AGP Executive Report

Typhoon In-fa: The storm has weakened from super typhoon strength, but Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan remain under a Typhoon Watch ahead of its forecast approach Friday. Solar Power: The utilities commission unanimously approved a multimillion-dollar project for Saipan, Tinian and Rota. CUC is also asking the court to require AP Energy to post up to $430 million if it blocks the deal, warning a delay could cost the project federal tax credits. Tourism: DHS will suspend the CNMI’s visa-free travel program for Chinese visitors on Oct. 30. The change comes as September arrivals reached 5,051—30% below a year earlier—with China the top source market. Disaster Recovery: HUD extended the CNMI’s recovery grant deadline to 2030. NMHC reports 252 homes completed and 35 under construction. Public Health: BECQ advises avoiding swimming and fishing within 300 feet of Tinian’s Chiget Beach after water tests found elevated bacteria.

Typhoon In-fa: The storm strengthened into a super typhoon with 150 mph winds, prompting a typhoon watch and Condition III for Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan. Destructive winds could reach the islands Friday; Saipan, Tinian and Rota are not under a typhoon warning. Travel and Tourism: DHS will suspend the CNMI’s visa-free entry program for eligible Chinese visitors on Oct. 30, citing security and immigration concerns. Tourism and business groups warn the move could cost visitors, jobs and flight connections as arrivals remain far below last year’s levels. Disaster Recovery: HUD extended the CNMI’s disaster-recovery grant deadline to June 2030. The program has completed 252 homes—228 on Saipan, 15 on Tinian and nine on Rota—with 35 more under construction. Garapan: Western district businesses and the Saipan mayor’s office formed an action group to tackle crime, poor lighting, litter and neglected properties.

Typhoon In-fa: Condition III is in effect for Agrigan, Pagan and Alamagan, where destructive winds may arrive within 48 hours. The Category 4 storm is forecast to pass near the northern islands Friday and could strengthen further. Tourism and Travel: DHS will suspend visa-free entry for Chinese visitors on Oct. 31, citing security and immigration concerns. CNMI tourism groups warn the move could hurt businesses and threaten air service; Chinese visitors accounted for more than 20% of fiscal 2026 arrivals. September brought 5,051 visitors, 30% fewer than a year earlier. Election 2026: Early voting drew 805 people across Saipan, Tinian and Rota on its first day. Officials are preparing for possible runoffs in the governor and attorney general races. Typhoon Recovery: FEMA has awarded more than $7.3 million to the CNMI and agencies, mostly for Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery. Public Safety: Western Garapan businesses and the Saipan mayor’s office are forming an action group to address crime, dark streets and neglected properties.

Typhoon Watch: In-fa remains a major typhoon east of the Marianas. Forecasters expect it to strengthen again and pass near Pagan on Friday; Saipan is currently south of the forecast cone, and no watches or warnings are in effect. Tourism and Travel: DHS will suspend the visa-free entry program for Chinese visitors to the CNMI on Oct. 30, citing security and immigration concerns. Visitors will need visas for future trips. Local tourism and business groups warn the move could hurt visitor numbers and air service, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is urging President Trump to intervene. Election 2026: Early voting opened Tuesday, with 805 ballots cast across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Air Service: Philippine Airlines has resumed direct Manila–Saipan flights, restoring a convenient link for residents and visitors. Military: Delegate James Moylan confirmed that the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system was sent to Tinian and could be temporarily deployed or transit the region again.

Travel and Tourism: DHS will suspend the CNMI’s visa-free travel program for Chinese visitors at 2 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 30, citing security and law-enforcement risks. Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged President Trump to intervene, warning a prolonged halt could further damage tourism, jobs and government revenue. Typhoon Watch: In-fa is a powerful Category 3 storm that could strengthen into a super typhoon before passing near Pagan on Friday. Saipan is just outside the forecast cone, but forecasters warn the track could shift; no watches or warnings are in effect. Election and Budget: Early voting is underway across Saipan, Tinian and Rota ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The Legislature also overrode all 17 of Gov. David Apatang’s budget vetoes. Air Links: Philippine Airlines has resumed direct Manila-Saipan flights after months of delays following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, restoring a key connection for travelers and families. Power Costs: The utilities commission is reviewing CUC’s proposed solar deal, with a decision expected soon as the Oct. 31 deadline approaches.

Typhoon Watch: In-fa has strengthened into a typhoon and could intensify to Category 4 before passing near the far-northern CNMI late this week. Forecasters say its track could shift, so residents should stay alert. Election 2026: Early voting begins Tuesday on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with polls open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Legislature also overrode all 17 of Gov. David Apatang’s budget vetoes, while Northern Islands candidate Keli Tenorio remains on the ballot pending a court ruling. Power Costs: The CPUC is reviewing CUC’s proposed solar agreement and may decide Thursday, ahead of the developer’s Oct. 31 deadline. The commission can still change or reject CUC’s separate rate-hike proposal, which has drawn strong public opposition. Travel: Philippine Airlines has resumed direct Manila-Saipan flights after months of disruption following Typhoon Sinlaku. Schools: About 4,000 students have enrolled in a federally funded eight-Monday program to help address learning gaps, even as PSS faces possible furloughs for about 200 locally funded workers. Courts: A jury found Jeremy Guillermin guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Alvin Remamba’s death; sentencing is set for January.

Storm Watch: Typhoon In-Fa has strengthened and may pass near the far-northern CNMI on Friday or Saturday. Forecasters say major impacts are not expected for now, but the track remains uncertain and hazardous surf is possible. Schools: PSS begins federally funded Monday intervention classes today as about 200 locally funded employees face possible furloughs amid a budget shortfall. Power Costs: The utilities commission has not approved CUC’s proposed rate hikes and can still change or reject them. Commissioners are due to vote Oct. 29 on a solar deal for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with financing incentives at stake. A Garapan café owner says electricity costs forced his business to close. Seabed Mining: The federal government plans a Dec. 16 lease sale near the Marianas; Guam is urging a pause, while CNMI leaders seek a share in potential revenue. Courts: A jury convicted Jeremy Guillermin of involuntary manslaughter in Alvin Remamba’s death; Guillermin was remanded to jail, with sentencing set for January. Youth Leadership: The CNMI Youth Congress elected Christopher James N. Dela Cruz as speaker and introduced a bill aimed at procurement transparency.

Power and Solar: Saipan’s CPUC is set to decide Oct. 29 on a 25-year solar deal serving Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as the developer warns a financing deadline is near. The commission stressed CUC’s proposed rate hikes remain unapproved and can still be changed or rejected; a Garapan café owner says high power costs forced his business to close. Schools: PSS plans to start federally funded Monday intervention classes as about 200 locally funded employees face possible furloughs amid a budget crisis. Storm Readiness: Tropical Storm In-fa formed over the northern Marshall Islands, with forecasts showing a possible westward track toward the Marianas but no direct impact expected. On Rota, the Army Corps has completed its temporary power mission after Super Typhoon Bavi. Governance: The House agenda includes a disaster recovery fund and election-law changes. The CNMI Youth Congress elected Christopher Dela Cruz speaker. Seabed Mining: Guam is asking the federal government to pause a planned Marianas lease sale until local concerns are addressed, while Gov. Apatang is seeking a CNMI share in potential mining revenue.

Seabed Mining: Guam is asking the federal government to pause a Dec. 16 Marianas seabed lease sale until the island can review the science, environmental safeguards and rationale. The request comes as CNMI officials seek a share in seabed mining, amid wider concerns over consultation and environmental risks. Rota Recovery: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed its temporary power mission after Super Typhoon Bavi, assessing 54 generators and installing 43. CUC has restored power to Rota airport and the health center, while work continues to reconnect remaining areas. Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm In-fa formed over the northern Marshall Islands and could strengthen as it moves west. Forecasts differ, and officials have not projected a direct Marianas impact; residents are urged to follow updates. Saipan Costs and Services: Gasoline prices fell 30 cents a gallon on Saipan, though prices remain higher on Tinian and Rota. CUC also plans a Monday power outage in parts of Oleai for pole replacement. Public Safety: Saipan’s mayor is urging retailers to prevent tobacco and vape sales to minors. CNMI Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres has announced his resignation.

Weather Watch: Tropical Storm In-fa formed over the northern Marshall Islands Saturday. Forecasters expect it to strengthen, but its track remains uncertain; current guidance does not call for a direct impact on the Marianas. Saipan Utilities: Parts of Oleai will lose power from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday as crews replace a power pole. The outage will affect wastewater facility W-3 but not water wells or traffic lights. Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned to move to the private sector, citing work on security, rehabilitation and re-entry programs during his tenure. Energy Costs: Saipan gasoline prices fell 30 cents a gallon, while residents voiced support for a proposed solar project but continued to oppose CUC rate increases at a public hearing. Regional Biosecurity: U.S. scientists are developing a rapid DNA test to detect brown tree snakes, which could spread from Guam to the CNMI and other Pacific islands. Remembering Yutu: Eight years ago, Super Typhoon Yutu’s eye crossed Tinian as its eyewall swept southern Saipan, leaving a lasting mark on the islands.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm In-fa formed east of the Marianas and could strengthen into a typhoon while moving west later next week. Forecasters say its track remains uncertain, with no direct impact currently forecast for the CNMI. Saipan Utilities: CUC plans a power outage in parts of Oleai on Monday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as crews replace a power pole; the work will also affect wastewater facility W-3. Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned to enter the private sector, citing department improvements in security, rehabilitation and re-entry programs. Energy Costs: Saipan gasoline prices fell 30 cents a gallon, bringing regular to $6.56; Tinian and Rota prices remain higher. Residents backed a proposed solar project at a utility hearing but opposed CUC’s proposed rate increases. Youth Safety: Saipan Mayor Ramon Camacho urged retailers to check IDs and prevent sales of vapes and tobacco to minors.

Tropical Weather: Forecasters issued a formation alert for Invest 97W, which could become a tropical depression within 24 hours. Its longer-range track is uncertain, and there is no official forecast showing it heading toward the Marianas. Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned, saying he plans to move to the private sector after nearly four years leading the CNMI Department of Corrections. Power Costs: Residents voiced support for a proposed solar project but continued to oppose CUC rate increases. The $245 million deal faces an Oct. 31 federal financing deadline; a decision on rates is set for Nov. 20. Youth Safety: Saipan Mayor Ramon Camacho urged retailers to check IDs and refuse illegal sales of vapes and tobacco to minors. Island Updates: BECQ says all nine sampled Tinian beach sites are safe for swimming. Saipan gasoline prices fell 30 cents per gallon to $6.56, while prices remain higher on Tinian and Rota.

Weather Watch: JTWC raised Invest 97W to high development potential and issued a formation alert Friday. Its track remains uncertain, with no official guidance pointing it toward the Marianas; a separate trough is expected to bring unsettled weather. Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres announced his resignation, citing nearly four years of work on security, rehabilitation and department operations. He plans to move to the private sector. Energy Costs: CUC’s proposed $245 million solar-and-battery deal faces final scrutiny as a federal financing deadline approaches Oct. 31. Residents will learn Nov. 20 whether proposed rate changes could raise bills. Veterans’ Training: Northern Marianas Technical Institute has applied to accept GI Bill benefits, following efforts by Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds to expand local training options for veterans. Public Safety: A jury convicted Jeremy Guillermin of involuntary manslaughter, assault and battery, and obstruction of justice in Alvin Rebamba’s death, while acquitting him of more serious charges. Self-Determination: The U.S. has called for dismantling the U.N. decolonization committee, drawing renewed attention to the unresolved political status of the Northern Mariana Islands and other U.S. territories.

Weather: The National Weather Service is tracking two tropical disturbances in the western Pacific, though neither is likely to develop into a cyclone in the next 24 hours. Super Typhoon Champi, which has moved far west of Guam, may have been the planet’s strongest storm so far this year. Public Safety: A federal court has unsealed a case against Saipan resident Rommel Bacani, who is accused of fleeing to the Philippines to avoid prosecution for alleged sexual abuse of a minor. Election 2026: Republican lieutenant governor candidate Benjamin Jones says he and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Torres are focused on economic recovery, tourism and helping residents as the Nov. 3 election approaches. Disaster Aid: The deadline to apply for Sinlaku unemployment assistance is Oct. 24. The Labor Department has received 2,925 applications but approved none; first payments may not arrive until late January. Seabed Mining: Gov. David Apatang is seeking revenue sharing, local jobs and environmental protections before a proposed Marianas lease auction on Dec. 16. Utilities: Rota residents and leaders strongly opposed CUC’s proposed rate increase at a public hearing, saying households and businesses cannot afford higher bills.

Biosecurity: Agriculture officials urge inspections for boats, vehicles and cargo headed to the CNMI, citing boat traffic as the greatest risk of brown tree snakes reaching the islands. Rota has had two snake sightings this year. Guillermin Trial: Closing arguments ended in Jeremy Guillermin’s manslaughter trial over Alvin Remamba’s death; jurors are set to deliberate. Utility Rates: Rota residents say CUC’s proposed rate hikes are unaffordable, while Saipan ratepayers question a typhoon surcharge with no stated end date. Disaster Aid: The Sinlaku unemployment assistance deadline is Saturday, Oct. 24. Labor has received 2,925 applications but approved none; first payments may not arrive until late January. Seabed Mining: Gov. David Apatang wants the CNMI guaranteed revenue, local jobs and environmental safeguards before a federal lease sale proceeds. Schools: PSS says 33 substitute teachers’ contracts will end Oct. 31 as the cash-strapped system faces a funding shortfall. Regional Security: Pacific police chiefs launched PACPOL in Saipan to coordinate efforts against transnational crime.

Storm Recovery: Tinian has resumed daylight cargo operations, and Rota has reopened; port facilities still require checks before individual shipments. Schools: CNMI Public School System contracts for 33 substitute teachers end Oct. 31 amid a funding shortfall. Monday closures are continuing, leaving nearly 9,000 students without classes on those days. Utilities: Ratepayers on Saipan and Tinian are pushing back against CUC’s proposed increases, with a decision due Nov. 20. The commission also faces an Oct. 31 deadline to act on Eastern Power Solutions’ $500 million solar proposal, which the company may withdraw if delayed. Public Health: Five Saipan beaches, including the Grotto, were red-flagged for bacteria. Regional Security: Pacific police chiefs launched PACPOL at a conference in Saipan, pledging closer cooperation against drug trafficking, human smuggling and other cross-border crime.