platform to process claims. Fisheries: CNMI is pushing at WCPFC22 for urgent action on a management procedure for South Pacific albacore, warning small island states can’t be sidelined. Law & Access to Justice: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement so lawyers can practice in either jurisdiction without a second bar exam. Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Camacho says the Filipino community is a key “swing vote,” promising continued engagement if elected.

Military & Aviation: A.B. Won Pat International Airport is being used as a military support and divert site for Valiant Shield 2026, with some residents spotting Ospreys; officials say commercial operations should stay largely unaffected and most exercise activity is expected in the morning. Defense Tech: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to integrate with U.S. and allied fighter aircraft during VS26, with the uncrewed aircraft flying counter-air missions from Rota. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers practice in either jurisdiction without taking another bar exam, aiming to ease shortages and lower costs. Local Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Camacho says the Filipino community will be key to CNMI’s future, calling it the “swing vote” in the election. Courts & Public Safety: A man convicted in Alaska for abusing a minor pleaded guilty in federal court in the CNMI for failing to register as a sex offender; sentencing is set for September. Weather & Disruptions: Tropical Depression 08W/Higos is weakening and moving away, but lingering showers are expected as the Marianas watch for the next disturbance. Disaster Recovery: FEMA’s last emergency generators have been removed from Saipan and Tinian, marking progress toward permanent power restoration.

Military & Security: Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 is underway across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat set to fly alongside crewed fighters as part of the push toward human-machine teaming and multi-domain readiness. Local Recovery: FEMA’s last emergency generators have been removed from Saipan and Tinian, a sign CNMI is shifting from temporary power back to the permanent grid after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers licensed in either jurisdiction practice in the other without taking another bar exam. Elections & Community: Independent gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Camacho says the Filipino community will be central to CNMI’s future, calling it the “swing vote” in the election. Weather & Disruptions: Tropical Storm Higos weakened and is expected to bring lingering showers, while organizers postponed the Summer Strong fastpitch softball tournament due to storm conditions. Business & Community Giving: McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan donated $5,000 to the Make-A-Wish Guam & CNMI Gala. Disaster Loans: SBA extended the physical-damage disaster loan deadline for Sinlaku survivors to Aug. 21.

Indo-Pacific Drills in CNMI: The U.S. and allies are running Valiant Shield 2026 across Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and nearby waters, with the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat set to fly alongside crewed fighters—an early look at how uncrewed aircraft could boost airpower in contested skies. Local Recovery & Tourism Pressure: CNMI leaders told Congress the territory is still digging out after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with 2026 visitor arrivals projected at about 104,511—roughly 17% of 2018 levels—while hotel occupancy taxes have fallen sharply. Disaster Aid Deadline Extended: The SBA extended the physical-damage disaster loan application deadline for Sinlaku survivors to Aug. 21, with outreach ongoing across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Higos weakened and moved away, but lingering showers were expected as forecasters monitored a new disturbance east of the Marianas. Legal Access in the Marianas: Guam and CNMI Supreme Courts signed reciprocity agreements so licensed lawyers can practice across both jurisdictions without an extra bar exam. Sports Disrupted by Storm Conditions: The Summer Strong Fastpitch Softball Tournament in Saipan was postponed due to weather and Tropical Storm Condition 1.

Indo-Pacific Drills: The U.S. and allies are running multiple exercises across the region, including Valiant Shield 2026 in and around the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and Japan, with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat set to fly alongside crewed fighters as part of the push toward “human-machine teaming.” Local Emergency Recovery: FEMA’s last emergency generators have been removed from Saipan and Tinian, a sign CNMI is moving more critical services back onto the permanent grid after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism Pressure: CNMI leaders told Congress the territory is still stuck with far fewer visitors than before Sinlaku, warning that recovery hinges on keeping visa-free travel options in place. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Higos weakened as it moved away from the Marianas, but lingering showers were expected, while forecasters continue to monitor new disturbances. Legal & Courts: Guam and CNMI Supreme Courts signed reciprocity agreements so lawyers can practice across both jurisdictions without an extra bar exam. Public Safety/Justice: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to home detention for visa fraud, and a separate federal case is moving toward sentencing for an NMI sex offender registration violation.

Military & Readiness: Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 is underway across Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Japan and nearby waters, with allied forces joining U.S. troops for multi-domain drills through July 1; Rota hosted the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a Boeing uncrewed fighter, as it integrates with crewed platforms for counter-air missions and human-machine teaming. Storm Watch: Tropical Depression 08W/Higos has weakened and is pulling away from the Marianas, but lingering showers are expected as conditions improve later today and overnight; forecasters are also tracking a new disturbance developing east of the islands. Local Recovery: FEMA has removed its last emergency generators from Saipan and Tinian, a sign the CNMI is shifting from temporary power back to permanent grid service after Sinlaku. Tourism Pressure: CNMI leaders urged Congress to keep visa-free travel for recovery, saying visitor arrivals are down to about 104,511 for FY2026—only 17% of 2018 levels—hurting hotel taxes and marketing. Justice & Courts: A Guam-CNMI lawyer reciprocity agreement was signed, letting attorneys licensed in either jurisdiction practice in the other without an extra bar exam. Business & Travel: Guam and CNMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with the Philippines’ immigration bureau, aiming to reduce travel bottlenecks and boost tourism. Power Costs (Guam): Residents in Guam criticized a proposed GPA power-rate hike that could add about $58 per month, with the Public Utilities Commission set to decide. Federal Funding (National): The EPA announced over $25 million in grants to improve drinking water systems in small and rural communities, including efforts to address PFAS and lead.