AGP Executive Report

Budget Showdown: The Legislature overrode all 17 of Gov. David Apatang’s fiscal 2027 budget vetoes, with the House voting 17-0 on each provision and the Senate approving the overrides 9-0. Election Watch: Early voting for the Nov. 3 election starts Tuesday on Saipan, Tinian and Rota; officials urge voters to bring ID and complete an early-voting application. Northern Islands candidate Keli Tenorio remains on the ballot while a court considers a challenge to her eligibility. Solar Decision: The CPUC plans to decide Thursday on CUC’s proposed 25-year solar agreement, days before the developer’s Oct. 31 financing deadline. The deal promises power at 18.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, while residents have pressed for safeguards and opposed proposed utility rate hikes. Schools and Seabed Mining: PSS has launched federally funded Monday intervention classes, but about 200 locally funded employees may face furloughs amid a budget shortfall. Separately, Gov. Apatang is seeking a CNMI share of seabed-mining revenue as legal challenges and calls for a pause cloud a planned Marianas lease sale.

Legislative Agenda: The CNMI House meets Monday with a proposed disaster fund bill, including plans for local disaster-aid costs and stronger shelter planning, and election-law changes on its agenda. Schools and Budget: PSS starts federally funded Monday intervention classes today, even as about 200 locally funded employees face possible furloughs over the unresolved FY2027 budget. Utilities: CPUC is set to consider CUC’s 25-year solar deal on Oct. 29, ahead of the developer’s Oct. 31 financing deadline; commissioners can still change or reject the proposed utility rate hikes, which residents and businesses oppose. Election Campaign: CNMI Republicans held a rally ahead of early voting and Election Day, while Attorney General candidate Jonathan Glass met Tinian voters. Youth Congress: Members elected Christopher Dela Cruz speaker and introduced a procurement transparency bill. Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres resigned to move to the private sector. Seabed Mining: A new lawsuit seeks to block the planned American Samoa lease sale, ahead of the administration’s proposed Dec. 16 auction near the Marianas.

Legislature: The House is set to take up bills creating a disaster recovery fund and changing election laws. The CNMI Youth Congress also elected Christopher Dela Cruz speaker and advanced a procurement transparency proposal. Schools: PSS began federally funded Monday intervention classes as about 200 locally funded employees face possible furloughs; 33 substitute teachers are also set to lose work Oct. 31. Utilities: The CPUC plans an Oct. 29 vote on CUC’s proposed solar agreement, with the developer warning financing is at risk after Oct. 31. Gov. David Apatang urged swift approval, while residents continue to oppose rate hikes; commissioners can still modify or reject the proposal. Election: Republicans held a final rally ahead of voting, and attorney general candidate Jonathan Glass met with Tinian residents. Seabed mining: Apatang is seeking a CNMI share of potential mining revenue, while Guam is pressing the federal government to pause a planned lease sale until local concerns are addressed. Government: Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned to enter the private sector.

Seabed Mining: Guam is asking the federal government to pause the Dec. 16 Marianas lease sale until the island can review the plan and have a meaningful say. CNMI Gov. David Apatang has separately called for revenue sharing, local jobs and contractors, and enforceable environmental safeguards. Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned, saying he will move to the private sector after nearly four years leading the department. Utility Oversight: Residents backed a proposed solar project at a CPUC hearing but continued to oppose CUC rate hikes; commissioners face an Oct. 31 deadline on the deal, with a rate decision due Nov. 20. Youth Governance: The Youth Congress is set to swear in six members and consider a bill requiring a public online listing of government contracts and timely publication of procurement records. Territorial Status: The United States has called for abolishing the U.N. decolonization committee, even as the political status of U.S. territories, including the CNMI, remains unresolved.

Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned to enter the private sector, leaving the department after nearly four years; he says he is proud of progress on security, rehabilitation and re-entry programs. Youth Congress: Six new members are set to be sworn in Saturday, when the body will also consider a bill requiring public online records of government contracts. Utilities: Residents backed CUC’s proposed solar deal at a hearing but pushed back on rate increases and asked for clearer limits on the typhoon-recovery surcharge. Regulators face an Oct. 31 deadline for the solar decision, with a rate ruling due Nov. 20. Seabed Mining: Gov. David Apatang is seeking revenue sharing, local jobs and environmental protections before the federal government proceeds with a proposed lease sale near the Marianas. Public Health: Saipan Mayor Ramon Camacho urged retailers to check IDs and prevent sales of vapes and tobacco to minors.

Public Services: CUC plans a power outage in parts of Oleai from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to replace a pole; wastewater facility W-3 will also be affected. Saipan: Mayor Ramon Camacho is urging retailers to check IDs, train staff and refuse illegal sales of vapes and tobacco to minors. Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned to enter the private sector, saying he will remain chair of the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority. Utilities: Residents backed CUC’s proposed solar project but pushed back against rate increases at a public hearing. Regulators face an Oct. 31 financing deadline for the deal, with a rate decision expected Nov. 20. Seabed Mining: Gov. David Apatang is seeking enforceable revenue sharing, local jobs and environmental protections before a proposed Marianas lease sale. Education and Youth: PSS has ended substitute-teacher contracts amid a budget crisis, leaving 33 teachers out starting Oct. 31. The Youth Congress is set to swear in six members and consider a bill requiring public online records of government procurement. Territorial Status: The United States urged the U.N. to end its decolonization committee as the CNMI’s political status remains unresolved.

Corrections: Commissioner Anthony Torres has resigned to move into the private sector, after nearly four years leading the department. Youth Government: The CNMI Youth Congress is set to swear in six members and consider a bill requiring public online records of government contracts. Saipan: Mayor Ramon Camacho urged retailers to check IDs and prevent illegal sales of vapes and tobacco to minors. Utilities: Residents backed a proposed solar project but opposed CUC rate hikes at a public hearing; regulators face an Oct. 31 deadline on the deal, with a rate decision expected Nov. 20. Seabed Mining: Gov. David Apatang is seeking revenue sharing, local jobs and environmental protections before a proposed Marianas lease sale. Territorial Status: The United States called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee, even as self-determination for U.S. territories, including the CNMI, remains unresolved.

Corrections: CNMI Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres announced his resignation, saying he will move to the private sector after nearly four years leading the department. Utilities: A proposed $245 million solar-and-battery deal faces final scrutiny as regulators weigh a broader rate overhaul; a decision on rate increases is set for Nov. 20, with a federal financing deadline looming Oct. 31. Seabed Mining: Gov. David Apatang is seeking revenue sharing, local jobs and environmental protections before the proposed Marianas lease sale, scheduled for Dec. 16. Education: PSS’s funding shortfall is reaching classrooms: 33 substitute teachers’ contracts end Oct. 31, adding to school closures and staffing losses. Election 2026: Republican lieutenant governor candidate Benjamin Jones says his ticket with Ralph Torres is focused on economic recovery ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Government Transparency: The Youth Congress will consider a bill requiring a public online listing of government contracts and timely publication of procurement records. Territorial Status: The U.S. has called for abolishing the U.N. decolonization committee, renewing debate over self-determination for the CNMI and other U.S. territories.

Governor’s Seabed Mining Push: Gov. David Apatang is seeking revenue sharing, local jobs, port investment and environmental protections before the federal government proceeds with a Marianas seabed lease sale planned for Dec. 16. A Samoan chiefs’ lawsuit challenging a similar sale could also affect the Marianas plan. Election 2026: Republican lieutenant governor candidate Benjamin Jones says his ticket is focused on economic recovery and bringing residents together, not political attacks, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Utilities: Ratepayers challenged CUC’s proposed rate hikes and typhoon surcharge, demanding an end date for the “temporary” fee; the commission expects to decide the rate case Nov. 20. Schools and Budget: PSS has ended contracts for 33 substitute teachers amid a funding shortfall, while schools are closing Mondays. A proposed FY 2027 budget would sharply cut education and Northern Marianas College funding. Regional Policing: Pacific police chiefs launched PACPOL at a Saipan conference, aiming to strengthen cooperation against drug trafficking, human smuggling and other cross-border crime.

Seabed Mining: Gov. David Apatang is demanding revenue sharing, local jobs, environmental safeguards and other guarantees before a proposed offshore mining lease sale. A lawsuit challenging a similar sale near American Samoa could also affect the Marianas plan. Utility Rates: Ratepayers questioned CUC’s proposed increases and typhoon surcharge, including why the surcharge has no stated end date. The utilities commission expects to decide on the rate petition Nov. 20. Schools and Disaster Aid: PSS says 33 locally funded substitute teachers’ contracts will end Oct. 31 amid a budget shortfall. Meanwhile, Labor has received 2,925 applications for Sinlaku unemployment aid but has approved none; the filing deadline is Saturday, Oct. 24. Regional Security: Pacific police chiefs launched PACPOL at a conference in Saipan, joining regional efforts to combat trafficking and other cross-border crime. Storm Recovery: Tinian has resumed daylight cargo operations, and Rota’s port has reopened, though restrictions and facility checks remain.**

School Funding: The Public School System has notified 33 locally funded substitute teachers that their contracts end Oct. 31, as a budget shortfall forces school closures and leaves the system warning more cuts may follow. Utilities: Ratepayers and lawmakers are pressing CUC to address unpaid bills, billing problems and accountability before approving higher rates; the commission expects to decide Nov. 20. A separate $500 million solar project faces an Oct. 31 decision deadline, with its bidder warning it may withdraw. Regional Security: Pacific police chiefs launched PACPOL at a Saipan conference, aiming to improve cooperation against drug trafficking, human smuggling, cybercrime and other cross-border threats. Storm Recovery: Tinian has reopened its port for daylight cargo operations under restrictions, and Rota has also reopened, following Typhoon Champi. Deep-Sea Mining: A lawsuit challenging a planned seabed lease sale near American Samoa could affect a separate proposed sale near Guam.

Utility Rates: Ratepayers and lawmakers urged the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission to demand answers on CUC’s unpaid bills, billing problems and operations before approving higher power, water and wastewater rates. The commission expects to decide Nov. 20; Tinian residents also challenged the proposed increases at a hearing. Solar Project: CPUC counsel could not guarantee a decision by Oct. 31, the deadline Eastern Power Solutions set before withdrawing its proposed $500 million solar project for Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Storm Recovery: President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for the CNMI, making FEMA support available for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with the federal government covering 75% of eligible emergency costs. Government Dispute: Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas declined to discuss the Senate’s lawsuit challenging his continued service, pending a court ruling. Delegate Race: MHS students questioned candidates Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Galvin Deleon Guerrero on issues including jobs, healthcare, disaster recovery and military infrastructure. Pacific Security: Air Force engineers restored historic Tinian airfield infrastructure as part of preparations for regional operations.

Utility Decisions: CPUC counsel says he cannot guarantee a decision by Oct. 31 on Eastern Power Solutions’ proposed $500 million solar project, which the company may withdraw without timely approval. The commission expects to decide CUC’s proposed three-year rate increase on Nov. 20 after residents and lawmakers demanded audits, better billing and accountability before customers pay more. Storm Recovery: President Trump approved emergency declarations for the CNMI, making FEMA assistance available for response and recovery after Typhoon Champi. Delegate Race: Candidates Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Galvin Deleon Guerrero answered students’ questions on jobs, healthcare, disaster aid, mining and other issues at a Marianas High School forum. Government Dispute: Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas says he will not comment on the Senate’s lawsuit challenging his continued tenure until the court rules.

Typhoon Response: President Trump approved emergency declarations for the CNMI and Guam after Champi’s close pass, making FEMA support available for emergency measures, with the federal government covering 75% of eligible costs. The CNMI has since declared the all clear and resumed classes. Utility Rates: At an Oct. 19 hearing, ratepayers and lawmakers urged the utilities commission to reject CUC’s proposed rate hikes until the utility addresses unpaid bills, billing problems and alleged excess fuel charges; Rep. Marissa Flores called for an independent audit. Renewable Energy: A House resolution would press CUC and other agencies to speed up renewable projects that may still qualify for federal tax credits. Separately, developer Eastern says it will withdraw its solar bid if the commission does not act by Oct. 31. Delegate Race: CNMI delegate candidates Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Galvin Deleon Guerrero answered students’ questions on workers, healthcare, disaster aid, transportation and other island issues at a Marianas High School forum. Senate Lawsuit: Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas declined to discuss the Senate’s lawsuit challenging his continued service, saying he will speak after the court rules.

Typhoon Response: Federal emergency declarations now cover the CNMI’s Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with FEMA covering 75% of eligible emergency-protection costs. Champi has moved away, but Gov. David Apatang warned there is no “all clear,” with gusts, heavy showers and dangerous surf still possible. Senate Lawsuit: Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas declined to discuss the Senate’s lawsuit challenging his continued service, saying he would wait for the court to resolve the dispute. The Senate says the case protects its constitutional role in approving executive appointments. Delegate Race: At a student-organized forum, Kimberlyn King-Hinds and challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero addressed CW-1 workers, healthcare, disaster aid, transportation, military infrastructure and deep-sea mining, giving Marianas High students a chance to question the candidates directly.

Federal Disaster Aid: President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for Guam and the CNMI after Super Typhoon Champi narrowly missed Guam. FEMA can support emergency measures on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with the federal government covering 75% of eligible costs. Senate Lawsuit: Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas declined to discuss the Senate’s case challenging his authority to remain in office, saying he would wait for the court’s decision. The Senate unanimously authorized the lawsuit’s continued pursuit. Delegate Race: Candidates Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Galvin Deleon Guerrero answered Marianas High School students’ questions on the CW-1 program, transportation, healthcare, disaster aid, deep-sea mining and military infrastructure. Energy Policy: Eastern Power Solutions says it will withdraw its utility-scale solar bid unless regulators approve it by Oct. 31, citing financing deadlines and expiring federal tax credits.