AGP Executive Report

Invasive Species Overhaul: Gov. David Apatang ordered the CNMI’s Invasive Species Program moved from Lands & Natural Resources to the Department of Finance’s Division of Customs and Biosecurity, aiming to unify prevention and response for threats like the coconut rhinoceros beetle on Rota, Mucuna vine on Saipan, and the little fire ant. Disaster Recovery on Rota: FEMA has paid nearly $2 million for Super Typhoon Bavi recovery, with 98 of 152 Temporary Roofing applications approved; crews are waiting on supplies before construction starts. Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces Pushback: CNMI and regional leaders urged Gov. Apatang to oppose the federal deep seabed mining lease sale, while two CNMI groups sued the U.S. government seeking to stop the plan. Maritime Workforce: MARAD designated 16 maritime training institutions as 2026 Centers of Excellence, including the Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam and the CNMI. Aviation Upgrade for Saipan: The FAA is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar coverage gap. Rota Casino Training Questioned: A Rota lawmaker raised concerns about a $50K trip for casino training. Tourism Recognition: The Marianas’ “Far From Ordinary” campaign won Global Tourism Campaign of the Year. Tinian Power Update: Generators arrived on Tinian to replace FEMA units powering the CUC power plant.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups Our Common Wealth 670 and PåganWatch, joined by conservation allies, have sued the federal government to block the proposed Mariana Islands deep-seabed mining lease sale, arguing the NMFS “not likely to adversely affect” finding ignored impacts from exploration, testing, development and mining. Local Governance: A coalition of Mariana-area environmental and community leaders has urged Gov. David Apatang to formally oppose the lease sale and use his authority to recommend suspension or cancellation before the Oct. 19 deadline. Infrastructure & Power: Aggreko generators have arrived on Tinian to replace FEMA units powering the Tinian CUC power plant. Aviation: The FAA is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara on Saipan to improve north-facing radar coverage. Public Service: CNMI’s Department of Corrections issued an update on the death of ICE detainee Wei, Lian Yong, saying staff found him unresponsive with a ligature and treating it as an apparent suicide while medical and investigative reviews continue. Community & Sports: Saipan tennis player Carol Lee says her US Open debut showed she can compete at Grand Slam level after pushing Katie Boulter to three sets.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups Our Common Wealth 670 and PåganWatch, joined by conservation partners, sued the U.S. over the federal plan to lease more than 67 million acres for deep-sea mining, arguing the government didn’t properly assess impacts on threatened species and their habitat. Aviation Update: The FAA is seeking public comment on a draft plan for a long-range radar facility on Saipan’s Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar coverage gap. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Court Challenge: A separate report highlights the same lawsuit and the concerns about long-term harm to ocean ecosystems that support Marianas communities. Local Sports Spotlight: Saipan-born tennis player Carol Lee marked a historic US Open main-draw debut, pushing world No. 62 Katie Boulter to three sets. Rota Military Recognition: U.S. Naval Hospital Rota received the Navy Surgeon General’s Blue H Gold Star award for wellness and readiness efforts. Workplace Legal News: A CNMI federal court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher. Congressional Casework: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says her office has handled hundreds of constituent cases, often involving federal agencies. CNMI Politics: The NMI Democratic Party says it will withhold gubernatorial endorsement until runoff tandems are set. Community & Events: McDonald’s of Saipan donated $10,000 to the Salvation Army for disaster relief and assistance, and local radio and arts groups promoted upcoming community events.

Federal Funding Watch: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is poised for about $15M for power generation and $7M for poles, while officials pursue more federal help tied to national security needs. Local Politics & Accountability: A judge granted severance so Justin Paul Mizutani and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola can face separate trials over alleged misuse of public funds involving vehicle transport to Rota. Rota Gaming Oversight: Rota lawmakers failed to move House Local Bill 24-58, which would have set aside $50,000 for off-island casino regulatory training. Courts & Crime: A federal grand jury indicted former HSI trainee Kane Alexzander Pangelinan Ybanez on loan fraud and alleged federal-agent impersonation. Public Safety: DPS Rota is investigating the death of a 73-year-old man found after a welfare check reported a foul odor and flies. Sports: NMI U20 men closed AFC qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam in Mongolia, despite a determined effort. Community Recognition: Saipan-born U.S. Army Sgt. Nathan Jacob F. Nogis received the Soldier’s Medal for a Pearl Harbor rescue. Meta Settlement: A multistate Meta deal would require new child-safety limits on Instagram and Facebook, with CNMI included.

CNMI Politics: A key Rota casino training funding fight is back in the spotlight after the Rota Legislative Delegation failed to act on a bill that would have set aside $50,000 for off-island “regulatory and compliance training” for gaming commissioners. Courts & Accountability: In federal court, former HSI trainee Kane Alexzander Pangelinan Ybanez was indicted over alleged loan fraud and impersonating a federal agent in encounters with CNMI police. Local Governance: Northern Islands resident Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her election petitions after the Commonwealth Election Commission removed her from Precinct 4D, saying she’ll now vote for a Saipan mayor instead. Public Safety: On Rota, authorities are investigating the death of a 73-year-old man after a welfare check found advanced decomposition at a residence. Sports: The Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation is preparing for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti with a three-stage trial process to pick the national squad. Regional Weather: The NWS says wildfire smoke haze sweeping the region, including Saipan, is likely coming from Indonesia. Legal Milestone: Julian Aguon was sworn in to practice law in the Northern Marianas under the new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement. Youth Football: The NMI U20 men wrapped up AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam in Mongolia.

Rota death investigation: DPS Rota responded to a welfare check after reports of a foul odor and flies at a home in Liyo’ on Sept. 5, finding a 73-year-old man with advanced decomposition; he was pronounced dead at Rota Health Center and detectives are still investigating the circumstances. Local governance: Northern Islands resident Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her petitions challenging her removal from the Precinct 4D voter list and the qualifications of Mayor Valentin Taisacan, saying she will vote for a Saipan mayor instead. Sports (CNMI vs Guam): The NMI U20 men’s team wrapped AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam in Mongolia, despite showing grit and discipline. Business & youth: CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening applications for a second cohort, offering hands-on support for early-stage startups across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Community sports: IT&E donated $1,500 to Saipan’s darts and billiards associations, including youth programs, to fund tournaments and league activities. Law & reciprocity: Guam attorney Julian Aguon was sworn in to practice law in CNMI under the new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement. Regional environment: NWS Guam warned of wildfire smoke haze from Indonesia affecting Saipan and nearby islands, advising people with health conditions to take precautions.

Rota Death Investigation: DPS says a 73-year-old man was found unresponsive after a welfare check in Liyo’ on Sept. 5, with advanced decomposition noted; he was pronounced dead at Rota Health Center and detectives are still investigating. ICE Custody Scrutiny: A 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan; ICE and local authorities are facing questions about detainee medical care and the timing of death notifications. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam and CNMI leaders continue pushing back on federal seabed mining plans, as lawmakers and senators demand delays and clearer protections while the Marine Minerals Administration moves toward a proposed Dec. 16 lease sale. Local Governance & Elections: Northern Islands resident Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her election challenges after being removed from Precinct 4D’s voter list, saying she’ll vote for a Saipan mayor instead. Business & Community: IT&E backed Saipan darts and billiards leagues with $1,500 for tournaments and youth activities, and the CNMI Innovation Incubator opened applications for a second startup cohort. Sports (NMI): NMI U20 men closed AFC U20 qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam in Mongolia, despite showing grit.

CNMI Legal Milestone: Lawyer Julian Aguon was sworn in to practice law in the Northern Marianas under a new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement, making it easier for Guam-licensed attorneys to work locally. Startup Push: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening applications for its second cohort, with a Sept. 11 deadline for early-stage Saipan, Tinian, and Rota businesses. Local Governance & Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post with safety and accessibility upgrades. Public Safety & Health: Residents across the region reported haze, and the National Weather Service linked it to wildfire smoke from Indonesia, urging people with health conditions to take precautions. Rota Casino Debate: A bill seeking $50,000 for Rota casino commissioners’ training travel to the Philippines faced strong opposition from Sen. Paul Manglona and was not voted on before a recess. Sports: Guam’s U20 men kicked off AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 3-0 win over the Northern Marianas. Regional Accountability: A Chinese national died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, renewing scrutiny of detainee medical care and disclosure timing.

Immigration Detention Scrutiny: A 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, renewing questions about detainee medical checks and how quickly deaths are disclosed. CNMI Pensions: Gov. David Apatang says his administration is still seeking extra money for government retirees’ 25% pension share, after signing a law that funds part of the gap. Marianas Mining Fight: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from using FAST-41 expedited review failed after the House Rules Committee declined to bring his amendment to a vote. Visitor Upgrades in Marpi: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on a $1.095M project to improve Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post with safety and accessibility upgrades. We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month: CNMI marked Sept. 11’s 25th anniversary with the Field of Heroes and a proclamation honoring first responders and everyday service. Sports: Guam’s U20 men opened AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers by beating the Northern Mariana Islands 3-0. Weather: A tropical system moving away from the Marianas is easing winds, but rip currents and showers remain a weekend risk.

Marianas Tourism Upgrade: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095 million Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff and Last Command Post with new safety and accessibility features, including ADA stairs and walkways and a new restroom at Last Command Post, with work slated to finish in summer 2027. Local Sports: Guam’s U20 men’s team opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers by beating the Northern Mariana Islands 3-0, with captain Levi Berg scoring twice and Kian Rivera adding the third; Guam next plays Mongolia Sept. 6. CNMI Economy & Costs: Fuel prices in CNMI rose this week, with regular gasoline up 15 cents and diesel up 10 cents on Saipan and other islands, adding pressure for residents already worried about the economy. Weather Watch: A tropical system pulling away from the Marianas is still bringing scattered showers and the risk of dangerous rip currents over the holiday weekend. Federal Funding: FEMA approved $7.1 million in post-disaster Public Assistance for CNMI, including $7 million for emergency protective measures after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced a major multistate Meta settlement tied to Instagram and Facebook youth safety requirements, including limits and nighttime blocks for children.

Marpi Tourism Upgrade: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground Sept. 3 on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff and Last Command Post with safer, ADA-compliant walkways, viewing areas and new visitor amenities, including a new restroom at Last Command Post. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: CNMI Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta, requiring major Instagram/Facebook changes like daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks for children. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA approved $7.1M in post-disaster Public Assistance for CNMI emergency protective measures tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Sports—U20 Football: Guam’s U20 team opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands; Guam next plays Mongolia Sept. 6. Weather: A tropical system Invest 97W is pulling away, but holiday plans should still watch for rip currents and heavy showers. Fuel Prices: CNMI gasoline and diesel prices rose again this week, with residents citing pressure on already-strained budgets.

Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority and the Office of the Governor broke ground on the $1M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post and Suicide Cliff with safety, accessibility and cultural preservation upgrades. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance/Invest 97W is pulling away after bringing rain and gusty winds, but holiday weekend plans should still factor in dangerous rip currents and sudden downpours. Fuel Prices: CNMI gasoline and diesel prices rose again, with residents citing strain on already-tight budgets. Local Recognition: Gov. David M. Apatang proclaimed September “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month,” urging residents to thank everyday helpers and first responders. Youth Safety & Law: A major multistate Meta settlement announced by Wyoming AG includes claims tied to Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with CNMI listed among the jurisdictions. Immigration Custody Questions: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died hours after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan. Sports: Philip Joseph Santos ran the TCS Sydney Marathon as CNMI’s lone representative, finishing in 4:50:04. Business/Community: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan launched an engineering apprentice fair and is starting a paid 12-week apprenticeship to tap local talent.

ICE Death in Saipan: China is demanding answers after 51-year-old Lianyong Wei died hours after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, with officials still investigating the cause and whether required medical screening happened. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved $7.1 million in post-disaster Public Assistance for CNMI emergency protective measures tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism Upgrades in Saipan (Marpi): The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on a $1 million project to improve safety and accessibility at Marpi’s Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff, including ADA-compliant work and expanded visitor facilities. Local Sports: The NMI U20 boys opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 7-0 loss to host Mongolia, with Guam next on Sept. 3. Education & Culture: CNMI schools officially proclaimed September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month. Federal Health Support: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a federal funding bill includes $21.4 million more for CNMI Medicaid. Local Justice: A federal jury trial is set for Oct. 27 for a man accused of loan application fraud and falsely impersonating a federal agent.

Immigration Custody Death in Saipan: ICE has not confirmed whether a 51-year-old Chinese man, Lianyong Wei, received the required basic medical screening within 12 hours of intake before he died hours after being booked into ICE custody in Saipan; the Chinese consulate says it wants a full investigation and steps to prevent repeats. CNMI Federal Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a federal continuing appropriations bill passed Congress, sending $21.4 million more to CNMI Medicaid for FY2026. Marianas Weather Watch: NWS says Invest 97W is developing near the Marianas but is not expected to become a major threat; showers are ongoing and high surf/rip current risk remains for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. Rota Naval Support: Naval Station Rota unveiled a Fleet Resiliency Center to bring mental health and sexual assault response resources closer to sailors. Marianas Sports: CNMI’s U20 boys opened AFC qualifiers with a 7-0 loss to Mongolia, with Guam next on Sept. 3. Local Environment Training: NOAA helped CNMI coastal managers train on nature-based solutions for erosion, runoff, storms and storm impacts. Business/Legal: Two people sued Guam’s Department of Revenue and Taxation over alleged wrong denials of tax entitlements.

ICE Custody Death in Saipan: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after 51-year-old Lianyong Wei died hours after being taken into ICE custody in the Northern Mariana Islands. ICE says he was found unresponsive during routine checks Aug. 23 and pronounced dead at about 7:30 a.m., with the cause under investigation, while the Chinese consulate says it was notified and wants a full probe. ICE Death-Toll Scrutiny: Separate reporting says ICE’s official detainee death count may be incomplete, raising questions about how deaths are recorded when detainees are released. Local Recognition: Saipan’s Joeten-Kiyu Public Library teen services coordinator Caitlyn Crisostomo received the Karen Peacock Memorial Award for service to the Pacific library community. Tinian Monarch Research: University of Washington biologists published a new public-facing study on the Tinian Monarch, covering breeding and habitat use. Coastal Resilience Training: NOAA helped CNMI agencies with a two-day training on nature-based solutions for shoreline erosion, runoff, storm damage, and coastal access issues. CNMI Biosecurity: CNMI tightened cargo screening for brown tree snakes after sightings on Rota, with emergency measures in place for 30 days. Tinian Power Notice: CUC scheduled an islandwide power interruption on Tinian Sept. 3 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

ICE Custody Deaths: A 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died in Saipan immigration detention less than a day after being taken into ICE custody; his cause of death is still under investigation, and ICE says he was found unresponsive during routine checks. Biosecurity on Rota: CNMI has tightened Guam cargo inspections for 30 days after brown tree snakes were spotted on Rota, adding emergency screening steps and coordination with customs and USDA. Tinian Power Plan: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation will shut off power islandwide on Tinian Sept. 3 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to connect temporary Aggreko generators; water service will continue. Local Economy Push: The CEIA board adopted new tax incentive regulations, starting a public comment period and aiming to open applications Oct. 25 to help recovery after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Social Security: October 2026 SSI payments of up to $994 are scheduled to go out in 29 days. Sports & Community: SIS, ACS and Hopwood posted strong results at the Early Bird cross country qualifier; and Saipan’s Labor Day softball teams are preparing for the off-island tournament in Portland, Oregon.