AGP Executive Report

Scholarship Golf Sponsorships: Saipan Chamber of Commerce tournament backers AP Group and its Group of Companies, plus Joeten Motors and Triple J Motors, are each putting up a hole-in-one cash/vehicle prize to fund CNMI student scholarships ahead of the July 25 event at LaoLao Bay. Drug Price-Fixing Settlement: CNMI’s AG delegation coverage highlights a $29.6 million multistate Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price inflation and reduced competition, with states pursuing compensation. Labor Certainty: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act to extend the labor stabilization framework through 2039 and give employers and workers more long-term predictability. Birthright Citizenship Fight: CNMI leaders and residents are pushing back on a U.S. House proposal that would end birthright citizenship in territories, warning it could undermine the Covenant and create legal uncertainty. Telecom Recovery: IT&E and Docomo Pacific report most mobile sites are back on Saipan and Tinian, while Rota remains the hardest hit as restoration is slowed by fuel, damaged towers, and lack of commercial power. Typhoon Recovery Aid & Utilities: The Red Cross opened resource centers for Super Typhoon Bavi survivors; meanwhile, CNMI recovery updates note ongoing power restoration and continued pressure on utility costs, with CUC defending emergency financing needs. Regional Travel & Visas: A Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Working Group met to expand the program to the Philippines, while H-1B caps hit for FY2027 and CNMI leaders continue to weigh how federal visa rules affect the local economy.

Visa & Tourism Policy: Guam and CNMI officials launched the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Working Group to expand the program to include the Philippines, aiming to align security safeguards and administrative frameworks for federal approval. Immigration Caps & Local Exemptions: USCIS says the H-1B program hit its 2027 cap, while noting some workers in Guam and the CNMI may be exempt from the annual limits. Birthright Citizenship Fight: CNMI leaders and advocates pushed back against a U.S. bill that would end automatic citizenship for many children born in territories, warning of Covenant and legal-uncertainty impacts. Utilities & Recovery Finance: The House advanced a CNMI emergency line-of-credit bill for CUC’s typhoon recovery, while CUC defended its $40M borrowing plan amid public criticism. Disaster Food Access: CNMI’s Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program intake was extended and capped at 600 per day to reduce long waits as residents seek post-typhoon support. Local Business Resilience: Tinian’s Beach Cafe is rebuilding after back-to-back super typhoons, with fuel shortages still weighing on sales. Military Contracting: Tinian business leaders urged the Air Force to route more mentor-protégé and subcontracting opportunities to local firms. Air Connectivity: Jeju Air says it will keep winter flights to Saipan starting in October without MVA subsidy support. Health & Consumer Costs: A multistate antitrust settlement announced by AG Ford targets Glenmark’s alleged generic-drug price-fixing; eligible buyers may seek compensation. Community & Education: Triple J Motors sponsored a 2026 Mazda CX-5 as the hole-in-one prize for the Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarship golf tournament.

Typhoon Recovery & Utilities: CNMI’s Joint Information Center says Saipan power is still coming back (42.5 MW capacity; 82% of wells online with a boil notice), Tinian has 965 of 1,059 customers restored, and Rota’s power repairs are ongoing with an estimated ~3 weeks; the Red Cross opened resource centers for Bavi survivors starting July 22, and CNMI’s shelters/transport and health outreach numbers continue to be tracked. Local Business Resilience (Tinian): Beach Cafe is rebuilding after Sinlaku and Bavi, but fuel shortages are still holding back foot traffic. Contracting & Military Work: Tinian business leaders pressed the Air Force to route more prime and subcontract work to local firms through the Mentor-Protégé workshop. Tourism & Travel Policy: The Senate blocked a fast-track move that would have eliminated EVS-TAP, with CNMI hotel and business groups warning it could hurt the tourism recovery; Jeju Air also plans to keep winter flights to Saipan without MVA financial support. Community & Commerce: Triple J Motors is sponsoring the Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarship golf tournament with a 2026 Mazda CX-5 hole-in-one prize. Public Finance/Power Costs: Residents are urging action on CNMI’s extremely high utility costs, arguing CUC’s monopoly and weak oversight are driving bills up. Health/Household Aid: Disaster Nutrition Assistance intake was extended through July 22, with a daily cap of 600 to reduce long waits. Legal/Markets: A multistate antitrust settlement over Glenmark generic drug price-fixing totals $29.6 million, with eligibility tied to purchases made between May 2009 and Dec. 2019. Drug Case (CNMI Federal Court): Two people were indicted in separate federal meth conspiracy cases in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.

Typhoon Bavi recovery (CNMI JIC): The CNMI Joint Information Center says shelters remain active across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with Red Cross resource centers opening for financial aid applications starting July 21–22 (ID required). Utilities & services: Saipan power restoration is ongoing (42.5 MW generation capacity) and water is at 82% of wells online (boil notice still in effect); Tinian power is at 965 of 1,059 customers restored and water is fully operational; Rota power repairs continue with an estimated ~3 weeks to restore service, while water is at 98% restored. Disaster assistance access: Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program intake has been extended through July 22, but capped at 600 applicants per day after long waits and documentation hurdles. Local business & travel: The Senate blocked a fast-track move to eliminate EVS-TAP, with CNMI tourism and business groups warning it would add another hit to the recovering economy; Jeju Air also plans to keep winter flights to Saipan starting in October without MVA subsidy. Public safety & crime: Two people were indicted in separate federal meth conspiracy cases in the Northern Mariana Islands. Energy & costs: Diesel prices rose on Saipan and Tinian amid ongoing fuel supply strain, with Tinian keeping a 10-gallon purchase limit. Federal contracting pipeline: Two Saipan firms say informal Air Force mentor-protégé relationships are already opening doors to federal contracting opportunities.

Disaster Food Access: CNMI’s Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program intake was extended through July 22, but capped at 600 applicants a day after residents reported 8–10 hour waits and lining up as early as 8 p.m. Utility Recovery Financing: CUC defended its push for a $40M emergency line of credit to fund typhoon restoration and fuel, while the House also passed an emergency financing bill that now heads to the Senate. Power Updates: CUC posted Saipan restoration work schedules for Monday and a Tinian update showing power restored to 923 customers, with some areas still dark due to damaged poles and pending parts. Drug Enforcement: Two people were indicted in separate federal meth conspiracy cases in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, with warrants executed in Guam. Visa/EVS-TAP Fight: Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked a Senate move that would have ended visa-free travel for Chinese nationals to the U.S. territories, and local business groups urged keeping EVS-TAP to protect tourism. Local Business Growth: Two Saipan firms say informal Air Force Mentor-Protégé relationships are already opening federal contracting opportunities. Sports Governance: The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation elected a new board and unveiled a 2026–2030 strategic plan despite tight finances. Fuel Prices: Diesel and gasoline prices rose on Saipan and stayed high on Tinian and Rota, with Tinian still under strict purchase limits. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A new report warns seabed mining could release unexamined radioactivity, adding pressure as the U.S. moves toward lease sales in Pacific waters.

Typhoon Recovery & Power: CUC laid out Monday restoration work across Saipan feeders and laterals (Navy Hill, Chalan Pale Arnold, As Matuis, Tanapag, Obyan/Naftan, Chinatown) and urged customers to switch off main breakers and fix downed weatherheads before crews energize areas. Disaster Nutrition Demand: NAP extended Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program intake through July 22, capping processing at 600 applicants a day after residents reported 8–10 hour waits, with prescreening and crowd control running across Saipan. Emergency Financing Fight: The House passed a $40M CUC emergency line-of-credit bill for typhoon recovery, while CUC defended the borrowing plan as the only viable path to prevent prolonged outages and prevent FEMA reimbursement delays. Local Governance: Governor Apatang vetoed Tinian and Rota emergency funding bills tied to Covenant Fund rules, citing attorney general concerns. Tourism & Immigration Policy: CNMI hotel and business groups welcomed a Senate move blocking fast-track EVS-TAP repeal, arguing the program supports tourism and security screening; Jeju Air also confirmed winter Saipan service starting October without MVA’s $1.5M sole-source support. Workforce Uncertainty: Saipan Chamber warned CW-1 processing delays (often 4–9 months) and expected “touchback” requirements are making staffing plans harder for employers. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A new report flags a “blind spot” on radioactivity risks from seabed mining, as the U.S. pushes ahead with lease-sale steps in the Pacific despite opposition. Community & Business Life: NMIBF elected a new board and rolled out a 2026–2030 strategic plan; Rotary of Saipan approved up to $11K in hygiene and cleaning supplies for Rota recovery.

Utility Financing Fight: The CNMI House unanimously passed HB 24-107 to let CUC seek up to a $40M emergency line of credit for typhoon recovery, sending it to the Senate after earlier action on an amended HB 24-88; CUC leaders say borrowing is needed to fund restoration and fuel while FEMA reimbursements flow. Disaster Relief Pressure: NAP extended Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program intake through July 22, but capped processing at 600 applicants a day to curb 8–10 hour lines, with staff and volunteers working to handle heavy demand. Power & Fuel Recovery: Tinian power restoration reached 923 customers by July 16, while Rota’s fuel supply got a boost from a Guam-to-Rota partnership delivering critical shipments after port damage. Tourism Rules: Hotel and business groups backed Senate action blocking a fast-track move to repeal EVS-TAP, arguing the program supports CNMI tourism and security screening. Air Connectivity: Jeju Air will keep winter flights to Saipan starting in October without MVA subsidy, signaling confidence in the market. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A new report warns seabed mining could expose Pacific communities to unexamined radioactivity risks. Local Business & Banking: Bank of Guam rolled out a three-month customer payment forbearance program for eligible borrowers affected by Super Typhoon Bavi.

Disaster Finance for CNMI Utilities: The House unanimously passed HB 24-107 to let the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation secure up to a $40M emergency line of credit for restoration, stabilization, and fuel procurement after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi; it now heads to the Senate. Typhoon Recovery Fuel Push: A Guam-to-Rota fuel partnership involving Tinian Shipping Services, South Pacific Express, DFS Enterprises, CTSI, Norton Lilly, Black Construction, Mobil and the Port Authority of Guam delivered critical supplies, with the first shipment arriving July 17. CUC Power Update (Tinian): As of July 16, power returned to 923 customers on Tinian, but some areas remain dark due to transmission/distribution parts, transformers, and damaged poles. Local Governance & Funding Limits: Gov. Apatang vetoed Tinian and Rota emergency funding bills after the AG said the appropriations conflict with the Covenant Fund law. Fuel Prices Under Strain: Diesel prices rose on Saipan and stayed high on Tinian and Rota, with Tinian still under a 10-gallon purchase limit while a tanker is expected. Workforce Uncertainty (CW-1): The Saipan Chamber of Commerce warned CW-1 processing delays of about four to nine months are making hiring and planning harder for employers. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: A new report says seabed mining risks “unexamined” radioactivity, citing studies of radioactive isotopes on polymetallic nodules. Daylight Saving Policy Watch: The House passed a bill to allow year-round daylight saving time, but CNMI already does not observe it. Banking Relief: Bank of Guam launched a three-month payment forbearance program for eligible Rota customers and offers options for Guam, Saipan, and Tinian borrowers.

Disaster Finance: The CNMI House unanimously passed HB 24-107 to let the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation tap up to a $40M emergency line of credit for restoration, stabilization, and fuel procurement after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi; it now heads to the Senate. Fuel Logistics: A Guam-to-Rota fuel partnership involving Tinian Shipping Services, South Pacific Express, DFS Enterprises, CTSI, Norton Lilly, Black Construction, Mobil, and the Port Authority of Guam delivered the first shipment July 17 to help replenish supplies for residents and essential services. Power Update: CUC reported power restored to 923 Tinian customers as of July 16, with remaining outages tied to transmission/distribution parts, transformers, and damaged poles. Local Costs: Diesel prices jumped on Saipan and Tinian amid regional tensions, with Tinian still under a 10-gallon purchase limit while a tanker is expected next week. Workforce Pressure: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce warned CW-1 processing delays of about four to nine months are creating uncertainty for employers planning staffing. Health Relief: Bank of Guam launched a three-month payment forbearance program for eligible Rota consumer loan customers, with options for Guam, Saipan, and Tinian borrowers as well. Policy Watch: A U.S. Senate debate centers on CNMI visa changes, with concerns raised that ending the CNMI visa waiver could hurt the local economy.

Disaster Finance: The CNMI House unanimously passed $40M for CUC emergency financing (H.B. 24-107) to fund utility restoration, stabilization, and fuel after Sinlaku and Bavi; it now heads to the Senate, which already approved an amended version (H.B. 24-88). Fuel Logistics: A Guam-to-Rota fuel push is underway as multiple companies and the Port Authority of Guam delivered critical fuel to Rota after port damage; the first shipment arrived July 17. Rota Relief: The Rotary Club of Saipan approved up to $11,000 in hygiene and cleaning supplies for Rota, with additional support for Tinian, Saipan, and NMC’s School of Nursing. Power Updates: On Tinian, CUC reported power restored to 923 customers as of July 16, with some areas still dark due to transmission, transformers, and pole damage. Fuel Prices: Diesel prices rose on Saipan and stayed sharply higher on Tinian and Rota, with Tinian’s 10-gallon purchase limit still in place pending a tanker. Business Continuity: Bank of Guam launched a three-month payment forbearance program for eligible customers, while CEDA approved a three-month loan payment deferral for impacted clients. Policy & Economy: In the U.S. Senate, debate continues over the CNMI visa program as a bill would end visa-free travel for Chinese nationals to the CNMI. Sports & Community: The Northern Marianas Basketball Federation elected a new board after a Sinlaku-related delay.

Typhoon Recovery & Utilities: CNMI’s Joint Information Center says shelter operations are active across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, while recovery continues on power, transport, healthcare, and public services after Super Typhoon Bavi. CUC Power Update (Tinian): As of July 16, power is back for 923 Tinian customers, with some areas still dark due to transmission/distribution parts, transformers, and damaged poles. Finance Relief for Storm Victims: Bank of Guam launched a three-month consumer loan payment forbearance program for eligible borrowers in Rota, and requests are available for Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. Business Credit Support: CEDA approved a three-month loan payment deferral for eligible clients impacted by Bavi and Sinlaku to protect jobs and stabilize cash flow. Local Governance & Funding: Gov. Apatang vetoed Tinian and Rota emergency funding bills after the AG flagged conflicts with the Covenant Fund law. Energy Costs: Diesel prices rose on Saipan and Tinian, with Tinian still under a 10-gallon fuel purchase limit as residents wait for a tanker. Workforce Uncertainty: Saipan Chamber warns CW-1 processing delays of roughly four to nine months are making hiring and planning harder for employers. Visa Policy: A U.S. Senate debate resurfaced over CNMI’s visa-free travel for Chinese nationals, with concerns raised about economic impact. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. moves toward a deep-sea mining lease sale near American Samoa, despite local moratoriums and Pacific opposition. Antitrust & Health Costs: A multistate coalition announced a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over generic drug price-fixing, with possible compensation for buyers from 2009–2019. Banking Deal (Mainland): First Hawaiian agreed to acquire Tri Counties Bank in an all-stock deal, expanding banking reach beyond Hawaii. Community & Commerce: Northern Marianas Basketball Federation elected a new board; Oleai Beach Bar & Grill announced it’s closing after nearly 40 years.

Typhoon Recovery Coordination: CNMI Joint Information Center says shelter operations are active across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with American Red Cross resource centers opening on Rota for Super Typhoon Bavi aid applications. Power Restoration (Tinian): CUC reports power restored to 923 Tinian customers as of July 16, with remaining outages tied to transmission/distribution parts, transformers, and damaged poles. Fuel Costs & Limits: Diesel and gasoline prices rose on Saipan, while Tinian’s 10-gallon purchase limit remains in place pending an expected tanker arrival; Rota also saw higher diesel pricing. Local Governance: Gov. David Apatang vetoed Tinian and Rota emergency funding bills after AG raised concerns they conflict with the Covenant Fund law. Visa Policy Debate: A U.S. Senate exchange highlighted pressure to end visa-free travel for Chinese nationals to the CNMI, with opponents warning it could hurt the local economy. Workforce Uncertainty (CW-1): Saipan Chamber of Commerce says CW-1 processing delays of roughly four to nine months are making hiring and planning harder for employers. Business Relief: Bank of Guam launched a three-month payment forbearance program for eligible Rota consumer loan customers, and CEDA approved a three-month loan payment deferral for clients hit by Bavi and Sinlaku. Sports & Community: Northern Marianas Basketball Federation elected a new board after a Sinlaku-related postponement. Local Business Closure: Oleai Beach Bar & Grill in Saipan announced it is shutting down after nearly four decades.

CNMI Courts & Shipping: Families of three MV Mariana crew members lost in Super Typhoon Sinlaku are pushing CNMI Superior Court after the U.S. Coast Guard rejected a request for live testimony from the lead investigator, with the Coast Guard offering certified records instead for probate use. Local Governance: Gov. David Apatang vetoed Tinian and Rota emergency funding bills after the AG warned the spending would conflict with the Covenant Fund law. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices jumped on Saipan and stayed sharply higher on Tinian and Rota as fuel-line constraints continue, with Tinian keeping purchase limits while a tanker is expected. Immigration & Business: A U.S. Senate debate centered on CNMI’s visa program, with Sen. Rick Scott seeking to end visa-free travel for Chinese nationals and Sen. Martin Heinrich warning it could hurt the local economy. Typhoon Recovery Finance: CEDA approved a three-month loan payment deferral for eligible clients hit by Super Typhoon Bavi and Sinlaku, while CUC leaders again urged lawmakers to authorize up to $40 million in emergency borrowing to speed restoration. Disaster Relief on Rota: GTA and the Mayor’s Council of Guam donated water and fuel support to Rota’s recovery, as residents remain without power and face ongoing shortages. Sports Governance: The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation elected a new board after a Sinlaku-related postponement. Community & Tourism: Oleai Beach Bar & Grill announced it’s closing after nearly four decades, following storm damage and months of deliberation. National Watch: The U.S. House advanced the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, while multistate attorneys general announced a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing.

Typhoon Recovery Finance: Bank of Guam rolled out a three-month payment forbearance program for eligible consumer loan customers across Rota, and request-based relief for Guam, Saipan and Tinian, aiming to ease cash-flow pressure during Super Typhoon Bavi recovery. Public-Utility Funding: CUC urged lawmakers to authorize up to a $40 million emergency line of credit, warning that without borrowing authority, power and water restoration will slow and liquidity strain could spread across the Commonwealth. CEDA Business Relief: CEDA approved a three-month loan payment deferral for clients hit by Super Typhoons Bavi and Sinlaku, starting in July 2026, to help businesses keep operating and retain jobs. Guam-to-Rota Aid: GTA donated water and fuel support for Rota relief shipments via the Mama Loling, helping the Mayor’s Council of Guam sustain ongoing deliveries. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Hong Kong Airlines relaunched nonstop Hong Kong–Saipan service with a strong first flight load, signaling momentum for CNMI tourism as the islands rebuild. Infrastructure & Community: SBA Business Recovery Centers on Saipan reopened for in-person disaster loan help tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with approvals reported at $41.6M. Local Economy & Lifestyle: Saipan beach nourishment is set to resume after storm reshaped sand at Smiling Cove Marina, turning recovery work into renewed coastal protection. Consumer/Legal Watch: A multistate $29.6M Glenmark generic-drug price-fixing settlement continues to roll out nationwide, with residents in participating states/territories potentially eligible for compensation.

CNMI Tourism & Air Connectivity: Hong Kong Airlines relaunched nonstop Hong Kong–Saipan service July 13, with 156 passengers on the inaugural flight and strong expected demand for the twice-weekly route, a boost for Saipan’s tourism recovery after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and Bavi. Disaster Recovery Finance: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation again urged lawmakers to approve up to a $40 million emergency line of credit, saying delayed financing is the biggest blocker to restoring power and water for families, businesses, and critical facilities. Power Restoration Updates: Guam Power Authority reported near-total recovery one week after Bavi, with 96% of customer demand restored and 8 bucket trucks returning from Saipan to speed remaining Phase III repairs. Local Business Community Support: Marpac and Island Training Solutions are backing the Saipan Chamber of Commerce 17th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament with $5,000 hole-in-one prizes each (total $10,000 on Hole #13), plus refreshments and raffle support for CNMI student scholarships. Public Assistance for Typhoon Survivors: SBA Business Recovery Centers on Saipan reopened July 15 to resume in-person help for disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits. Court/Maritime Legal Move: MV Mariana captain’s widow subpoenaed CNMI Homeland Security staff and records for an evidentiary hearing tied to the vessel’s disappearance and a petition for a death declaration.

CNMI Tourism & Air Connectivity: Hong Kong Airlines relaunched its nonstop Hong Kong–Saipan route on July 13, with the inaugural flight bringing about 156 passengers (roughly a 96% load factor), a key signal for the CNMI’s post-typhoon tourism rebound as officials point to restored international access after Sinlaku and Bavi. Utilities & Recovery Logistics: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation crews are continuing targeted power restoration on Saipan with feeder-by-feeder work and safety reminders for customers on generators/solar; on Guam, GPA reported near-total recovery with 96% of customer demand restored and bucket trucks returning from Saipan to speed remaining repairs. CUC Financing Pressure: CUC CFO Betty Terlaje warned a worsening liquidity crunch could slow recovery, urging legislative action on a proposed up-to-$40M credit line for emergency fuel and restoration. Retiree Payments Risk: CNMI Finance says it lacks funds for the July 31 25% retiree payment and urges House Bill 24-84 action by July 20 to avoid payment suspension, with guidance for retirees on direct payments to GHLI/NMIRF. Business Community: Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarship golf events keep rolling, with sponsors announcing major hole-in-one prizes (including $10,000 and $5,000) to support local students. Sports Tourism: Saipan is set to host back-to-back international badminton tournaments starting July 15, drawing nearly 200 athletes and officials from 19 countries as organizers highlight resilience after the storms.