AGP Executive Report

SNAP Oversight: Sen. Rick Scott’s new bill would require states to report Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fraud data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aiming to produce a national report for Congress after privacy-fueled lawsuits stalled Trump-era record demands. Education Accountability: Sen. Vincent Borja called a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closure plans, decommissioning status, J.P. Torres Success Academy, and reopening for 2026-2027 amid transparency concerns. Tourism District Rules: A new Guam law allows fines up to $5,000 for property upkeep violations in hotel-zoned areas, with the Department of Public Works empowered to enforce maintenance standards in places like Tumon. Public Health Staffing: DPHSS says only three fully trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility checks, completing about half of required inspections, raising alarms for food safety and institutional oversight. Defense Debate: The Air Force is permanently relocating RQ-4 Global Hawk drones and about 150 personnel from Andersen to Yokota, reigniting questions about Guam’s role in shifting Pacific defense. Court Watch: District Court remanded Guam’s hospital authority dispute back to the Guam Supreme Court and awarded attorney’s fees against the AG. Aquaculture Boost: UH Hilo is joining a $13.5M national aquaculture consortium led by NOAA to strengthen U.S. seafood supply. Local Sports & Events: Mall Ball 3x3 registration opens for a June 19 high school tournament at Micronesia Mall, and the Guam Marianas Dumau BJJ Open is set for June 20 at UOG.

Court & Public Safety: Superior Court hearings continued behind closed doors in the murder case of Maurice Dafrance Montgomery, charged in the July 2025 death of an 85-year-old woman in Dededo and later linked to a Route 16 crash where he was found walking naked. Education & Procurement: The Office of Public Accountability is weighing whether to dismiss an appeal stalling the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild, with arguments tied to whether a contract has been awarded. Health & Oversight: DPHSS says only three fully trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility checks, completing about half of required inspections. Courts & Governance: A District Court ruling remanded the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awarded attorney’s fees against the AG. Accessibility: District Court sided with the GDOE superintendent in the Southern High accessibility lawsuit, closing the case. Local Life & Community: Mall Ball 3x3 Summer Circuit registration is open at Micronesia Mall, with high school, adult/open, and middle school tournaments. Sports: Four Guam rugby standouts signed collegiate commitments, expanding the island’s pipeline to college programs. Weather Preparedness: NWS forecasts up to seven more storms in 2026 for the Marianas/Micronesia region.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules: U.S. experts warn proposed seabed-mining regulations are “bare bones,” with critics saying environmental review and public input could be weakened as leasing moves forward. Parks Staffing Crunch: Acting DPR director Robert Lizama told lawmakers Guam’s parks are stretched thin—35 positions vacant, leaving just a handful of workers maintaining 85-plus parks. Hospital Funding Fight: AG Douglas Moylan says he’ll keep fighting to block Guam from repaying about $105M tied to the Mangilao hospital project, pointing to a July mediation conference. GVB Financial Pressure: An OPA audit says GVB revenues fell $9.3M in FY 2025, with auditors flagging a “speculative” threat tied to a sexual harassment lawsuit. Nuclear Reactor Alarm: A House Armed Services amendment would pilot small modular reactors in the Indo-Pacific, and a Guam security think tank says the trend is “not good” for the island. Storm Outlook: NWS forecasts up to seven more storms in 2026, with El Niño raising the odds of stronger systems. Public Health Sunscreen Probe: DPHSS is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals and says violators face removal and fines. Crime & Courts: A July 8 trial date was set for suspects shot by police after a drug-deal chase; separately, a 2021 murder suspect seeks release or transfer to a mental health-focused facility. Local Business & Culture: Guam’s first trading card café expanded in Harmon, and Guam’s rugby student-athletes signed college commitments. Sports & Community: Guam’s Team Masakåda notched wins in preliminary competition as the island’s athletes keep pushing on regional stages.

GVB Finances: Guam Visitors Bureau revenues fell $9.3 million in FY 2025, with auditors citing lower GovGuam appropriations and a 3% drop in visitor arrivals, though the bureau still received a clean audit opinion. Local Politics: A University of Guam poll shows Joshua Tenorio and Therese Terlaje in a statistical deadlock for the Aug. 1 governor primary, while Tony Ada leads Frank Blas on the Republican side. Public Health: Public Health is investigating violations involving banned, coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals, working with Customs to stop shipments and pursue enforcement. Economy Watch: GovGuam tax collections were down $36.6 million in April, largely tied to delayed income tax filings after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with a May rebound expected. Community & Culture: Guam’s first trading card café opens in Harmon, and Famagu’on Farmers Program returns for a six-week summer workshop series. Safety & Readiness: NWS urged residents to stay prepared as forecasts point to a busy 2026 storm season. Regional Alert: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across the Pacific, including Guam and CNMI, before the threat eased.

Guam-CNMI Visa Push: Guam and CNMI leaders are again urging Washington to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing mainland-style barriers are hurting tourism and island recovery. Tsunami Watch, Then Lifted for Guam: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across the Pacific (including Guam and CNMI), the Port Authority says Guam port operations can resume normally as the Guam advisory is no longer in effect. Power Recovery Appreciation: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang hosted an appreciation dinner for GPA and CUC crews helping restore CNMI power after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Behavioral Health Lifeline: A Guam oversight hearing highlighted how 988 and the Mobile Crisis Response Team de-escalate emergencies and divert people from ERs. Public Health Update: Guam confirmed another whooping cough case, bringing the total to 17 for the year. Sports: Team Masakåda beat Macau 3-0 in EAFF E-1 preliminary action at home. Community & Culture: Famagu’on Farmers Program returns for summer 2026 with a 6-week Saturday workshop series for youth.

Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake struck near Mindanao, Philippines, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including Guam and the Northern Marianas, with authorities urging coastal residents to move to higher ground; the Port Authority of Guam says normal port operations will continue after the Guam advisory was lifted. Public Health Alert: Cuban health officials report an unusual rise in hepatitis A cases in Pinar del Río, warning outbreaks could grow with rainfall and contaminated groundwater, and urging stronger hygiene and sanitation. Local Education: SIFA secures a Tamuning campus and will expand into 9th grade for the 2026–2027 school year, adding science and robotics-focused facilities. Sports: Guam’s women’s national team Masakåda beat Macau 3-0 in the E-1 prelims, while Guam’s Delaney won the King’s men’s singles title in three sets. Community & Safety: Guam Police Department celebrated 2026 Service Awards, and a Medicare fraud prevention reminder urged residents to watch for scams and report suspicious billing.

Coast Guard Honors 9/11 Hero: The U.S. Coast Guard named a cutter “Vincent Danz,” with its home port set for Guam, continuing the legacy of the fallen NYPD Emergency Service Unit 3 member. Ocean Protection Push: Guam advocates are teaming up with allies at a major ocean justice conference to keep pressure on deep-sea mining and climate-driven threats. Local Governance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a new law setting property maintenance standards in Guam’s tourism “H-zone,” aiming to keep key areas clean, safe, and visitor-ready. Education Tensions: Guam Education Board member Angel Sablan and other officials are calling for transparency and an immediate halt to Won Pat’s plans to close six southern elementary schools. Storm Season Outlook: NWS says Guam and CNMI could see four to seven named storms in 2026, with three to five typhoons and up to two major systems. Guam Power Relief Effort: Kagman residents hosted an appreciation lunch for Guam Power Authority linemen after Super Typhoon Sinlaku restoration work. Public Safety: Guam EPA cited GICC for tank violations tied to diesel and gasoline underground storage tanks. Crime Allegations: A 73-year-old man and a 17-year-old teen were charged in separate cases involving alleged sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl.

Sports Tourism & Guam Pride: The Guam Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship made a historic return to Seoul with record participation, nearly doubling the 2024 field and reinforcing the “Road to Guam” pathway that feeds Guam’s flagship BJJ events. Courts & Public Safety: A Tamuning man charged with repeatedly molesting a 13-year-old could be released on electronic monitoring after a court found his home suitable, even as prosecutors say key reports weren’t served. Local Services & Community Support: Public Health says disapproval notices for SNAP households denied under the Food Loss Affidavit program will be mailed this week, after extra review and quality checks. Disability Access: The Guam System for Assistive Technology’s 32nd Annual Assistive Technology Conference opens June 12-13 at The Westin Resort Guam, focusing on “Unlocking the Everyday” for people with disabilities and the providers who support them. Tourism Resilience: Guam Visitors Bureau exit survey data for April shows 91% of surveyed visitors said they’d revisit the island despite Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Governance & Oversight: A Guam Education Board member is demanding an immediate halt to plans to close six southern elementary schools, alleging the proposal moved forward without board approval or required planning documents. Health & Housing Policy: A bill introduced by Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane would create assisted living residences and community-based care options, aiming to fill the gap between living independently and nursing homes. Fraud Watch: The FBI’s new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list includes Guam bingo fraud defendant Michael Lizaso Marasigan, tied to a $34M scheme. Weather Preparedness: NWS officials say Sinlaku’s impacts were driven by its large wind field, and separate briefings warn Guam and the NMI could see 3 to 5 more storms later in 2026.

Food Assistance Update: Public Health says SNAP households denied under the Food Loss Affidavit program will get disapproval notices mailed this week, after extra review to fix address issues and complete quality checks. Typhoon Preparedness: NWS officials say Sinlaku’s broad wind field—not just peak intensity—drove impacts, and Guam and the NMI could see 3 to 5 more storms later in 2026 as El Niño ramps up. Health & Safety Lawmaking: Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane filed Bill 329-38 to create assisted living residences and community-based care options, with licensing and oversight by DPHSS. Tourism Property Rules: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 160-38 allowing DPW to enforce property maintenance standards in hotel zones with fines up to $5,000. Sports & Community: Team Masakåda opened EAFF E-1 prelims at home but fell 5-0 to Korea Republic; meanwhile, UOG’s “Hotnu Heals” farmer workshop series returns Sunday. Fraud Watch: FBI added Michael Lizaso Marasigan to its new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list tied to Guam’s $34M bingo fraud case. Deep-Sea Mining: The governor signed a ban on deep-sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with major penalties and a port-use restriction tied to community consultation.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a major local lever: mining-linked vessels could be blocked from Port Authority of Guam operations unless there’s “full consultation.” Tourism Property Rules: A new law (Bill 160-38) lets DPW enforce property maintenance standards in hotel zones, with fines from $25 up to $5,000 for neglected upkeep. Typhoon Preparedness: NWS and emergency officials say Guam and the NMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before the end of 2026, urging stronger readiness as El Niño boosts activity. Local Services: Rev & Tax launched “Passports for the Pack,” reserving Wednesdays for family passport applications via phone reservation. Sports & Community: Team Masakåda opened EAFF E-1 prelims with a 5-0 loss to Korea Republic, while Guam Ninja Association athletes Deren Perez and Rai Flores will appear on American Ninja Warrior with a free watch party at the Guam Museum. UOG & Science: E/V Nautilus returns to Mariana waters with local participants aboard, and UOG’s “Hotnu Heals” farmer workshop series starts Sunday.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning seabed mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a major leverage point: the Port Authority can be blocked from handling vessels tied to unlawful extraction unless there’s “full consultation.” GVB Misconduct Probe Push: Sen. Therese Terlaje is calling for a “full” investigation into allegations tied to Guam Visitors Bureau misconduct, as a $61.5M lawsuit alleges sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures by former leadership. Historic Preservation Fight: Prutehi Guåhan is hosting a community forum Saturday on the 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement, criticizing notice and process gaps and urging public input. Sports Spotlight: Two Guam ninjas, Deren Perez and Rai Flores, will appear on American Ninja Warrior with a free watch party set for June 9 at the Guam Museum. Fraud Alert: Michael Marasigan, convicted in a $34M bingo fraud case, is now on the FBI’s new Most Wanted Fraudsters list. Education Honor: Carolyn Haruo was named Guam Teacher of the Year 2027, with plans to advocate for students and protect Guam’s land and ocean.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 253-38 into law, banning deep-sea mining in Guam and nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a requirement for “full consultation” before the Port Authority of Guam can be used. Typhoon Recovery Check-In: Marianas leaders met at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit to lay out infrastructure recovery milestones and align cross-territorial disaster planning. Education Spotlight: Carolyn E. Haruo of John F. Kennedy High School was named Guam Teacher of the Year 2027, set to represent Guam in the National Teacher of the Year program. Sports on the National Stage: Two Guam Ninja Association athletes, Deren Perez and Rai Flores, will compete on American Ninja Warrior, with a free Guam Museum watch party planned. Local Funding Pressure: DPW is seeking $12 million to expand its abandoned vehicles program, after responsibility shifted following a cleanup policy change. Weather Forecast Cuts: Proposed NOAA budget cuts could hit Pacific weather forecasting, fisheries, and coral conservation programs. Arts & Community: Hafaloha Concert Series returns with J Boog and Sammy J performing together at Ypao Beach Park. Public Safety: The FBI launched a new Most Wanted Fraudsters list targeting fugitives accused in major fraud schemes.

Tri-Nation Friendlies: The Philippines opened its campaign with a 5-1 win over Guam on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with debutant Cole Mrowka scoring early and Andre Leipold adding two more as Guam’s Levi Burg pulled one back. Beach Volleyball: Guam’s Niesha Chen and Carmen Eugenia head into the Taichung Bank 2nd AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open (June 4-7), stepping up against seasoned Asia-Pacific teams. Sports (Tennis): Saipan’s Colin Sinclair advanced to the King’s quarterfinals after beating Matt Kleiman 6-2, 6-4 in the men’s singles Round of 16. Public Health: Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center says mental health, crisis response, and drug treatment services will be defunded starting Oct. 1, affecting multiple programs. Disaster Recovery: Public Health will mail disapproval notices this week for the Food Loss Affidavit Program tied to SNAP food losses from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Life & Community: Registration is open for the 82nd Guam Liberation Parade (July 21), with the theme “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria.”

Guam Military Readiness: The Guam Air National Guard’s new 293rd Combat Communications “Gåmson” Squadron passed its first Initial Operating Capability readiness check, proving it can rapidly set up and run critical field communications. Cancer Community: A Friday proclamation signing will honor Guam cancer survivors and the families and support networks behind them, with the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Program inviting the public to attend. Port & Deployment Watch: The USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16-20 as it heads into spring deployment in the Indo-Pacific, with other regional exercises also drawing personnel to Guam and the CNMI. Solid Waste Update: Guam Solid Waste Authority is ending bulky waste self-haul at several transfer stations and reverting to appointment-only curbside bulky pickups after a $341,000 budget overrun during a trial. Education Tension: Southern village mayors are demanding more transparency from GDOE over potential closure of six elementary schools, saying talks are happening without their input. Liberation Parade: Registration is open for the 82nd Guam Liberation Parade, themed “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria,” with a July 7 deadline. Sports: Team Masakåda opens the EAFF E-1 prelims Wednesday at 6 p.m. vs. Korea Republic, with admission proceeds supporting Northern Mariana Islands recovery after Sinlaku.

GVB Lawsuit: Guam Visitors Bureau is named in a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging repeated sexual harassment and assault by former president Carl Gutierrez, with claims of broader leadership failures. Local Governance: A DPR budget hearing was paused after the appointed department head for Parks and Recreation didn’t show up, drawing sharp criticism from Sen. Chris Duenas. Military Heritage Fight: Activists are hosting a public forum this weekend over Guam’s proposed military cultural heritage agreement, arguing it’s being rushed and lacks proper community input. Courts & Public Safety: The AG says a man convicted of aggravated assault was sentenced to five years and faces deportation. Sports (Home Matches): Team Masakåda kicks off EAFF E-1 prelims Wednesday night at the Guam Football Association National Training Center, with admission fees supporting Northern Marianas recovery. Tourism Numbers: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 8% in March, with South Korea still the top source market. Business & Trade: A new Army specialty will consolidate Patriot and THAAD missile defense maintenance roles, with THAAD batteries stationed in Guam. Recovery Watch: After Typhoon Sinlaku, Western Pacific communities continue slow recovery amid housing and power gaps. Space & Sky: Mercury is now visible in the evening sky, with a planet-conjunction coming next week.

In Memoriam: Guam lost longtime fishermen’s champion Manuel “Manny” Dueñas II, a fearless advocate for Pacific Island fisheries who led the Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association. Local Courts & Accountability: A former Guam TECO director, Paul Chen, was indicted in Taipei over alleged fraud and misappropriation schemes totaling more than $130,000. GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault/harassment and institutional coverups involving former GVB leader Carl Gutierrez and board chair George Chiu. Power & Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority says the Mangilao substation can’t be completed with ARPA funds and will “most likely” shift to ratepayers’ expense, tied to the medical complex project. Military & Readiness: Naval Base Guam began its Citadel Protect exercise at Apra Harbor, with simulated threats and heavier security activity expected this week. Sports & Culture: GW’s I Mañe’lu Guåli’ek won top honors at Bailan Taotao Tåno; T’ana Adamos captured IBJJF World Championship gold; and seven Guam students earned spots for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Virginia. Education & Youth: GDOE named the Guam National Forensic League finalists for June 14-19 competition, highlighting student academic achievement.