AGP Executive Report

Marianas Recovery & Power: FEMA has removed its last emergency generators from Saipan and Tinian, a sign CUC can keep critical services on permanent grid power after Sinlaku. Military & Training: Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 is underway across the CNMI, Guam, Japan and at sea, with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat set to integrate with allied forces. Tourism & Flights: International travel is slowly returning—Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service, and leaders are pushing to protect visa-free entry for Chinese travelers as the visitor economy remains far below pre-storm levels. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Higos (formerly Invest 94W) is moving toward the Marianas with Tropical Storm Warnings for Tinian and Saipan; residents are urged to shelter and monitor updates. Economy & Bills: Residents voiced anger over a proposed Guam power rate hike that could add about $58 a month, with the Public Utilities Commission set to decide. Disaster Loans: SBA extended Sinlaku physical-damage disaster loan applications to Aug. 21 for eligible CNMI survivors. Local Governance & Security: CNMI leaders backed Trump’s fishing executive order as an opportunity for local development, while also weighing security and economic impacts of federal travel rules.

Tropical Storm Higos: A disturbance east of Guam has strengthened into Tropical Storm Higos, with a Tropical Storm Warning issued for Tinian, Saipan and nearby waters; forecasters say damaging winds and dangerous seas are expected, and residents are urged to shelter in place and monitor updates. CNMI Tourism Recovery: Saipan welcomed its first international commercial flight in more than two months as Jeju Air resumed direct service from Seoul Incheon, a key step for rebuilding visitor arrivals after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; officials say keeping air links is critical for the commonwealth’s weakened economy. Visa-Free Debate: CNMI leaders raised concerns after a U.S. Senate hearing revived scrutiny of visa-free entry for Chinese travelers under EVS-TAP, warning that ending the program without a replacement could deepen the islands’ economic crisis. Disaster Aid Update: The SBA extended the deadline for Super Typhoon Sinlaku survivors to apply for physical-damage disaster loans, adding 60 days and moving the cutoff to Aug. 21. Public Accountability: Guam’s Office of Public Accountability received a full compliance peer review rating, with the review covering audits from 2023–2025.

Tourism Recovery: CNMI leaders told Congress the islands are still staring down an “economic collapse” as they try to rebuild after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, warning 2026 could land at just 104,511 visitor arrivals—about 17% of the 607,000 seen in 2018—along with a steep drop in hotel occupancy taxes. Weather Watch: A new tropical system, Invest 94W, is moving toward the Marianas and could bring showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds; forecasts keep the track uncertain, with impacts depending on whether it passes near Saipan or farther north. Aviation & Visitors: International service is returning to Saipan as Jeju Air resumed direct flights from Seoul Incheon, with officials calling it a key step for tourism recovery and noting additional routes planned later this year. Local Accountability: The Guam Office of Public Accountability says it received a full compliance “pass” rating after an independent peer review, citing effective internal quality controls. Regional Security Drills: U.S. and allied forces kicked off Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 across Guam, CNMI, Japan, and at sea, with residents in the region warned to expect some disruptions around bases.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Depression 08W is forecast to pass through or near Saipan, with Invest 94W upgraded to a tropical depression overnight and expected to come closest to the Marianas today; impacts could include heavy showers and gusty winds depending on the storm’s track. Regional Security: The U.S. and Japan kicked off Exercise Valiant Shield 26, running June 22–July 1, with training across the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Japan and at sea. Tourism Recovery: International flights are returning to Saipan as Jeju Air resumes direct Seoul–Saipan service, a key step after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted airports and visitor arrivals. Local Environment & Research: University of Guam REEF fellows monitored reefs in Yap and Kosrae, reporting steady declines linked to water-heating events. Veterans Health: VA opened a Dededo outpatient clinic annex to expand primary care, mental health services and lab support for veterans, including those in CNMI. CNMI Visa Policy: CNMI leaders raised concerns after a U.S. Senate hearing renewed scrutiny of EVS-TAP for Chinese travelers, warning that ending it without a replacement could deepen the islands’ visitor-economy strain.

Tropical Weather Watch: Invest 94W is expected to pass through the Marianas as a developing tropical disturbance or possibly a tropical depression, with forecasters warning of potentially heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds; the system sits about 272 nautical miles east-northeast of Guam and models point to an uncertain track near Saipan or north between Saipan and Pagan, with a slight chance it could pass closer to Guam and Rota. Tourism Recovery: International flights are back in CNMI—Jeju Air’s first direct Seoul Incheon–Saipan service in over two months landed Sunday, with four weekly flights through Oct. 25 and daily service during peak periods, as officials say air connectivity is key to rebuilding after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Aviation & Airport Finances: Guam airport revenues rose by $11 million in FY2025 after a clean audit, but officials warn near-term strains as seat capacity flatlined in June and new July 2026 schedules aim to stabilize traffic. Indo-Pacific Drills: Valiant Shield 26 is set to run June 22–July 1 across the CNMI, Guam, Japan, and at sea, bringing multi-domain interoperability training for U.S. and allied forces. Visa Policy Pressure: CNMI leaders are raising concerns after a U.S. Senate hearing revived scrutiny of visa-free entry for Chinese travelers under EVS-TAP, warning that ending it without a replacement could deepen the islands’ visitor-economy crisis. Local Security & Environment: Guam’s brown tree snake hunt drew 125+ participants to help stop the invasive species from spreading to CNMI via air and cargo. Military Training Review: The Marine Corps released the Final EIS for CNMI joint military training on Tinian, with a record of decision expected after the public review period.

Fishing Policy Shake-Up: CNMI leaders including Gov. David Apatang and environmental officials welcomed President Trump’s executive order reopening parts of protected Pacific waters to commercial fishing, including the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, saying it restores access while keeping federal safeguards—though conservation groups warn it could weaken protections for culturally and environmentally significant areas. Visa Economy Pressure: CNMI officials raised concerns after a U.S. Senate hearing revived scrutiny of visa-free entry for Chinese travelers under EVS-TAP, with tourism and hospitality groups arguing the program is vital to rebuilding air service and visitor arrivals while still supporting strong federal screening. CNMI Military Training Review: The U.S. Marine Corps released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the CNMI joint military training project on Tinian, with a record of decision expected soon and public review materials listed at local libraries and offices. Tropical Weather Watch: Invest 92W became Tropical Depression 07W and passed south of Guam, bringing gusts up to 55 mph; forecasters say it’s pulling away from the Marianas with no tropical-storm-force winds expected for CNMI. Tourism Update: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service on July 12 with two weekly flights.

Tourism & Visas: CNMI leaders are pushing back after a U.S. Senate hearing revived scrutiny of EVS‑TAP, the prescreened visa-free travel program for Chinese nationals—arguing it’s vital for rebuilding visitor arrivals while still requiring stronger federal screening. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 07W (Invest 92W) passed south of Guam, bringing gusts up to 55 mph and breezy, showery conditions across the Marianas; forecasters say tropical-storm-strength winds aren’t expected for CNMI. Marine Policy: CNMI officials welcomed Trump’s proclamation restoring commercial fishing in parts of Pacific marine national monuments, including the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, saying it balances access and safeguards despite conservation concerns. Military Planning: The U.S. Marine Corps released the Final EIS for CNMI joint military training on Tinian, outlining new training infrastructure and mitigation steps ahead of a record of decision. Local Science: UOG REEF fellows presented coral reef monitoring results using the MCRM Data Portal and Coral Net AI, finding steady coral declines in reefs they studied across Yap and Kosrae. Community & Travel: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service July 12, while Saipan’s pickleball team prepares for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam.

Visa Waiver Scrutiny: CNMI leaders pushed back after a U.S. Senate hearing revived questions about EVS‑TAP, saying the program’s China travel access is vital for tourism but must keep “stronger federal screening.” Tourism & Air Service: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service July 12 with two weekly flights, a potential boost as the islands work to rebuild visitor arrivals. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbance Invest 92W (now Tropical Depression 07W) passed south of Guam with gusts up to 55 mph and is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the Marianas later this week, with rough seas possible. Military Planning: The Marine Corps released the Final EIS for CNMI joint military training on Tinian, with a record of decision expected soon after the public review period. Pacific Fishing Policy: CNMI officials welcomed Trump’s order reopening parts of protected Pacific marine monument waters to commercial fishing, while conservation groups warn it could weaken protections. Veterans Travel Help: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to expand VA travel reimbursements for veterans in the CNMI and Freely Associated States when no VA facility is available. Community Events: Applications are open for vendors for the 80th Liberation Day celebration July 3–4 at the Civic Center in Susupe.

Visa & Tourism Economy: CNMI leaders are pushing back after a U.S. Senate hearing revived scrutiny of the EVS‑TAP visa-free program for Chinese travelers, warning that ending it without a replacement could worsen the islands’ fragile visitor economy while still backing stronger federal screening. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 07W (Invest 92W) passed south of Guam with gusts up to 55 mph and is expected to move away from the Marianas, but CNMI is still urged to prepare for heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas as conditions evolve. Military Planning: The U.S. Marine Corps released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for CNMI joint military training on Tinian, with a record of decision expected soon after the public review period. Local Travel Costs: CNMI and Guam officials told a Senate committee that airfare rules and limited service are driving steep ticket prices for island residents and veterans, calling for Congress to waive airline restrictions. Fishing Policy: CNMI leaders welcomed Trump’s proclamation reopening parts of protected Pacific waters to commercial fishing, while conservation groups warn it could weaken protections. Community & Safety: Saipan’s Koblerville gym and another sports facility were burglarized and vandalized, with thieves stealing copper wiring and equipment, adding to storm recovery costs. Tourism Update: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service on July 12 with two weekly flights.

Tropical Weather Watch: CNMI emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas as Invest 92W approaches the Marianas later this week, with the most likely impacts hitting Saipan, Tinian and Rota from late Thursday into Friday. Tourism & Travel Policy: The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands backs the EVS-TAP program, saying visa-free travel for prescreened Chinese nationals can help restart tourism while keeping federal security screening in place. Military Planning: The U.S. Marine Corps has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the CNMI Joint Military Training project on Tinian, with a record of decision expected in about 30 days. Veterans Access: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to expand VA travel reimbursements for veterans in the CNMI and Freely Associated States when no VA medical facility is available. Community & Safety: The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation says thieves stripped copper wiring from the Koblerville gym, adding new repair costs as facilities continue storm recovery. Local Economy & Connectivity: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service on July 12 with two weekly flights. Sports Spotlight: CNMI pickleball players are set to compete in the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam after building momentum from a local parking-lot court.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Depression 07W (formerly Invest 92W) passed south of Guam, bringing gusty winds and heavy showers overnight; forecasters say it’s pulling away from the Marianas and is expected to become a tropical storm later Friday, with no tropical-storm-force winds expected for CNMI. Local Travel Costs: CNMI and Guam leaders told a U.S. Senate hearing that airfare to and from the Marianas is far more expensive than before, citing federal air cabotage rules that limit airline options. Tourism & Visas: The EVS-TAP program is getting support from the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, which says it helps tourism recovery while keeping federal security screening in place. Military Planning: The Marine Corps released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for CNMI joint military training on Tinian, with review locations listed across the islands. Aviation Update: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service July 12 with two weekly flights. Veterans Benefits: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to expand VA travel reimbursements for veterans in CNMI and the Freely Associated States when no VA facility is available. Community Safety: Burglaries at the Koblerville gym and other sports facilities on Saipan included theft of copper wiring, adding new repair costs during storm recovery.

Tropical Weather: Invest 92W is still expected to pass near the Marianas late Thursday into Friday, but forecasters say it’s unlikely to reach typhoon strength; residents are urged to prepare for heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas. Tourism & Travel: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service July 12 with two weekly flights, while Philippine Airlines has pushed its Saipan return to October, citing ongoing recovery and limited capacity. Defense & Environment: The U.S. Marine Corps has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for CNMI joint military training on Tinian, with residents able to review it at local libraries and offices. Local Security & Economy: CNMI leaders backed Trump’s executive order reopening parts of protected Pacific waters to commercial fishing, arguing it supports local fisheries and food security. Community Updates: The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation reports burglaries at the Koblerville gym, including stolen copper wiring, adding new repair costs after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Veterans Support: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to expand VA travel benefits for veterans in the CNMI and Freely Associated States when no VA facility is available.

Weather Watch: CNMI emergency managers are urging residents to prepare for heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas as Invest 92W nears the Marianas later this week, with the system not expected to reach typhoon strength but still capable of tropical storm conditions. Fishing Policy: CNMI leaders welcomed President Trump’s June 11 executive order reopening parts of protected Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, including areas tied to the Mariana Trench, while conservation groups warn it could weaken protections. Tourism Update: Philippine Airlines has delayed its Saipan return until October, adding pressure to a tourism rebound still strained after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Military & Environment: The U.S. Marine Corps released the final environmental impact statement for the CNMI Joint Military Training project on Tinian, with a record of decision expected in about 30 days. Local Community: The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation says two Saipan gyms were burglarized and vandalized, with thieves stealing copper wiring and equipment, complicating storm recovery. Veterans in CNMI: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to expand VA travel benefits for veterans in the CNMI and Freely Associated States when no VA medical facility is available. Education & Science: UOG’s REEF program highlighted coral reef monitoring work by CNMI and Guam undergraduate fellows using regional data tools and coral health analysis. Sports Spotlight: A Saipan pickleball community story is set to culminate with CNMI athletes traveling to the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam.

Weather Watch: CNMI emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas as Invest 92W moves near the Marianas late Thursday into Friday; forecasters say it’s unlikely to reach typhoon strength, but impacts could still include 2–3 inches of rain on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Military & Environment: The U.S. Marine Corps released the final environmental impact statement for the CNMI Joint Military Training project on Tinian, with a record of decision expected in 30 days. Tourism Update: Philippine Airlines has delayed its Saipan return until October, citing ongoing recovery realities; Marianas Visitors Authority says air service remains fragile. Community Safety: Two Saipan gyms were burglarized and vandalized, with thieves stealing copper wiring and sports equipment, adding new repair costs during storm recovery. Fishing Policy: CNMI leaders welcomed Trump’s June 11 executive order reopening parts of protected Pacific waters to commercial fishing, while conservation groups warn protections could be weakened. Sports/Local News: Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume Hong Kong–Saipan service July 12 with two weekly flights.

Tourism & Air Service: Hong Kong Airlines says it will resume Hong Kong–Saipan service July 12 with two weekly flights, using Airbus A320-family aircraft, a boost for CNMI travel planning after recent disruptions. Leadership & Tourism Management: Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Jamika Taijeron has “exited” the agency; Judy C. Torres is acting managing director while a search committee may be formed. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbance Invest 92W is expected to pass near the Marianas late Thursday into Friday, with heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas possible; forecasters say a typhoon is unlikely but a tropical storm can’t be ruled out. Community Safety: Burglaries hit Saipan gyms in Koblerville and Ada, with thieves stealing copper wiring and equipment, adding new repair costs as facilities recover from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Fishing Policy: CNMI leaders backed Trump’s June 11 proclamation reopening parts of protected Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, including areas tied to the Mariana Trench, while conservationists warn protections could weaken. Space Debris: CNMI officials confirmed an object seen breaking apart over Saipan was space debris; there was no reported threat to the public.

Weather Watch: SPREP says El Niño is now established, with Western Pacific countries—including the Marianas—likely to see drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk, even as short heavy rain can still happen. Storm Prep: CNMI officials are urging residents to prepare for heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas as Invest 92W passes near the Marianas late Thursday into Friday; it’s not expected to reach typhoon strength, but impacts could include 2–3 inches of rain. Local Courts: Filipino construction workers suing RJCL Corp. asked a federal judge in Washington, D.C. to force USCIS to turn over records tied to alleged forced labor, retaliation, and CW-1 visa abuses. Maritime Economy: CNMI and American Samoa welcomed Trump’s proclamation restoring commercial fishing in parts of Pacific marine monuments, while conservationists warn of legal action. Community: The 2026 Liberation Day Committee opened applications for vendors for the 80th anniversary celebration July 3–4 at the Civic Center in Susupe. Sports Facilities: Saipan’s Koblerville gym and another Ada gym were burglarized and vandalized, with thieves stealing copper wiring and equipment. Tourism: Philippine Airlines pushed its Saipan return to October, citing ongoing recovery and limited capacity. Public Safety: A Guam man was sentenced to 71 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Disaster Recovery: GPA estimated about $5.8 million to date for Sinlaku power restoration assistance, with payment details still being worked out.