AGP Executive Report

Education & Community Resilience: CNMI Public School System Head Start and Early Head Start are reopening in a modified way after typhoon damage and staffing shortages, leaving 132 funded preschool/infant-toddler slots unserved. School Attendance: PSS reports August attendance averaging 93–97%, but 99 truancy letters were issued—showing attendance gains still don’t erase chronic absenteeism. Budget & Governance: House Ways and Means advanced CNMI’s FY2027 budget at $100.73M, with leaders warning finances have worsened after low activity and two super typhoons. Culture & Roots: A new oral-history piece traces where the Refaluwasch (Carolinians) came from, linking migration to warfare, typhoons, and survival. Women’s Leadership & Literacy: Second Lady Usha Vance’s Summer Reading Challenge closed with 30,000+ child submissions and 360,000+ books read, while Guam’s Women’s Chamber promotes Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026 featuring a Saipan keynote. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Guam and American Samoa leaders push back on federal deep-sea mining; CNMI Gov. Apatang says he won’t seek a pause, instead submitting formal comments by Oct. 19. Local Youth Achievement: PSS highlights 65 students earning AP Scholar and AP Capstone honors. Sports & School Life: PSS sports seasons are back on the calendar, with league play resuming after typhoon disruptions. Arts Administration Watch: A cultural advocate raises concerns about moving the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture under the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Education & Youth: CNMI PSS Head Start and Early Head Start are reopening in a modified way after typhoon damage and staffing shortages, leaving 130+ funded preschool/infant-toddler slots unserved as only 11 of 15 classrooms are operating and some centers stay closed. Local Governance & Money: House Ways and Means chair Rep. John Paul Sablan says CNMI finances went “from bad to worse” as lawmakers pass a $100.73M FY2027 budget, despite concerns from the Judiciary about underfunding. Deep-Sea Mining & Rights: Governor David Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause the offshore mineral lease sale before the Oct. 19 deadline, while activists push for action; an opinion piece argues CNMI shouldn’t surrender before the process ends. Culture & Community: A new “Båsta BTS” campaign with Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam aims to stop the spread of the invasive brown treesnake through hands-on workshops. Literacy: Second Lady Usha Vance’s Summer Reading Challenge wrapped up with 30,000+ submissions and 360,000+ books read. Sports: PSS sports are back with volleyball, baseball, soccer, basketball, and cross country kicking off the 2026–2027 season.

Education & Recovery: CNMI Public School System Head Start and Early Head Start are reopening in a modified way after typhoon damage and a certified-teacher shortage, leaving 132 funded slots unserved (226 offered out of 358), with Early Head Start hit hardest and some classrooms closed on Tinian and in parts of Saipan. Local Governance & Budgets: Rep. John Paul Sablan says CNMI finances went “from bad to worse” as the House unanimously passed a $100.73M FY2027 budget, despite concerns raised by the Judiciary about underfunding. Women’s Leadership & Community: Women’s Chamber announces Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance, with a Saipan keynote by Asia Camacho Hilario and masterclasses on leadership, mental load, finance, and AI. Arts & Culture Administration: Opinion raises questions about Executive Order 2026-014 and the transfer of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, calling for careful separation of administrative problems from where cultural preservation should sit. Ocean, Environment & Rights: An opinion argues CNMI shouldn’t give up on the seabed mineral leasing process yet, urging use of available authority and review steps. Sports & School Pride: PSS highlights 65 students earning AP Scholar and AP Capstone honors, while the weekly Sports Leigh-Out covers the new PSS 2026–2027 season and league play. Tourism & Mobility: A bill would expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program by adding the Philippines and other countries, with supporters projecting major visitor spending gains. Public Safety & Justice: Five men pleaded not guilty in a federal case tied to Operation Protekto Y Famagu’on, with trials set for November.

Deep-Sea Mining & Local Voice: Gov. David Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause CNMI’s deep-sea mining lease sale before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing instead to formal public comments and ongoing lawsuits. Literacy & Youth Reading: Second Lady Usha Vance’s Summer Reading Challenge wrapped up with 30,000+ child submissions and 360,000+ books read, with CNMI kids among participants. Education Spotlight: CNMI Public School System celebrated 65 students earning AP Scholar and AP Capstone honors, highlighting college-level achievement. School Week Comeback: Acting PSS Commissioner Jacqueline Che laid out a 5-day Promise plan to restore a five-day school week by Oct. 1, using tutoring and trauma-informed supports amid a major fiscal deficit. Sports Leigh-Out: PSS interscholastic sports kicked off for the 2026-2027 season, plus updates from the Priority Care basketball league after typhoon disruptions. Culture Funding Scrutiny: Towai urged a separate review of Arts Council problems tied to a transfer involving the Marianas Visitors Authority. Invasive Species & Community Learning: Joint Region Marianas and University of Guam launched “Båsta BTS” to help residents learn, spot, and protect against the brown treesnake. Tourism & Visas: A new push would expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to the Philippines and other countries, aiming to boost regional travel and spending.

Childhood Literacy: Second Lady Usha Vance’s Summer Reading Challenge wrapped up with 30,000+ participating students and 360,000+ books logged, aiming to keep kids reading through the summer and build a habit at ages 7–9. Local Education & Equity: Acting CNMI PSS Commissioner Jacqueline Che outlined a 5-day school week comeback plan under the “Promise” initiative, converting four-day schedules and “Austerity Mondays” into tutoring and trauma-informed supports while facing the system’s deepest deficit in 30 years. School Recognition: CNMI PSS celebrated 65 students earning AP Scholar and AP Capstone honors, highlighting college-level readiness from Marianas High School and Saipan Southern High School. Culture & Arts Governance: Towai is urging a careful, separate review of problems tied to the Arts Council after concerns about delayed payments and grant management following a CCAC transfer to the Marianas Visitors Authority. Sports & Community Life: The PSS sports calendar is back with volleyball, baseball, cross country, soccer, and basketball starting across the islands, plus the Priority Care government/business basketball league crowned after typhoon-related delays. Public Safety Court Case: Five men pleaded not guilty in a federal case tied to Operation Protekto Y Famagu’on, with trials set for November. Tourism & Travel Links: A new push would expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to include the Philippines (and other countries), with supporters citing major visitor and spending potential. Environment & Native Species: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched “Båsta BTS,” a community campaign to stop the spread of the invasive brown treesnake using education and hands-on workshops.

Elections & Leadership: CNMI voters say they’re done with slogans and want a competent governor who can tackle the cost of living, restore reliable utilities, and enforce labor and ethics rules fairly as the Nov. 3 race heads toward a three-way showdown. Education & Youth: PSS is celebrating 65 students earning AP Scholar and AP Capstone honors, while Acting PSS Commissioner Jacqueline Che pushes a 5-day school comeback through the “Promise” plan—turning four-day weeks and “Austerity Mondays” into academic and wellness hubs amid the system’s deepest deficit in 30 years. Sports & Community Life: PSS interscholastic sports are back for the 2026–2027 season, and Priority Care was crowned 2026 NMIBF–Priority Care Government/Business Basketball League champs after typhoon-related delays. Culture & Arts Administration: Towai is urging a careful, separate review of Arts Council problems tied to the transfer of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, after concerns about delayed payments and grant management. Regional Economy & Tourism: A new push in Congress would expand the Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines and other countries, with supporters projecting major visitor spending for the Marianas. Fisheries & Heritage: NOAA and Western Pacific fishery leaders emphasized protecting fishing communities so “culture goes away” doesn’t happen—highlighting CNMI priorities as federal seafood access and management plans move forward. Public Safety & Justice: Five men pleaded not guilty in a federal case tied to Operation Protekto Y Famagu’on, with trials set for November. Environment & Resilience: EPA announced wetland grant funding for CNMI to develop a Saipan–Tinian–Rota Wetland Program Plan, supporting cleaner water and habitat restoration.

Education & Youth: Acting CNMI PSS Commissioner Jacqueline Che laid out the 5-day Promise plan to restore a full five-day school week by Oct. 1, using “Austerity Mondays” as tutoring and wellness hubs while navigating the PSS’s deepest 30-year fiscal deficit. Community Pride & Exchange: Okinawa students visited Saipan for a peace-and-cultural exchange, meeting local leaders and taking part in Chamolinian Cultural Village and Pacific Development Institute activities. Learning Wins: Ten Saipan students earned SNHU Summer 2026 President’s List recognition. Tourism & Mobility: CNMI and Guam lawmakers advanced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, aiming to add the Philippines and expand visa-waiver eligibility to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia—positioning more regional visitors for the Marianas. Culture Funding Oversight: Towai urged a separate review of Arts Council problems tied to the CCAC transfer to the Marianas Visitors Authority, calling out delayed payments and grant management concerns. Public Safety in Court: Five men pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges tied to Operation Protekto Y Famagu’on, including attempted enticement of minors and child pornography counts for two defendants, with trials set for November. Health & Resilience: EPA awarded $500,000 to CNMI to develop a Wetland Program Plan for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, supporting wetland protection and restoration.

Disaster Recovery & Local Resilience: A bipartisan push led by CNMI Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds would give disaster survivors more breathing room by extending FEMA appeal deadlines from 60 to 90 days, aiming to reduce the “race against the clock” problem for families and local governments. Education & Community Care: Acting PSS Commissioner Jacqueline Che laid out a 5-day Promise plan to restore a full five-day school week by Oct. 1, using “Austerity Mondays” as targeted tutoring and trauma-informed wellness support while facing the PSS’s deepest deficit in 30 years. Tourism & Regional Connections: King-Hinds’ Marianas Tourism Advancement Act would expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program by adding the Philippines plus five other countries, with supporters projecting major visitor and spending gains. Culture Governance: Towai is urging a separate review of Arts Council problems tied to a transfer of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture to the Marianas Visitors Authority, after concerns about delayed payments and grant management. Environment & Wetlands: EPA awarded CNMI $500,000 to develop a Wetland Program Plan for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—protecting wetland ecosystems and improving restoration work. Youth & Exchange: Okinawa students visited Saipan for a cultural and educational exchange, including meetings with local leaders and Chamolinian Cultural Village practitioners.

Visa & Tourism: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Guam Del. James Moylan unveiled the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, aiming to add the Philippines and expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia—positioned as visitor access, not work or a path to the rest of the U.S. Education & Community Growth: Career Tech High Academy Charter School won a six-year renewal and is looking at regional expansion to the CNMI, Palau and Chuuk, alongside plans for a stronger college pipeline and expanded career-tech offerings. Invasive Species & Native Wildlife: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched “Båsta BTS” to help residents learn, spot and protect against the invasive brown treesnake, with workshops already drawing nearly 200 participants. Local Rights in Federal Courts: Right to Democracy filed an amicus brief for Supreme Court arguments tied to Prutehi Guahan and Earthjustice’s challenge involving Air Force environmental review and public participation. Culture, Exchange & Youth: Okinawa students visited Saipan for a peace-and-understanding youth exchange, including meetings with local leaders and cultural presentations. Infrastructure That Connects: A House Transportation panel advanced King-Hinds’ Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act to raise the federal share of airport project costs to 95% for rural, remote and underserved communities, including CNMI and Guam. Public Access to Your Records: A guide highlights that CNMI residents can request their own federal government file through the Privacy Act (for eligible citizens/LPRs) and FOIA (for everyone). Environment & Wetlands: EPA announced $3.46M in wetland grants across the Pacific Southwest, including funding for CNMI to develop a Saipan-Tinian-Rota Wetland Program Plan. Workforce Reality Check: A GAO report warns CNMI’s workforce is shrinking and foreign workers still make up about one-third of employed workers, raising concerns if the CW-1 program ends after 2029.

Women’s Professional Summit: Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce announced Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance for Oct. 29 at Dusit Thani Guam, with more than 400 leaders expected and Saipan’s Asia Camacho Hilario as keynote. Government Transparency: A new explainer highlights that people can request their own federal government files through the Privacy Act and FOIA—plus how corrections work when records are wrong. CNMI Education & Skills: Career Tech High Academy Charter School in Guam won a six-year charter renewal and plans expansion, deeper special education and deaf services, and audit fixes by 2027. Local Culture Exchange: Okinawa students are visiting Saipan for a youth exchange featuring cultural presentations and meetings with CNMI leaders. Community & Health Funding: A federal stopgap pushed agency funding to Dec. 11, but the Community Health Center Fund still expires Dec. 31, leaving a tight funding gap for clinics. Environment & Wetlands: EPA awarded $500,000 to CNMI to develop a Saipan-Tinian-Rota Wetland Program Plan to protect ecosystems and improve restoration. Tourism & Travel Links: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, including adding the Philippines and other countries. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mining plans affecting CNMI and Guam, while King-Hinds pushes revenue-sharing legislation for Pacific territories. Public Safety: Federal and local partners on Guam launched “Protektot Y Famagu’on,” arresting five men accused of attempted enticement of a minor.

Indigenous Rights & Climate: Chamorro human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is unraveling culture and covenant with the natural world, framing it as a human rights violation, not just an environmental loss. Local Infrastructure & Access: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act cleared a House committee unanimously, pushing the federal share of rural airport project costs to 95%—a lifeline for medical care, jobs, education, and tourism. Disaster Recovery: A bipartisan Post-Disaster Protection Act would extend FEMA appeal deadlines from 60 to 90 days, giving disaster survivors more time to navigate paperwork after storms. Wetlands & Community Resilience: EPA awarded $500,000 to CNMI to develop a Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Wetland Program Plan to protect ecosystems and improve restoration. Tourism & Connections: King-Hinds introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to the Philippines and other countries, aiming to boost travel and family ties. Workforce Reality Check: A GAO report warns CNMI’s shrinking workforce still relies heavily on foreign workers (about one-third), raising risks if the CW-1 program ends after 2029. Culture & Exchange: Okinawa students visited Saipan for a youth exchange mixing history, school visits, and cultural presentations. Education Tech: CNMI educator Dr. Riya Nathrani released new practical guides for AI and cybersecurity in education. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups sued to challenge deep-sea mining plans affecting CNMI and Guam, while King-Hinds pushes revenue sharing through PACMESA.

Disaster Recovery & FEMA Appeals: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ bipartisan Post-Disaster Protection Act (H.R. 8409) cleared a House Transportation panel, proposing more time for CNMI and other disaster survivors to appeal FEMA denials. Rural Air Access: Her Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act (H.R. 6448) also advanced unanimously, aiming to raise the federal share for eligible airport projects to 95%—a big deal for remote islands. Tourism Connections: King-Hinds introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, adding the Philippines and other countries to boost travel, family ties, and regional air service. Wetlands & Resilience: EPA awarded $3.46M for wetland protection across the Pacific Southwest, including CNMI funding to plan for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Youth Exchange: Okinawa students visited Saipan for cultural and educational exchanges with Marianas High School and local cultural groups. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Advocacy groups urged Gov. Apatang to oppose Marianas seabed leasing, while King-Hinds pushed PACMESA to secure revenue sharing and stronger protections for affected territories. Local Culture & Travel Buzz: “Far From Ordinary” earned Global Tourism Campaign of the Year, and The Marianas ranked #1 for engaging mountain destinations in the Western Pacific.

Climate & Law: A Guam-based Indigenous Chamorro lawyer, Julian Aguon, highlights how the ICJ’s climate ruling could help Pacific communities sue for stronger emissions cuts—because the harm isn’t just economic, it’s cultural and spiritual too. Tourism & Travel Links: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ Marianas Tourism Advancement Act would expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines plus India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Mongolia—aiming to boost family travel and regional air service. Fishing Recovery: A regional workshop warns that after disasters, island fisheries often lose livelihoods faster than they can rebuild—citing repeated typhoon damage in Saipan and Tinian. Health Funding Timing: A federal stopgap pushes agency funding to Dec. 11, but community health center payments still face a separate Dec. 31 deadline. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Lawsuits and local letters urge Gov. Apatang to oppose Marianas seabed mining, while King-Hinds pushes PACMESA for 50% revenue sharing and stronger protections. Local Culture & Community: The Marianas’ “Far From Ordinary” campaign won Global Tourism Campaign of the Year, and Saipan’s Triple J 5K Bubble Color Run crowned new champions. Public Safety: Federal sting operations on Guam led to arrests tied to attempted enticement of minors.

Tourism & Travel Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, aiming to add the Philippines and expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to more countries—an effort framed as boosting family travel, air service, and local tourism ties. Health Funding Watch: A federal stopgap pushed health agency funding to Dec. 11, 2026, but community health center payments still face a separate Dec. 31 expiration—leaving two tight money deadlines after the midterms. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups and allies are challenging federal deep-sea mining plans in court, while King-Hinds backs the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act to push 50% revenue sharing for affected territories and stronger bonding and consultation rules. Workforce & Local Jobs: A GAO report says foreign workers still make up about one-third of CNMI’s employed workforce, warning of risks if the CW-1 program ends after 2029. Community & Culture: FEMA hired 22 CNMI residents through a local hire initiative after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, and Artspace Guåhan launched a “Be a Friend. Make Your Mark.” campaign to keep creative programs accessible.

Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is pushing the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA) to secure a 50% revenue share for nearby territories and tougher bonding and protections, as advocacy groups urge Gov. David Apatang to halt the Marianas lease process and a separate lawsuit challenges federal approval of the plan. Workforce & Visas: A GAO report warns CNMI’s shrinking workforce still depends heavily on foreign workers (about one in three jobs), even as the U.S. H-2B visa cap for early 2027 is reached. Community & Culture: FEMA hired 22 CNMI residents through a local hire initiative after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, while the Marianas’ “Far From Ordinary” tourism campaign won Global Tourism Campaign of the Year. Local Life & Events: CNMI groups and residents shared community updates—from McDonald’s Saipan donating $10,000 to the Salvation Army to Artspace Guåhan’s new fundraising push. Public Safety: Federal and HSI-led “Defender of Children” operations on Guam led to arrests tied to alleged online child enticement. Arts & Film: A European Film Festival screening series explores characters who refuse their assigned roles, and Teresa McGrane was named the 2026 Maureen O’Hara Award recipient.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued to stop the Trump administration’s Marianas deep-sea mining lease plan, challenging the claim that it won’t harm endangered species and critical habitat; CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is also pushing PACMESA to secure a 50% revenue share for affected Pacific territories. Local Politics & Governance: Attorney general candidates Joaquin DLG Torres, Michael N. Evangelista, and J. Robert Glass Jr. faced questions at a NMI Bar forum on prosecutorial independence, deep-sea mining, contracts, and public trust. Workforce & Immigration: A GAO report warns the CNMI workforce is shrinking even as foreign workers make up about one in three jobs, with risks if the CW-1 program ends after 2029; separately, the U.S. H-2B visa cap for early 2027 jobs is full. Community & Culture: FEMA hired 22 CNMI residents through a local hire initiative after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; and Saipan’s Tower for Humanity is building and lighting a 9/11 Twin Towers replica to mark the 25th anniversary. Public Safety: Federal authorities announced arrests tied to an undercover “Defender of Children” operation targeting attempted enticement of minors. Sports & Lifestyle: CNMI athletes won medals at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, while CNMI cycling federation trials set up a historic 2027 Pacific Games cycling debut.