AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, with Earthjustice, filed a new lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s plan to kickstart deep-sea mining in the Marianas and Guam, arguing the federal government wrongly says the lease sale won’t harm protected species; CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is also pushing her PACMESA bill to require a 50% revenue cut for Pacific territories tied to seabed mining. Delegate Debate: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 delegate debate where King-Hinds defended her first-term record and Deleon Guerrero called for a political “reset,” with both candidates pressing on the economy, workforce, health care, disaster recovery, and veterans’ issues. Disaster Recovery Update: FEMA hired 22 CNMI residents through its Sinlaku Local Hire initiative, while CUC reported power restoration at 91% on Saipan, 96% on Tinian, and 52% on Rota; water is back to 100% across all three islands. Public Safety: Federal authorities announced arrests of five men in an online undercover operation targeting attempted enticement of a minor. Local Life: Atulai fishing is drawing crowds to Outer Cove Marina as the season continues, and Saipan’s public schools kicked off the SY 2026-27 girls volleyball and boys baseball leagues.

Power Restoration Update: CUC says Saipan is at 91% energized power (14,159 of 15,624 accounts), Tinian at 96% (1,010 of 1,052), and Rota at 52% (504 of 967) after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with water restored to 100% of customers across all three islands. Public Safety: Federal prosecutors report five men arrested after an online undercover operation targeting attempted enticement of a minor, including an active-duty U.S. Navy service member, as part of Operation Protektot Y Famagu’on. Local Appointments: Acting Gov. Karl R. King-Nabors has nominated Aniceto T. Ogumoro to be CNMI Department of Public Safety commissioner, sending the nomination to the Senate for confirmation steps. Disaster Recovery Deadline: Rota residents have until 5 p.m. today to register for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Temporary Roofing Program; FEMA Individual Assistance registration has no set deadline yet. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and CNMI/Marianas advocates keep pushing to stop federal deep-sea mining lease sales, including lawsuits challenging the government’s endangered-species review and calls for CNMI to oppose the process. Governance & Services: Gov. Apatang ordered the Invasive Species Program moved to the Department of Finance’s Customs and Biosecurity division to streamline control and response. Aviation/Infrastructure: The FAA is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for a long-range radar facility on Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar coverage gap. Sports & Community: PSS launched its SY 2026-27 girls volleyball and boys baseball leagues, while Saipan’s pickleball team brought home two silver and one bronze at the World Cup in Vietnam.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued the U.S. over the federal plan to move forward with deep-sea mining leases around the Marianas, challenging the claim that the sale won’t harm endangered species and their habitat; Local Politics: In the delegate debate, incumbent Kimberlyn King-Hinds defended her first-term work while challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero pushed for a “reset” and questioned results; Disaster Recovery (Rota): Rota Bavi survivors have until 5 p.m. today to register for the Temporary Roofing Program, with FEMA Individual Assistance still open; Disaster Recovery (Sinlaku): SBA says Sinlaku applicants who missed the deadline may still request exceptions by visiting an SBA recovery center and explaining why they were late; Public Health Alert: BECQ issued “red flags” for fecal indicator bacteria at specific Saipan and Rota recreational sites, advising people not to swim or fish within 300 feet for 48 hours; Utilities Update: CUC’s Kevin Watson says Judge David O. Carter is pleased with recovery progress but wants more funding, including major concerns about Tinian’s power plant; Aviation/Infrastructure: FAA seeks public comment on a draft plan for a long-range radar facility on Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar coverage gap.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces New CNMI Opposition: Advocacy groups urged Gov. David Apatang to formally ask the U.S. Interior Department to halt or suspend the Marianas deep-sea mining lease process, arguing the ocean is not a “sacrifice zone.” The groups want Apatang to recommend canceling the Dec. 16, 2026 sale tied to more than 67 million acres. Court Challenge to Mining Plan: CNMI groups Our Commonwealth 670 and PåganWatch, joined by conservation groups, sued the federal government in Hawaii, contesting NMFS’s finding that the lease sale is “not likely to adversely affect” threatened species. Invasive Species Program Shift: Apatang ordered the CNMI Invasive Species Program to move from Lands and Natural Resources to the Finance Department’s Division of Customs and Biosecurity, aiming to consolidate prevention and response for threats like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, Mucuna vine, and the little fire ant. FAA Radar Project Comment Period: The FAA opened public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment for a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar coverage gap. Per Diem Update for Guam Travel: DOD raised meal and incidental per diem rates for civilian travel to Guam (and CNMI/American Samoa), bringing the total daily rate to $317 effective Sept. 1. Tourism Win for “Far From Ordinary”: The Marianas Visitors Authority’s campaign was named Global Tourism Campaign of the Year.

Invasive Species Control: Gov. David Apatang ordered the CNMI’s Invasive Species Program moved from Lands and Natural Resources to the Department of Finance’s Division of Customs and Biosecurity, aiming to unify border interception with field response for threats like the coconut rhinoceros beetle on Rota, Mucuna vine on Saipan, and the little fire ant. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups sued the federal government to stop a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale covering more than 67 million acres, challenging NMFS’s finding that leasing won’t harm threatened species; meanwhile, leaders and community groups urged Apatang to formally oppose the sale ahead of the Oct. 19 deadline. Aviation/Defense: The FAA is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for a new long-range radar facility on Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar gap, with construction tied to the former Pacific Barrier III site. Tourism Spotlight: The Marianas’ “Far From Ordinary” campaign won Global Tourism Campaign of the Year. Local Governance & Services: King-Hinds introduced PACMESA to boost revenue sharing and protections for Pacific territories near seabed mining, and said CUC is poised for millions in federal support. Public Safety Update: The DOC updated the death of ICE detainee Wei, Lian Yong, saying an internal investigation treated it as an apparent suicide while external reviews continue.

ICE Death Update: The CNMI Department of Corrections says ICE detainee Lian Yong Wei was found unresponsive on Aug. 23 with a ligature around his neck, treated as an apparent suicide, while the medical examiner and other reviews are still pending. Travel Costs: Guam’s federal per diem rates for lodging, meals and incidentals rose by $14 effective Sept. 1, a change Guam’s hotel and restaurant industry says matters for government travel. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups Our Commonwealth 670 and PåganWatch, with partners, sued the U.S. over the federal plan to auction deep-sea mining leases covering more than 67 million acres, arguing the government didn’t properly assess impacts beyond the lease sale itself. Aviation Upgrade: The FAA is seeking public comment on a draft plan for a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara to fill a north-facing radar coverage gap. Weather Watch: El Niño is strengthening toward a “very strong” phase, and NWS Guam warns the rest of the season still needs serious preparation as peak storm season begins. Local Courts & Work: A federal court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher, while another case filing alleges attorney misconduct and missed deadlines in a long-running removal challenge. Community & Culture: McDonald’s of Saipan donated $10,000 to the Salvation Army for disaster relief and assistance, and local groups promoted upcoming events like KPRG’s Thrift Store Ball and Artspace Guåhan’s fundraising push.

FAA & Defense: The FAA is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment for a new long-range north-facing radar facility on Saipan at Mount Petosukara, aimed at closing a long-recognized radar coverage gap in the CNMI. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining lease sale for the Marianas, arguing it could harm humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Courts & Work Rights: CNMI District Court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher who alleged unpaid overtime after late meals. Immigration & Due Process: A former garment worker, Amalia Abo Guanlao, filed a sworn declaration after a court deadline, describing alleged attorney misconduct and missed appeals in her long fight against a 2013 removal order. Community & Local Life: McDonald’s of Saipan donated $10,000 to the Salvation Army for disaster relief and community assistance, while CNMI’s Innovation Incubator opened applications for a second startup cohort. Public Safety & Health: The NWS reported wildfire smoke haze across the region, with models pointing to Indonesia as the source.

9/11 Remembrance in Saipan: Tower for Humanity is inviting residents to a lighting and remembrance ceremony at Micronesia Mall Thursday as the Aydlett brothers’ 9/11 Twin Towers replica nears completion for the 25th anniversary, with both towers built from tens of thousands of toy timber logs and thousands of internal lights. CNMI Politics, Elections: Northern Islands resident Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her petitions challenging her voter-list removal and the Northern Islands mayor’s qualifications, saying she lost her Precinct 4D voting rights and will vote for a Saipan mayor instead. Local Sports: The NMI U20 men’s team closed its AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign with a 3-0 loss to Guam in Mongolia, despite showing grit through the final whistle. Public Safety & Health: The NWS Guam warned of regional haze tied to wildfire smoke from Indonesia, urging people with health conditions to take precautions. Federal Justice: A former HSI trainee was indicted in federal court on loan fraud and alleged federal-agent impersonation involving CNMI police encounters. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Lawmakers and former officials renewed pressure against fast-tracked seabed mining, as Guam and the CNMI face looming federal lease-sale timelines and oversight concerns. ICE Custody Scrutiny: Another Chinese national died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, renewing calls for a full investigation into detainee medical care and disclosure timing.

Northern Mariana Islands Politics: A local House candidate’s candid take on how CNMI elections really work zeroes in on small voter rolls and how tight precinct numbers can swing outcomes. Pacific Games Cycling: The NMI Cycling Federation is running three time-trial trials to pick a 2027 Tahiti squad, with a Sept. 27 decider from Marianas Resort to Suicide Cliff. Meta Settlement: Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a nearly $247M share of a $17.1B multistate Meta deal covering Instagram and Facebook youth safety, including daily limits and overnight blocks—CNMI included. CNMI Court Update: Superior Court Judge Govendo granted severance so Justin Paul Mizutani and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola face separate trials tied to alleged misuse of public funds for vehicle transport. Federal Charges: Former HSI trainee Kane Alexzander Pangelinan Ybanez was indicted over alleged false loan statements and alleged federal-agent impersonation. ICE Death Scrutiny: A Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, renewing calls for investigation into detainee medical care. Marianas Mining Fight: Guam lawmakers and others push back as Congress moves seabed mining forward and federal FAST-41 fast-tracking remains in play. Local Sports Support: IT&E backed Saipan darts and billiards groups with $1,500 for tournaments and youth activities. Business Growth: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is accepting applications for its second cohort, with a Sept. 11 deadline. Marpi Improvements: The MVA broke ground on $1.095M upgrades to Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, targeting summer 2027 completion. Haze Alert: The NWS says wildfire smoke from Indonesia is driving haze across the region, including Saipan.

ICE Custody Deaths in Saipan: A 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in the Northern Mariana Islands, renewing scrutiny of detainee medical screening and raising questions about when authorities disclosed the death. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam lawmakers and leaders are pushing back as a federal seabed mining bill advances and FAST-41 fast-tracks mining and mineral processing; Guam also says it still lacks a formal role as regulators move toward a proposed Dec. 16 sale. CNMI Sports: The NMI U20 men closed AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam in Mongolia, despite showing grit through the final whistle. Local Business & Community: IT&E backed Saipan darts and billiards with $1,500 in sponsorships for tournaments and youth programs. Innovation in the Marianas: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening its second startup cohort, with applications due Sept. 11. Civic Notes: Villagomez withdrew her Precinct 4D voter challenge; Julian Aguon was sworn in under the new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement.

Immigration Scrutiny: A 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being transferred into ICE custody in Saipan, prompting China to demand a full investigation and renewed questions about detainee medical care and how quickly deaths are disclosed. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Lawmakers and Guam officials are pushing back as Congress moves to fast-track mining reviews, while the Marine Minerals Administration’s acting director has left for Halliburton with no clear successor as a proposed Mariana Trench lease sale date nears. Local Sports: The NMI U20 men wrapped up AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam in Mongolia, showing grit despite the scoreline. Community & Services: The CNMI marked Sept. 11 with the Field of Heroes and “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month,” while Gov. David Apatang said the government is still seeking more funding to support retiree pensions. Business & Youth: IT&E backed local darts and billiards leagues, and the CNMI Innovation Incubator opened applications for a second startup cohort. Weather Watch: NWS said wildfire smoke haze from Indonesia has been affecting the region, including Saipan, and urged people with health conditions to take precautions.

Immigration Scrutiny: China is demanding answers after a 51-year-old Chinese national died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, renewing questions about detainee medical screening and the timing of notifications. Marianas Tourism Upgrade: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post with safety and accessibility upgrades, funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with work slated to finish in summer 2027. Local Business Support: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening applications for its second startup cohort, with a Sept. 11 deadline for early-stage businesses seeking hands-on mentorship. Sports (CNMI vs Guam): Guam’s U20 men kicked off AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers by beating the Northern Mariana Islands 3-0, with the next match set for Sept. 6. Public Safety/Weather: NWS Guam reports regional haze from wildfire smoke in Indonesia, and warns residents to watch for rip currents and heavy showers over the holiday weekend. Governance & Policy: Leaders are pushing back on federal seabed mining fast-tracking as regulators move toward a proposed Dec. 16 sale timeline.

ICE Custody Death Scrutiny: A 51-year-old Chinese national died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, with the Chinese consulate demanding a thorough investigation into medical screening and the cause of death, as questions grow over timing and detainee care. CNMI Retirement Funding: Gov. David Apatang says his administration is seeking more money for government retirees’ 25% pension share, after signing a law appropriating $991,460.12 for the shortfall. Marpi Visitor Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff and Last Command Post, targeting safer, more accessible facilities by Summer 2027. Mining Bill Pushback: House Rules Committee rejected Del. James Moylan’s amendment that would have barred seabed mining off Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from FAST-41 expedited review, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for faster permitting. Sports—Regional Football: Guam’s U20 team opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands, while Guam’s next match is set for Sept. 6. FEMA Disaster Aid: FEMA approved $7.1M in post-disaster Public Assistance funding for CNMI recovery efforts tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced a multistate Meta settlement requiring major Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes, with CNMI included among the jurisdictions.

AFC U20 Qualifiers: Guam’s U20 men kicked off the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands, led by captain Levi Berg’s two goals. Guam next plays Mongolia on Sept. 6. Marianas Mining Fight: Rep. James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from using FAST-41 expedited review failed after the House Rules Committee rejected his amendment as the broader mining bill advanced. Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, targeting safety, accessibility, and new visitor amenities. Meta Youth Safety: CNMI Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark multistate Meta settlement requiring major child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook. ICE Death Questions: China is demanding answers after a Chinese national died hours after entering ICE custody in Saipan; officials won’t confirm whether required health screening happened. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved $7.1M in post-disaster Public Assistance funding for CNMI recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Weather Watch: A disturbance near the Marianas is easing, but rip currents and heavy showers remain a concern for the holiday weekend.

Marpi Tourism 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 safety and accessibility upgrades, including ADA-compliant stairs and walkways and a new restroom at Last Command Post, funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration and slated for completion in Summer 2027. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram and Facebook youth harms, with required safety changes like daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks for children. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved $7.1M in post-disaster Public Assistance for CNMI and Arizona, including $7M for emergency protective measures tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. ICE Death Raises Questions: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a 51-year-old Chinese national died hours after being booked into ICE custody in Saipan; ICE has not confirmed whether a required health screening happened within 12 hours. Local Sports: The Sports Leigh-Out highlights CNMI athletes off-island, including Philip Joseph Santos running the TCS Sydney Marathon and the Labor Day softball tournament kicking off in Portland with 66 teams.

Immigration Scrutiny: China is demanding answers after a 51-year-old Chinese national, 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 of intake. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved $7.1 million in post-disaster Public Assistance funding for CNMI emergency protective measures tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1 million Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post and Suicide Cliff with safety and accessibility upgrades. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance system is pulling away from the Marianas, but forecasters warn of lingering rip currents and showers through the holiday weekend. Local Sports & Talent: CNMI’s E’Anna Palacios Won was drafted fifth overall into South Korea’s KB Stars, and the NMI U20 boys opened AFC U20 qualifiers with a 7-0 loss to Mongolia. Community & Culture: September was proclaimed “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month,” and Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month was also officially recognized.