AGP Executive Report

Gubernatorial Forum Disrupted by Storm: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s gubernatorial debate was cut short when a power outage hit the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium during Tropical Storm Choi-Wan, forcing the Chamber to postpone the rest of the Oct. 1 forum online. Labor Policy Push: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged HR leaders to back federal action to eliminate the CW touchback requirement, saying it’s harming projects and the CNMI’s labor pipeline. Tinian Casino Bill Uncertainty: A veto override deadline passed with the Senate session canceled due to the storm, leaving questions about whether the Oct. 4 deadline still applies. Tinian Airport Sculpture: Artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a conch-shell hand sculpture at the Tinian airport with cultural dance and community raffles. Sports & Community Energy: Saipan paddlers are fundraising for the Guam Micro Cup, while the Dee Clayton Classic and NMBF bodybuilding competition returns Oct. 10 at the Ada Gym. Education on the Ground: Interim Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che asked the community to help repair damaged school bus stops after typhoon damage left students exposed. Travel Boost: Philippine Airlines will resume nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, reconnecting families and tourism.

Sports & Community: The Dee Clayton Classic and Northern Marianas Bodybuilding Federation’s 15th DC Classic and competition are finally set for Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, with teen and adult divisions plus a full lineup of events and local business support. Local Culture & Art: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a 6-foot-4 conch-shell hand sculpture, on Oct. 3 at 1:30 p.m., with dance performances and community raffles. Education & Youth: CNMI schools will run half-day schedules on Thursday, Oct. 1, and close Friday, Oct. 2, as Saipan and Tinian respond to Tropical Storm Condition II. Community Needs: Interim Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che is asking the business and civic community to help repair storm-damaged school bus stops, citing missing roofs and safety concerns. Tourism & Travel: Philippine Airlines will resume nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, boosting family travel and tourism ties. Governance & Recovery: Gov. David Apatang has declared a partial government shutdown starting Oct. 1 over the lack of an FY2027 appropriations law. Health & Safety: A meth recovery program says withdrawal symptoms are getting more severe, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes. Human Rights & Families: A campaign by independent delegate candidate Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero highlights poverty and resilience he says he’s witnessed in CNMI households.

Election Trail & Community Hardship: Independent delegate candidate Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero says his campaign has meant “unfiltered” home visits across the islands, where he’s seen widespread poverty alongside families’ resilience in caring for kids, elders, and each other. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: A report says deaths in ICE custody are rising sharply in 2026, with causes ranging from suspected suicides to medical issues—raising fresh concerns about standards in detention. Health & Consumer Watch: CNMI residents are swept into a broader U.S. generic-drug settlement push, with attorneys general urging eligible buyers (covered purchases between May 2009 and Dec. 2019) to check compensation options. Early Childhood Costs Study: CNMI launches an eight-month licensed child care “narrow cost analysis” to set subsidy rates based on the real cost of quality care across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Schools & Weather Impacts: PSS schedules half-days for Saipan and Tinian ahead of Tropical Storm Condition II, with athletics canceled and Rota unaffected. Culture Through Art: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a conch-shell hand sculpture at the airport with dance performances and community raffles. Sports & Fundraising: CNMI paddlers are raising funds for the Guam Micro Cup, while SIS and PSS cross-country events bring families together at Marpi and Banzai Cliff. Tourism & Travel Links: PAL will resume nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, and Marianas tourism partners showcased the islands at Tourism Expo Japan 2026. Community Giving: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donates $7.047M to the American Red Cross, adding to prior CNMI/Guam disaster support.

CNMI Education & Community Support: Interim Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che asked the business and civic community to help repair damaged school bus stops after typhoons left many shelters without roofs, exposing students to rain and sun, with some sites also reported to have graffiti and broken glass. Local Governance & Schools: Saipan and Tinian PSS schools moved to half-day schedules Thursday and closed Friday due to Tropical Storm Condition II, while Koblerville Elementary had no classes and athletics were canceled. Sports & Youth Culture: Hundreds of runners packed Banzai Cliff and Marpi for the All Schools Cross Country qualifier and the SIS Gecko 5000 Fun Run fundraiser, keeping community spirit strong after recent storms. Arts & Island Identity: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a 6-foot-4 conch-shell hand sculpture at the airport Oct. 3 with cultural dance performances and raffles. Marianas Connections: Philippine Airlines will resume nonstop Manila–Saipan flights Oct. 25, boosting travel links for tourism, families, and business. Public Health Warning: A recovery program says meth withdrawal symptoms are getting “scarier,” with more hallucinations and psychotic episodes reported. Tourism Outreach: MTEC and MVA launched a new school outreach promoting “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business,” encouraging students to be welcoming ambassadors. Regional Athletics Fundraising: CNMI paddlers are raising funds for the Guam Micro Cup canoe race Oct. 15–18. Civic & Leadership: Friends of the Mariana Trench announced a board leadership transition as chair Sheila Babauta steps down but stays on as a director.

CNMI Community & Culture: Saipan’s Saipan Paddling Club, Marianas Pacific Paddlers, and Marianas Outrigger Club are rallying about 50 paddlers to raise funds for the Oct. 15–18 Guam Micronesia Cup, with club sendoffs and fundraisers planned across the islands. Sports & Youth: The Sports Leigh-Out spotlights local volleyball momentum at Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School and highlights the SIS Gecko 5000 Fun Run and All Schools Cross Country qualifier drawing hundreds to Banzai Cliff and Marpi. Education & Everyday Life: Interim Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che is asking the business and civic community to help repair storm-damaged school bus stops, many with missing roofs and unsafe conditions for students. Arts & Island Identity: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a 6-foot-4 conch-shell hand sculpture at the Tinian airport on Oct. 3, with dance performances and community raffles. Local Governance: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce gubernatorial forum was cut short by a power outage, and the CNMI government faces a partial shutdown tied to the FY2027 appropriations timeline. Health & Safety: A recovery program says meth withdrawal symptoms are becoming more severe, with hallucinations and psychotic episodes reported.

Education & Families: CNMI launches an 8-month study to calculate the real operating costs of licensed child care centers, aiming to set subsidy rates that match island realities—not just market prices. Community & Safety: Interim Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che asks the business and civic community to help repair storm-damaged school bus stop shelters, some missing roofs and leaving students exposed. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds renews her push to remove the CW-1 touchback requirement, saying it’s disrupting recovery and businesses after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Tourism & Travel: Philippine Airlines will resume nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, boosting family travel and tourism ties. Culture & Place: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick unveils “Anticipation,” a conch-shell hand sculpture at the airport on Oct. 3 with dance performances and community raffles. Sports & School Life: Hundreds turn out for the SIS Gecko 5000 Fun Run alongside the All Schools Cross Country qualifier at Banzai Cliff. Public Health: A CNMI recovery program reports meth withdrawal symptoms are getting more severe, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes. Governance & Budget: Gov. David Apatang declares a partial government shutdown as FY2027 appropriations timing runs tight, while the House adopts a $100.7M budget framework that keeps a PSS funding path toward $32M. Arts & Learning: World Teachers’ Day contest spotlights student drawings honoring teachers and a tennis coach across Saipan schools. Environment & Heritage: Friends of the Mariana Trench names a leadership transition as chair Sheila Babauta steps down but stays on the board.

Child Care Costs Study: CNMI launches an eight-month, federally compliant “Licensed Center-Based Narrow Cost Analysis” to calculate the real cost of running quality early child care centers across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—so subsidy rates can better match on-island expenses, not just what families can pay. Public Schools, Community Support: Interim Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che asks the business and civic community to help repair storm-damaged school bus stops, citing missing roofs, sun/rain exposure, and reports of needles and broken glass. School Schedule Disruptions: Saipan and Tinian PSS schools move to half-days Thursday (Oct. 1) and close Friday (Oct. 2) under Tropical Storm Condition II, while Rota continues normal schedules. Budget Pressure & Shutdown Risk: CNMI’s partial government shutdown is declared as FY2027 appropriations weren’t ready by Oct. 1, with lawmakers also wrestling over PSS funding and a conference budget framework. Culture & Arts: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick unveils “Anticipation,” a conch-shell hand sculpture at the airport with cultural dance and community raffles. Tourism & Travel: PAL restores nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, and the Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority bring “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business” outreach to local schools. Community Sports: Hundreds turn out for the SIS Gecko 5000 fun run alongside PSS cross country qualifiers at Banzai Cliff. Marianas Ocean Stewardship: Friends of the Mariana Trench announces a board leadership transition as Chair Sheila Babauta steps down but stays on as a director. Regional Policy Watch: Mayors ask President Trump for federal help, citing recovery needs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi and broader economic strain.

Public Schools & Weather: Saipan and Tinian PSS schools will run half-day schedules Thursday (Oct. 1) and close Friday (Oct. 2) after Tropical Storm Condition II was declared, with dismissals staggered by grade and some sites like Koblerville Elementary seeing no classes. Arts & Identity: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a 6-foot-4 conch-shell hand sculpture at the airport Oct. 3, with dance performances and community raffle drawings. Marianas Ocean Stewardship: Friends of the Mariana Trench announced a board leadership transition as Chair Sheila Babauta steps down but stays on as a director, highlighting Indigenous leadership and environmental justice. Tourism & Travel Links: Philippine Airlines will restore nonstop Manila–Saipan flights Oct. 25, and the Marianas Visitors Authority promoted the destination at Tourism Expo Japan 2026. Community Health: A CNMI recovery program says meth withdrawal symptoms are getting “scarier,” including hallucinations and psychotic episodes, as meth-related cases continue rising. Culture in the Classroom: MTEC and MVA launched a “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business” outreach to local schools, framing students as future island ambassadors. Local Governance & Budgets: The governor declared a partial government shutdown tied to the FY2027 appropriations timeline, while lawmakers advanced a $100.7M FY2027 budget framework and negotiated PSS funding toward $32M.

Tourism & Community: The Marianas Visitors Authority teamed up with partners at Tourism Expo Japan 2026 in Tokyo to keep the islands visible in a key market, aiming to connect with Japanese travel trade and travelers. Local Governance: CNMI mayors asked President Trump for federal help, citing a tough mix of economic strain, fiscal pressure, and storm damage, while Gov. Apatang declared a partial government shutdown over the lack of a FY2027 appropriations law. Public Schools & College Funding: The House adopted a $100.7M FY2027 conference budget, but the fight over Public School System funding remains sharp, with talks centering on whether PSS gets $32M or $25M. Culture & Arts: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a conch-shell hand sculpture at the airport on Oct. 3, with dance performances and community raffles. Youth & Lifestyle: Hundreds ran the Gecko 5000 and SIS cross-country qualifier at Banzai Cliff, with SIS taking major team wins. Health & Safety: A CNMI meth recovery program reports more severe withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes. DV Awareness: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence kicks off DVAM with a proclamation signing Oct. 2 under the theme “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light.” Environment & Heritage: Friends of the Mariana Trench announced a board leadership transition as it continues Indigenous leadership and ocean policy advocacy.

Government & Schools: CNMI lawmakers cleared a $100.7M FY2027 General Fund conference budget, but Gov. David Apatang says a partial shutdown is underway because an appropriations law wasn’t approved in time for Oct. 1—while the House and Senate still clash over how much the Public School System (PSS) and Northern Marianas College get, with PSS funding now framed around a $32M target after earlier cuts. Public Health: A recovery agency says meth withdrawal in the Northern Marianas is getting “scarier,” with more hallucinations and psychotic episodes as meth-related cases rise. Community & Culture: The Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority launched an annual school outreach, pitching tourism as “everybody’s business” and encouraging students to act as cultural ambassadors. Safety & Support: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence announced DVAM events starting Oct. 2, themed “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light,” including a proclamation ceremony and a Bridge of Light Award. Local Economy & Self-Government: A commentary warns CNMI self-government could fail if the local economy doesn’t improve. Sports & Youth: Saipan International School and Saipan Community School posted strong results at the PSS cross country meet, with multiple individual wins and team titles.

CNMI Self-Government at Risk: A new commentary warns the Commonwealth’s self-government could fail unless the local economy improves, calling for leaders to act together instead of relying on promises. School Funding Fight: After hours of budget talks, a House-Senate panel settled on a $32M framework for the Public School System (PSS), moving away from a Senate $25M level—while lawmakers still face a tight timeline before FY2027 begins Oct. 1. Tourism in the Classroom: MTEC and MVA launched their annual “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business” outreach, bringing age-appropriate lessons to schools across Saipan and reinforcing that students can be culture and welcome ambassadors. DVAM Events Announced: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence set its October campaign, “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light,” starting with a proclamation signing Oct. 2 in Susupe. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: NRDC says Marianas residents need more time and clearer information before a Dec. 16 seabed mining lease sale, urging meaningful participation. Meth Recovery Update: A CNMI recovery program reports more severe meth withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes, alongside rising case counts. Arts Governance Debate: A House discussion on the future of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture sparked debate over whether the arts council should stay independent or move under the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Public Schools Funding Fight: CNMI House and Senate budget talks are still in crunch mode as lawmakers head to a conference committee, with the Senate version cutting PSS and Northern Marianas College by about $15.1M—sparking warnings of a “structural collapse” and talk of a 2- to 3-day school week. Domestic Violence Awareness: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is gearing up for DVAM with a “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light” proclamation signing on Oct. 2 in Susupe, plus a Bridge of Light Award. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: NRDC says federal deep-sea mining planning is moving too fast and not giving Marianas residents enough time to weigh in; Governor Apatang backs public outreach while litigation over federal approvals plays out. Meth Crisis Update: A CNMI recovery program reports meth withdrawal symptoms are getting “scarier,” including hallucinations and psychotic episodes, as CHCC case counts keep climbing. Local Culture & Heritage: A museum feature spotlights Mama Chai’s living lusong tradition, while a separate profile follows Tinian barber Tosh Evangelista’s journey into content creation. Women’s Community Event: Guam’s Women’s Chamber of Commerce announces Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance on Oct. 29, with Saipan’s Asia Camacho Hilario as keynote. Science Communication: UOG names Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to bring research to island communities.

Chamorro Culture & Healing: At Sagan Kotturan, Mama Chai’s lusong (grinding stone) isn’t museum history—it’s a living tool tied to Yo’åmte healing and CHamoru knowledge-sharing. Local Arts & Community: Tinian barber Tosh Evangelista reflects on his journey from cutting hair to creating content in San Antonio, bringing island roots into a wider audience. Education & Youth Sports: Saipan International School and Saipan Community School dominated the PSS All School Cross Country Series, with SIS sweeping top spots in both high school boys and girls divisions. Domestic Violence Awareness: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence kicks off DVAM with a Oct. 2 proclamation signing and its “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light” theme, plus a Bridge of Light Award. Budget Showdown: House-Senate talks move to a conference committee after the Senate plan cuts PSS and NMC funding by about $15.1M, raising alarms about school operations. Public Health: A CNMI recovery program says meth withdrawal symptoms are getting worse—more hallucinations and psychotic episodes—as meth-related cases and deaths climb. Environment & Cultural Harvests: NRDC says Marianas residents need more time and information before deep-sea mining decisions move forward, while mayors unite against the proposal. Science Communication: UOG names Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to connect island communities with local research.

CNMI Budget Showdown: The House and Senate clash over FY 2027 funding, with PSS and Northern Marianas College at the center—Senate’s lower numbers could push schools toward a 2- to 3-day week and major cuts. Domestic Violence Awareness: NMCADSV kicks off DVAM with the theme “Reclaiming Hope, Restoring Light,” including an Oct. 2 proclamation ceremony and a Bridge of Light Award. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: CNMI mayors and residents urge slower, more transparent federal steps on seabed mining; NRDC says the process is moving too fast without enough local input. Meth Crisis Update: A recovery program reports harsher meth withdrawal symptoms—hallucinations and psychotic episodes—while CHCC data show cases surging. Arts Council Governance Fight: Lawmakers debate whether the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture should stay independent or move under the Marianas Visitors Authority. Science & Community: UOG names Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to bring research to local audiences. Weather Watch: A disturbance east of Guam could bring wind and rain to the Marianas this weekend, but forecasts are still uncertain.

Public Health: CNMI’s SAAR/HOPE Recovery Center says meth withdrawal is getting “scarier,” with more hallucinations and psychotic episodes as CHCC reports meth-related cases jumping from 71 (2022) to 252 (2025). Education & Budget: A House-Senate fight over FY 2027 funding is pushing PSS toward a possible 2- to 3-day school week if local funding drops near $25 million, with officials warning of “structural collapse.” Arts Governance: Debate in the House over whether the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture should stay independent or move under the Marianas Visitors Authority centers on governance, accountability, and artist pay. Ocean & Environment: NRDC says Marianas residents lack time and information to weigh a fast-moving deep-sea mining lease sale; Governor Apatang backs public outreach while litigation plays out, and CNMI mayors formally oppose mining. Science & Storytelling: UOG names Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to bring environmental research to island communities. Immigration & Travel: Federal moves aim to close a visa-free “birth tourism” loophole for Chinese visitors to Guam/CNMI.

CNMI Budget Showdown: The House rejected the Senate’s FY2027 budget version, kicking the PSS and NMC funding fight to a conference committee ahead of Oct. 1, with lawmakers pointing to roughly $15M less for Public School System and Northern Marianas College in the Senate plan. Education Under Strain: Acting Education Commissioner Jacqueline Che warned PSS could slide toward austerity—possibly two- or three-day school weeks—if local funding drops to about $25M, as staffing losses and storm recovery collide with expiring federal aid. Marianas Science Spotlight: UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow, pairing him with researchers to translate environmental and island issues for communities across Guam and the CNMI. Deep Seabed Mining Pushback: Governor Apatang says he’ll seek public outreach in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota while legal challenges play out, as CNMI mayors formally oppose seabed mining over missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Culture & Arts Governance: A local musician and more than 300 arts practitioners oppose an executive order moving the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture to the Marianas Visitors Authority, warning it could jeopardize federal arts funding. Community Health: CHCC reported methamphetamine-related cases and deaths rising sharply, urging urgent attention to a growing public health crisis.