AGP Executive Report

Pacific Games Cycling: The Northern Marianas Cycling Federation is running a three-stage trial to pick a 2027 Tahiti squad—three men, three women, plus two reserves—using individual time trials (including an Aug. uphill climb and a flat 20-kilometer speed test). Local Politics: A Saipan lawmaker race is getting attention for how small vote margins can decide House seats in the CNMI, where turnout and precinct totals can swing outcomes. Youth Online Safety: The Northern Mariana Islands is among states in a $17.1B Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook harms, with new limits and protections for children. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: Chinese authorities are pressing the U.S. after a 51-year-old man died in ICE custody in Saipan less than a day after intake, raising questions about medical screening and disclosure timing. Tourism Upgrades: Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project broke ground for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, targeting safety, accessibility, and visitor amenities. Entrepreneurship: CNMI Innovation Incubator opens its second cohort application window, offering yearlong support for early-stage startups. Community Remembrance: September is proclaimed “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month,” kicking off the Field of Heroes 25th anniversary Sept. 11 commemoration.

Community & Heritage: CNMI marks September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month, with the State Board of Education and Public School System inviting islandwide events to celebrate language and traditions. Tourism & Accessibility: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff with safety upgrades, ADA-compliant walkways and stairs, and new visitor amenities (completion eyed for Summer 2027). Public Service Recognition: SNILD honored Gloria Worswick Hunter for decades of service, praising her work in programs, legislative review, and earlier reporting roles. Local Business Growth: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening applications for its second cohort, offering yearlong support for early-stage startups across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Civic Life & Memory: Gov. David M. Apatang launched “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month” and the Field of Heroes commemoration for Sept. 11. Immigration & Human Rights: A Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, prompting renewed scrutiny of detainee medical screening and calls for investigations from Chinese authorities. Policy & Environment: Leaders and lawmakers pushed back on fast-tracked seabed mining decisions affecting the Marianas, as federal permitting timelines move forward despite concerns about environmental harm.

Deep-Sea Mining Showdown: U.S. House Rules blocked Delegate James Moylan’s bid to keep Marianas and Guam seabed mining off the FAST-41 fast-track, while a federal regulator tied to the accelerated timeline is set to leave—raising fresh concerns about pace, oversight, and who gets a real say. Tourism & Accessibility Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, with safety, ADA-compliant access, and restroom upgrades planned for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post. Community Remembrance: Gov. David Apatang launched September’s “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month” and the Field of Heroes ceremony marking 25 years since Sept. 11. Youth Online Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a major multistate Meta settlement requiring new Instagram/Facebook child-safety limits—time caps, nighttime blocks, and school-time restrictions—relevant to CNMI families. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: A Chinese national died less than a day after ICE custody in Saipan; China is demanding answers, as questions persist about detainee medical screening and disclosure timing. Local Business Support: CNMI Innovation Incubator opened applications for its second cohort, backing early-stage startups across food, agriculture, arts, tech, hospitality, and more. Culture & Heritage: CNMI schools and education leaders proclaimed September Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month. Sports: CNMI’s Leigh-Out highlights off-island competition and local momentum, including a major Labor Day softball tournament and Carol Lee’s U.S. Open debut.

Marianas Mining: Guam lawmakers are pushing back as the federal Marine Minerals Administration moves toward a Dec. 16 seabed mining lease sale, after acting director Matt Giacona left for Halliburton with no successor named—raising fresh questions about whether regulators will keep the accelerated timeline and whether Guam will get a real say. Tourism & Heritage: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, starting upgrades to Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff with a focus on safety, accessibility, and cultural/historical preservation. Community Remembrance: CNMI marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with Field of Heroes events and a September proclamation naming “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month.” Local Business Support: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening its second cohort, with applications due Sept. 11 for early-stage startups across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Sports & Pride: Saipan’s Philip Joseph Santos ran his first international marathon at the TCS Sydney Marathon, while CNMI tennis and basketball stories also highlighted athletes making waves off-island. Immigration Scrutiny: A Chinese national died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, prompting renewed calls for answers about detainee medical screening and care.

Immigration & Community Safety: A 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, with Chinese authorities demanding a thorough investigation and questions swirling over whether required medical screening happened. Public Memory & Service: Gov. David M. Apatang kicked off the 11th annual Field of Heroes and proclaimed September as “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month,” urging residents to honor first responders and everyday helpers. Tourism & Accessibility Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project—$1.095M to make Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post safer and more accessible, with work aimed to finish in Summer 2027. Youth Online Safety: CNMI AG Edward Manibusan announced a major multistate Meta settlement focused on Instagram/Facebook youth protections, including limits and nighttime blocks. Local Culture Month: The CNMI State Board of Education and PSS proclaimed September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month, inviting community events to celebrate language and traditions. Sports & Pride: Carol Lee’s U.S. Open debut drew big praise from CNMI sports figures, while E’Anna Palacios Won was drafted into Korea’s pro women’s league.

Marpi Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground Sept. 3 on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, aiming to boost safety, accessibility, and visitor amenities through ADA-compliant walkways, stairs, viewing platforms, guardrails, and a new restroom at Last Command Post. Local Sports: In this week’s Sports Leigh-Out, CNMI’s Carol Lee’s U.S. Open debut is hailed as a major milestone for island tennis, while off-island action and the 21st Labor Day Softball Tournament (66 teams) are also highlighted. Chamorro & Carolinian Heritage: CNMI schools and the Public School System officially proclaimed September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month, inviting community events to celebrate language and traditions. Youth Online Safety: AG Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement covering Instagram and Facebook youth safety, including daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks for children. Immigration Custody Deaths: Multiple reports say China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died hours after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, raising renewed questions about medical screening and detainee care. Seabed Mining Pushback: A House Rules Committee move blocked Delegate James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off a fast-track federal permitting track, as the House advanced the broader mining bill. Sports & Culture on the Move: CNMI runner Philip Joseph Santos debuted internationally at the TCS Sydney Marathon, and E’Anna Palacios Won was selected fifth overall in South Korea’s pro women’s basketball draft.

Marpi Visitor Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground Sept. 3 on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post with new ADA/code-compliant stairs, walkways, viewing platforms, guardrails, and visitor amenities—plus a redesigned Bird Island parking and a new ADA restroom at Last Command Post. Youth Online Safety: CNMI is among the jurisdictions in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with required changes like daily time limits, “Productive Pauses,” nighttime blocks, and tighter school-time access. Immigration Custody Questions: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died in ICE custody in Saipan less than a day after intake; reports raise alarms about whether required early medical screening happened. Community Heritage Month: CNMI schools and the public school system proclaimed September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month, inviting community events to celebrate language and traditions. Sports & Pride: CNMI runner Philip Joseph Santos debuted internationally at the TCS Sydney Marathon, while local tennis standout Carol Lee’s U.S. Open match drew major praise in Saipan watch-party coverage. Sports Calendar: The 21st CNMI Labor Day Softball Tournament kicks off Sept. 4–6 in Portland with 66 teams. Local Arts Pick: “Sent Off” opens Sept. 3 at Hen’s Teeth, featuring oil pastel works inspired by Roy Keane’s red cards.

Tourism & Heritage Upgrade: The Marianas Visitors Authority and the Office of the Governor broke ground on the $1M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff with upgrades focused on visitor safety, accessibility, and cultural preservation. Community Remembrance: Gov. David M. Apatang signed a proclamation designating September as “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month,” urging residents to honor 9/11 victims and the everyday helpers who keep Saipan, Tinian, and Rota going. Education & Culture: The CNMI State Board of Education and PSS proclaimed September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month, inviting community events celebrating language and traditions. Sports Spotlight: CNMI runner Philip Joseph Santos represented the islands internationally at the TCS Sydney Marathon, finishing in 4:50:04. Immigration Custody Questions: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died hours after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, with concerns raised about medical screening and transparency. Local Business & Foodways: Fish & Kon Mart opened in Saipan to help Chuukese residents access breadfruit after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage, keeping traditional preparations like “opot” alive. Youth Online Safety: A multistate Meta settlement announced by attorneys general includes new protections aimed at reducing harms to children and teens on Instagram and Facebook, with CNMI listed among the claimants.

Immigration & Community Safety: China is demanding answers after 51-year-old Chinese national Lianyong Wei died hours after being booked into ICE custody in Saipan, with questions swirling over whether the required basic health screening happened within 12 hours and what went wrong in his final day. Tourism & Heritage: Marpi’s iconic Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff are getting a $1M makeover, with upgrades aimed at visitor safety, ADA access, and cultural preservation. Culture & Schools: CNMI’s education board and public school system proclaimed September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month, inviting community events to celebrate language and traditions. Local Life & Food: Fish & Kon Mart opened in Saipan to help Chuukese families after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted breadfruit access, bringing in and processing breadfruit staples like “kon” and opot. Youth & Sports: CNMI’s E’Anna Palacios Won was selected 5th overall in South Korea’s 2026-27 Women’s Basketball League draft, moving from Saipan roots to pro play. Tech & Youth Safety: A multistate Meta settlement announced this week includes Northern Mariana Islands participation and new limits and “productive pauses” aimed at reducing Instagram/Facebook time for children. Local Justice: A federal jury trial was set for Oct. 27 for a man facing impersonation and loan fraud charges. Arts Pick: “Sent Off” opens in Saipan with oil pastel works inspired by 11 red cards from Roy Keane.

Immigration & Detention: A 51-year-old Chinese man, Lianyong Wei, died in Saipan hours after being taken into ICE custody, with officials still investigating the cause and not confirming whether a required health screening happened within 12 hours. Local Politics & Environment: The acting director of the new Marine Minerals Administration is reportedly leaving for Halliburton as the Marianas seabed mining lease sale heads toward a Dec. 16 date, raising questions about who will steer final decisions. CNMI Sports: Saipan’s E’Anna Palacios Won was picked fifth overall in South Korea’s 2026-27 Women’s Basketball League draft and will report to the KB Stars on Sept. 4. Community & Food Security: Fish & Kon Mart opened in Saipan to help replace breadfruit access after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, bringing Chuuk breadfruit and related staples to local shoppers. Youth & Learning: SHEFA reminded students the Fall 2026 financial aid deadline is Sept. 30. Culture Exchange: Chamorro and Carolinian performers brought Marianas spirit to Japan’s Nagoya Domannaka Festival, continuing a long-running goodwill partnership.

Immigration & Community Safety: China is demanding answers after a Chinese man, Lianyong Wei, died hours after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan; ICE says he was found unresponsive during routine checks and that the cause is under investigation, while the consulate calls for a thorough probe and help for the family. Immigration & Health Access: Another case spotlights ICE detention conditions: a 76-year-old lawful permanent resident with stage 4 cancer, Loreto Javar, is reported to have missed oncology care after being seized at a citizenship interview, raising alarms about medication timing and meal irregularities. Youth & Digital Life: CNMI Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement tied to Instagram/Facebook youth safety, including daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger parental controls. Local Food & Resilience: Fish & Kon Mart opened in Saipan to help fill a breadfruit gap after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with breadfruit shipped from Chuuk and traditional preparations like “kon” and opot. Culture Exchange: Chamorro and Carolinian performers brought Marianas spirit to Japan’s Nagoya Domannaka Festival, continuing a decades-long goodwill partnership. Sports: Carol Lee’s U.S. Open debut drew major CNMI pride, with local tennis supporters celebrating her historic run. Education & Tourism Careers: MTEC and MVA kicked off SY 2026–2027 youth tourism education planning, including school outreach and a youth summit. Civic Life: SHEFA reminded students that the Fall 2026 application deadline is Sept. 30.

Citizenship & birth tourism debate: A conservative think tank backed by former VP Mike Pence is pushing Congress to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, citing the Insular Cases—an argument now playing out in hearings on “birth tourism,” with CNMI and other islands named in proposed changes. Immigration detention tragedy: An ICE detainee in the CNMI died hours after being booked, with officials citing a death under investigation and questions about required health screening. Youth online safety: CNMI Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement, including tighter Instagram/Facebook limits for children, nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance—plus CNMI included among the settling jurisdictions. Local food after storms: Fish & Kon Mart in Saipan opened to help restore breadfruit access for Chuukese families after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Culture exchange: Chamorro and Carolinian performers brought Marianas spirit to Japan’s Nagoya Domannaka Festival, continuing a long-running goodwill partnership. Education & community: SHEFA reminded students the Fall 2026 application deadline is Sept. 30, and MTEC outlined youth tourism education plans for SY 2026–2027.

Meta Settlement & Youth Safety: CNMI is among the 47 states and territories named in a landmark $17.1B multistate deal with Meta over Instagram and Facebook addiction claims, with required child-safety changes like daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age assurance, and tighter controls on harmful content. Birth Tourism Hearing: U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill opened a House hearing on “protecting American citizenship” by confronting birth tourism, spotlighting claims of exploitation of birthright citizenship and raising national security concerns. Local Food After Typhoon: Fish & Kon Mart in Saipan is opening to help fill a breadfruit gap left by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, bringing Chuuk breadfruit and traditional preparations like “kon” and opot to local shelves. Culture Exchange: Chamorro and Carolinian performers brought Marianas spirit to Japan’s Nagoya Domannaka Festival, continuing a decades-long goodwill partnership. Sports Spotlight: Carol Lee’s U.S. Open debut drew big local pride, with CNMI tennis supporters rallying around her historic run. Education & Youth Tourism: MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority mapped SY 2026–2027 youth tourism programs, including school outreach and a youth summit. Elections & Community Life: The CEC certified Keli Tenorio for Northern Islands mayor, while CNMI gubernatorial candidates debated how a military buildup could affect jobs, taxes, and the environment.

Youth & Tourism Education: The Marianas Tourism Education Council teamed up with the Marianas Visitors Authority to map youth-focused tourism activities for SY 2026–2027, including MYWAVE club advisor meetings, school outreach for 5th/7th/10th graders, and a youth tourism summit. CNMI Politics & Community Voice: A CNMI SPJ-hosted delegate debate turned sharper on military expansion and federal relations, with candidates also ending on a respectful note after naming something they admire about each other. Local Elections: The Commonwealth Election Commission certified Keli Tenorio for Northern Islands mayor after a residency challenge, while Mayor Valentino Taisacan said voters will decide. Culture on the Move: Chamorro and Carolinian performers brought Marianas spirit to Japan’s Nagoya Domannaka Festival, continuing a long-running goodwill exchange. Sports Spotlight: Carol Lee’s U.S. Open debut drew major praise at a Saipan watch party, framed as a landmark moment for CNMI tennis. Tech & Kids Safety: CNMI Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced the Meta settlement tied to Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes, with CNMI included among the settling jurisdictions. Resort & Art: E-Land Park plans a members-only Grand Kensington Seorak Beach resort opening in October, featuring a permanent Picasso ceramics exhibition.

Local Education & Youth Tourism: The Marianas Tourism Education Council teamed up with the Marianas Visitors Authority to map youth-focused tourism activities for SY 2026–2027, including MYWAVE club advisor support, school outreach for 5th/7th/10th graders, and a youth tourism summit. Sports & Community: Saipan’s SIS, ACS, and Hopwood dominated the Early Bird cross country qualifier, with SIS taking the overall team lead in the high school and middle school divisions. Elections & Local Leadership: Keli Tenorio cleared a 4-1 vote from the CNMI Election Commission to be certified for Northern Islands mayor, while Mayor Valentino Taisacan said voters will decide. Courts & Daily Life: CNMI says a Nutrition Assistance Program lawsuit is moot because a fair hearing is set for Sept. 1, 2026, after a Saipan man challenged how his food benefits were calculated. Culture & Belonging: A response to Del Benson’s comments on the CNMI diaspora sparked debate about who gets a voice in island elections. Big Tech & Youth Safety: CNMI is named among jurisdictions in a multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with required child-safety limits and features. Military & Environment: In the delegate debate, candidates clashed over military expansion, federal relations, land leases, deep-sea mining, and the Covenant.

CNMI Local Politics: The Commonwealth Election Commission certified Keli Tenorio for Northern Islands mayor in a 4-1 vote, clearing her for the Nov. 3 ballot after a residency challenge tied to domicile and “fixed habitation” standards; incumbent Valentino Taisacan said voters will decide. Education & Work Pathways: CNMI gubernatorial candidates argued for stronger school-to-work pipelines, with proposals to align Northern Marianas College and Northern Marianas Technical Institute programs to local workforce needs and livable wages. Community & Lifestyle: Saipan’s Latte Built 6th Annual Independence 2-Mile Race finally ran after typhoon delays, with 29 runners taking part and a 250th U.S. independence tribute challenge using large flags. Digital Life & Youth Safety: The Northern Mariana Islands is among jurisdictions in a major multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook teen harms, with new limits and safety features aimed at reducing addictive use. Regional Culture & Ocean Stewardship: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau are pushing a “Blue Pacific” agenda focused on climate resilience, ocean protection, and human security.