AGP Executive Report

Power Bills & Public Utilities: Residents are reacting to GPA’s proposed July 1 fuel surcharge increase, which would add about $58 a month to an average bill, with the Public Utilities Commission set to decide Thursday. Local Economy & Courts: Max’s Restaurant may avoid eviction if a first $50,000 settlement payment clears by the end of June, with court dismissal steps set for July 8. Veterans Care: A new VA outpatient clinic annex opened Monday in Dededo at the Medical Arts Center, expanding primary care, prosthetics, lab services, and in-person mental health for Guam veterans. Security & Military Training: Naval Base Guam marked the final operational capability of the PMTEC Multi-Domain Training facility, while Exercise Valiant Shield continues across Guam, CNMI, Japan, and at sea. Tourism & Travel: Guam and CNMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with Philippine immigration, aiming to reduce a visa “bottleneck” for Filipino travelers. Education & Audits: OPA released a clean audit on UOG for FY 2025, even as enrollment and tuition/fee revenue pressures continue. Community & Health: Wellness Wednesday spotlights Men’s Mental Health Awareness, and G3 launched Guam’s first Youth Conservation Corps for hands-on green jobs.

Military & Readiness: U.S. and allied forces kicked off Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 with drills across Guam, CNMI, Japan and at sea through July 1, while Citadel Pacific 2026 runs June 22-30 at Naval Base Guam with possible traffic and gate impacts. Local Weather: Tropical Storm Higos formed east of Guam and is bearing down on the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting tropical storm warnings for Tinian and Saipan and urging residents to seek shelter. Education & Youth: Students are holding a peaceful protest over delays in the Simon Sanchez High School construction after OPA dismissed a procurement appeal; separately, Guam Green Growth launched its first Youth Conservation Corps cohort with hands-on sustainability training. Veterans Care: A new VA outpatient clinic annex opened in Dededo, expanding primary care, prosthetics, lab services and in-person mental health for Guam’s veterans. Courts & Legal: The AG is urging Guam’s high court to vacate a $31K award tied to a sink injury case involving GDOE; a separate fatal 2023 crash defendant is still awaiting a plea offer. Business & Government Services: DRT says taxpayers who paid certain credit card fees online in early 2025 will receive reimbursements; UOG released a clean FY2025 audit but reported lower enrollment and higher operating expenses.

UOG Accountability: The Office of Public Accountability issued a clean, unmodified audit opinion on the University of Guam’s FY 2025 financials and major federal program compliance, finding no questioned costs and labeling UOG “low-risk,” even as enrollment pressure continues. UOG Enrollment & Costs: A separate audit review says UOG is down nearly 600 students and tuition and fees are about 50% lower than pre-pandemic levels, while operating expenses rose about $23.4 million. Workforce Pipeline: Guam Green Growth and UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant launched the first Guam Green Growth Youth Conservation Corps, giving high school students hands-on experience in sustainability and the green economy. Local Economy & Travel: Saipan resumed international flights after a two-month pause tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with Jeju Air adding service to support tourism recovery. Regional Security Drills: U.S. and allied forces kicked off Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, with training across Guam, CNMI, Japan and at sea, while Citadel Pacific 2026 runs June 22–30 at Naval Base Guam. Airport Oversight: A June 30 legislative hearing notice sets up scrutiny of GIAA and GVB on airport operations, passenger experience, route activity, and tourism recovery. Health & Community: A Guam foster-care report says the island is short about 70 foster homes for hundreds of children in the system.

Indo-Pacific Drills: Valiant Shield 2026 kicks off June 22–July 1 with U.S. and Japan forces training around Guam and the Marianas, including Andersen and Naval Base Guam—expect some activity and local disruptions. Airport Watch: Guam airport revenues rose $11M in FY2025 on a clean audit, but officials warn of near-term strains tied to seat capacity and costs. Defense Spending: Guam Delegate James Moylan says the House NDAA advanced about $1.9B for Guam, including missile defense upgrades, housing, and major construction like the Polaris Point submarine pier. Local Infrastructure Contract: Tutor Perini/Black Construction won a $652M Guam Navy base power-lines job to boost electrical resiliency, with work starting next year. Coral Research: UOG REEF fellows presented findings showing steady coral declines in Yap and Kosrae, linked to water-heating events. Health & Lawsuit: Residents seek $167.5M in dieldrin-related claims involving GWA and Guam EPA. Community Need: A foster-care callout says Guam is short about 70 foster homes, with kids in shelters at an all-time high. Business & Training: Nenpire Startup Series returns for ages 7–13, teaching hands-on entrepreneurship this summer. Food & Culture: Machida Shoten opened its Yokohama-style ramen spot on Guam, bringing a new menu option for families.

PUA Case Update: Federal prosecutors say they don’t oppose delaying the September trial of seven Guam defendants accused of defrauding Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, citing additional discovery—while defense attorneys push for more time. Court & Public Safety: A bill to make threats or force against judges and peace officers a felony gained support after testimony about rising harassment and doxxing. Water Contamination Claims: Residents’ potential dieldrin lawsuit against GWA and Guam EPA seeks $167.5 million as deadlines near for government claims. Airport Watch: Guam airport revenues rose $11 million in FY2025 on a clean audit, even as officials warn of near-term strains tied to seat capacity and costs. Military Training & Drills: Valiant Shield 2026 is set to return June 22–July 1 with increased activity around Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam; Naval Base Guam also joins Citadel Pacific 2026. Energy Policy: Guam Power Authority says it has only had informal discussions about nuclear microreactors, not formal talks with DoD. Community Needs: Foster care advocates say Guam is short about 70 foster homes, with numbers at an “all-time high.” Local Human Interest: UOG nursing graduate Carina “Rina” McCarthy turns a family health scare into a plan to serve Guam’s most vulnerable.

Father’s Day on Guam: Families marked the holiday with beach potlucks and traditions, including a Ypao Beach Park gathering for expectant first-time father John Naldoza and a Matapang Beach reunion for the Padilla family after decades apart. Defense & security drills: U.S. Naval Base Guam will join Pacific-wide Exercise Citadel Pacific 2026 (June 22-30), with public address announcements, possible gate closures, and heightened first-responder activity; separately, Valiant Shield 2026 returns June 22-July 1, bringing more U.S. and Japanese forces and activity around Andersen and Naval Base Guam. Guam in the NDAA: The House Armed Services Committee advanced a Guam-focused FY2027 NDAA package totaling about $1.9B, including $1.353B for military construction, $184.41M for missile defense, and $249.06M for housing at Andersen. Airport finances: GIAA reported FY2025 revenues up about $11M and received a clean audit opinion, though auditors flagged internal control issues tied to grant accounting and Passenger Facility Charges reporting. Courts & public safety law: A bill to make threats or interference with judges and law enforcement a felony gained support after testimony on rising harassment and threats. Local youth & education: Nenpire Startup Series applications are open for ages 7-13, and UOG’s Triton Summer Academy is accepting incoming freshmen for July cohorts. Politics: Guam AG candidate Jordan Pauluhn filed a complaint seeking to disqualify incumbent Douglas Moylan over alleged Republican ties despite the nonpartisan requirement. Corruption case spotlight: Federal and local records describe a National Guard grounds-maintenance payment route that bypassed standard procurement, tied to people connected to the Tenorio corruption case.

Military Readiness: Valiant Shield 2026, a major U.S.-led exercise returning to the Pacific, brings more activity to Guam starting June 22 through July 1, with expected impacts around Andersen Air Force Base, Naval Base Guam, and nearby airspace and waters. Local Education & Youth: The University of Guam’s Triton Summer Academy is open for incoming freshmen (limited seats in Cohorts 3 and 4), while the Guam Police Department’s Project U wrapped up with 40 students completing a four-week mentorship program. Business & Skills: Nenpire Startup Series is back for ages 7–13, teaching hands-on entrepreneurship through workshops and ending with a real-world marketplace showcase. Environment & Research: UOG REEF students presented coral reef monitoring findings, reporting steady declines tied to warming events in parts of Micronesia. Government Watch: The airport authority received a clean FY2025 audit opinion but auditors flagged internal control weaknesses, including issues with federal grant reporting and Passenger Facility Charges compliance. Community Safety: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio rejected wage freezes and hiring pauses while pay studies are pending, saying freezes hurt staffing and productivity. Sports: The Southern Cowboys swept the Guam Eagles in youth football, and 76/Circle K won the GABA amateur baseball title.

Monument fishing debate: Guam and CNMI officials are weighing President Trump’s move to reopen commercial fishing in Pacific marine monument waters, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero saying the decision needs real community discussion and could affect fish stocks beyond mapped boundaries. AG election fight: Elected Guam AG Douglas Moylan says he remains non-partisan as a candidate files a complaint seeking his disqualification over alleged Republican ties, including a Republican Attorneys General Association listing and voter registration. Defense and missiles on Guam: A new report says U.S. plans could include offensive missiles on Guam as Indo-Pacific Command leaders warn of a growing China threat and request major funding. Typhoon Sinlaku damage estimate: DPW puts Marine Corps Drive damage from Sinlaku at about $104 million, with more drain and sand-debris assessment still needed. GovGuam pay freeze rejected: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio says there should be no wage freeze while pay studies are pending, arguing freezes hurt staffing and productivity. Local business and education: UOG will host the Triton Summer Academy for incoming freshmen, and GDOE is holding a job fair for 240 vacant teaching positions. Tourism and oversight: Senators are set for an oversight hearing on GVB amid allegations of misconduct and misuse of public funds, while a new portal lets residents track senators’ legislative records. Sports/community: The Southern Cowboys swept Guam Eagles in youth football; 76/Circle K won the amateur baseball title with a 5-0 shutout.

Defense & Guam Security: A Washington Times report says the Pentagon plans to deploy offensive missiles on Guam as USINDOPACOM warns of a worsening China threat, while local analysts say a new Chinese paper lays out how to attack a carrier group from about 3,000 kilometers away. Local Government & Economy: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio rejected a wage freeze, saying pay studies are still pending and freezes would hurt productivity. Public Works: DPW estimates about $104 million in Sinlaku damage along Marine Corps Drive, with more drain and sand-debris assessment still needed. Education & Jobs: GDOE will hold its annual job fair with 240 vacant teaching positions ahead of SY 26-27. Transportation Policy: DMV is revamping driver’s licensing tests; a bill would let adults skip the permit phase if they pass an on-road test. Tourism & Travel Costs: Guam Visitors Bureau says tourism could see relief if Iran tensions ease, and it expects fuel surcharges to drop as flights resume. Community & Youth: UOG is running Triton Summer Academy for incoming freshmen, and Nenpire Startup Series is accepting young entrepreneurs ages 7–13. Business & Data: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to build student experience in data and decision-focused work. Sports & Philanthropy: McDonald’s of Guam held a golf fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House.

Guam Security: A Chinese military research paper reportedly lays out how to attack a U.S. carrier strike group from about 3,000 kilometers away, raising fresh alarm among local security analysts about Guam being pulled into an arms race. Public Safety & Courts: Senators advanced a bill that would punish people who threaten or harass judges, including online doxxing, after testimony on rising risks to court officials. Education & Hiring: GDOE will hold its annual Job Fair with 240 vacant teaching positions ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Local Government & Finance: A bill proposes a public-private partnership to build a permanent Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation headquarters to replace costly long-term leasing. Tourism & Travel: Guam Visitors Bureau says it received its first clean audit in more than six years and reports tourism spending and jobs rose in 2025; meanwhile, United added new nonstop flights to Japan that could open easier connections to Guam, Saipan and Palau. Business & Skills: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to expand data and tech training for students. Crime: A man was charged after authorities alleged he stole $5,000 to $8,000 worth of electricity via a tampered hookup in Yigo. Workforce & Youth: Guam Green Growth launched its inaugural G3 Youth Conservation Corps with eight students.

DMV Overhaul: Acting DMV Administrator Zita Pangelinan told senators Guam’s driver’s license testing and licensing program is being revamped, including re-checking past test results and gathering input from staff and driving schools, while Sen. Therese Terlaje’s bill would let adults 21+ skip the permit and supervised driving phase if they still pass an on-road skills test. School Openings Watch: GDOE Superintendent Judi Won Pat warned F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School may open late for 2026-27 due to construction delays and pending public health inspections. Tourism & Money: Guam Visitors Bureau says it received its first clean financial audit in more than six years and reports tourism’s economic impact rose to $1.6B in 2025, with direct visitor spending up to $1.2B. Airfare Pressure: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI officials urged U.S. lawmakers to address high Marianas travel costs tied to air cabotage rules. Local Economy & Talent: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU starting Fall 2026 to build data and tech skills for students. Disaster Readiness: GHRA says Guam hotels are key mass-care and emergency support sites during disasters, coordinating with GVB and Civil Defense. UN Decolonization: UN Decolonisation Committee heard renewed calls for action involving Guam and other Pacific territories.

Tourism & Finance: Guam Visitors Bureau says it received its first clean financial audit in more than six years, with zero findings, as visitor spending and jobs continue to climb—direct spending rose to $1.2B in 2025 and total impact to $1.6B. Local Workforce: Sånta Rita-Sumai is expanding public safety training through monthly, low-cost sessions and scholarships, helping residents move into higher-paying safety and contractor roles. CNMI Disaster Recovery: CNMI Gov. David Apatang asked a U.S. Senate panel for more federal disaster cost share and restored air service to speed tourism recovery after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Airfare Monopoly Push: A Guam-based call for cabotage waiver reform argues the current system keeps fares high and competition weak across Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa. Coastal Protection at Risk: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched a petition to save the Guam Coastal Management Program from NOAA funding cuts that could halt shoreline and hazard work. Education Update: The Guam Education Board blocked school closures for the rest of FY26 and FY26-27, ordering more data and community outreach. Health & Food Assistance: Federal approval is in for Guam’s Summer EBT plan, and DPHSS announced a free back-to-school immunization clinic July 10. Community Notes: Malesso’ post office is closing June 30, and residents are pushing for alternatives as they face longer drives for mail.

UOG & Guam Youth Research: The University of Guam’s REEF program is expanding its impact beyond the classroom, with three local fellows presenting coral-reef monitoring work using the MCRM Data Portal and Coral Net AI tools across Yap and Kosrae. Entrepreneurship for Kids: The Nenpire Startup Series 2026 is set to run a hands-on summer program for ages 7–13, ending with a real marketplace where students sell what they build. Tourism Accountability & Growth: The Guam Visitors Bureau earned a clean FY2025 financial audit with zero findings, while reporting $1.6 billion in tourism impact and pushing toward 1.1 million arrivals for FY2027. Defense Cooperation: U.S. and FSM representatives met in Guam for a joint committee session reaffirming defense ties under the Compact. Public Health: DPHSS announced a free back-to-school immunization clinic July 10 at Micronesia Mall for eligible children ages 4–18. Education Update: The Guam Education Board blocked school closures for the rest of this fiscal year and 2026–27, ordering more data and community outreach. Local Services: Malesso’ post office is closing June 30, with residents facing longer drives for mail. Food Assistance: Guam’s Summer EBT plan has federal approval, with $6.54M in benefits for 2026 and rollout details to follow. Infrastructure & Safety: A letter warns Guam’s neglected sidewalks are harming tourism and putting pedestrians at risk.

RIMPAC Prep: The Philippine Coast Guard wrapped joint pre-exercise training in Guam with U.S. Coast Guard crews around Apra Harbor ahead of its first-ever RIMPAC debut, including law-enforcement drills and ship tours. Heritage Pact Fight: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio told Prutehi Guåhan he opposes the Draft 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement as written, demanding stronger protections for Traditional Cultural Places and clearer access and monitoring requirements. Storm Watch: Invest 92W is organizing and could become a tropical depression near the Marianas later this week, with showers, locally heavy rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms possible. School Closures Halted: The Guam Education Board ordered GDOE to pause public school closures and rightsizing actions for the rest of FY26 and through SY26-27, calling for more data and community outreach. Food Assistance: Federal approval was granted for Guam’s 2026 Summer EBT, with $6.54M in benefits and rollout dates still being finalized. Local Funding Dispute: A $15.4M Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion grant is in jeopardy amid a clash between veterans leadership and the AG over contract processing delays. Military News Beyond Guam: The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is reverting to the name U.S. Pacific Command, while reports also say the U.S. plans a permanent Marine weapons stockpile in Australia.

Guam Veterans Cemetery: A $15.4 million federal grant for expanding the Piti cemetery is in jeopardy after a dispute between the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs and Attorney General Douglas Moylan over delays in approving a key engineering consultant contract, with a Sept. 30 deadline looming. Hagåtña Pool: The $8.8 million Hagåtña Pool renovation is now expected to finish in November, with work about 50% complete and earlier permitting and construction delays blamed for pushing the timeline. Local Tax Office: Sen. Jesse Lujan introduced a bill to let DRT pursue a public-private partnership to build a permanent headquarters, arguing the government has spent about $25 million in rent since 2006. Military in Guam: The U.S. and Philippine Coast Guards wrapped joint pre-RIMPAC engagements around Guam, highlighting growing regional cooperation. Indo-Pacific security: The U.S. plans a permanent Marine Corps weapons stockpile in Australia’s southeast, and Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Sam Paparo warned Congress China war risk is rising. Weather watch: NWS says Invest 92W is unlikely to become a typhoon, but could bring breezy conditions and showers to Guam later this week.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Posture: The USS George Washington made its first Guam port call of 2026, with U.S. officials framing Guam as a “cornerstone” for homeland defense as questions about the island’s security role grow. Local Public Safety: Guam Police Chief Stephen Ignacio died Tuesday after more than three decades in law enforcement, with GovGuam and the community mourning his leadership. Tax Office Upgrade: A bill would let Guam’s Department of Revenue and Taxation pursue a public-private deal to build a new headquarters, aiming to move away from costly long-term leasing. Veterans Cemetery Funding: Guam’s Veterans Affairs director warned a $15.4M cemetery expansion design timeline may miss a Sept. 30 deadline due to a consultant contract delay tied up with the AG’s office. Weather Watch: NWS says Invest 92W is unlikely to become a typhoon, but Marianas impacts later this week could bring breezy conditions and showers. Business & Education: BTACS wants to expand into middle school grades, while Tutor Perini and Black Construction won a major Naval Base Guam electrical upgrade task order. Regional/Global: A B-52 crash shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California killed eight crew members; separate reporting also says the U.S. plans a permanent Marine Corps weapons stockpile in Australia.