
Man allegedly said meth use contributes to his abuse of victim
After months of allegedly threatening and abusing a woman known to him, 40-year-old Jonathon Mendiola is facing charges of Terrorizing, Terrorizing with a special allegation of Deadly Weapon Used in a Felony, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substan

Guam Racing Federation fighting eviction notice, Simpson confident “we’ll be able to save the racetrack”
To receive an eviction statement in any context is a scary thing, indicating the possibility that you could be displaced from your home. Even more harrowing is when such an announcement is delivered suddenly and without any justification. This is the prec

Guam keen on applying innovative treatments for mental health
Imagine a device that can help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and smoking addiction, to name a few. The Todu Guam Foundation, in line with their Mindcare project, which launches in the coming months, recently obtained Guam's first transc

School officials have a year to address Sanchez issues
What’s going on at the Home of the Sharks? The Legislative Committee on Education toured the Yigo campus this week, finding rodents, mold, and other issues. Public school officials are being given the year to fix the longstanding problems before hea

New tech delivers life-changing relief for back pain sufferers
There's new hope for people suffering from debilitating back pain. New technology is now available on Guam called 'spinal cord stimulation'. It only requires simple implant surgery, and not long after patients can literally walk away, pain free. Spinal co

Tinian native wins People's Choice in Miss Teen USA Pageant
A Tinian native is making her mark as a Harvard student in Massachusetts, earning her spot in the top fifteen of the state's Miss Teen USA Pageant and being named People's Choice. Isa Long was cheered on by her family and friends at Miss Teen Massachusett

CLTC sends eviction notice for Guam International Raceway
The Guam Racing Federation announced an indefinite suspension of activities at the Guam International Raceway in Yigo. The federation received a 30-day eviction notice from the CHamoru Land Trust Commission, according to their press release. They have unt

Alleged carjacker was armed with brass knuckles
Thirtry-one-year-old Jordan Babauta was arrested and charged with Armed Carjacking with a special allegation of Deadly Weapon Used in a Felony, Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Aggravated Assault. A magistrate complaint states that on Jan. 24 or 25, the victi

DPW director: Stay off Marine Corps Drive Saturday during heavy equipment transport
A legislative oversight hearing was also held on the roadway system. Leading off the discussion was the water main break that created huge traffic disruptions on Marine Corps Drive last month. Department of Public Works director Vince Arriola says it was

Highly contagious hand-foot-and-mouth disease on the rise
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is making its rounds once more. Forty-two reported cases are affecting children, some as young as 12 months old since the start of the year tells you it’s a highly contagious viral infection. Yet it's one no one seems to

Senators question Public Health about unimplemented emergency food assistance program
Much-needed food assistance for needy families was one of the critical issues discussed during a wide-ranging oversight hearing on the Department of Public Health and Social Services today. Millions of dollars in food items are expected to be passed out i

AG has eye on GPD following revelation of alleged 'bad cops'
Troubling -- that’s what Guam Attorney General Douglas Moylan thinks about the feds' investigation into alleged public corruption in the Guam Police Department. KUAM News reported Thursday that unsealed documents named retired Guam Police Department

Local, federal first responders widen search for missing diver
At sunrise today, Guam Fire Department crews were on the wooden platform at the cove in Alupang. They were there all night. "We provided shoreline searches throughout the night just in case something were to wash up, any evidence of the missing diver were

Unsealed records show 5 pounds of meth shipped to Guam
Nearly five pounds of methamphetamine was found in the mail. Multiple records made public today in the District Court of Guam show the feds intercepted 867 grams of meth sent from Stockton, California to a Dededo address last April. Another package sent f

Lauren Cabrera talks about Boonie Flight Project, SNIP and saving animals
Lauren Cabrera is a friend to all animals of all kinds and works tirelessly with her team of devoted volunteers and likeminded friends to send dogs to the mainland to permanent, loving homes through her Boonie Flight Project, as well as help control the a

Junior Tass allegedly crashed into car in the oncoming lane leaving victim with injuries
Forty-nine-year-old Junior Joseph Tass was arrested and charged with Vehicular Negligence with Bodily Injuries, Vehicular Negligence with Bodily Injuries (BAC) Driving While Impaired and Driving While Impaired (BAC). Court documents state Tass was the dri

Meet the artist for February's 'Mystical Woman' exhibit
It's a theme that came about a long time ago, that's according to artist Dawn Lees Reyes when describing her solo show entitled "Mystical Women." "I've been painting about women for years and years throughout my career as an artist and in a lot of differe

Northern Marianas aims to help homebound veterans live independently and support those who take care of them
CNMI Del. Gregorio Sablan wants to help veterans live independently. "Years ago there was this veteran here whose caregiver was his son and the son was not getting paid at all and I could not get that veteran the benefits he is entitled to because there w

Doctor to determine if alleged Agat shooter is fit to stand trial
The man charged in the deadly shooting of AJ Mendiola will undergo a forensic evaluation in the coming months. Murder defendant Nathan Jon Ojeda appeared before Judge Alberto Lamorena in the Superior Court today. Defense attorney Jocelyn Roden told the co

Man accused of leaving massage parlor without paying also found with meth pipe
He allegedly walked out of a massage parlor without paying for services. And after police found him with a pipe, 44-year-old Anthony Leon Guerrero Untalan is facing charges of Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and Theft of Services. Accordi

Guam's Super Bowl superfans: Casey Castro's all about Chiefs Kingdom
To say that Casey Castro is a fan of the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs is a gross mischaracterization. Casey is a ride-or-die, hardcore, weep-like-a-newborn-at-losses and gloat-on-his-boys-after-big-wins legit fan to his soul. He inherited his fandom fr

Island community says 'adios' to former MTM commissioner Jess Bamba
A grateful island bid farewell and said ‘adios’ to one of its most-loyal public servants, an active member of the community, and a man who wore the pride of Central Guam on his sleeve and heart everyday of his remarkable life. Jesus Bamba, the

High risk of rip currents, small craft advisory in effect
The National Weather Service Guam Weather Forecast Office has the following advisories in effect: A high risk of rip currents remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Tuesday afternoon along east-facing reefs. Rip currents can sweep ev

Efforts continue to find missing diver last seen outside the Alupang area reef line
The search for a missing diver is ongoing in the waters off Rick’s Reef Friday morning. The 35-year-old diver was conducting contract work to support telecommunications on Thursday morning when his colleague reported that he never returned to shore,

42 cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease reported in elementary schools, 15 confirmed
A highly contagious viral infection has hit multiple elementary students in the Guam Department of Education. Forty-two cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease have been reported since the start of the year, according to Department of Public Health and Socia

Red Cross thanks its community volunteers for their life-saving work
Always first, always ready, always there. It’s a calling Red Cross volunteers like Dan Cogar, and Genelyn Paz continue to answer even after years of serving in the armed forces. Cogar has served the past 32 years, dedicated to helping people in thei

Mayors could stop running senior centers this year if they don't get help
Senior centers are a second home to many manamko’ like 72-year-old Antoina Quenga. "Dededo center is my second home. It's beautiful and the managers and employees are sweet and very nice," she told KUAM News. She spends most of her day at the Dededo

AG pushing for lift on abortion ban block says 'we have to enforce it'
The stage is now set for a legal determination on whether abortions will be banned in Guam. Attorney General Douglas Moylan is petitioning the federal court to lift an injunction that has prevented the 1990 statute from being implemented. Its been more th

U.S. expanding military alliance with Philippines
The U.S. continues to try and shore up its strategic relationship with the Philippines. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila today. In an official statement, the defense department said "the Philippin

Philippine labor attaché's visit moves new Migrant Workers Office forward
The effort to open a new Guam "Migrant Workers Office" to assist Filipino H2 workers is moving quickly. Last month Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero announced that in coordination with the Philippine government, an office would be established in Guam. This week, the

Second suspect in December 2022 murder pleads not guilty
Jerron Walliby may have twice denied having anything to do with last December's killing of Arno Narrhun. He was back in court today to officially answer to the murder charges. Walliby pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Jonathan Quan in Superior Co

Local investigation into CNMI's BOOST program ends, chair says it's in the hands of AG
The CNMI legislative investigation into a federally-funded government program meant to boost small businesses and nonprofit organizations will not continue. The new chair of the House Judiciary and Government Operations Committee says that because of ongo

Man accused of rape denied request to have alleged victim deposed
man accused of raping a woman he knows wants the case against him dismissed based on the statute of limitations. James Michael Paulino was hoping to have the alleged victim interviewed under oath as part of his defense. Paulino contends special circumstan

CNMI governor to meet with feds on financial crisis
CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios says a revised budget that accurately reflects the islands' financial health will be made public soon. In January, one legislator revealed that American Rescue Plan funds are at least $86 million in deficit. Local funds are betwe

Search warrants show more police officers allegedly tipping off John 'Boom' Mantanona
Cash, methamphetamine, cars, and public corruption. That’s what can be found in the spread of search warrants recently unsealed in the District Court of Guam. The documents date back to 2016. FBI Special Agent Patrick Ernst stated in a 2018 affidavi

Traffic delays and closures Saturday for transport of new power plant components
Expect traffic delays through Guam's main artery on Saturday Feb. 4 for the first transport of large components for the upcoming Ukudu power plant. The transport convoy will travel to the oncoming lanes at the following intersections along Rt.1: 1) Route

Mayors urged to tour with school board during site visit
The conditions of Guam's public schools were part of today's discussion during the Mayors' Council of Guam meeting. Village mayors shared concerns over the ongoing problems with the aging facilities. Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares says site visits are being

AG petitions district court to vacate abortion ban injunction
Attorney General Doug Moylan has filed a motion that, if successful, would allow a 1990 abortion ban law to go into effect. Moylan has petitioned the Guam District Court to vacate a previous order that has essentially stopped the enforcement of the ban si

22% pay raise approved by governor for many GovGuam staffers
A 22% pay raise is being proposed for a large group of Government of Guam employees. The governor on Tuesday approved a new General Pay Plan, submitted by the Department of Administration, which updates the pay scale for this class of workers for the firs

Pago Bay homeowner speaks out about rash of thefts in neighborhood
A string of thefts in a Chalan Pago neighbordood are causing frustration. Home security camera captured a thief in action at a Pago Bay Estates home yesterday morning. Not once. Not twice. Not even three times. Jeremy Sutton says thieves have targeted his

Homeland Security reminds residents to be mindful of what they share online
Classes are back in session tomorrow for Bishop Baumgartner Memorial Catholic School after a threat was reported yesterday. Officials say threats of gun violence are taken seriously. The school took no chances, temporarily halting classes in response to a

CNMI administration names 13 department heads
CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios and Lieutenant Governor David Apatang have named thirteen department heads in their first announcement of appointments to critical agencies. The annoucement comes as they grapple with the islands' deficit. Palacios announced,

Driver who pleaded no contest in 2019 fatal crash to serve four months in prison
Four months in prison for taking the life of another driver. Charity Alex was sentenced before presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena today. Alex, who pleaded no contest to negligent homicide, got five years with all but four months suspended. She is expected b

High risk of rip currents, small craft advisory in effect until Saturday afternoon
The National Weather Service Guam Weather Forecast Office has the following advisories in effect: A high risk of rip currents remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Saturday afternoon along east-facing reefs. Rip currents can sweep e

Bishop Baumgartner to resume classes on Thursday
Bishop Baumgartner will resume classes on Thursday, February 2. School officials cancelled classes on Tuesday, Jan. 31 as a precaution after a threat indicating possible gun violence to the Sinajana campus was posted on social media. As we reported Tuesda

Half day Wednesday for D.L. Perez Elementary to address flea infestation
Daniel L. Perez Elementary School students will have a half day of school on Wednesday, Feb. 1, as pest control addresses the campus’ flea infestation issue. This follows last Friday’s Guam Department of Education report of fleas biting a DLP

Verbal sparring ensues in GVB meeting between Gutierrez, Morinaga
Tensions remain high between Guam Visitors Bureau president and CEO Carl Gutierrez and key members of the agency's board of directors. The months-long battle over control of the bureau was rekindled today over an attempt to hold a board meeting. The board

GPD's public information officer found guilty of improper parking in Tumon
She’s the face of the local police department. Now, Officer Berlyn Savella finds herself on the other side of the law after getting a traffic ticket. She fought it in superior court - where a judge found her guilty. But, internally on the force, KUA

GMH inks partnership deal with St. Luke's in Philippines
An agreement officially seals a partnership between Guam and the Philippines. Two healthcare facilities more than a thousand miles apart have come together to collaborate for better quality patient care. A shaking of hands signified the start of a medical

Learn more about CAHA programs and goals at Saturday's HITA talk
The Guam Museum’s HITA lecture series return this week with the Guam Council of the Arts and Humanities Agency, otherwise known as CAHA. CAHA Executive Director Sandy Flores is the featured speaker. She gives us a peek on what participants can expec

Teen in custody for social media threat that cancelled classes at Bishop Baumgartner
The Obispos community were subjected to a late-night alert. Classes canceled today after a social media post claiming to shoot up a Sinajana campus got the attention of local authorities. Police are now investigating to find out if the threat was real. St

Two island females develop unbreakable bond through mentoring program
True sisterhood is a bond that doesn't always mean a blood connection. And one big sister/little sister duo have proven how their friendship blossomed into a relationship of a lifetime. At only 8 years old, Anjaymilyn Soiter already has her eyes set on he

Big Wave: tourism program geared to offer big incentives to Japanese visitors
In another bid to boost local tourism, one industry group is rolling out a new program. It's calling on all stakeholders to roll out the discounts and incentives to entice Japanese tourists in particular to visit Guam. The Big Wave is the latest initiativ

CNMI "ice" busts reveal more smuggling through the mail than sea ports
The CNMI's first "ice" bust of the year at a post office on Saipan worth hundreds of thousands of dollars just two weeks after another major discovery was made by customs officers in the mail. KUAM News sat down with the customs chief who shares how drugs

CPR performed on swimmer pulled from Tanguissan waters
A man was found unconscious and unresponsive after being pulled from the waters off Tanguisson Beach at midday Monday. Units with the Guam Fire Department responded around 11:33 a.m. to a report of distressed swimmers, according to fire spokesperson Kevin

Police chase alleged red light runner, find drugs
He nearly hit another car when running a red light before later being caught by police with drugs. William Hicban is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, assault on a police officer, and reckless conduct. Court documents state, h

Governor's bill proposes compensation for original landowners
Ten million dollars now to jump-start the Land Bank Trust Fund, and $2 million every year after. That's what Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is proposing in a new bill sent to the legislature. Various compensation options are proposed for original landowners whose

Won Pat ready to get to work as acting superintendent
Former legislative speaker Dr. Judi Won Pat will have five months as acting superintendent of the Guam Department of Education. She will be keeping superintendent-select Dr. Kenneth Swanson’s seat warm ahead of his start in July. Despite the tempora

Cope North military exercise returns next week
The annual Cope North multi-national military exercise is set for February 8 to 24 this year. Air forces have already begun arriving on Guam from Australia, Japan, and America, according to the Pacific Air Forces. They plan to train in large-force employm

"Loyal to the soil" - Zach Pangelinan embraces role as senior Sabercat, approaches history as rugby pro
Zach Pangelinan, originally from northern Guam, made history as the first rugby player to be signed to a professional franchise. Now in his sixth season as a Houston Sabercat, the utility back is a chiseled veteran, and is practicing the Guamanian virtue

Guam Army National Guard adopts park on Saipan, welcomes new recruits
The Guam Army National Guard expands its footprint in the Marianas, adopting a park on Saipan to give back to the community. Regional correspondent Thomas Manglona reports. PKG STAND UP IN 00:00 The Guam Army National Guard expanding its footprint in the

CNMI delegate's bill would offer some foreign workers Commonwealth-only permanent status
A new bill introduced by CNMI Del. Gregorio Sablan in U.S. Congress seeks to offer 1,600 long-term foreign workers living in the Northern Marianas since 2015 Commonwealth-only permanent status so they can remain living there. Sablan noted that the number

Bill would allow first responders to use NARCAN to prevent 'inevitable' opioid overdoses
Local authorities are bracing for the arrival here of the deadly opioid crisis that has swept across the country the last few years. Legislation to make life-saving antidote drugs more readily available drew strong support at a public hearing today. Nesto

GEB approves $170K contract for new superintendent select; Won Pat to serve temporarily
The new head of the Government of Guam’s largest agency agreed to a contract that includes a $170,000 salary, plus the cost for his moving expenses to the island from Georgia. The Guam Education Board approved the contract for GDOE superintendent-se

Guam sports legend Trae Santos gives back to the game that gave so much to him
Most Guam sports fans remember Trae Santos as one of the heroes of the Guam Little League All-Stars team that made the semifinals in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in the 2005 Little League tournament. He and his teammates forever etched their place in island

"Be Kind to Your Mind" race honors Ash Lom, helps youth mental health on Guam
More than 500 runners, walkers, friends, classmates and Guamanians concerned about helping youth mental health on the island gathered at Ypao Beach Park this morning for the inaugural "Dash for Ash - Be Kind to Your Mind" event. Created in memory of Ash L

Pest control called to D.L. Perez Elementary following flea infestation
A teacher, a school aide, and a student were among those affected after an apparent flea infestation up at one northern public school. It's a situation at D.L Perez Elementary School that left some literally scratching away at the problem. Guam Department

U.S. military delegation wants to expand support in CNMI
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Meredith Berger led a group of military officials in a meeting with CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios and legislators in talks to expand support and communication. Berger was joined by Maj. Gen. Mark Hashimoto, Executive Director,

Accused murderer asking for more trial prep time
Murder defendant Janus Tabbada is set to have his day in court in less than a month. Tabbada, who stands accused in the deadly shooting of Edward Bamba in Dededo, appeared before Judge Alberto Lamorena in Superior Court Today. He asserted his speedy trial

Police on the hunt for Yigo murder victim's killer
The search for a murderer ramps up. Investigators have yet to find any new leads in what is now the second murder to hit the island this year. Guam Police Department Chief Stephen Ignacio confirmed yesterday that the body found in a jungle area in Yigo ha

GEDA's updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy includes new projects to diversify economy
The Guam Economic Development Authority has just updated its SEDS. GEDA CEO Melanie Mendiola said it identifies a whole set of more than 40 new projects to diversify the local economy. "But what I think is really great is that we got to engage our mayors

Barnett calls out DOA for stalling needed prison hires
The Department of Administration is under fire by Sen. Chris Barnett for their delay in hiring much needed prison personnel. The senator sent a letter to DOA Director Ed Birn questioning his department’s slow response in processing 30 employee recor

Police believe body discovered in Yigo to be Jason Susuico
Police are searching for a killer after discovering a body in Yigo earlier this week. Guam Police Chief Stephen Ignacio confirming with KUAM just before news time that the man died from blunt force trauma - the chief medical examiner performing the autops