AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining & Guam Activism: A coalition is pushing Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to halt the Dec. 16 deep-sea mining lease sale near the Marianas, but Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause it before an Oct. 19 deadline, shifting the fight to public comments and ongoing lawsuits. Ocean, Health & Community: A new report highlights long-running fears over pesticide contamination in Guam’s water, with residents warning about cancer risks tied to dieldrin near a U.S. Air Force base. Mental Health in the Region: U.S. Army Pacific teams just wrapped a two-week community engagement across the Federated States of Micronesia, training religious and community leaders to spot distress and strengthen coping. Youth & Education: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPads and scholarships. Culture & Lifestyle: “Japan Sunday 2026” returns Sept. 27 at Micronesia Mall with calligraphy, crafts, aikido, taiko, and more. Science Communication: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named Thomas Mangloña II as the first Marianas Science Communications Fellow to bring research to communities.

Student Wellbeing: Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Xi Tau chapter is hosting “Behind the Smile: Mental Health Awareness Fair” Sept. 30 at Surry Community College, with free resources, coping-skill activities, and a 1 p.m. cardio drumming session. Youth Leadership: GTA has named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding each an iPad Air and a $1,000 scholarship, with top leaders also receiving extra travel miles. Lifestyle & Dining: Dusit Place Guam is rebranding into a bigger destination, adding New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, and SRS Chrono, with Paradise Premium Fitness and the Aquarium of Guam reopening planned. Identity & Health: The Pacific nation formerly known as Nauru officially changed its name to Naoero at the UN, while a Pacific life-expectancy analysis shows Naoero’s decline to the lowest in the region. Culture & Community: Japan Sunday 2026 returns Sept. 27 at Micronesia Mall with calligraphy, taiko, aikido, and crafts. Science Communication: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named Thomas Mangloña II as its first Marianas Science Communications Fellow to bring research to communities. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam activists are urging Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to stop a Northern Marianas lease sale, as permits could move quickly.

Guam Lifestyle & Retail: Dusit Place in Tumon is rebranding into a bigger “destination” with new tenants including New Era (first Guam location), Shogun Teppanyaki, and SRS Chrono, plus Paradise Premium Fitness on the way; the Aquarium of Guam is also set to reopen later this year. Pacific Health & Identity: A new report highlights how life expectancy across Pacific island countries has risen overall, but Naoero (formerly Nauru) has seen a sharp slide to the lowest in the region; separately, President David Adeang told the UN the country’s name change to Naoero restores heritage—“Say our name.” UN Diplomacy & Regional Cooperation: At UNGA in New York, India and Pacific Island leaders (FIPIC) reaffirmed partnership plans focused on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare, and capacity building. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Activists are urging Guam Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to halt a Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale, but he says he won’t ask Interior to pause it before the Oct. 19 deadline. Science for Communities: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named Thomas Mangloña II as the first Marianas Science Communications Fellow to help translate environmental research for people across Guam and the CNMI. Culture Calendar: Japan Sunday 2026 returns to Guam with calligraphy, crafts, aikido, taiko, and more at Micronesia Mall on Sept. 27, open to everyone.

India–Pacific diplomacy: On UNGA sidelines in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar chaired the second FIPIC foreign ministers’ meeting, with leaders including the FSM’s attorney general and health officials from across the Pacific discussing renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare, and capacity-building. Deep-sea mining pressure in the Marianas: Guam activists are ramping up before a Dec. 16 lease sale deadline, holding “Deep Sea Mining 101” screenings and urging Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to halt the process—though Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause it, pointing to pending lawsuits. Science storytelling for Micronesia: The University of Guam named Thomas Mangloña II as the first CIS & Sea Grant Marianas Science Communications Fellow to translate research into community-focused stories across Guam and the CNMI. Community mental health in FSM: U.S. Army Pacific completed a two-week engagement with religious and community leaders across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae to strengthen resilience and coping support. Culture on the move: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, opens in Honolulu at UH Mānoa this Sunday.

Science & Storytelling: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named journalist Thomas Manglona II as the first Marianas Science Communications Fellow, aiming to translate climate and conservation research into community-ready stories across Guam and the CNMI. Media & Democracy: Fiji’s Deputy PM urged Pacific governments to work with media to fight misinformation without “over-managing” news outlets, warning that unsustainable journalism can’t survive rapid tech change. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: On Guam, activists with Prutehi Guåhan and partners are ramping up community action ahead of a Dec. 16 deep-sea mining lease sale, including “Deep Sea Mining 101” screenings—while Gov. David Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause the process before the Oct. 19 deadline. Community Resilience: U.S. Army Pacific wrapped a two-week mental health and religious leader engagement across the Federated States of Micronesia, training trusted leaders to spot distress and strengthen coping and connections. Health Access Watch: Across the U.S., Medicaid rules are tightening—Oct. 1 noncitizen eligibility changes and Jan. 1 work requirements—raising alarms for residents and local governments, including Micronesian-eligible groups. Culture & Learning: Guam’s Saipan Chamber marked 50 years, and Guam Cancer Care opened registration for Strides for the Cure 2K/5K on Oct. 3.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam activists are ramping up community pressure over the proposed Dec. 16 deep-sea mining lease sale, saying the island was “pushed out” of the comment period; Prutehi Guåhan is scheduling “Deep Sea Mining 101” screenings starting Sept. 30 at the University of Guam, with a second film planned for November, while separate legal fights in Washington also heat up. Science Communication Spotlight: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to help translate regional research for communities across Guam and the CNMI. Mental Health, Community Resilience: U.S. Army Pacific engagement teams wrapped a two-week effort across FSM, working with religious leaders, veterans, youth, and stakeholders on recognizing distress and strengthening coping and support networks. Culture & Learning Events: GTA announced its 2026–27 Youth Leaders, and Japan Sunday 2026 is set for Sept. 27 at Micronesia Mall with calligraphy, arts, aikido, and taiko. Health Care Watch: Federal Medicaid changes are rolling out in the U.S., with new noncitizen restrictions starting Oct. 1 and work requirements for many adults beginning Jan. 1, 2027—raising alarm for families already stretched thin.

Mental Health & Faith Partnerships (FSM): U.S. Army Pacific’s Oceania Engagement Team and chaplain directorate wrapped a two-week community outreach across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, meeting religious leaders, veterans, youth groups and stakeholders to strengthen local resilience, teach leaders to spot distress, and connect people to extra support when needed. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback (CNMI/Marianas): Environmental and community groups urged Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal authority to halt the PACM-2 deep-sea mining lease sale, but he said he won’t ask Interior to pause or cancel before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing instead to formal comments and ongoing lawsuits. Cancer Fundraiser (Guam): Guam Cancer Care and the Baker Foundation announced the 25th Strides for the Cure 2K/5K on Oct. 3, with all proceeds supporting the Kids for the Cure cancer education program for school-age children. Youth Leadership (Guam): GTA named five student leaders for the 2026–27 school year, highlighting service, advocacy, academics, arts, entrepreneurship and environmental work. Micronesian Culture in Hawaiʻi: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, is set for a Honolulu reception at UH Mānoa this Sunday with performances and a gallery tour. Health Coverage Shock (U.S. policy affecting Micronesians): Multiple reports detail major Medicaid eligibility changes tied to federal rules, including restrictions for certain noncitizens starting Oct. 1 and work requirements beginning Jan. 1, with COFA-related eligibility noted as a key exception.

Toxic Water Fears on Guam: New records tied to decades of dieldrin contamination have residents in Yigo worried about long-term cancer risk from pesticide-tainted wells. Youth & Community Spotlight (Guam): GTA named five GTA Youth Leaders for SY 2026–27, highlighting student service, advocacy, arts, entrepreneurship, and environmental work. Health Costs Hit Hard (U.S. policy with local impact): Stories from Covered California show premiums jumping about 1500% after subsidy cuts, while Medicaid rules nationwide are tightening—noncitizen eligibility changes begin Oct. 1 and work requirements start Jan. 1. Cancer Fundraiser Returns (Guam): Guam Cancer Care’s Strides for the Cure 2K/5K is back Oct. 3, with proceeds funding the Kids for the Cure education program. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback (CNMI/Marianas): Activists are urging Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to stop the Dec. 16 lease sale, but he says he won’t ask Interior to pause it before the Oct. 19 deadline. Micronesian Culture in Hawai‘i: “Ocean of Peace” opens at UH Mānoa this Sunday, bringing Micronesian art to Honolulu. Agriculture Legacy (NMI): Ben Borja, a pioneer of modern agriculture in the Northern Marianas, died at 77.

Guam Community & Culture: Guam Cancer Care is bringing back the Strides for the Cure 2K/5K on Oct. 3 near Dusit Thani Guam Resort, with 100% of proceeds supporting its Kids for the Cure cancer education program for school-age youth. Saipan Business Milestone: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce marked 50 years with a Golden Jubilee celebration, honoring past leaders and looking ahead to partnerships through tough economic times. Remembering Local Legacy: Ben Borja, a pioneer of modern agriculture in the Northern Marianas, died at 77, remembered for bringing farming knowledge home after studying abroad. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Activists are urging Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to stop a Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale, but he says he won’t ask Interior to pause or cancel before the Oct. 19 deadline. Indigenous Knowledge & AI: Researchers warn that generative AI can spread fake “history” and strip Indigenous Knowledge of context, raising concerns about consent and cultural authority. Health Policy Shock (US Pacific ties): New federal Medicaid rules are set to tighten eligibility for noncitizens starting Oct. 1 and add work requirements for many adults in 2027, with major coverage risks for affected families. Arts & Learning: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, opens in Honolulu at UH Mānoa this Sunday, bringing contemporary Micronesian voices to the East-West Center Gallery.

Indigenous Knowledge & AI: Researchers warn that generative AI is spreading fake “archaeology” images and flattening Indigenous Knowledge by stripping context and reusing cultural intellectual property without consent. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Activists are urging CNMI Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to halt the Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale, but he says he won’t ask Interior to pause it before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing instead to pending lawsuits and public comments. Micronesian Arts in Hawaiʻi: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, opens at UH Mānoa this Sunday with a reception, gallery tour, and live performances. Japanese Culture Day: Guam’s Consulate-General of Japan and the Japan Club host “Japan Sunday 2026” Sept. 27 at Micronesia Mall, featuring calligraphy, crafts, aikido, and taiko. Health & Rights Watch: New federal Medicaid rules are set to tighten eligibility for noncitizens and add work requirements in 2027, with Micronesian COFA migrants noted among those affected. Pacific Social Protection: A UN brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to handle poverty, climate shocks, and economic volatility.

Immigration & Rights: Stop AAPI Hate launched an interactive ICE tracker after reporting a sharp rise in arrests, detentions, and deportations affecting Asian and Pacific Islander communities, including a 436% jump in arrests (Jan. 20, 2025–Aug. 6, 2026). Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Pacific and community groups are urging Northern Marianas Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to halt the PACM-2 deep-sea mining lease sale, but he says he won’t ask Interior to pause it before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing instead to comments and ongoing lawsuits. Micronesian Culture Spotlight: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, opens in Honolulu at UH Mānoa this Sunday with performances and a gallery tour. Marine Conservation: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and deep-sea environments to guide future protection plans. Health Policy Impact: New federal Medicaid rules are set to tighten eligibility and add work requirements in North Carolina starting in 2026–2027, with major changes also affecting noncitizens. Wellness & Tradition: WHO calls for more research into traditional medicine as health needs grow, while “inclusive wellness” pushes for definitions built with the communities they serve.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Environmental and community groups are urging Northern Marianas Gov. David M. Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to stop the Dec. 16 deep-sea mining lease sale near the Mariana Trench, warning “consultation” isn’t consent as Interior weighs permits. Governors’ Stance: Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause or cancel before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits and planning formal public comments instead. Micronesian Art Spotlight: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, is set for a Honolulu debut at UH Mānoa this Sunday with tours, performances, and artist-curator context. Tokelau Marine Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a first baseline survey of Tokelau’s reefs and deep ocean to guide future protection plans and a national ocean policy. Wellness With a Lens: A new “inclusive wellness” glossary argues wellness should be built with the input of the communities it serves, not one default idea of “well.” Culture & Travel: Japan Sunday 2026 brings calligraphy, taiko, aikido, and more to Micronesia Mall, while Palau tourism is getting a boost as Qantas doubles direct flights from Brisbane.

Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Environmental and community groups are urging Northern Marianas Gov. David Apatang to use a federal rule to recommend stopping the Dec. 16 deep-sea mining lease sale near the Mariana Trench, but Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause it before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits and planning formal public comments instead. Culture & Arts: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, opens in Honolulu at UH Mānoa this Sunday with tours, performances, and refreshments. Ocean Conservation: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a major baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and deep ocean to guide future protection plans and a national ocean policy. Indigenous Rights & Climate: Human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is unraveling Indigenous culture and rights across the Pacific, framing it as a human rights violation. Wellness & Inclusion: A new inclusive wellness glossary challenges “wellness” to be defined by and built with underrepresented communities. Travel & Visas: New Zealand and Australia both published updated transit-without-visa lists and rules, including the need for an NZeTA for New Zealand transit.

Japanese Culture in Guam: The Consulate-General of Japan and the Japan Club of Guam invite everyone to “Japan Sunday 2026” at Micronesia Mall Center Court on Sept. 27, with calligraphy (shodo), crafts, aikido, taiko, and kyudo demos running from 1 p.m. to about 3:30 p.m. Micronesian Art Spotlight: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, opens in Honolulu this Sunday at UH Mānoa’s East-West Center Gallery, with a reception, tour, live performances, and refreshments. Tokelau Ocean Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a first baseline study of Tokelau’s nearshore reefs, offshore waters, and deep sea to guide future protection plans and a possible national ocean policy. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Pacific groups are urging CNMI Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to halt a deep-sea mining lease sale near the Mariana Trench before an Oct. 19 deadline. Health Policy Watch (Micronesia link): New U.S. Medicaid rules starting Oct. 1 tighten eligibility for many noncitizens, but COFA migrants—including people from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau—are listed among those who may still qualify. Culture & Climate Rights: Indigenous Chamorro lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is eroding Indigenous culture and rights, framing it as a human rights issue, not just an environmental one.

Micronesian Arts & Community: “Ocean of Peace” brings a new Honolulu debut of Micronesian art to UH Mānoa this Sunday, with a gallery tour, live performances, and works shown alongside East-West Center treasures. Ocean Conservation: National Geographic’s Pristine Seas launches a first baseline survey of Tokelau’s reefs and deep-sea waters to guide future protection plans and a national ocean policy. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Activists and Pacific groups are urging Northern Marianas Gov. David Apatang to use federal authority to stop a Dec. 16 deep-sea mining lease sale near the Mariana Trench. Indigenous Rights & Climate: Chamorro human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is unraveling Indigenous culture and rights, framing cultural loss as a human rights issue. Health Policy Impact (COFA & Micronesia): New federal Medicaid rules starting Oct. 1 tighten eligibility for many noncitizens, but COFA migrants—including people from Micronesia—are listed among those who may remain eligible. Education & Regional Growth: University of Guam enrollment rises to 2,942 for Fall 2026, with growth in undergraduate and doctoral programs.

Social Protection & Resilience: A new UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS must expand social protection to cut poverty and better handle climate and economic shocks, noting coverage is above 90% in Cook Islands and Palau but below 30% in places including FSM, Tonga, Kiribati, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO is calling for more research into traditional and complementary medicine as health needs grow, with member states already making commitments to build research centers and trials. Inclusive Wellness: A new wellness glossary pushes the idea that “well” should be defined with historically underrepresented communities, not just one default group’s experience. Culture Reconnection at Sea: Hōkūleʻa’s 1976 voyage is being remembered through talks highlighting traditional wayfinding and how the journey helped spark a Hawaiian cultural revival. Indigenous Rights & Climate: Guam lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is eroding Indigenous culture and rights, arguing these harms should be treated as human rights violations. U.S.-Pacific Engagement: A U.S. deputy secretary tour announced new economic, disaster-recovery and cultural preservation support across FSM, Solomon Islands and Kiribati, while also warning about China’s “malign activities.” CNMI Seabed Mining Debate: A push for stronger protections and revenue sharing for Pacific territories affected by seabed mining is gaining attention, with lawmakers asking what communities should have a say in before extraction begins.