AGP Executive Report

Typhoon Dolphin Update: The National Weather Service says the storm is expected to pass between Wake Island and the far north of the CNMI, with no direct island impacts expected, but a westerly monsoon surge could bring hazardous seas and winds to Micronesia and the Marianas. Disaster Tech for CNMI Recovery: FlyGuys and TerraFort report they cut post-typhoon damage assessments from months to about 10 days after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, completing FEMA-ready coverage of thousands of homes in CNMI. CNMI Governance & Finance: BBMR director Lester L. Carlson Jr. received a top national budget officer honor, recognizing his work improving fiscal conditions and advancing territory budget visibility. Marianas Geoscience: A new expedition conducted the first post-eruption visual survey of Ruby Seamount near the Mariana Arc, helping scientists understand what changed after its 2023 eruption. Pacific Health: A world-first scabies control program using mass drug administration helped sharply reduce scabies and related skin infections in Pacific nations like Solomon Islands and Fiji. STEM & Community: A University of Hawaiʻi study links gut bacteria patterns to biological aging, while CNMI residents are also being encouraged to reconnect with traditional foods to help address obesity and diabetes.

Disaster Tech for CNMI Recovery: FlyGuys and TerraFort say they cut post–Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage assessments in the Northern Mariana Islands from months to about 10 days, using drone imagery plus AI to produce FEMA-ready documentation—covering 4,135 homes and flagging hundreds as destroyed or with major damage. Local Governance: CNMI Gov. David Apatang reports recovery is still in motion after Sinlaku and Bavi, with Saipan’s power situation improving but Tinian still “bad,” and Rota still without power. STEM & Youth Pathways: A Northern Mariana Islands–linked STEM push is highlighted through the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund and WinnAero’s Aerospace Career Education Academy, which uses hands-on aviation and STEM experiences to open career doors. Health & Nutrition: Commonwealth Health Center cardiologist Dr. Peter Gregor urges a school-based return to ancestral foods to help tackle obesity and diabetes risk. Science & Data Systems: Samoa launched the SEMIS education management information system to give officials real-time student, teacher, and school data for better planning and resilience. Ocean Science & Minerals: Japan’s rare-earth seabed mud work continues, with a planned 2027 mining trial after a successful 6 km deep mud lift near Minamitori Island. Public Safety & Policy: A new U.S. “AI kill switch” bill would require companies to be able to restrict or shut down powerful AI systems. Digital Connectivity: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference 2026 to boost regional broadband foundations for an AI-driven economy.

Disaster Tech for CNMI Recovery: FlyGuys and TerraFort say they used FlyGuys’ 20,000+ pilot network to capture about 1 terabyte of aerial imagery over Saipan and Tinian after Typhoon Sinlaku, feeding TerraFort’s AI damage assessments that mapped thousands of residential structures within days. Local Governance & Infrastructure: CNMI Gov. David Apatang reports damage assessments are still underway after Sinlaku and Bavi, with Saipan’s power capacity restored to 31 of 42.5 megawatts, Tinian at 980 of 1,059 customers restored but still “bad,” and Rota still without power while supplies like poles and transformers are pushed in. Public Health & Access: CNMI partners with FODAC to distribute more than $250,000 in durable medical equipment for Sinlaku and Bavi survivors, including beds and wheelchairs, with FEMA and local disability groups coordinating needs. Education Resilience: Rota schools begin recovery after Bavi, with damage limited to solar panels, power lines, cabling, and air-conditioning units thanks to prior preparation. Regional Digital Planning: SPC launched Samoa’s Education Management Information System to improve education data for planning, teacher shortages, and climate resilience. Deep-Sea Science: Scientists completed the first post-eruption visual survey of Ruby Seamount near Saipan after its 2023 eruption, using ROVs on a Nautilus expedition. Connectivity for the AI Era: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30–31) to boost digital infrastructure partnerships across Pacific islands.

Disaster Recovery in CNMI: Gov. David Apatang says damage assessments are still underway after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with Saipan’s power situation still being stabilized, Tinian restoring most customers but facing a likely power-plant rebuild, and Rota still without power as supplies like poles, transformers, and wires are pushed in. Public Health & Testing: A new reminder on hepatitis B warns most people with the virus don’t know they’re carrying it, since diagnosis requires a blood test—fueling calls for awareness and screening. Mariana Deep-Sea Science: Scientists conducted the first direct post-eruption visual survey of Ruby Seamount since its 2023 blast, using ROVs during a 2026 Nautilus expedition near Saipan. AI Governance Debate: Lawmakers unveiled an “AI Kill Switch Act” that would require powerful AI systems to be restrictable or shut down, aiming to slow rogue behavior. School Nutrition Rules: A study finds many teens use food delivery apps during school hours, often ordering fast food that slips past existing nutrition rules. Regional Connectivity: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30–31) to push digital infrastructure partnerships across the Pacific. Housing for Typhoon Displaced: ReadyPod/BoxHouse donated ready-to-occupy homes for families displaced by Sinlaku, including veterans, as recovery continues.

Disaster Recovery in CNMI: Rota schools are resuming after Super Typhoon Bavi damage, with losses focused on solar panels, power lines, cabling, and air-conditioning units rather than classrooms—crediting prior preparation. Housing Relief: ReadyPod is donating 10 BoxHouse homes for typhoon-displaced Saipan families, including veterans, as CNMI continues recovery after Sinlaku and Bavi. Medical Support: CNMI partners with FODAC to distribute $250K+ in durable medical equipment to Sinlaku and Bavi survivors, including beds, wheelchairs, and assistive devices. Local Governance & Safety: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho launches his reelection bid, prioritizing crime reduction and pushing for more DEA manpower to tackle meth trafficking. Regional Tech Connectivity: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30–31) to boost digital infrastructure and prepare for an AI-powered economy. Climate Science Watch: Pacific climate ministers meet ahead of COP31 to coordinate a united negotiating agenda as sea-level threats intensify across low-lying islands.

Disaster Recovery: CNMI officials and partners distributed $250,000 in durable medical equipment to Sinlaku and Bavi survivors, including beds, wheelchairs, and walkers, with FODAC coordinating needs and delivery. Housing for Storm Displacement: ReadyPod donated 10 BoxHouse homes for typhoon-displaced Saipan families, with Gov. David Apatang calling it a timely boost for veterans and others still without housing. Local Public Safety: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho launched his reelection bid, putting crime reduction and drug enforcement front and center, including plans to ask the DEA for more manpower on Saipan. Climate Threats: Tuvalu faces accelerating sea-level impacts that are already damaging homes, crops, and marine resources—an urgent warning for low-lying Pacific communities. Regional Mobility: Guam, CNMI, and the Philippines advanced a working plan to bring the Philippines into the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, balancing tourism growth with border security. Defense Tech in the Pacific: The US deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” system to Guam during Valiant Shield, with training reported across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Deep-Sea Minerals: Japan says it will run full-scale rare-earth mining tests next February after sampling seabed mud near Minamitori Island, as countries seek alternatives to China’s supply.

Regional Mobility & Security: Guam, CNMI, and the Philippines formed a working group at the Guam airport authority to push Philippine inclusion in the Guam–CNMI visa waiver program, aiming to balance tourism growth with border security. Disaster Response: Typhoon Noul brushed past Hong Kong, triggering flight and rail disruptions before making landfall in Guangdong; the storm’s warning level was lowered as it weakened. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: Japan says rare-earth-bearing mud sampled from about 6 km deep near Minamitori Island contains yttrium (plus gadolinium and dysprosium) and plans full-scale mining tests in February 2027. Climate Law to Action: Pacific leaders and student campaigners marked the one-year anniversary of the ICJ climate advisory opinion, urging governments to turn legal clarity into real emissions and resilience work ahead of COP31. CNMI/Guam Tech & Health: CNMI partners coordinated with FODAC to distribute durable medical equipment to disaster survivors, while Guam tech conference coverage highlights cybersecurity and AI alongside infrastructure needs.

Regional Mobility & Security: Guam, CNMI, and the Philippines formed a working group at the Guam airport to push Philippine inclusion in the Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to balance tourism growth with border security. Defense Tech in the Marianas: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” system to Guam for Exercise Valiant Shield, with training reported across Guam, CNMI, and Palau—another sign of intensifying tech-driven readiness in the Western Pacific. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: Japan says rare-earth-bearing mud recovered from about 6 km deep near Minamitori Island contains medium/heavy rare earths, and it plans full-scale mining tests in February 2027. Climate Law to Action: Pacific leaders and student campaigners marked one year since the ICJ climate advisory opinion, urging governments to turn the ruling into real emissions and resilience work ahead of COP31. Digital Finance for the Pacific: Nauru launched the Pacific Digital Assets Forum to promote responsible regulation and research across Pacific jurisdictions. CNMI Disaster Response Tech: CNMI partners coordinated with FODAC to distribute donated durable medical equipment to disaster survivors. Cultural Heritage Under Threat: Papua New Guinea’s film archive is racing to preserve reels as heat and flooding accelerate decay, with Australia’s NFSA backing preservation efforts.

CNMI Disaster Response: Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) is distributing donated durable medical equipment at the former Kanoa Hotel on Saipan, with wheelchairs, beds, oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines and more—deliveries are ongoing and being coordinated for Tinian and Rota after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Regional Mobility & Security: A Guam-CNMI-Philippines working group met at the Guam International Airport Authority to push Philippine inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to balance tourism growth with border security. Digital Finance for the Pacific: Nauru’s Office of the Trade Commissioner launched the Pacific Digital Assets Forum, a regional platform focused on responsible regulation and policy dialogue, with major initiatives planned for late 2027. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: Japan says rare-earth-bearing mud sampled near Minamitori Island (about 6 km down) contains medium and heavy rare earths, and it plans full-scale mining tests in February 2027. Climate Planning Signal: Scientists report Antarctic ice-loss models stay more reliable for near-term sea-level planning, but forecasts weaken later this century—useful for long-range coastal risk work. Health Infrastructure in Palau: Palau expects a near-term report on relocating and redesigning Belau National Hospital, part of a feasibility process funded through a U.S. Trade and Development Agency study.

CNMI Disaster Response: Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) is distributing donated durable medical equipment at the former Kanoa Hotel on Saipan for Super Typhoon Sinlaku survivors, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and more; deliveries are also being coordinated for Tinian and Rota. Public Health Data Risk: A new report warns that missing or removed federal health data can create “disease blind spots,” complicating tracking and prevention—an issue tied to large-scale CDC webpage and dataset removals. Palau Health Infrastructure: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says a report on the new national hospital relocation project is expected within weeks, following a U.S. Trade and Development Agency-funded feasibility study and site offers from multiple states. Climate Planning for Rising Seas: Scientists say Antarctic ice-loss models are most reliable for the next few decades, giving governments a key 30–50 year window to plan for sea-level rise. Deep-Sea Minerals: Japan plans full-scale rare-earth mining tests next February after sampling rare-earth-rich mud from about 6 km deep near a remote Pacific island. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to push a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, aiming to coordinate Pacific positions.

Disaster Tech & Health Aid: CNMI partners with FODAC to distribute donated durable medical equipment to Super Typhoon Sinlaku survivors on Saipan, with deliveries also being coordinated for Tinian and Rota. Deep-Sea Minerals: Japan reports rare-earth-rich deep-sea mud off Minamitori/Minami Torishima (about 6 km down) and plans full-scale mining tests in February, aiming to reduce reliance on China. Marianas Defense Tech: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” to Guam during Valiant Shield, with the exercise also involving the Northern Mariana Islands—raising the tech stakes for regional security. Climate Law to Action: Pacific leaders and student campaigners mark one year since the ICJ climate advisory ruling, urging governments to turn legal obligations into real funding and resilience work. Regional Climate Coordination: Pacific climate ministers meet in Sydney to align a united agenda for Pre-COP31 and COP31. Cyber & AI Security: A Guam conference warns regional businesses that cybersecurity, AI, and infrastructure failures are now linked—and perimeter defenses aren’t enough. Digital Inclusion: Tonga universities compete in a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in Papua New Guinea. UN Scam Warning: UNODC says Asia-Pacific scam losses topped $88B–$114B in 2025, with Pacific islands increasingly targeted as enforcement gaps widen.

Disaster Recovery in CNMI: CNMI agencies and partners coordinated with FODAC to distribute donated durable medical equipment at the former Kanoa Hotel on Saipan, with wheelchairs, beds, oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines and more—deliveries to Tinian and Rota are being arranged. Health Support for Typhoon Bavi: HHS activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for Saipan, Rota and Tinian to replace lost/damaged prescriptions and select durable medical equipment, plus a Disaster Behavioral Health Team for ongoing needs. Telecom Restoration: IT&E and Docomo Pacific briefed the CNMI Public Utilities Commission on mobile restoration after Super Typhoon Bavi and continued repairs from Sinlaku; fuel shortages, damaged towers and waiting on commercial power are slowing full recovery, with Rota still hardest hit. Pacific Climate Push: Pacific climate ministers agreed to present a united position ahead of COP31, while SPREP extended Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion side-event submissions to Aug. 14. Regional Security & Tech: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 defense cooperation framework, and a Guam tech conference highlighted how cybersecurity, AI and infrastructure constraints are converging for regional businesses. Digital Inclusion Challenge: Tonga universities are competing in PNG for solutions on digital inclusion, online safety and cybersecurity. Scam Warning: UNODC says Asia-Pacific scam networks stole up to $114.1B in 2025 and are increasingly targeting Pacific countries.

Typhoon recovery health support: CNMI agencies and partners are coordinating the distribution of donated durable medical equipment on Saipan, with wheelchairs, beds, oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines and more—deliveries also planned for Tinian and Rota—while HHS expands prescription and durable medical replacement help for residents affected by Typhoon Bavi. Telecom restoration: IT&E and Docomo Pacific briefed the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission on ongoing mobile and site repairs after Super Typhoon Bavi and Sinlaku, with Rota still the hardest hit due to damaged towers and limited commercial power. Regional security & tech cooperation: Japan and Solomon Islands leaders backed stronger ties and development loans, while New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a defense cooperation framework; India’s Jaishankar also met Brunei and PNG on AI, drones, digital tech and disaster resilience. Digital inclusion in the Pacific: Tonga universities are competing in a PNG-hosted challenge focused on digital inclusion, online safety, cybersecurity and digital financial access. Scam surge warning: UNODC says Asia-Pacific scam networks stole up to $114.1B in 2025 and are moving toward Pacific locations, using AI and social platforms to target vulnerable people. Defense tech in the Marianas: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat flew as a “first step” for integrating AI wingman assets after participating in Valiant Shield in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Disaster Tech & Health Recovery: CNMI agencies and partners coordinated with FODAC to distribute donated durable medical equipment for Typhoon Bavi survivors on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, while HHS expanded recovery support via the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and a Disaster Behavioral Health Team. Telecom Resilience: IT&E and Docomo Pacific briefed the CNMI Public Utilities Commission on mobile restoration progress after Super Typhoon Bavi and ongoing Sinlaku repairs, with Rota still the hardest hit due to damaged towers and limited power. Education Infrastructure: USACE is building 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms at Northern Marianas College to restore higher education after storm damage. Local Policy & Rights: CNMI voices, including Delegate candidate Galvin Deleon Guerrero and Saipan-born author Kelvin Rodeo, pushed back on a birthright citizenship bill that would end automatic citizenship for many territory-born children starting in 2027. AI & Cyber Governance (Pacific): Papua New Guinea’s DTS 2026 highlighted AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, while Australia announced funding for AI governance toolkits for Pacific governments. Cybercrime Watch: A UN report estimates Asia-Pacific scam losses at $88.3B–$114.1B in 2025, warning networks are increasingly tech-driven and interconnected.

Cybercrime Watch: A UN report says scam gangs stole at least $88B across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand in 2025, with syndicates using AI and “corporate-style” operations to dodge crackdowns. AI & Identity Fraud: In Papua New Guinea, people are warning that AI-made deepfakes and fake giveaways are spreading on Facebook, pushing new calls for stronger community awareness alongside new laws. CNMI Education Resilience: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms at Northern Marianas College to restore learning after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Pacific Security Tech: Australia is using PLA-style tank camouflage in exercises, while Australia’s foreign minister also called China’s nuclear-capable missile test “destabilising” and announced drone support for the Philippines Coast Guard. Regional Governance for AI: Australia will fund Pacific governments with AI governance and risk-management toolkits, aiming for safer, accountable public-sector use. Ocean & Minerals: Scientists and groups are raising fresh concerns about radioactive risks tied to deep-sea mining near American Samoa, as Pacific opposition grows.

Renewables & Energy Planning: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan was confirmed as a keynote speaker for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland (Oct 7–8), spotlighting solar, wind, grid integration, storage, and investment. CNMI Military Contracting: Tinian business leaders pressed U.S. Air Force officials to route more mentor-protégé and subcontracting opportunities to local firms instead of off-island contractors. Waste & Data for Sustainability: Samoa launched a new landfill weighbridge at Tafaigata, improving waste measurement and decision-making with support from Japan’s J-PRISM 3. Health Research: A new study reports rising noncardia gastric cancer risk patterns across Hispanic and Asian or Pacific Islander groups, with earlier onset in some Asian groups. Cybercrime & Scams: UNODC estimates Asia-Pacific scam losses hit $88.3B–$114.1B in 2025, with syndicates using AI and expanding across many countries. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: Fresh concerns grow over radioactive materials potentially released during deep-sea mining near American Samoa. Public Safety & Recovery: CNMI disaster food assistance (D-NAP) is criticized for making recovery harder than it needs to be, calling for easier access during emergencies. Local Tech Skills: ACRS won a $15,000 AARP grant to expand digital literacy classes for older immigrant and refugee adults in Seattle. Time Policy Debate: U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, moving to the Senate.