$6.3 million in individual tax refunds paid this week
More tax refunds were sent out in the mail this week. The Department of Revenue & Taxation processed and the Department of Administration mailed checks or paid by direct deposit. In total, 2,302 individual tax refund payments totaling $6.3 millon were pai
CNMI AG joints national partnership with U.S. Dept. of Transportation
The CNMI Attorney General’s Office joins a national partnership with the U.S. Dept. of transportation. It’s aimed at ensuring that the rights of aviation consumers are protected. CNMI AG Edward Manibusan said an MOU with DOT will allow both pa
Man dead after found floating in Tumon waters
A man is dead after he was found floating approximately 50 yards from shore behind Guam Reef Hotel in Tumon. First responders got the call around 1 pm, according to Guam Fire Department spokesperson Lt. Nick Garrido. His body was pulled from the water and
'I do not have a choice': Joanne Camacho speaks out on leaving Guam DOE
Former Guam Department of Education deputy superintendent of finance and administrative services Joann Camacho sat down with KUAM amid claims she experienced toxicity during her six months in her role. “I do not have a choice. I cannot fight back wh
OPA to release eight audits in 2024 to include one that will make 'headlines'
Improving public trust and government performance, Public Auditor B.J. Cruz speaking at a Guam Chamber of Commerce general meeting at the Hilton earlier this week. He says there are eight audits currently ongoing, warning one of them when released will ma
No bacteria in system: Boil water notified lifted for Agana Heights, Sinajana and Maina
The boil water notice in three central villages has been lifted. The Guam Waterworks Authority, with the concurrence of Guam Environmental Protection Agency, announced at 11 am Saturday that they are terminating the notice. Officials confirmed that follow
Vetoed Bill 213 fails to get votes for override
Vetoed Bill 213 fails to get the votes for an override. The measure would have had GovGuam agency and department head officials be given fines if they failed to provide their audits to the Office of Public Accountability past the deadline. Vice Speaker Ti
Visiting CODEL discusses veterans, transportation issues
Veterans’ issues, transpiration and infrastructure and other topics were discussed today with a visiting congressional delegation. Guam Delegate James Moylan announcing it includes Illinois Congressman Mike Bost and Missouri Congressman Sam Graves w
Another suspect identified in deadly robbery, Manibusan wants house arrest
There are new details to report about the deadly Thai Thai shooting. The second man witnesses spotted on the scene the day a Dededo mother was robbed, shot and killed outside of the Tamuning restaurant has been identified. KUAM independently confirming th
Clients, volunteers share message of hope at Passport to Services event
The homeless population on island seems to be growing and many of them are in major need of assistance. KUAM News brings you to the island's capital, where there was a one-stop event creating a pathway in hopes to get them out of homelessness. The annual
Job seekers admit difficulties in joining workforce
Getting in on the local workforce isn't as easy for most on our island. Still, many are hopeful and willing to work hard. This is the attitude of those looking to make better lives for themselves and their families. KUAM's Destiny Cruz speaking with eager
E. coli found in well: Agana Heights, Sinajana, Maina, Hagat to boil water
A water well that serves residents in the central Guam villages of Agana Heights, Sinajana, and Maina has tested positive for E.coli. The Guam Waterworks Authority has issued a boil water notice as a result of the positive sample taken on Wednesday. Conta
Judiciary advances Case Planning Practices with Evidence-Based Training
Recognizing the need to bolster rehabilitation strategies through evidence-based practices, the Judiciary of Guam’s Probation Services Division participated in case planning training at the Judicial Education Center last week. Led by Eric Willoughby
University of Guam Agriculture Majors meet top USDA directors in D.C.
At the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters on Feb. 15 in Washington, D.C., University of Guam students Charlene Badajos and Jamilee Cruz were among several students asked to stand during a speech by Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack. Duri
Chief Justice Torres to deliver State of Judiciary Address on May 1
Chief Justice Robert J. Torres will deliver the 2024 State of the Judiciary Address on Wednesday, May 1 at 10 a.m., in the Speaker Antonio R. Unpingco Legislative Session Hall at the Guam Congress Building. The State of the Judiciary address will provide
Early registration for Fall Semester open to University of Guam Students
An announcement from the University of Guam notifies that early registration for the Fanuchånan (Fall) 2024 semester is open. Continuing and returning students including Graduate Students, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, Regent Scholars, Nat
Guam Police Department officer tests positive for meth
A positive drug test and a glass pipe left inside a cop car. Multiple police sources close to the investigation confirmed that a longtime officer with the Guam Police Department recently tested positive for meth. The officer, who was recently transferred
Is the clock ticking on TikTok in the United States?
The clock is ticking on the popular app TikTok as President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that presents Bytedance, TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company, with an ultimatum: Either sell the app to an approved buyer within nine months or face a ban
Judge disqualifies Attorney General from case against GRTA defendants
A major update to one of the Government of Guam corruption cases. The Attorney General has been disqualified due to a conflict in the case against Guam Regional Transit Authority officials. Defense Attorney Jay Arriola represents defendant Alejo Sablan. H
Don Don Donki officially open to the community
A crowd of shoppers beat the sunrise for a chance to be among the first to check out the new Don Don Donki store in Tamuning. Employees at the Japanese Discount Mega Store cheered as customers like Doris Manglona walked through the entrance. She shared, &
'Trump is a traitor' shirt causes disruption during session
A brief disruption during talks on a measure dealing with Guam Power Authority revenue bonds. The fashion police were down at the Guam Legislature during session Wednesday. This as Senator Tom Fisher was present and in a t-shirt with the slogan ‘Tru
Local children’s book ‘Tåsi, Tåno’, and Pulan’ to launch at Aquarium of Guam on Saturday
The University of Guam Press is hosting a special book launch for local children’s book Tåsi, Tåno’, and Pulan at the Aquarium of Guam this Saturday. Tåsi, Tåno’, and Pulan is authored by freelance filmmaker, acto
Commonwealth Casino Commission deliberates on IPI's exclusive license
The Commonwealth Casino Commission finds itself in the 11th hour of yet another hearing where it looks for solutions to somehow revive IPI’s business on Saipan. But not everyone supports another gamble. Rep. Marissa Flores said, “I urge you to
U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducts National Immunization Survey
The Department of Public Health and Social Services is informing the public that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will conduct the 2024 National Immunization Survey in Guam, starting in April 2024. With the survey expected to be ongoing
University of Guam hosts Symposium on Future of the CHamoru Language on May 4
The public is invited to a free symposium on the future of the CHamoru Language at the University of Guam. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, May 4, in the Lecture Hall on the UOG campus and will be livestreamed on Zoom. A decreasing num
Guam Economic Development Authority expends $2.4M in FY’22 federal awards
The Office of Public Accountability released the Guam Economic Development Authority’s Report on Compliance for fiscal year 2022. The Report on Compliance comprises of the Report on Compliance for Each Major Federal Program; Report on Internal Contr
New Youth Apprenticeship program launched with hotel partners
The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announced the launch of the Hotel Associate Youth Apprenticeship program, an initiative designed to equip youth with skills and experience for a future in Guam’s hospitality industry. This program provides hi
GPD's SWAT unit trains Port Police on water safety/confidence
Being surrounded by water, dealing with the Pacific Ocean tends to comes naturally to most professions. But for those in local law enforcement, the most-elite of the Guam Police Department are making sure their colleagues at other agencies are equipped wi
Four Guam police officers identified in illegal gambling investigation
Local law enforcement involved in illegal gambling after allegations surfaced in unsealed records in the District Court of Guam detailing the secret service investigation, which launched in late 2020. Four Guam police officers are identified for their all
NCIS investigates 102 videos of sailors posted on pornographic website
More than a hundred navy sailors stationed on Guam found themselves a target, unknowingly having their privacy violated. Sexually explicit images of the military members weren’t just recorded without them knowing but also without their consent. It w
Guam Power Authority announced scheduled power outages for select villages
The Guam Power Authority is advising the community of that a scheduled power outage in the following areas: Dededo 12:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m . - Mendioka St., E. Adding St., Alageta St., Acho Latte St., Chalan Acho Nonak, Chalan Akudi, Uhang St., Kalamasa Dr
Accused drug smuggler posted tracking number of meth package on Facebook
Authorities involved in a six month federal drug investigation catch a break after one of their targets accidentally posts a tracking number on Facebook. That number linked to a package that contained meth. On March 23 of last year, the DEA began looking
Prison escapee told police he did not deserve to be locked up
The prisoner who escaped from the Department of Corrections in Mangilao Tuesday allegedly told police he ran away to see his alleged victim in a separate strangulation case. Twenty-five-year-old Eldon Cruz Aflleje is charged with felony escape in Superior
National Level Exercise promotes disaster preparedness
Climate change implications for national security, information sharing, response and stabilization, and intermediate and long-term recovery were the four national level objectives local and federal officials discussed today during the National Level Exerc
CNMI Attorney General comments on public corruption investigations
In a rare interview, the CNMI’s first elected Attorney General Edward Manibusan spoke about ongoing public corruption cases being prosecuted by the office’s Public Integrity Task Force. One of the most watched cases is against former Gov. Ralp
Two new engines will be assigned to Yona and Dededo fire station
It's an exciting time for the Guam Fire Department as they have picked up two new engines. Acting Fire Chief Joey San Nicolas said they arrived Monday and the registration and proper paperwork has been completed and can be issued out to the field. “
Gas odor at Southern High School, campus closes for the day
Southern High School students were dismissed at 9 a.m. today due to a gas smell on campus. Guam Fire Department units responded immediately to conduct air monitoring tests, which showed negative findings. The private company that supplies LP gas was also
Delegate Moylan meets with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials
Delegate James Moylan met with executives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture this afternoon at his office in Hagatna, to continue the conversations the Guam Congressional Office has been having with USDA officials to improve program opportunities for
Guam Community College’s Business and Visual Communications hosts reverse job fair
Guam Community College's Business and Visual Communications Department proudly announced the 6th Annual LinkUp!: Turning Degrees into Careers. Scheduled for April 24th and 25th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at Guam Community College New
U.S. Coast Guard partners conduct Multi-Agency Strike Force Operation at the Port of Guam
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam spearheaded a comprehensive Multi-Agency Strike Force Operation, meticulously inspecting 172 containers at the Port of Guam. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of cont
GovGuam awarded $62.4M through Solar for All program
The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announced a recent award of $62.4 million under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program. This substantial investment will empower low and moderate-income households across Guam with a
Public Health: Two restaurants shutdown after failing inspection
Two local restaurants had their sanitary permits suspended following a recent inspection by the Department of Public Health Division of Environmental Health. LA Tofu & Galbi in Tamuning was inspected on April 11 following a complaint. Inspectors found pre
KUAM captures moment authorities arrest prison escapee
Cell phone footage of the moment officers captured an escapee from the Department of Corrections prison Tuesday morning. It was a Barrigada resident near the scene who took the video. SWAT officers and a DOC Special Operations Team converged along Army Dr
Parties to get 30 minutes to argue Attorney General conflict case
The Attorney General’s conflict case is going before justices in the Supreme Court of Guam today. AG Doug Moylan and the Governor’s legal counsel Leslie Travis along with others appeared virtually to find out what happens next. The case is ove
Atkins Kroll donates 2024 Toyota Tacoma to American Red Cross Guam
Mobility is more than just moving from point A to point B. For the American Red Cross Guam chapter, a vehicle is a lifeline. From helping families who lost everything to a house fire to sheltering and feeding the island after Typhoon Mawar, help simply ca
Saipan casino files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Imperial Pacific International in the CNMI recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in NMI District Court. KUAM learned that the Saipan Casino, which has been out of operation and has been fighting to keep its exclusive gaming license, owes at least $165-
80th Liberation theme announced, “Todu i Tiempo i Pås Para Hita” - Peace For Us Always
The Office of the Governor of Guam, along with the Mayors’ Council of Guam and the Guam Visitors Bureau, announce the theme for the 80th commemoration of Guam's Liberation: “Todu i Tiempo i Pås Para Hita.” These words, which transl
CNMI Governor shares recovery journey at re-entry program ceremony
Northern Mariana Islands Governor Arnold Palacios shared his recovery journey at the soft opening of the Community Outreach Partnership Program Office under the Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program in Chalan Kanoa on Saipan. “I use
Guam Power Authority confirms March 2024 Energy Credit applied
The Guam Power Authority announced that all active GPA accounts have been credited with $100 as part of the extended Prugråman Ayuda Para I Taotao-ta Energy Credit program. The March 2024 credit represents the third and last $100 energy credit in th
Governor Leon Guerrero and FEMA announce National Level Exercise 2024
The National Exercise Program is gearing up for its flagship event, the National Level Exercise 2024, slated to take place on April 24, 2024 at the RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam Resort. This exercise, organized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a c
No immediate threat to Marianas assessed from reported North Korea launch
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense, and alongside the Mariana Regional Fusion Center, federal, and military partners, continue to monitor events surrounding the region including reports of the recent launch of an unidentified projecti
UPDATE: Prison escapee captured near Barrigada post office
A three-hour long manhunt for a detainee who escaped from the Department of Corrections prison in Mangilao ended with his capture. Eldon Cruz Aflleje, 25, was tracked down by authorities along Route 16 Army Drive in Barrigada. Officers with the Guam Polic
Dr. Nine to work in an acting capacity while search for CME replacement begins
The meeting of the Commission on the Post-Mortem Examinations started off with the selection of its Chairman. Attorney General Douglas Moylan and Vice-Chairman and Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio were present and immediately got down to important matters.
Universal garbage collection plan debated on session floor
It was literal trash talk on the legislative session floor when senators debated Bill-165 this afternoon. The measure would establish the Guam Solid Waste Authority’s Universal Garbage Collection plan. The bill hopes to curb illegal dumping and main
First look inside Village of Donki Guam during soft opening
Inside Don Don Donki Guam, there are three floors of affordable produce, snacks, beauty products, wholesale items and much much more await. Donki Spokesperson Misaki Toves said, “You can look forward to our exclusive line. We also have fresh produce
Artists showcase work at Saipan’s Flame Tree Arts Festival
Mathew Masga is a long-time carver from Tinian. He’s one of many artists who displayed and sold their work over the weekend at the Flame Tree Arts Festival on Saipan. He said, “I've been displaying the Chamorro necklace, which are called spond
Complaint: Pregnant woman attacked with metal pipe
A woman allegedly attacked an expectant mother with a metal pipe. Fifty-seven-year-old Katherine Nick is charged with aggravated assault and assault of an unborn child. On Sunday, officers learned Nick allegedly pulled the victim to the ground by her hair
CNMI Chief Parole Officer’s bench trial begins
CNMI Chief Parole Officer Nick Reyes appeared in Superior Court on Saipan. Reyes, who is facing allegations of misconduct in public office and forgery, had his day in court as his bench trial began on Saipan Monday. In a February hearing, Reyes asserted h
Car fire in Dededo, red flag warning in effect
A viewer-submitted video captured in Dededo today showed units with the Guam Fire Department putting out the flames of a burning car. The footage was sent to KUAM around 11:30 this morning. Firefighters as you can see were able to quickly put it out. No i
U.S. Senate confirms CNMI Chief Judge Manglona for second term
CNMI District Court Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 97-2 last week. She will serve a second 10-year term on the bench. In November, Manglona appeared before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington D.C
Eighth Harmon junkyard fire extinguished hours later with 1 firefighter treated for exhaustion
A follow up now to the Harmon junkyard fire that took place on Thursday afternoon. The fire, which is the eighth one at the same spot, remains under investigation with Guam Fire Department. GFD Spokesperson Lt. Nick Garrido confirmed the Bureau of Alcohol
Coasties discuss recent rescue at Pikelot Atoll
On March 31, three mariners from Polowat Atoll in Chuuk went fishing toward Pikelot when their boat ran into the reef. The men were stranded for the next nine days on the uninhabited island. Culinary Specialist 1st Class Joshua Pablo and Lt. Ray Cerrato w
Lieutenant Governors visit Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz
The discussion on cultural and natural resource protection was among the issues brought up during a visit Friday to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz with the Lt. Governor's of Guam and the CNMI. CNMI Lt. Governor David Apatang joined Guam's Lt. Governor Joshua
University of Guam Scam Alert: Beware of social media scams offering online courses
A scam alert out of the University of Guam is being made to the public and they are being warned of a bogus social media ad and posts impersonating the UOG Facebook and Instagram accounts. The ads are being sent out from an account under the name “l
Tepungan beach park unveils sixth coastal sign
The Bureau of Statistics and Plans unveiled its sixth coastal sign at the Tepungan Beach Park with funding made possible from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. Prior launches have occurred at the Ypao Beach Park, Talo&rs
Guam Power Authority, University of Guam partnership to provide internship for college students
The Guam Power Authority announced its partnership with the University of Guam to provide internship opportunities for college students interested in a career within the power utility industry. On April 4, 2024, GPA and UOG met to sign a Memorandum of Und
$5.8M in Individual Tax Refunds paid this week
The Department of Revenue & Taxation and the Department of Administration processed and mailed checks or paid by direct deposit, 2,076 Individual Tax (1040) refund payments totaling $5,812,028. Individual Tax refunds paid this week total 2,211 (94%), of w
Dr. Mary Hattori confirmed to Hawai‘i State Board of Education
The Hawai’i State Senate confirmed Dr. Mary Therese Perez Hattori to the Hawai‘I State Board of Education. Hattori, a Guam native, said she is committed to advancing the vision of a K-12 educational system that prepares all students to be glob
Nearly 50 pounds of meth seized in mail packages
Nearly 50 pounds of meth was found in the mail. The details coming to light after multiple cases were unsealed in the District Court of Guam this week. The cases date back to August 2020 and continue through december of last year. The drugs were found in
Complaint: Man recorded child showering, told police he was ‘messing around’
A man is under arrest accused of filming a 12-year-old girl while she was in the shower. Forty-six-year-old Edward Prens is charged twice with invasion of privacy. Court documents state the child was using the outside shower at a Yigo residence when she h
Proposed bill would extend family and medical leave for miscarriages & stillbirths
The Guam Legislature convened for a regular session on Friday. During today’s session, lawmakers discussed a bill authored by Senator Will Parkinson and co-sponsored by Senator Amanda Shelton would extend family care and medical leave for miscarriag
Delegate submits amendments in Security Supplemental Appropriations Act
Discussions to enhance safety in our region was discussed during a U.S. House Rules Committee hearing held in the nation's capital today. Congressman James Moylan submitting several amendments to H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropria
Man gets three years in federal cyberstalking case
35-year-old Eric Galvan was sentenced to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to unauthorized access of a protected computer. The court recommended he be held in terminal island in San Pedro, California. As KUAM reported, Galvan went to the victim&
Drug dealer gets three years in federal prison
A drug dealer is senteced to three years in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Dominic Joshua Cruz learned his fate before Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood in the District Court of Guam. The court recommended he serve his time at Sheridan Federal Correction
Drive-by shooting defendant denied request to dismiss charges
Drive-by shooting defendant Nicholas Moore is denied his request to have his case dismissed in the Superior Court of Guam. Defense called for the dismissal after the court granted a second mistrial. Judge Vernon Perez issued his decision stating Wednesday
$12.9M road project in southern Guam completed
A multi-million dollar road construction project in the southern part of Guam has officially been completed. The Route 5 reconstruction and widening project is a $12.9 million project funded by the Federal Highway Administration and completed by InfraTech
Luis P. Untalan Middle School winning streak continues at the Guam History Day competition
The Guam Department of Education congratulates the exceptional achievement of Luis P. Untalan Middle School, which secured first place in seven out of eight categories at the Guam History Day competition. The event, which took place in March, revolved aro