AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 253-38 into law, banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s nearshore waters and blocking use of the Port of Guam without “full consultation,” with penalties up to $50,000 per day. Disaster Readiness: Guam and CNMI leaders met at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit, setting recovery milestones and aligning infrastructure and emergency management plans. Energy & Infrastructure: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved steps for a 57.4-megawatt solar project at the old Dededo golf course, pending Public Utilities Commission approval. Health Facilities: Guam Memorial Hospital’s $815,000 parking expansion is delayed to Nov. 25 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and heavy rain affected ground conditions. Crime & Courts: A man tied to a prison meth trafficking conspiracy was sentenced to eight to nine years in federal prison, as the case against multiple defendants continues to close out. Sports & Community: Two Guam athletes were selected for American Ninja Warrior, and Guam-born swimmers earned top finishes at a regional collegiate championship. Cybersecurity Warning: A new report says Guam’s network faces constant hacker threats and foreign adversaries.

Sports & Community: The Philippines opened the Tri-Nation Friendlies with a 5-1 win over Guam on Wednesday, setting up a Tuesday match vs Myanmar and a Thursday showdown with Guam. Local Health: Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center says about $5.3M in crisis and drug treatment funding tied to the Child Care Development Fund will end after September, putting key services at risk. Public Safety & Courts: A man who shattered his former partner’s elbow was sentenced to five years and could face deportation. Environment & Permitting: Stateside AGs, led by West Virginia’s JB McCuskey, filed a Supreme Court amicus brief in the Guam EPA permitting fight involving U.S. Air Force munitions disposal. Weather: NWS says a dry pattern continues across the Marianas with spotty light showers and moderate trades, plus a moderate rip-current risk. Food Aid: Public Health will mail Food Loss Affidavit disapproval notices this week for SNAP households affected by Sinlaku. Military Presence: USS George Washington is scheduled to visit Guam June 16-20 as part of its spring deployment. Waste Services: Guam Solid Waste Authority reverted to appointment-only curbside bulky waste collection, ending self-haul at transfer stations. Culture & Pride: The Hafaloha Concert Series returns Friday at Ypao Beach Park with island reggae acts J Boog and Sammy J.

Guam Military & Readiness: The Guam Air National Guard’s new 293rd Combat Communications “Gåmson” Squadron cleared its first Initial Operating Capability readiness check at Andersen Air Force Base, a major step for field-ready communications in the Indo-Pacific. Port & Deployment: The USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16-20 as it heads into spring deployment, with the Navy’s carrier presence boosting local tourism momentum. Waste & Household Services: Guam Solid Waste Authority is ending bulky waste self-haul at several transfer stations and returning to appointment-only curbside pickups after a $341,000 budget overrun. Education & Community Input: Southern mayors are pushing for transparency and involvement as GDOE weighs closing six elementary schools, saying talks are happening without their concurrence. Public Health & Community Events: A proclamation signing Friday will honor Guam cancer survivors and the support networks behind them. Culture & Local Life: Registration is open for the 82nd Liberation Day Parade (July 21 theme: “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria”). Sports: The Masakåda women’s national team hosts Korea Republic tonight in EAFF E-1 prelims, with admission proceeds supporting NMI recovery from Sinlaku. Justice & Courts: A federal judge granted continued release pending appeal for Jose and Christine Chan in the Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case.

Local Politics & Governance: A DPR budget hearing was abruptly adjourned after Parks and Recreation’s appointed head didn’t show up, with Sen. Chris Duenas saying he won’t hold hearings without an appointee to defend the agency’s request. Military & Heritage: Activists are holding a public forum this weekend on Guam’s proposed military cultural heritage agreement, arguing it was rushed and weakens protections. Courts & Public Safety: The Guam Supreme Court is set to decide whether the AG must honor a signed dismissal agreement in a 2023 GRMC terroristic conduct case, while a man convicted of aggravated assault was sentenced to five years and faces deportation. Sports: Team Masakåda kicks off EAFF E-1 women’s prelims Wednesday vs Korea Republic at 6 p.m., with admission proceeds supporting Northern Marianas recovery; the men’s team also plays this week. Tourism: Marianas visitor arrivals remain down sharply after Sinlaku, with April arrivals down 72% year-over-year. Culture & Education: GW’s I Mañe’lu Guåli’ek won top honors at Bailan Taotao Tåno, and seven Guam students were named finalists for the National Speech and Debate Tournament. Legal/Tech: A Legislature legal counsel told the Supreme Court he had no intent to mislead after AI-related errors appeared in a filing.

Local Courts & Public Safety: A federal lawsuit seeks $61.5M from the Guam Visitors Bureau, alleging former GVB president Carl Gutierrez sexually assaulted an employee during work trips and that management and board members covered it up. Justice System: Two convicted defendants in the Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case—Jose Arthur D. Chan Jr. and Christine C. Chan—were granted release pending appeal as their case heads to the 9th Circuit. Corruption Case: A former Guam TECO director-general, Paul Chen, was indicted in Taipei over alleged fraud and asset misappropriation schemes totaling more than $130,000. Energy & Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority says the Mangilao medical complex substation can’t be finished with ARPA funds and will “most likely” cost ratepayers. Sports & Culture: GW’s I Mañe’lu Guåli’ek won top honors at Bailan Taotao Tåno; seven Guam students were named National Forensic League finalists for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Virginia. Defense & Military: USS Springfield returned to Naval Base Guam after a routine Western Pacific deployment; Naval Base Guam also launched Citadel Protect drills at Apra Harbor.

Local Politics & Civic Life: A letter urges voters to turn election talk into action and vote Aug. 1, 2026, focusing on cost of living, jobs, and better health care. GVB Legal Fallout: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault and years of harassment, plus institutional failures by former GVB leadership; GVB says it has hired an off-island investigator to review the allegations. Public Safety & Courts: Guam Fire Department assistant fire chief Michael Uncangco remains on duty as federal charges allege he and his brother collected more than $45,000 in deceased father’s benefits. Military & Guam’s Role: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero pushed back on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “partners, not protectorates” message, arguing Guam is already central to U.S. Pacific operations and needs Washington to act like a true partner. Environment & Conservation: NAVFAC and partners counted 269 Mariana fruit bats (fanihi) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions. Education: GDOE is accepting registrations for its 2026 Summer Teacher Academy, running June 8–July 17. Infrastructure Costs: Guam Power Authority says a Mangilao substation can’t be finished with ARPA funds and will likely shift to ratepayers.

GVB Lawsuit Update: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee has filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures by former GVB leadership, with GVB saying it has hired an off-island investigator to review the allegations. Education Watch: GDOE is weighing closing six southern elementary schools as enrollment declines and costs rise, with no final decision yet. Road Safety: The Department of Revenue and Taxation’s Motor Carrier program received an $855,055 grant, after finding 90 of 511 commercial vehicles violated safety standards. Teacher Training: GDOE opened registration for the 2026 Summer Teacher Academy (June 8–July 17), offering $100 per session. Health Prep: Public health officials say flu cases are winding down, but urge proactive steps against respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Sports Spotlight: T’ana Adamos won the IBJJF World Championship title in Long Beach, adding to her 2026 run of major jiu-jitsu gold. Environment & Community: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions.

Guam Pride Month kicks off: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio held a proclamation and flag-raising at Adelup, spotlighting inclusion and a safer space for LGBTQ+ residents. Public Health: The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services says flu is winding down but urges proactive steps against viral respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Local Courts & Justice: A Guam Fire Department assistant chief, Michael Uncangco, was confirmed indicted in a federal case alleging brothers collected a late father’s Social Security benefits for years. Health Care Lawsuit: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority responded to an estate lawsuit tied to a fatal fall during a transfer for dialysis-related care. Tourism Watch: GVB reports April visitor arrivals down 28%, with declines concentrated in Korea and Japan. Community & Culture: Natibu celebrated 31 years with a two-day dance show at UOG’s Fine Arts Theatre. Sports: Guam’s Deren Perez and Rai Flores will appear on American Ninja Warrior; a free watch party is set for June 9. Infrastructure & Safety: Auditors found GPA delayed removing computer access for some separated employees, raising cyber risk concerns.

UOG Drone Corps: The University of Guam is opening applications for its 2026 Drone Corps cohort, training students and eligible staff to earn FAA Part 107b remote pilot licensing with classes tentatively set for July 27–Aug. 7; info webinars run June 12 and applications are due June 26. Public Safety Costs: Guam Fire Department is proposing major ambulance fee hikes plus a new $13 mileage charge, with town halls scheduled starting June 19. Courts & Crime: The AG’s “Catch, Release & Re-offend” report says 27 defendants faced new charges while under court supervision, including serious offenses like criminal sexual conduct and firearm-related allegations. Power Authority Cyber Risk: Auditors found GPA didn’t remove computer access fast enough after some employees separated, leaving accounts active for months in certain cases. Community & Culture: Two Guam ninjas—Deren Perez and Rai Flores—will appear on “American Ninja Warrior,” with a free June 9 watch party at the Guam Museum. Sports Spotlight: Ethan Aflleje is set to fight for the Fury FC amateur bantamweight title in Houston, aiming to turn pro. Local Governance: The Guam Education Board is still holding up transmission of a management audit, raising questions about enforcement and compliance.

Defense & Space: SpaceX won a $4.16B U.S. Space Force deal to build a satellite network (SB-AMTI) to track airborne threats worldwide, aiming to reduce reliance on vulnerable aircraft-based surveillance. Local Courts & Public Safety: Guam prosecutors move forward in the Ehder case tied to the 2024 death of Ryan Chaco, after a fight over access to sealed prior trial records. Education Oversight: Guam Education Board inaction on a $51M federal audit is raising questions about how much enforcement power the law really has. Military & Community Impact: The House defense bill’s Guam housing funding was left out, leaving local advocates frustrated. Health Services: Guam Community Health Centers warn of longer waits during a transition to a new electronic health record system, with a September go-live target. Immigration Policy: Guam and CNMI candidates are pushing back on a new USCIS memo that treats adjustment of status as discretionary, warning it could worsen labor shortages and costs. Tourism & Recreation: GVB approved a $55K contract for the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, and Tumon Night Market moved to in front of Tumon Sands Plaza. Sports & Schools: Shieh Su Ying Scholar Athletes finalists were named, and Guam’s foster system still needs 70 more homes for 693 children.

Hospital Fight in Court: The Guam Supreme Court says the attorney general can’t use procurement law as a veto to block the governor from using federal money to build a Mangilao hospital, and that disputes over public health actions should be handled in court. Medical Complex Settlement: Even after the AG’s pushback, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says she’ll take part in a court-ordered settlement conference on medical complex cases. Foster Care Shortage: Guam needs 70 more foster homes for 693 kids in the system; 512 are placed, but many remain in shelters and group homes. Local Education: Inalahan Middle School earns six-year ACS WASC accreditation. UOG & Community Programs: UOG’s Farmer Focus heads to Chuuk July 1, and the UOG Drone Corps is accepting applications for a summer remote-pilot training cycle. Tourism & Events: Tumon Night Market moves to the area in front of Tumon Sands Plaza for the Sunday showcase season. Sports & Culture: NMI women’s EAFF E-1 prelims kick off June 3 on Guam, and the Guam Marianas Open Taiwan BJJ event sells out with 1,000+ athletes. Prices: Gas drops 15 cents to $5.829 for regular; diesel stays at $6.849.

Guam Supreme Court Ruling: The Guam Supreme Court says the attorney general can’t use procurement law as a “statutory veto” to block the governor from using federal money to move ahead with the Mangilao hospital project, and it says disputes over executive actions must go through the courts. Local Courts & Justice: A deported man pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to reenter Guam using a fake name; sentencing is set for Aug. 27. Hospital Readiness: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is pursuing bids to replace aging emergency generators and add a spare unit to strengthen backup power, HVAC, and emergency resilience. Energy & Cost Watch: Gas prices dropped another 15 cents, with regular at $5.829 and premium at $6.219; diesel stayed at $6.849. Agriculture Policy Debate: A farmer’s plea to lawmakers is spotlighting how Guam’s crop relief rules may cover production costs but not market value losses after disasters. Community & Culture: Åmot Para Taotao Tåno landowner Bernice Tudela Nelson faces potential eviction tied to lease eligibility and agricultural requirements. Youth Programs: A new eight-week Fitness & Nutrition Education Summer Program runs June 1 to July 27 at Ypao Beach Park. WWII Remembrance: A WWII Navy Seabee veteran, Roger Danielson, was honored at age 100. Wildlife Update: Four rare Guam kingfisher chicks hatched at a Virginia facility, boosting the tiny global population. Military News: The U.S. Air Force plans to move a Global Hawk drone unit from Andersen in Guam to Yokota Air Base in Tokyo this summer. Tourism Outlook: GVB expects summer arrivals to build momentum despite recent setbacks like Super Typhoon Sinlaku and higher jet fuel costs.

U.S. Military Moves: The Air Force plans to relocate three RQ-4 Global Hawk drones and about 150 personnel from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to Yokota Air Base in Tokyo this summer, with Japan saying the move is “unavoidable.” Courts & Health Care: Guam’s Supreme Court ruled Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero can establish and operate hospitals under the Organic Act, blocking the Legislature and AG from using local procurement rules to halt the federally funded Mangilao hospital project. Power & Rates: KEPCO officially completed Guam’s Ukudu gas combined-cycle plant, expected to cut fuel imports and supply most peak demand, while GPA still pursues a July rate increase amid rising costs. Tourism Watch: GVB says summer arrivals should build momentum despite jet fuel prices and the lingering effects of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with April arrivals down but the year-to-date picture still up. Local Governance: Education Finance officials reviewed GDOE arrears and utilities costs, while an ethics complaint was filed over a nearly $200k AI contract tied to Legislature bill drafting. Community & Culture: The Archdiocese will hold a memorial Mass for late Archbishop Emeritus Michael Jude Byrnes Saturday, and Piti’s inaugural Sea Festival runs this weekend.

Immigration Update: A new USCIS memo says people seeking green cards from within the U.S. will face tougher scrutiny, with most expected to return home for consular processing—an impact Guam employers and workers may feel. Mangilao Hospital Fight: A judge ordered settlement talks over more than $100M in federal hospital funding, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says it’s already too late for power and water timelines. Energy Milestone: Guam Power Authority cut the ribbon on the 198-megawatt Ukudu plant, promising major reductions in oil use and improved reliability. Tourism Watch: GVB says its finances remain “healthy” despite April visitor-arrival drops, while visitor spending rose. Local Events: Tumon Night Market is moving for a Summer Showcase series starting May 31 in front of Tumon Sands Plaza. Business Boost: GEDA secured an additional $19.5M to support Guam small businesses through SSBCI programs. Public Health: Pertussis cases are rising, hitting infants and school-age children hardest. Sports/Community: Guam’s Memorial Day coverage highlighted service and sacrifice, including a Vermillion keynote by a Guam surgeon.

Tropical Weather: Guam saw record rainfall as Tropical Depression Jangmi (Invest 99W) moved north-northwest, triggering a flood advisory for parts of the island but posing no direct threat to the Marianas. Public Health: Pertussis cases are rising, with infants and school-age children hit hardest; DPHSS reported 16 lab-confirmed cases as of May 26, with some hospitalizations and linked contacts. Education Governance: Bill 286-38 would reshape the Guam Education Board—shrinking it from nine to seven members and shifting to a fully appointed model—setting up a June 24 public hearing and a debate over accountability and outcomes. Local Economy: GEDA received a second $19.5M tranche under the State Small Business Credit Initiative to expand loan guarantees, surety bond help, and its Destinu Guåhan venture fund. Energy & Infrastructure: KEPCO commissioned the Ukudu combined-cycle power plant in Guam, a 198MW facility expected to supply up to 75% of peak demand. Crime & Courts: A Dededo man tied to the Mangga Court shooting was sentenced to 8 years for illegal firearm possession while on felony release; separately, a judge told the OAG to slow down and not jump to conclusions in charging documents. Community & Culture: GVB and GIAA unveiled winners of the 2026 Guam Youth Art Contest at the airport, showcasing “Håfa Adai Spirit” artwork for incoming travelers.

Disaster Readiness: FEMA’s acting administrator Bob Fenton says the agency is ready for hurricane season as it runs a major pre-season drill, “Silent Echo,” while also facing renewed debate over how disaster response should be handled. Local Government: Mangilao officials again cleared debris and abandoned vehicles near a bus stop in Pagat, citing safety concerns for children waiting under powerlines and near a long-running encampment. Public Health & Community: UOG’s SNAP-Ed “Summer Glow” nutrition workshop series kicks off June 3, offering free classes and tastings for adults. Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care launched “Fuel the Fight” to help CNMI cancer patients impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with 100% of proceeds going to supplies. Tourism Push: Guam Visitors Bureau and Marianas Visitors Authority plan promotions in Japan, including travel trade events in Tokyo, plus Brand USA participation. Energy & Utilities: CCU tabled a proposed GPA solar deal tied to the old Guam International Country Club property, asking for more review before approving the long-term power purchase agreement. Cybersecurity: Acting CTO Bea Santos says no sensitive data was taken in a GovGuam website hack, but the incident exposed cybersecurity gaps tied to a cPanel zero-day. Courts: A rape case trial was postponed as plea talks continue; a separate meth case saw a man sentenced to 115 months for selling drugs through a bedroom window. Environment: DAWR reports a rare sihek chick hatched after Sinlaku, bringing the captive population to seven birds. Sports: JFK High won its sixth straight girls soccer title, edging St. John’s 1-0 in rainy conditions. Aviation & Travel: Airlines adjust Mariana Islands routes and schedules after Sinlaku, including changes to Guam–Nagoya and Saipan–Tokyo/Narita service. Military: Valiant Shield 2026 will expand beyond Guam, with drills also planned in Japan and Hawaii. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard commissioned the fast response cutter Vincent Danz, with Guam set to homeport additional cutters.