AGP Executive Report

Typhoon Recovery Funding: Guam’s 38th Legislature kicked off a Ninth Special Session on Super Typhoon Bavi recovery, with agencies answering questions on Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s $13.36M request (plus other needs like childcare subsidies and airport safety), including plans for seawall repairs along Marine Drive. Citizenship Fight: Leon Guerrero urged House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Morgan Griffith to stop a bill that would end automatic citizenship for children born in Guam after Jan. 1, 2027, warning it targets newborns and territorial communities without real input and could create legal limbo. Youth Civic Engagement: UOG and Genesis Babauta will host a Youth Gubernatorial Forum July 30, inviting students to question candidates on education, jobs, healthcare, housing, public safety, and more. Community Health Day: GRMC marks 11 years with a Steel Strong, Heart Driven Health Fair July 25 at Micronesia Mall, offering free screenings, exhibits, games, and prizes. Sports & Culture: Guam hosts the Oceania Volleyball Championship Aug. 3–9, but Solomon Islands withdrew due to costs and visa hurdles; meanwhile, the Folklore Without Borders festival continues with international dance groups. Local Lifestyle & Access: Guam’s broadband expansion is set to bring high-speed internet to 1,500 sites, and the island’s tourism community held a forum on rebuilding visitor momentum.

Marianas Travel Push: CNMI officials met with Guam and Philippine representatives to advance adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, pitching family ties, tourism growth, and shared security goals. Citizenship Fight: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and other local leaders renewed opposition to H.R. 9724, warning it could strip automatic birthright citizenship for children born in Guam and the territories starting in 2027. Local Food Security: GDOE says school breakfast and lunch will stay free for all students in SY 2026-2027 under the Community Eligibility Provision. Liberation Day Culture: Families marked Guam’s 82nd Liberation Day with a new “Wagon Parade” at Asan Beach Park, keeping the holiday community-focused and kid-led. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved nearly $3M in post-disaster Public Assistance for Guam, CNMI, Hawai‘i, and Arizona, including repairs tied to Typhoon Mawar. Wellness: A Guam “Wellness Wednesday” reminder urged sun protection, noting extreme UV levels are common on-island.

Liberation Day & CHamoru memory: More than 30 WWII war survivors marked Guam’s 82nd Liberation Day at Dulce Nombre De Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña, with personal stories of relocation to Manenggon and the losses that followed. Cannabis industry milestone: Adelup officials celebrated Green Flash Guam as the first company issued a Guam recreational cannabis cultivation license, marking a long-awaited step since the 2019 Cannabis Industry Act. Marianas citizenship fight: Guam Del. James Moylan and CNMI leaders pushed back hard against a bill that would end automatic birthright citizenship in U.S. territories starting in 2027, warning it undermines earned rights and the CNMI Covenant. Disaster recovery support: FEMA approved nearly $3 million in Public Assistance funding tied to recent disasters, including about $752,000 for Guam Department of Education repairs after Typhoon Mawar. Wellness: A “Wellness Wednesday” reminder urged sun protection on Guam, citing extreme UV Index levels and the long-term skin risks of UVA/UVB exposure. Regional travel policy: Guam and CNMI leaders launched a working group to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines, aiming to balance access with security safeguards. Rota typhoon relief: The Red Cross continues recovery efforts in Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, with Guam serving as a staging hub for response teams.

FEMA Recovery Funding: FEMA approved nearly $3 million in post-disaster Public Assistance for Hawai‘i, Guam, and CNMI, including about $752,000 for Guam Department of Education repairs tied to Typhoon Mawar. Liberation Day & Community Memory: Guam marked the 82nd Liberation Day with a Mass and Memorial at Dulce Nombre De Maria Cathedral-Basilica, while the Guam Running Club held Liberation Day 5K/One-Mile races despite the parade cancellation. Local Culture Milestone: Adelup celebrated Green Flash Guam as the first company to receive Guam’s recreational cannabis cultivation license, marking a long-awaited step since the 2019 Cannabis Industry Act. Government Watch: Lawmakers set up a 9th special session starting Thursday, with the administration seeking $42.4 million for Super Typhoon Bavi recovery, childcare subsidies, and airport needs. Citizenship Fight: Guam and CNMI leaders condemned a bill to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, with Del. James Moylan calling it a dangerous precedent. Environment & Rights: Earthjustice filed a Supreme Court merits brief in a Guam case seeking NEPA protections before the Air Force destroys expired munitions on a beach. STEM & Youth: UOG’s NSF EPSCoR Summer Math program welcomed first-time Guam Community College participants. Tourism Outlook: Guam’s gubernatorial teams shared tourism plans at a Guam Tourism Educational Forum, with industry leaders citing ongoing recovery challenges.

Education & Youth: The University of Guam’s NSF EPSCoR Summer Math Research Experience welcomed its first Guam Community College participants, giving seven students hands-on research mentorship with real-world math projects. Environment & Community Rights: Earthjustice and Prutehi Guåhan filed a U.S. Supreme Court merits brief arguing the Air Force can’t destroy expired munitions on a Guam beach without a meaningful environmental review under NEPA. Tourism & Local Economy: Guam’s gubernatorial teams met at the Guam Tourism Educational Forum, with industry leaders pointing to the visitor economy’s $1.6B impact in 2025 and pushing for clearer policy to rebuild arrivals and the local workforce. Justice System: A defendant in Guam’s federal PUA fraud case asked to travel stateside for training and family visits as discovery delays continue and trial timing shifts. Culture & Liberation Day: A Pulitzer-winning photographer is holding a Tumon Liberation Day pop-up sale, donating half of proceeds to Rota typhoon recovery, while community voices lament the lack of a parade and carnival-style celebration for this year’s 82nd anniversary. Sports: Guam’s women’s U17 team is set for AFC qualifiers after being drawn into Group G alongside Myanmar and Hong Kong. Health Access: A doula care piece highlights how non-medical birth support is expanding on Guam to improve pregnancy and maternal outcomes. Policy Watch: A new push in Congress would end automatic birthright citizenship for future births in Guam and other territories starting Jan. 1, 2027, drawing swift condemnation from territorial leaders. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved $751,714.97 for repairs to six Guam Department of Education facilities damaged by Super Typhoon Mawar.

Liberation & Citizenship Debate: A new push in Congress would end birthright citizenship for babies born in Guam and other U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027, drawing sharp condemnation as Guam prepares for its 82nd Liberation Day. Local Governance & Budget: Guam lawmakers passed a record-high $1.4B FY2027 budget in an 8-7 vote, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says she’ll veto it, raising the risk of a government shutdown. Education Recovery: FEMA approved $751,714.97 for repairs to six Guam Department of Education facilities damaged by Super Typhoon Mawar, covering 90% of eligible costs. Maternal Health Access: Doula care is getting more accessible on Guam, with advocates pointing to improved outcomes for mothers and babies. Community & Culture: A Pulitzer-winning photographer will sell Liberation Day art in Tumon with half the proceeds going to Rota typhoon recovery, while “One Marianas” ties grow through Hawaiʻi clubs’ community support. Tourism & Lifestyle: The Guam Visitors Bureau launched the Guam Photo Hunt, a free Instagram-based island scavenger hunt running through Sept. 30. Sports & Youth: Simon Sanchez students are seeking a voice on stalled rebuild plans, and Guam’s foster kids are getting help gearing up for school through Harvest House’s Back-2-School Bash.

Guam Budget Showdown: Guam senators passed a record-high $1.4B FY2027 budget in an 8-7 vote, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says she’ll veto it over business privilege tax cuts and funding levels; Republicans fell short of the votes needed to override, raising the risk of a government shutdown if no compromise lands before Oct. 1. Typhoon Mawar School Repairs: FEMA approved $751,714.97 for six Guam Department of Education facilities damaged by Super Typhoon Mawar, covering 90% of eligible repair costs. Student Voices: Simon Sanchez students say delays and stalled rebuild plans have pushed them toward protest action, with details to be shared after storm disruptions. Maternal Care Access: Guam’s doula training and support push is expanding access to non-medical birth support aimed at improving outcomes for moms and babies. Cannabis Milestone: Guam issued its first recreational cannabis cultivation license, marking the start of a regulated adult-use industry. Tourism & Community: The Guam Visitors Bureau launched the Guam Photo Hunt, inviting people to explore 100+ spots and share on Instagram through Sept. 30. Public Health Watch: Guam EPA flagged 17 polluted beaches, warning about illness risks—especially for kids and vulnerable residents. Regional Context: A 5.5 quake struck Peru’s Andes, killing at least six and displacing hundreds.

Earthquake Watch (Pacific ties): A 5.5 quake struck Peru’s Andes, killing at least 5–6 people, injuring 20+ and displacing hundreds, with collapsed buildings including a church and convent blamed partly on adobe construction. Marianas Health & Community: Isla Community Health signed a regional pact with Todu Guam Foundation to expand care, strengthen the workforce, and coordinate disaster response across the Marianas. Local Environment: Guam EPA flagged 17 polluted beaches after July 16 water samples, warning of illness risks—especially for kids and seniors. Culture & Liberation Season: With the Liberation Parade canceled after Super Typhoon Bavi, GVB is expanding the Tumon Night Market into a Liberation Day event with food, artisans, entertainment, and fireworks. Youth & Learning: Japan Airlines will host an awards ceremony for Guam’s World Children’s Haiku Contest winners, celebrating young poets. Sports & Summer Plans: Registration remains open for a youth tennis summer camp at the Guam National Tennis Center, with Guaiya Todu support for girls and women. Legislature & Procurement: Guam lawmakers advanced FY27 budget amendments, including changes to procurement rules and faster GDOE stipend timelines for extracurricular staff.

Workforce & Youth: A new push to “build Guam’s future” spotlights how Gen Z is stepping into college, careers, and service—while urging older generations to team up through mentorship, shared values, and smarter digital habits. Back-to-School Support: Harvest House is collecting backpacks, reusable water bottles, and school supplies for its Back-2-School Bash for about 700 foster children, aiming to give kids dignity and choice before the school year. Liberation Day Culture: Residents are reacting to the Liberation Parade cancellation after Super Typhoon Bavi, with veterans and families hoping island traditions and manåmko’ education still continue. Local Sports & Community: Guam’s youth tennis summer camp registration remains open, and GNTC is partnering with Guaiya Todu to help girls and women learn tennis at a reduced cost. Health & Safety: Guam EPA issued a warning for 17 polluted beaches, and GWA’s boil-water notice was narrowed to specific areas while water conservation measures were rescinded. Public Service Events: GVB is expanding Liberation Day celebrations with a Tumon Night Market and fireworks, and Japan Airlines will host an award ceremony for Guam’s World Children’s Haiku Contest winners. Justice & Accountability: A Parks and Recreation supervisor was arrested in a Yona family violence and child abuse case, and two women were acquitted in a trial tied to an incident involving a pregnant woman. Education & STEM: UOG engineering welcomed retired U.S. Ambassador Chantale Wong, and GMH received GEDA funding to expand critical care training for nurses.

Food & Relief: Summer-EBT card distribution at Micronesia Mall wraps up Monday, with about 2,000 cards issued since July 13 and a one-time $180 benefit per card—many families say it helps replace storm-damaged food and ease bills after Super Typhoon Bavi. Health & Safety: Guam EPA flagged 17 polluted beaches after July 16 water samples, warning kids, seniors, and immunocompromised residents to avoid unsafe water. Local Accountability: A Parks & Recreation supervisor in Yona was arrested and charged with family violence and child abuse after an alleged assault during a domestic incident; he’s on administrative leave. Youth & Community: Guam National Tennis Center and Guaiya Todu are running a reduced-cost youth summer tennis camp (ages 4–16) through Aug. 7. Culture & Family: Japan Airlines will host an award ceremony in Guam for the 19th World Children’s Haiku Contest on July 18, celebrating local young poets. Tourism & Liberation: GVB expands Liberation Day festivities with a Tumon Night Market and fireworks on July 21. Environment & Preparedness: Typhoon debris disposal sites at Ypao Point and Tiyan close July 23, with specific accepted materials and reminders for proper sorting.

Youth & Sports: Guam National Tennis Center and Guaiya Todu are teaming up for a youth summer tennis camp (ages 4–16) with registration still open; sessions run 8 a.m.–noon weekdays, $50 per participant, and enrollment is capped at 40 per week. Public Health: Guam EPA says 17 beaches are polluted above accepted bacteriological standards, warning of illnesses from minor stomach bugs to serious infections—especially for kids, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. Safety & Accountability: A Parks and Recreation supervisor in Yona, Anthony Martinez Jr., was arrested and charged with family violence and child abuse after an alleged assault involving a woman and her son; he’s on administrative leave. Culture & Community: GVB is expanding Liberation Day celebrations after the parade cancellation, adding a Liberation Day Tumon Night Market on July 21 with local food, entertainment, and fireworks in Hagåtña and Tumon. Arts for Kids: Japan Airlines will host an award ceremony for the 19th World Children’s Haiku Contest in Guam on July 18, honoring 12 local young poets. Education & STEM: Retired U.S. Ambassador Chantale Wong visited UOG’s School of Engineering to encourage future engineers, highlighting scholarships and mentorship. Local Governance: Senators approved budget amendments to speed up GDOE stipend payments and update procurement rules. Environment & Recovery: Guam’s water conservation advisory has been rescinded, but a boil-water notice remains in specific Dededo, Barrigada Heights, Mangilao, and other listed areas.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: BOEM moved forward with a plan to sell American Samoa ocean mineral leases, with a Nov. 19 sale date and only the territory’s governor allowed to formally weigh in before the final notice—prompting Pacific advocacy groups to call it out of step with tens of thousands of public comments. Guam Water Update: Guam Waterworks Authority rescinded special conservation measures, but a partial boil-water notice remains for specific Dededo, Barrigada Heights, Mangilao, and Route 8 areas. Typhoon Recovery Logistics: Guam’s typhoon debris sites at Ypao Point (Tamuning) and Tiyan will close July 23, and the island continues long-term residential damage assessments as power and water restoration near completion. Tourism & Community: The Guam Tourism Educational Forum is back on for July 20 at RIHGA Royal Laguna, and Liberation Week events are set to bring music, culture, food, and fireworks. Wildlife Action: Volunteers learned to spot and safely remove invasive brown tree snakes, then captured about 20 on a nighttime outing. Health & Training: GEDA awarded GMHA $17,980 for critical care training, while Todu Guam Foundation added two doctors and a CNMI partnership. Local Culture & Faith: Josh Tatofi brings Hawaiian reggae roots to Guam this Saturday at the Hafaloha Concert Series, and a remembrance for navigator Sesario Sewralur highlights Pacific wayfinding heritage.

Typhoon Recovery Updates: Guam’s typhoon debris disposal sites at Ypao Point (Tamuning) and Tiyan will close July 23 at 4:30 p.m., with entry lines ending at 4:30 p.m.; Ypao accepts green waste plus construction debris, while Tiyan accepts green waste only—no household garbage, electronics, hazardous waste, tires, or appliances. Shelter & Services: DPHSS says Senior Citizen Centers in Tamuning and Dededo are limited and now used for grab-and-go meals, while childcare facilities remain open; a Tier II shelter opened at Astumbo. Tourism & Community: The Guam Tourism Educational Forum, postponed after Super Typhoon Bavi, is rescheduled for July 20 (2–4 p.m.) at RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam Resort with free registration starting 1:15 p.m. Invasive Species Action: About 60 volunteers trained to identify and safely handle brown tree snakes, then captured roughly 20 during a nighttime outing. Local Health Funding: GMH received a $17,980 GEDA check to expand specialized critical care training for nurses. Education & Culture: UOG students earned travel scholarships for an immersive summer program in Seoul, South Korea. Sports & Events: Guam’s Liberation Week celebrations are set for July 19–21 with Tumon Night Market performances and fireworks.

Liberation Week on Guam: The island’s July 21 WWII liberation celebration is set to bring live music, CHamoru culture, local food, and fireworks, with Tumon Night Market events planned for July 19 at Tumon Sands Plaza. Post-Typhoon Recovery: Guam’s power restoration is nearly complete (about 99% load restored) and the government has started residential damage assessments for federal aid after Super Typhoon Bavi, while water service remains limited for a small number of customers. Shelter Updates: A Tier II shelter in Chalan Pago-Ordot is now housing people moved from Machananao Elementary School, including children, infants, and adults, with capacity that can expand if needed. Health Care Growth: Todu Guam Foundation welcomed two new doctors to its clinical team, expanding specialty endocrine and family medicine access. Local Pride in Sports: Guam’s Liberation Week festivities also land alongside AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifier draw coverage, with regional matchups shaping the next youth tournament cycle. Time Change Debate: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, but Senate approval is uncertain—an issue that could affect daily routines. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Pacific Indigenous and environmental groups are pushing back as the Trump administration moves toward a deep sea mining lease sale near American Samoa.

Disaster Relief & Recovery: Red Cross says 203 people were moved from Machananao Elementary to the newly opened Tier II shelter in Chalan Pago-Ordot, with the site now housing kids, infants, manåmko’, and adults while Guam pivots to long-term help. Water & Power Updates: Guam Power Authority reports 99% power restoration and Guam Waterworks Authority says about 1,550 customers still lack water as of Wednesday morning, with conservation rules and boil-water guidance in place. Health & Community Care: Todu Guam Foundation marks its 10th anniversary with two new doctors joining its clinical team and a partnership with CNMI’s Isla Community Health Center. Local Culture & Memory: Faha and Tinta descendants continue traditions of rosaries and remembrance, keeping the stories of the massacres alive “from generation to generation.” Sports & Lifestyle: The U.S. House passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, but Guam’s clock-change debate is set to continue as the Senate weighs it. Legal/Justice: A plea deal in a former TGI Fridays manager’s sexual assault case is stalled because the AG’s office signature requirement has delayed filings. Guam in the News: Guam’s atomic veterans get another shot at federal radiation compensation after lawmakers introduce a RECA expansion bill. Business & Tourism: Dusit Place in Tumon is expanding with new dining, retail, wellness, and entertainment concepts, including the return of the Aquarium of Guam.

Guam Liberation Day: The National Park Service is inviting families to a wagon parade at Asan Beach on July 21 (3–6 p.m.) to mark the 82nd anniversary of Guam’s WWII liberation, with a CHamoru-themed “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria” focus and prizes for decorated, hand-pulled recycled wagons. Local Water Update: Guam Waterworks Authority says about 1,550 customers were still without water as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, with conservation urged and a boil-water notice in place for customers without service for 48 hours or more. Coral Reef Recovery: Piti Mayor Jesse Alig and UOG are working to restore the Tepungan Bay coral reef nursery, seeking CLTC access for a two-year reforestation project tied to grant funding. Community & Culture: The Mayors’ Council of Guam will hold a unified Liberation Day Mass and memorial ceremony inside Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica on July 21 for survivors and families, after Super Typhoon Bavi disrupted plans. Lifestyle & Business: Dusit Place in Tumon is expanding with new dining, retail, wellness, and attractions, including Shogun Teppanyaki, Paradise Premium Fitness, and the return of the Aquarium of Guam. Parenting & Work Debate: A high-profile dispute continues after former child support enforcement officer Charlyn Terlaje accused the AG’s office of denying doctor-recommended maternity leave and firing her, sparking wide online debate about parental rights and workplace culture. Scam Alert: Guam Homeland Security/OCD and the Mariana Regional Fusion Center warn of phishing emails and social media posts using local photos to promote “tax-free grant” schemes—don’t click links or share personal info.