AGP Executive Report

CNMI Politics & Trust: An opinion piece says Attorney General Edward E. Manibusan’s late decision not to seek re-election “freezes the field,” leaving voters feeling misled right before the filing deadline. Local Governance: Another op-ed asks whether the CNMI’s House-Senate structure still fits today’s population and long-term needs, tracing the 1976 Constitution’s balancing act between Saipan’s weight and representation for Rota and Tinian. Disaster Recovery & FEMA: Sen. Manny T. Castro defended his office’s role in helping residents navigate FEMA after typhoons, saying occupancy and ownership verification letters were tied to documentation and reviewed through FEMA’s chain of command. Health & Food Culture: A doctor urged CNMI to reclaim traditional foods, warning that rising childhood obesity and diabetes are driven by added sugars and modern food marketing. Community & Sports: The NMI women’s football team is set for the LPK Cup in Cambodia, while Saipan welcomed major karate and badminton sports tourism events. Education & Skills: Northern Marianas College wrapped up a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program, with nine students passing CompTIA after typhoon disruption. Civic Life: A naturalization ceremony in Saipan welcomed 21 new U.S. citizens, highlighting service and community ties.

Disaster Recovery & Local Services: Sen. Manny T. Castro pushed back on House criticism, saying his office helped residents navigate FEMA typhoon assistance by issuing occupancy and ownership verification letters only after reviewing supporting documents and coordinating with FEMA channels. Campaign Trail: Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres told GOP supporters he’s ready for a CNMI comeback, promising renewed services and investment at a meet-and-greet in Susupe. Food Culture & Health: A Commonwealth Health Center cardiologist urged CNMI families to reclaim traditional foods, warning that rising childhood obesity and diabetes are tied to added sugars and modern food marketing. Sports & Youth: The NMI women’s football team is set for the LPK Cup in Cambodia, with matches starting Aug. 1, while Saipan and Guam athletes turned heads at the Karate Dream Festival in Tokyo. Community & Learning: NMC’s Center for Training and Innovation wrapped up a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program, with nine students earning CompTIA certification after typhoon disruption. Civic Life (Guam): Guam’s primary turnout hit 39.81% in unofficial results, with delegate race and gubernatorial primary results reported. Culture & Heritage: The highest-ranking Chamorro woman in Coast Guard history, Christine Torres Igisomar, returned home for retirement and will lead the school she attended, Mount Carmel School.

Local Politics: Former GOP party chair Patrick Cepeda stepped down to run for CNMI House Precinct 1, saying the party is “stronger than ever” under new chair James Ada. Immigration & Citizenship Debate: A Ninth Circuit ruling in a Tacoma immigration case could mean thousands in Guam and the CNMI get bond hearings, while broader birthright citizenship fights continue in Congress and court. Community & Education: Northern Marianas College finished a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions, with 9 students passing CompTIA certification. Sports & Culture Exchange: The NMI women’s football team heads to Cambodia for the LPK Cup, and Guam/Saipan karatekas made history at the Karate Dream Festival in Tokyo. Public Health & Youth Media: APES will host the CNMI video competition awards Aug. 14 in Saipan, challenging youth to promote substance-free choices. Disaster Recovery: PSS is asking lawmakers for budget flexibility after back-to-back typhoons reshaped education costs. Heritage & Service: Saipan’s Christine Torres Igisomar returned home as the highest-ranking Chamorro woman in Coast Guard history, now set to lead her alma mater as president. Food Security & Health: A cardiologist urged schools to reconnect students with ancestral foods to help tackle obesity and diabetes.

Sports Tourism & Community: Saipan is set to host the Crowne Plaza Oceania Masters in Paradise 2026 (July 29–Aug. 4), bringing mixed-team badminton and visiting athletes who will also explore local culture and attractions. Youth Sports: The NMI women’s football team is heading to Cambodia for the LPK Cup, starting Aug. 1, with matches against Tuloy FC Women’s and XO United FC U16 and Women’s. Education & Skills: Northern Marianas College wrapped up a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy and CompTIA certification program after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted classes; 9 of 10 returning students passed. Culture & Heritage: The Tinian and Aguiguan legislative delegation honored atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki with resolutions, highlighting their lifelong peace work and community ties. Civic Life: Twenty-one new U.S. citizens were sworn in on Saipan, with a message centered on service and “home,” plus a civics contest essay read aloud. Local Governance & Recovery: PSS is asking lawmakers for budget flexibility, saying typhoon damage and shifting costs mean last year’s funding assumptions no longer fit. Public Safety/Immigration: A Ninth Circuit ruling in Tacoma immigration cases could expand access to bond hearings for detainees across Guam and the CNMI.

Coast Guard & Chamorro Pride: Christine Torres Igisomar, the highest-ranking Chamorro woman in U.S. Coast Guard history, returned to Saipan for her retirement and will now lead Mount Carmel School as president. Women’s Sports: The NMI women’s football team is set for the LPK Cup in Cambodia starting Aug. 1, with matches against Tuloy FC Women’s, XO United FC U16, and XO United FC Women’s. Youth Skills & Tech: Northern Marianas College wrapped up a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program; nine students passed CompTIA certification after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted classes. Education After Storms: PSS is asking lawmakers for budget flexibility, saying FY2026 costs no longer match pre-typhoon funding after Sinlaku and Bavi. Culture & Memory: Tinian and Aguiguan lawmakers adopted resolutions honoring atomic bomb survivors, including lifelong peace educator Fumiaki Kajiya. Community & Health: A cardiologist urged schools to bring back ancestral foods to help fight obesity and diabetes. Arts & Fair Pay: A community call is growing over long delays in paying artists working with the CNMI Council for Arts & Culture. Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green announced new board and commission appointments in Hawaiʻi. Sports Tourism: Saipan is hosting the Crowne Plaza Oceania Masters in Paradise badminton event, blending competition with island experiences. Civic Life: Twenty-one new U.S. citizens were sworn in on Saipan, with a message centered on service and community.

Local Politics: Rep. Blas Jonathan T. Attao and House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez filed petitions for their independent gubernatorial ticket, framing the campaign around CNMI resilience after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Education & Youth: NMC’s Center for Training and Innovation finished a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program; nine students passed CompTIA after storm disruption, and PSS is asking lawmakers for budget flexibility after typhoon damage reshaped real costs. Culture & Community Memory: Tinian and Aguiguan lawmakers honored atomic bomb survivors with resolutions, while a Bishop Museum fellowship story highlights the ongoing repatriation of CHamoru artifacts back to the Marianas. Sports Tourism: Saipan and Guam karate athletes turned heads at the Karate Dream Festival in Tokyo, and Saipan welcomed the Oceania Badminton Masters week-long event. Civic Life: Twenty-one new U.S. citizens were sworn in on Saipan with a message centered on service and perseverance. Public Safety & Services: CNMI Salvation Army delivered canned-goods relief to Rota after Bavi, with more distributions planned. Policy Watch: The House passed CNMI “birth tourism” curbs (H.B. 24-105), and a Ninth Circuit ruling could expand bond hearings for detainees across Guam and CNMI.

Sports & Community Pride: Guam and Saipan karatekas trained and competed together at the Karate Dream Festival 2026 in Tokyo, with the event certified by Guinness as the largest full-contact karate championship ever—17 athletes from the Marianas ranged from ages 6 to 70. Education & Skills: Northern Marianas College wrapped up a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions; nine students passed CompTIA certification exams. Youth, Media & Health: APES will host the 2026 Video Competition Award Ceremony Aug. 14 in Saipan, spotlighting student-made videos promoting substance-free choices and positive peer influence. Culture & Memory: Tinian and Aguiguan lawmakers adopted resolutions honoring atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including lifelong peace educator Fumiaki Kajiya. Civic Life & Service: Twenty-one new U.S. citizens were sworn in at Saipan’s American Memorial Park, with a message centered on service and community. Local Governance: PSS is asking lawmakers for budget flexibility, saying typhoon damage and shifting costs mean last year’s funding assumptions no longer fit. Tourism & Local Flavor: Saipan welcomed the Crowne Plaza Oceania Masters in Paradise, pairing mixed-team badminton with a week of island experiences for visitors.

Elections & Leadership: Rep. Blas Jonathan T. Attao and House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez filed petitions for an independent gubernatorial ticket, framing the run around CNMI resilience after Sinlaku and Bavi and urging voters to turn out Nov. 3. Education & Youth Skills: Northern Marianas College wrapped up a Saipan Southern High School digital literacy program—nine students passed CompTIA certification after storm disruption, with a one-week intensive continuation plan. Disaster Recovery & Public Services: PSS asked lawmakers for budget flexibility instead of more money, saying FY2026 local funding no longer matches the real cost of educating nearly 10,000 students still recovering from back-to-back typhoons. Community & Culture: Tinian and Aguiguan lawmakers honored atomic bomb survivors with resolutions recognizing three elders and their lifelong peace work. Sports Tourism: Saipan hosted the Oceania Badminton Masters, pairing competition with a week-long island experience that brings visitors and local volunteer opportunities. Civic Life & Belonging: A naturalization ceremony in Saipan welcomed 21 new U.S. citizens, with speakers emphasizing service, perseverance, and community ties. Local Business & Policy: The House unanimously passed a bill targeting “birth tourism” in CNMI, aiming to curb facilitation for profit while pointing to enforcement rather than changing federal protections. Health & Tradition: A cardiologist urged schools to help families reconnect with ancestral foods as a way to fight rising obesity and diabetes.

Cultural Heritage & Community Voice: The Guam Museum is hosting a virtual Friday meeting to collect CHamoru, Guamanian, and CNMI input on a proposed national Asian Pacific American history museum—an effort that could shape whether the project ever gets built. Disaster Relief & Rota Recovery: CNMI Salvation Army delivered eight pallets of canned goods to Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, with more distributions planned for Saipan and Tinian as damage assessments continue. Youth Media & Substance Prevention: APES will hold an invitation-only 2026 video competition award ceremony Aug. 14 in Saipan, spotlighting CNMI teams promoting healthy, substance-free choices. Local Records Access: CNMI DOL says it can’t provide copies of historical umbrella permits and related LIIDS-derived records because the legacy system is permanently inoperable and older files were destroyed. Birth Tourism Policy Fight: The CNMI House unanimously passed HB 24-105 to curb commercial birth tourism, while lawmakers and business voices continue arguing over how to protect tourism and federal rights. Culture on the Move: The Saipan Awaodori Team returned from Japan after wowing audiences and building ties through performances. Sports Tourism: Saipan welcomed the Oceania Badminton Masters as sports travel keeps feeding local hotels and businesses. Education & Health: A cardiologist urged schools to bring back ancestral foods to help tackle obesity and diabetes. Community Safety: A Navy Hill church reported being burglarized three times in a week.

Disaster Relief: The CNMI Salvation Army delivered eight pallets of canned goods to Rota residents still recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, partnering with Grace Christian Assembly and bringing additional family relief items from Baby2Baby. Youth Media & Health: APES will host an invitation-only 2026 APES Video Competition Award Ceremony on Aug. 14 in Saipan, with CNMI teams making videos to discourage underage alcohol and marijuana use. Local Records Update: CNMI DOL says it can’t provide copies of historical “umbrella permits” or related LIIDS-derived work histories because the records were destroyed and the LIIDS system is permanently inoperable. Sports Tourism: Saipan is set to welcome the Oceania Badminton Masters (July 29–Aug. 4), with visitors competing and also volunteering as umpires. Culture & Community Pride: The Saipan Awaodori Team returned from Japan after 18th participation, with young dancers recognized for their performances and respectful outreach. Housing After Storms: ReadyPod’s BoxHouse homes are moving toward delivery for typhoon-displaced families, including veteran recipients. Policy Watch: The House unanimously passed HB 24-105 to curb commercial birth tourism in CNMI, while national debate over birthright citizenship continues.

CNMI House Action: The House unanimously passed H.B. 24-105 to curb “commercial birth tourism,” targeting organizers and promoters while aiming not to interfere with federal immigration or birthright protections. Local Culture & Community: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho backed House resolutions honoring educator Rufina Tuloi Borja Seman, master navigator Sesario Sewralur, and ESGR Guam-CNMI State Committee Week. Health & Food Traditions: Commonwealth Health Center cardiologist Dr. Peter Gregor urged schools to help families reconnect with ancestral foods to fight obesity and diabetes. STEM for Youth: A high school senior launched FreedomSTEM, bringing hands-on STEM kits and programs to military-connected kids, including in the Northern Mariana Islands. Disaster Recovery & Care: CNMI partners coordinated distribution of durable medical equipment for Sinlaku and Bavi survivors, while ReadyPod’s BoxHouse homes are set to help typhoon-displaced families, including veterans. Off-Island Connections: The Saipan Awaodori Team returned from Japan after showcasing local dance talent and strengthening ties.

Health & Food Traditions: A Commonwealth Health Center cardiologist urged Saipan schools to help families return to ancestral foods, using student competitions and interviews to tackle childhood obesity and diabetes. Local Politics: Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero filed to run as an independent for CNMI delegate, while Saipan Mayor “RB” Camacho filed for what he says will be his final term, focusing on safety and service. Business & Civic Life: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is pushing members to RSVP and submit questions for an August lieutenant governor forum. Culture & Community Arts: A powerful call to pay CNMI artists on time framed delayed payments as a trust issue tied to cultural survival. Legislation on Birth Tourism: The House unanimously passed HB 24-105 to curb commercial birth tourism, while Guam and CNMI leaders urged Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his broader birthright citizenship bill. STEM for Youth: A high school senior launched FreedomSTEM, bringing portable STEM kits and workshops to military-connected kids, including in the Northern Mariana Islands. Disaster Recovery & Care: CNMI partners distributed $250K+ in durable medical equipment to Sinlaku and Bavi survivors, and ReadyPod’s BoxHouse homes are moving toward families displaced by the storms. Sports & Youth Development: NMI Wrestling expanded with new Olympic-sized mats, and the Saipan Awaodori Team celebrated Japan ties after performing in festivals. Safety & Crime: A Navy Hill church was burglarized three times in a week, with thieves taking a generator and equipment.

RIMPAC Weather Disruption: Gray skies and rough seas from Tropical Storm Fausto forced RIMPAC planners to cancel planned beach landings at Bellows Beach, shifting Marines to air movement instead. Climate-Change Silence: A new critique says major U.S. outlets are downplaying climate links while showing extreme weather impacts night after night. CNMI Defense Priorities: Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds highlighted House-passed NDAA amendments for CNMI—Saipan geothermal study, security risk checks for civilian infrastructure tied to military operations, and more CNMI students eligible for service academies. Visa Waiver Push (Philippines): Guam and CNMI leaders met with Philippine officials to advance adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, framing it as both economic opportunity and security. Typhoon Recovery Support: ReadyPod’s BoxHouse homes are being delivered for Sinlaku/Bavi-displaced families, including veterans, while FODAC is distributing durable medical equipment to survivors. Saipan Culture & Youth: The Saipan Awaodori Team returned from Japan after 18th participation, featuring local students and renewed ties with host communities. Local Sports: CNMI Wrestling Federation rolled out new Olympic-sized mats for clinics after years of growth work. Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing to a bill targeting birthright citizenship in territories, with CNMI leaders warning it could undermine rights upheld by the Supreme Court.

Cultural Exchange: The Saipan Awaodori Team brought local dance talent to Japan for the 18th straight year, with 11 young dancers (including students from Reyes Elementary, Sablan Middle, and Marianas High) representing Saipan and earning recognition in Katori City. Community & Giving: McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan donated $50,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaiʻi after its Guam Golf Classic, supporting families during children’s serious illnesses. Local Youth Support: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce named winners of its 17th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, raising funds for students pursuing higher education. Typhoon Recovery (Housing): ReadyPod and BoxHouse are delivering 10 rapid-deploy BoxHouse homes for Typhoon Sinlaku-displaced families, including five veterans, as CNMI recovery continues after back-to-back storms. Typhoon Recovery (Medical Needs): CNMI partners with FODAC distributed $250K+ in durable medical equipment to Sinlaku and Bavi survivors, coordinating needs across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Off-Island Sports Pride: WKO Shinkyokushinkai Guam and NMI returned from Japan’s Karate Dream Festival with three kata victories and a debut group kata team. Regional Travel Talks: Guam and CNMI leaders met with Philippine officials to push for Philippines inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, framing it as both economic opportunity and family reconnection. Civic Leadership: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho withdrew his mayoral bid and instead will seek another term in the House, citing relief work after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Public Safety: A Navy Hill church was burglarized three times in a week, with thieves repeatedly taking a generator and church equipment.

Defense & Education: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says three amendments she secured in the House-passed FY2027 NDAA would fund a Saipan geothermal study, tighten counterintelligence checks around military supply infrastructure, and expand CNMI students’ access to U.S. service academies. Visa & Family Ties: Marianas leaders renewed a push to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, framing it as both economic lift and a way to reconnect families. Typhoon Recovery (Rota & Disability Needs): Rota schools are beginning recovery after Super Typhoon Bavi, while on Saipan, durable medical equipment worth $250K+ is being distributed to Sinlaku and Bavi survivors through FODAC and local partners. Housing for Displaced Families: ReadyPod/BoxHouse donated 10 rapid-deploy BoxHouse homes for typhoon-displaced families, including veteran households. Local Politics: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho filed for what he calls his final term, centering public safety and completing village projects. Culture & Sport: WKO Shinkyokushinkai Guam and CNMI karate athletes returned from Japan’s Karate Dream Festival with multiple kata wins. Community Life: Saipan’s Pho Tam is expanding to California, bringing a homegrown CNMI flavor to the mainland.

Typhoon Recovery, Housing: ReadyPod and BoxHouse are delivering 10 factory-built BoxHouse homes to typhoon-displaced Saipan families, including five veteran households—Gov. David Apatang called it a “game changer” as many residents still lack stable housing after Sinlaku and Bavi. Disaster Relief, Disability Support: CNMI partners with FODAC to distribute more than $250,000 in durable medical equipment—44 pallets of beds, wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen and other assistive devices—coordinated with FEMA and the American Red Cross for survivors on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Local Governance, Public Safety: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho filed for what he says will be his final term, pitching safer villages and a renewed push against drug activity after meeting with the DEA. Regional Travel, Visas: Guam and CNMI leaders met with Philippine officials to advance Philippine inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to balance tourism growth with security. Citizenship Debate: Opposition is growing in the Marianas to a federal bill that would end birthright citizenship in territories starting in 2027, with CNMI leaders warning it could violate the Covenant and create legal uncertainty. Culture & Community: A Saipan-born restaurant story stands out as Pho Tam expands from Saipan to Pho Tam Cali in California, bringing a homegrown Commonwealth brand to the mainland. Sports: Crowne Plaza Saipan International badminton wrapped with Japan’s Ogawa and Masuki taking titles in the finals.