AGP Executive Report

Surveillance Push: The FBI is moving ahead with plans to buy nationwide access to license plate reader networks, aiming to pull vehicle data “in near real time” across the U.S. (including Guam and other territories) under multi-year contracts up to $36 million, with bidders required to cover most locations and follow state limits on sharing. Guam Education Showdown: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special Legislature session to decide whether Simon Sanchez High School rebuild work can proceed even while a procurement protest is pending, disputing “sweetheart deal” claims. Health Alert: DPHSS will host two free pertussis vaccine clinics—May 22 in Talo’fo’fo and May 29 in Dededo—offering shots for eligible kids and adults while supplies last. Local Politics Set: With the May 1 filing deadline passed, Guam’s Legislature race is now down to 36 candidates for 15 seats. Community Spotlight: Palau marks Memorial Day by honoring fallen troops from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, including a Guam high school graduate.

Guam & U.S. Policy Watch: Guam’s SNAP question is already on people’s minds—June 2026 payment dates vary by location, with schedules set by each state/territory. Local Government: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is pushing a Tuesday special session on whether Simon Sanchez High School rebuilding can move forward even with a pending procurement protest, disputing “sweetheart deal” claims. Public Health: DPHSS is planning two free pertussis vaccine clinics—May 22 in Talo’fo’fo and May 29 at Dededo Park Gym (10 a.m.–1 p.m., while supplies last). Community & Culture: Scouts Read Sacred Texts highlighted the “duty to God” part of the Scout oath at an interfaith event. Navy & Defense: Navy leaders told a Senate panel their budget aims to reverse decades of underspending as they face rising global challenges. Sports & Lifestyle: Micronesia Mall keeps expanding—Maui Tacos, Blangka’s Boutique, and The Dollhouse have opened.

Guam Legislature Showdown: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has called a special session Tuesday to decide whether to let Simon Sanchez High School rebuild work move forward even while a procurement protest and appeal are pending—she disputes “sweetheart deal” claims and says the protesting bidder’s price is still sealed. Military Heritage Process: The Guam State Historic Preservation Office says it’s done with roundtables after an open-government challenge cut one meeting short; the updated 2026 military cultural heritage draft is now set for public review. Public Health: DPHSS will host two free pertussis vaccine clinics (May 22 in Talo’fo’fo, May 29 in Dededo) for eligible children, adults, and pregnant people. Courts & Safety: A fugitive bingo fraud ringleader, Michael Marasigan, was sentenced in absentia to nearly 22 years, while another case saw a judge order a man accused of abusing girls to stop witness contact. Community & Culture: Scouts Read Sacred Texts highlighted the “duty to God” part of the Scout oath, and GuamTime’s Mad Collab block party drew a big crowd at Tumon Night Market.

Simon Sanchez High School: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a Tuesday special session to decide whether to let the rebuild contract move forward even with a pending procurement protest—pushing back on “sweetheart deal” claims and saying the protester’s price is still sealed. Bingo Fraud Fallout: Michael Marasigan, still a fugitive, was sentenced to nearly 22 years for leading a $34M Hafa Adai Bingo scheme; the case says charity money was diverted for personal gain. Public Health: DPHSS will host two free pertussis vaccine clinics (May 22 in Talo’fo’fo, May 29 in Dededo), with no-cost shots for eligible kids, adults, and pregnant women. Local Life & Shopping: Micronesia Mall just added Maui Tacos plus new boutiques—Blangka’s Boutique and The Dollhouse—bringing fresh island fashion and dining. Sports/Community: GuamTime’s Mad Collab block party and Tumon Night Market drew a big crowd, with 100+ vendors and performers.

USPS Under Pressure: A new report revisits how the mail keeps moving even when the system is strained—highlighting the bigger “information” stakes behind delivery. Guam Courts & Public Safety: Michael Marasigan, the alleged ringleader in the $34M Hafa Adai Bingo fraud, was sentenced to nearly 22 years while still a fugitive; meanwhile, KC Rayphand is back in trouble again after an indecent exposure and drunkenness incident near an elementary school. Local Governance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero calls a Tuesday special session over whether to let Simon Sanchez High School rebuild proceed despite a pending procurement protest, pushing back on “sweetheart deal” claims. Health Watch: DPHSS will host two free pertussis vaccine clinics next week. Military Heritage: SHPO says it’s done with roundtables and will push the military cultural heritage pact forward after an open-government dispute cut a session short. Education Spotlight: UOG enrollment concerns surfaced during budget talks, even as a UOG student earned a top national pre-law spot.

Memorial Day reflections: As the holiday nears, Guam is sharing personal stories of remembrance—what people leave behind at memorials and how promises, grief, and service keep loved ones close. Student wins big: A St. John’s School student, Carmel Maria A. Mariano, will have her artwork displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol after winning a congressional art contest themed “How Guam shapes me.” Catholic community on Guam: Visiting bishops from across Oceania arrive for an executive committee meeting May 18–20, with an islandwide Mass Tuesday at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. Courts and safety: A judge ordered a man accused of sexually abusing girls for years to stop contact with the mother of his children, after prosecutors said he used a jail call to tell her to shape testimony. Local spotlight: Guam’s EMS providers are being honored during EMS Week, and the island’s first responders are getting their due.

Catholic Community: Visiting Oceania bishops are in Guam for an FCBCO executive meeting May 18–20, with an islandwide Mass Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña. Courts & Safety: A judge ordered a man accused of sexually abusing two girls for years to stop all contact with the mother of his children after prosecutors said he used a jail phone call to tell her to make the victims “lie on the stand.” Local Education: UOG sophomore Isabella Villasoto was selected as Guam’s first student for the TRIALS pre-law pipeline program, one of just 20 spots nationwide. Public Health: EMS Week runs May 17–23, spotlighting Guam’s emergency responders and their role in keeping care moving even after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Community & Culture: Memorial Day reflections and remembrance tokens are making the rounds, while Guam’s tourism industry gets a full Tourism Month kickoff.

Public Safety: A traffic stop in Dededo led to felony meth arrests—two women charged after police found suspected meth and related items in the vehicle, with lab results confirming the drugs. Education & Youth: Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy inducted 25 students into the National Junior Honor Society, while SiFA and other schools keep racking up student wins. EMS Week: Guam marks May 17–23 with a proclamation honoring emergency medical teams as the first line of care during crises. Campus Spotlight: UOG sophomore Isabella Villasoto was accepted into the TRIALS pre-law program, the first Guam student chosen for the 2026 cohort. Sports & Pride: GW’s Warrior Battalion earned a national drill championship, and Guam’s swimmers wrapped a strong Oceania campaign in Suva. Governance Debate: A fresh letter argues Guam can’t afford a part-time Legislature, saying oversight is the only control mechanism left when agencies miss deadlines and need legislative pushback.

Phillies Shake-Up: Don Mattingly has stepped in as interim manager and the move is already paying off—Philadelphia started 12-4 under him, winning five straight series after taking over. GCC Graduation: Guam Community College celebrated 324 Spring 2026 graduates, including 23 GED completers and 152 associate degree recipients, with 383 total degrees, certificates, and diplomas conferred. Open Government Tension: A military cultural heritage roundtable was cut short when attendees raised concerns it may have violated Guam’s open government law, with SHPO agreeing to reschedule. Courts Close a Chapter: The last active federal lawsuit alleging former Archbishop Anthony Apuron’s sexual abuse is set to be dismissed. Community & Culture: The Valley of the Latte’s “Flavors of Micronesia” River Festival drew nearly 300 presale ticket buyers and close to 100 vendors/performers, while a bridge mural project and River Festival events kept island culture front and center. Education & Work: UOG is asking for $45.9M for FY27, and GSYEP applications are drawing early crowds from teens eager to work.

Tourism Spotlight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero officially kicked off May as Guam Tourism Month, calling tourism a reflection of inafa’maolek and a chance for visitors to connect with the people behind the food, beaches, and culture—plus three big events are lined up: the May 20 Tourism Month Run, the May 26 GVB membership meeting, and Tourism Industry Night at Tumon Night Market on May 31. Graduation & Community: Guam Community College celebrated its Class of 2026 with 324 graduates receiving a total of 383 degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Homelessness Update: In Anigua, an 18-unit homeless shelter is nearing completion and could open by August, while a 32-unit apartment purchase in Tamuning is set for renovations by the end of the fiscal year. Courts & Immigration: A deported convict’s trial brief says he knew he couldn’t return to Guam using his real name, after he presented an alias during a reentry attempt. Sports: The Panthers extended their track-and-field dynasty with a 9th straight boys title, while JFK girls took back the championship.

Education Update: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-126, officially giving GDOE a reprieve from the 180-day school requirement after Super Typhoon Sinlaku—avoiding a costly school-year extension and keeping kids on track with summer school support. Airport Business: In the same emergency push, lawmakers also approved extending the Lotte Duty Free Guam concession up to three years, buying time while procurement continues. Public Health & Food Aid: DPHSS told lawmakers nearly 7,000 Guam residents could lose SNAP benefits starting June 1 under new federal work rules, with Disaster SNAP planning tied to a potential disaster declaration. Courts & Accountability: Jose Arthur D. Chan Jr. was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison in the Hafa Adai bingo fraud case, with major restitution ordered. Community & Culture: Head for Hope 2K/5K runs Sunday in Hagåtña to raise brain-cancer awareness and fund a scholarship in memory of Jeremiah P.L. Nguyen.

SNAP Shockwave: DPHSS says nearly 7,000 Guam residents will lose SNAP starting June 1 under new federal work requirements, with Public Health also preparing Disaster SNAP for most households after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Education Update: Senators voted 12-0 to waive the 180-day instructional requirement for School Year 2025-2026, keeping summer plans on track after Sinlaku’s roughly six-day disruption. Health & Safety: Guam’s Fair Employment Practice Division trained hotel managers at Hotel Nikko Guam and Tsubaki Tower on harassment prevention and new workplace rules. Sports & Community: The Guam Marianas Dumau jiu-jitsu tournament launches June 20, and Guam educators Joanna Payumo and Valerie Tanayan are among 78 nominees for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award. Local Watch: An off-duty GPD officer was arrested after CCTV showed she was the “primary aggressor” in a Tamuning store altercation. Big Sports Moment: Bryce Cotton is set to debut for the Australian Boomers—including a July 3 matchup vs Guam in Perth.

Sports Spotlight: Bryce Cotton is officially set for his Australian Boomers debut—he’ll face Guam July 3 and the Philippines July 6 in Perth at RAC Arena, continuing his long NBL-to-international rise after gaining citizenship last September. Community & Culture: The Valley of the Latte’s River Festival returns Saturday with “Flavors of Micronesia,” featuring Micronesian food tastings, dance, music, and a cultural fair—with proceeds aimed at Sinlaku relief for Saipan, Tinian, and Chuuk. Local Governance: Senators voted 12-0 to waive the 180-day school requirement for SY 2025-2026 after Sinlaku, keeping summer plans on track. Public Safety: An off-duty Guam Police officer was arrested after CCTV showed she was the “primary aggressor” in a Tamuning store altercation. Business & Jobs: GDOL completed hotel workplace training at Hotel Nikko Guam and Tsubaki Tower, including updates tied to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Tech Watch: Guam’s AI task force says it’s still in the “baby phase,” with a final framework due in 18–20 months.

Education Emergency: Guam senators are set for an emergency session at 5 p.m. Thursday on Bill 312-38, which would waive the 180-day instructional requirement for GDOE after Super Typhoon Sinlaku cost students six days; the superintendent says making up the time isn’t operationally feasible and would mean big staffing costs and contract conflicts. Hospital Watch: The Civil Service Commission opened an investigation into alleged above-step recruitment at Guam Memorial Hospital, after a nurse promotion reportedly wasn’t properly authorized. Health Reminder: May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, with local data showing hypertension rates have climbed since 2015. Tourism Pressure: GVB says jet fuel prices have tripled, cutting seat capacity by about 20%, and it’s putting $2 million toward a response plan plus a “Fare Advantage” effort. Community & Culture: A Saturday evening of meditative CHamoru chants, poetry dance, and sound healing will also raise funds for Sinlaku relief. Sports Buzz: Bryce Cotton is confirmed for the Australian Boomers’ FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Perth, including a matchup vs Guam on July 3.

Navy Mental Health Boost: Talkspace is expanding its partnership with the U.S. Navy, bringing virtual support and tools for stress and resilience to sailors and families across 13 installations, including Naval Base Guam, with access through TRICARE. Parole Hearing: A convicted rapist serving a reduced sentence after a Supreme Court reversal asked the Guam Parole Board for early release, saying he’s used prison time to change and plans counseling and work if granted. School Time Crunch: With just six instructional days left, GDOE is seeking a waiver from the 180-day mandate after Super Typhoon Sinlaku wiped out six instructional days—lawmakers are being asked to move fast. Bingo Fraud Sentencing: Christine Chan was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison and ordered to pay over $10M in restitution; her husband Jose Arthur Chan also received five years, while others avoided prison via plea deals. Public Health: Whooping cough cases are rising—DPHSS confirmed new pertussis cases and is urging vaccinations, including a free clinic Wednesday in Barrigada. Tourism Pressure: GVB says jet fuel costs have surged and is deploying $2M to protect seat capacity as arrivals climb.

Navy mental health boost: Talkspace is expanding its partnership with the U.S. Navy, bringing virtual stress and therapy tools to sailors and families across 13 Navy installations, including Naval Base Guam, with access through TRICARE and a self-paced app for more than 40,000 people. Local oversight: The Guam Civil Service Commission has opened an investigation into a potential improper above-step recruitment/promotion at Guam Memorial Hospital, after concerns that the Department of Administration didn’t review and approve the salary adjustment. Health watch: DPHSS confirmed 13 pertussis (whooping cough) cases this year and is urging vaccinations, with a free immunization clinic set for Wednesday in Barrigada. Community resilience: A Saipan social work student shifted her internship to support World Central Kitchen meal distribution after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Education & jobs: Guam Community College’s board selected Judith Guthertz as the next president, while GDOE special needs therapy services are resuming after a suspension.