AGP Executive Report

Military Families & Museums: The Blue Star Museums summer free-admission program is now open for active-duty U.S. service members and up to five family members, with Guam’s Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens participating through Sept. 7. Coast Guard Commissioning: The Coast Guard will commission the Fast Response Cutter Vincent Danz on May 22 in New York City, with the Guam homeporting of the Sentinel-class cutter noted as it honors a 9/11 rescue hero. Local Courts: Final federal sentencing has been confirmed in the Aloha Shriners Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case, with Jose Arthur D. Chan Jr. and Christine Chan receiving prison terms and restitution tied to $10.75M diverted from charitable proceeds. Disaster Reporting Overhaul: The FCC voted to streamline its Disaster Information Reporting System to reduce broadcaster red tape while keeping emergency service updates flowing. Deep-Sea Mining Push: A week of coverage highlights Trump’s deep-sea mining push—new companies, fast-tracked permits, and lingering doubts about whether promised profits will pan out. FBI Surveillance Plans: The FBI is seeking nationwide access to license plate reader data, including coverage areas that list Guam.

Shriners Bingo Case: Final sentences were handed down in the Aloha Shriners bingo fraud scheme, with Jose Arthur D. Chan Jr. getting 60 months and Christine Chan 70 months, plus $10.75M restitution to Shriners; fugitive Michael Marasigan was sentenced in absentia to 262 months. Disaster Comms: The FCC voted to streamline its Disaster Information Reporting System, cutting broadcaster red tape so providers can focus on restoring service. Church & Migration: Oceania bishops wrapped a Guam meeting focused on modern slavery and migration, with digital ministry and pastoral care also on the agenda. FBI Surveillance Push: The FBI is seeking up to $36M for nationwide access to license plate reader data, including Guam, aiming to track vehicle movements “in near real time.” Local Governance Watch: Guam lawmakers are still debating enforcement gaps—like a law banning certain coral-harming sunscreens—while the Legislature’s push for accountability continues.

FBI License-Plate Push: The FBI is shopping for a contractor to tap a nationwide web of automated license plate readers—covering the U.S. mainland plus Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—so it can track vehicle movements “in near real time,” with payments up to $36 million total. Guam Courts & Accountability: In local fallout from the island’s long-running procurement fights, the Legislature has moved to stall a Simon Sanchez High School development bill tied to Core Tech, while lawmakers weigh whether to let construction proceed despite an ongoing appeal. Public Health: DPHSS announced two free pertussis vaccine clinics next week and the week after, aimed at protecting children and adults during a Guam outbreak. Sports & Community: Guam’s Cruz brothers keep rolling in grappling and wrestling, and the island’s high school volleyball title game is set after top seeds advanced.

Simon Sanchez High School Fight: Guam lawmakers sent Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio’s bill to force Simon Sanchez High School development to his former employer Core Tech International into the inactive file after concerns about interfering with an ongoing procurement appeal and about taped recordings from 2025 negotiations. SNAP Updates: June SNAP payment dates vary by location, and Guam residents are also dealing with storm-related SNAP food loss claims—DPHSS says most affidavits are being approved. Public Health: DPHSS will host two free pertussis vaccine clinics on May 22 (Talo’fo’fo) and May 29 (Dededo), with shots available for eligible children and adults. Law Enforcement Tech: The FBI is seeking nationwide access to license plate reader data, including coverage areas that list Guam. Local Governance Watch: A new push is underway to get Guam to enforce its laws after reports that a coral-harming sunscreen ban is still being ignored. Community & Culture: GuamTime’s Mad Collab block party drew thousands at Tumon Night Market, while a Guam student’s artwork is headed to a year-long display in the U.S. Capitol.

Pacific Security & U.S. Oversight: A new GAO report says the Trump administration is failing to properly staff legally required roles for the Freely Associated States—slowing their reporting and weakening U.S. interests in a region U.S. Indo-Pacific Command calls a top priority. Labor Rules: The U.S. Department of Labor restored the pre-2024 overtime exemption salary threshold after court orders, a move that could quickly change pay practices for employers. Law & Order: Guam faces fresh criminal cases, including a man accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old after she gave birth, and another repeat offender charged again after an alleged incident near an elementary school. Health: DPHSS is scheduling two free pertussis vaccine clinics for eligible children and adults. Local Governance: Guam’s Legislature is set to weigh whether to push Simon Sanchez High School construction forward despite a procurement protest. Sports & Culture: Oceania athletes are in action at the regional championships, and J Boog and Sammy J headline Hafaloha on June 5.

Overtime Rule Reversed: The U.S. Department of Labor moved to restore the pre-2024 overtime exemption threshold after court orders vacated the Biden-era salary rule—meaning employers may need to revisit pay practices fast. FBI Surveillance Push: The FBI is seeking access to nationwide automated license plate reader data, including coverage that could reach Guam, raising fresh privacy questions. Local Business Buzz: Micronesia Mall is adding new draws—Maui Tacos, The Dollhouse, and Blangka’s Boutique—bringing more dining and island fashion to Tumon. Telecom Expansion: Keppel signed a 25-year fiber deal with Telstra International on the Bifrost subsea system, with Guam on the landing route. Guam Health: DPHSS will host two free pertussis vaccine clinics next week and the week after. Public Safety Court Cases: A 13-year-old victim allegedly gave birth after repeated sexual assaults; another suspect faces indecent exposure and public drunkenness charges. Local Governance: Guam lawmakers face a defining decision on the long-delayed Simon Sanchez High School rebuild as a special session looms.

Law Enforcement Gap: Guam’s laws are piling up, but enforcement is lagging—DPHSS and Customs say banned oxybenzone/octinoxate/octocrylene sunscreen is still being imported and sold despite last year’s coral-protection ban, with no fines or shelf pullbacks. Public Health: DPHSS is scheduling two free pertussis vaccine clinics (May 22 in Talo’fo’fo and May 29 in Dededo), offering shots for eligible kids, adults, and pregnant women while supplies last. Courts & Safety: A man accused of sexually abusing girls for years was ordered to stop contact with the children’s mother after prosecutors said he used a jail phone call to pressure testimony; another case involves an alleged 13-year-old victim giving birth. Education: Senators raised concerns about UOG enrollment sustainability as the university defends its budget. Local Governance: The Legislature is set for a defining decision on Simon Sanchez High School, with a special session Tuesday weighing whether construction can move despite a procurement protest.

Memorial Day & community remembrance: As Memorial Day nears, Guam is reflecting on the meaning of loss and the small “tokens of remembrance” people leave behind at military cemeteries. Scholarship & family promise: Father Duenas valedictorian Ethan Donato says he kept his late mother’s promise—earning a full-ride Navy ROTC scholarship to USC. Sports & local excitement: The 2nd edition of the 2026 World Slasher Cup is set for May 19–25 at the Big Dome in Quezon City. Health funding update: A report says ARP funds earmarked for Guam’s new hospital have dropped to $83.5M, down from $103.5M earlier this year, with spending deadlines still looming. Disaster response logistics: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is still waiting on a federal decision on activating the Guam National Guard for Sinlaku relief in the CNMI, weighing Title 10 options instead. Ballot order set: After a GEC drawing, ballot placement for the Aug. 1 primary is finalized for 44 candidates.

Catholic Church on Guam: Visiting Oceania bishops arrive for an FCBCO executive meeting May 18-20, with an islandwide Holy Eucharist set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. FEMA recovery drag: Guam Power Authority says it’s still waiting on about $34.484M in FEMA Mawar payments, with the full amount still under review as of April 15. Court order in abuse case: A judge ordered accused abuser Rufing Niki to stop contact with the mother of his children after prosecutors said he used a jail phone call to tell her to influence testimony. Public safety and health moves: DPHSS plans to relocate some offices from Hagåtña to Tamuning, while EMS Week runs May 17-23 honoring first responders. Ballot finalized: The GEC set ballot placement for the Aug. 1 primaries after ratifying 44 candidates. Sports & culture: J Boog and Sammy J hit Hafaloha June 5; UOG’s Villasoto makes the TRIALS pre-law program; and JFK’s Ibanez is girls soccer MVP.

Public Safety: Two women were arrested on felony meth charges after a traffic stop in Dededo turned up suspected meth and paraphernalia, with police later testing items that came back positive. Regional Security: Island leaders and security experts are still digesting what Beijing’s Taiwan summit could mean for Guam and the Pacific, with a Guam-based forum warning Micronesia is now squarely in great-power competition. Health & Government Services: DPHSS says some offices will move from Hagåtña to Tamuning, but funding for the old Mangilao headquarters refurbishment remains unclear. Courts: AG Douglas Moylan has objected to a recommendation to dismiss his medical complex lawsuit against the governor and GHURA. Education & Youth: UOG sophomore Isabella Villasoto was selected for the TRIALS pre-law program, and SiFA inducted 25 students into the National Junior Honor Society. Community & Culture: EMS Week runs May 17–23, and Guam’s Tourism Month was officially proclaimed for May.

Open Government Clash: A Guam Museum roundtable on the 2026 military cultural heritage agreement was cut short after attendees raised concerns it violated Guam’s open government law, with the state historic preservation officer agreeing to reschedule. Courts: The last active federal lawsuit alleging former Archbishop Anthony Apuron sexually abused a student is headed for dismissal, with the filing now moving to end the case. Community & Culture: The Valley of the Latte’s “Flavors of Micronesia” River Festival drew hundreds of ticket buyers and vendors, with CHamoru and other island performances and a big push to share local heritage. Public Safety Remembrance: Guam honored 19 fallen peace officers at the annual memorial ceremony. Education & Youth: Guam Community College celebrated 324 Spring 2026 graduates, while GSYEP application interest is already drawing early crowds. Sports: Guam swimmers wrapped a successful Oceania campaign in Suva, and Guam High’s track team kept its ISA boys dynasty rolling with a ninth straight title.

Tourism Spotlight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has officially declared May “Tourism Month,” calling it a reflection of Guam’s people and culture, with events including the Run with Friends (May 20), a GVB membership meeting (May 26), and Tourism Industry Night at Tumon Night Market (May 31). Sports: The ISA track season wrapped at JFK with Guam High’s Panthers winning their ninth straight boys title, while JFK’s Islanders girls took back the championship. Community & Culture: GTA teamed up with Valley of the Latte, Inalåhan and Talo’fo’fo’, and Harvest Christian Academy to paint a bridge mural for the Valley of the Latte Festival. Education Update: The governor signed a 180-day school instructional waiver into law after Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted classes. Local Governance: The GEC ratified primary candidates but rejected the independent gubernatorial bid of Jeffrey Pleadwell and Charlie Hermosa over petition-name issues. Looking Ahead: Head for Hope 2K/5K is set for Sunday in Hagåtña to support a brain cancer memorial scholarship.

Ukraine-Georgia Diplomacy: Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha met Georgian counterpart Maka Bochorishvili, continuing talks tied to Zelenskyy and Georgia’s PM—focusing on cooperation in groups including GUAM. Guam Schools: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a 180-day instructional waiver into law, giving GDOE relief after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted classes. Elections: The Guam Election Commission ratified primary candidates but rejected independent gubernatorial hopefuls Jeffrey Pleadwell and Charlie Hermosa after petition signatures used “Jeff” instead of “Jeffrey,” with an appeal expected. Sinlaku Recovery: Guam’s public infrastructure damage estimate is now about $435M, and GovGuam is preparing a major disaster declaration request for individual relief. Courts: Jose Arthur D. Chan Jr. was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for a Hafa Adai bingo fraud scheme. Travel/Business: United Airlines announced new nonstop service to Sapporo and expanded flights to Tokyo-Narita. Community: “Head for Hope” returns Sunday in Hagåtña to raise brain-cancer awareness and fund a memorial scholarship.

Budget Pressure on Public Health: DPHSS asked lawmakers for about $80.7M from the general fund for FY2027, warning that looming SNAP work-rule changes could kick nearly 7,000 people off benefits starting June 1, deepening food insecurity. Elections Update: The Guam Election Commission ratified 44 candidates for the Aug. 1 primaries but rejected Pleadwell-Hermosa after petition signatures fell short of the 500-signature legal-name requirement—more than 400 wrote “Jeff” instead of “Jeffrey.” Education: Two Guam teachers—Joanna Payumo and Valerie Tanayan—are among 78 nominees for the 2026 National History Day Teacher of the Year award. Sports & Community: Guam Marianas Open is launching the Guam Marianas Dumau jiu-jitsu tournament June 20, and Guam’s Team Guam swimmers kept turning heads at the Oceania Championships. Land & Wildlife: Agriculture is seeking access to 68 CHamoru Land Trust parcels for wildlife conservation planning.

Sports Spotlight: Guam High’s Caleb Steele powered a Panthers sweep at Thursday’s All-Island track meet—winning the 800, 1,500, 3,000 and anchoring the 1,600 relay—despite running through a hip injury, as the boys captured their ninth straight island title. Defense & Infrastructure: The Pentagon approved another $407M for Lockheed Martin’s Guam missile-defense work, pushing the contract total to $1.9B as the 360-degree system continues toward a 2035 completion. Elections: The Guam Election Commission ratified most candidates for Aug. 1 primaries, but rejected the Pleadwell-Hermosa gubernatorial bid over a signature petition name mismatch (“Jeff” vs “Jeffrey”), with an appeal planned. Local Politics: Senators voted 12-0 to waive the 180-day school requirement after Typhoon Sinlaku, and 10-2 to allow up to a three-year extension of the Lotte airport retail concession. Community & Culture: The Valley of the Latte’s River Festival returns Saturday with “Flavors of Micronesia,” with proceeds supporting Sinlaku relief.

Simon Sanchez High School: A new push for answers is growing as Guam residents question delays in the rebuild and reports that a preferred bid could be nearly double competing offers—critics say taxpayers deserve clarity before paying more. Health Watch: May’s high blood pressure push is getting local attention, with officials pointing to rising hypertension rates and urging people not to ignore screenings. Regional Security: Micronesian leaders met in Guam for a security dialogue warning that outside powers are already mapping the islands into strategic plans, with deep-sea mining and drone warfare also on the agenda. AI Oversight: Guam’s AI regulatory task force says it’s still in the “baby phase,” with a first framework due to lawmakers soon. Public Safety & Courts: GPD says it arrested suspects in a Clutch Guam burglary tied to vehicle break-ins. Sports: Bryce Cotton is set to debut for the Australian Boomers in World Cup qualifiers in Perth, with games vs Guam July 3 and the Philippines July 6. Cost of Living: Gas and diesel prices jumped again after a recent drop.