February 2026
109 stories · Guam time
Saturday, February 28
- S&P raises Guam's general obligation debt rating to BB
S&P Global Ratings has raised the Government of Guam’s long-term rating on its general obligation debt to “BB” from “BB-,” citing improved financial performance and fiscal position.
· Business & Technology
- GVB appoints Frank Arriola deputy general manager
The Guam Visitors Bureau has appointed Frank P. Arriola as its new deputy general manager and vice president, effective March 2.
· Business & Technology
Friday, February 27
- Man charged after burglary and officer-involved shooting
A 30-year-old man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a reported burglary and officer-involved shooting in Dededo, according to filings in the Superior Court of Guam.
· Public Safety
- Guam leaders oppose faster permitting for undersea projects
· Local
- Artist Sujin Bec to unveil 'Syntax of Steel' sculpture
Local artist Sujin Bec will unveil a newly commissioned sculpture titled “Syntax of Steel” at 3 p.m. Friday in the courtyard of the Engineering Building at the University of Guam.
· Education
Thursday, February 26
- GVB stages first #GuamWithMe travel fair in Cebu
Cebu residents turned out in island spirit as the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) staged its first #GuamWithMe travel fair Feb. 21–22 at the Ayala Malls Central Bloc.
· Business & Technology
- Labor reminds employers of new workplace signage rules
The Guam Department of Labor is reminding employers that new workplace signage tied to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Rules and Regulations must be displayed within 90 days of enactment.
· Government & Politics
- Governor casts Guam as security linchpin and Pacific economy
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero positioned Guam as both a national security linchpin and a mature Pacific economy during remarks at the Pacific Agenda Summit.
· Business & Technology
- Administration recovers $1.6M stolen in cyberattack
The Government of Guam’s Department of Administration (DOA) has recovered $1.6 million stolen in a cyberattack that targeted the Judiciary of Guam and the Governor's Office announced Wednesday.
· Government & Politics
- Guam leaders split over Trump's State of the Union address
Guam leaders and party officials issued sharply contrasting statements following President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address, underscoring national political divides reflected locally.
· Local
Wednesday, February 25
- First Hawaiian vice chairman Alan Arizumi to retire
First Hawaiian, Inc. announced that Alan Arizumi, vice chairman of the company and First Hawaiian Bank, will retire effective April 3, 2026, concluding more than 40 years of service.
· Local
- Crowd packs Micronesia Mall for youth Lip Dub finals
A full crowd packed the Micronesia Mall Sunday for the finals of Guam’s premier youth Lip Dub Challenge, highlighting student creativity, school pride and performance talent from across the island.
· Education
- Moylan presses federal officials on cost-of-living relief
Guam Delegate James Moylan pressed federal officials to prioritize cost-of-living relief for Guam families during the 2026 Senior Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas.
· Business & Technology
- San Agustin and San Nicolas file for governor and lieutenant governor
Sens. Joe S. San Agustin and Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas officially filed their candidacy Tuesday for governor and lieutenant governor at the Guam Election Commission, launching a campaign focused on accountability, integrity and government reform.
· Government & Politics
Tuesday, February 24
- Tumon Bay Music Festival returns for 21st year
The Tumon Bay Music Festival will return to Guam for its 21st year from Feb. 26 to March 7, organizers announced, promising a wide-ranging celebration of music, culture and education across multiple island venues.
· Community
- Prutehi Guahan calls for protest over schedule change
Environmental group Prutehi Guåhan is calling on residents to join a protest Thursday following a schedule change for a meeting between federal officials and the governor regarding ocean policy issues.
· Government & Politics
- Governor urges federal leaders to tailor policy for Guam
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero concluded meetings in the nation’s capital by urging federal leaders to tailor national policy to the practical challenges faced by island jurisdictions, emphasizing geography, logistics and supply chains.
· Government & Politics
Monday, February 23
- Police investigate officer-involved shooting on Hahasu Drive
Guam Police Department units were investigating an officer-involved shooting Monday afternoon at a residence on Hahasu Drive in Dededo following a reported aggravated assault.
· Public Safety
- Hundreds turn out for Tenorio campaign headquarters opening
Supporters gathered by the hundreds to celebrate the opening of a new campaign headquarters for gubernatorial candidates Josh Tenorio and Tina Muña-Barnes, an event organizers said drew more than 1,000 people and filled a city block outside the facility.
· Local
- House fire closes road in Tamuning
A structural fire at a home on Camp Watkins Road also known as Hospital Road in Tamuning early Monday morning prompted the closure of the route and redirection of traffic, according to the Guam Police Department.
· Public Safety
- Governor seeks direct federal investment in public health
· Health
Sunday, February 22
- Ada urges Guam's inclusion in national maritime initiative
Vice Speaker Tony Ada is calling on federal leaders to ensure Guam is included in a national initiative to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry, citing the island’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and reliance on shipping.
· Local
- Acting governor lifts blanket ban on live poultry imports
Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio has directed the Guam Department of Agriculture to immediately lift a blanket ban on importing live poultry from flocks within the United States, citing legal review findings and stakeholder feedback.
· Health
Saturday, February 21
- VA halts disability rule enforcement after Guam concerns
The Department of Veterans Affairs has halted enforcement of a disability evaluation rule after concerns were raised by Guam Del.
· Local
- Agueda Johnston Middle School earns 'A' health rating
· Government & Politics
- Students and alumni speak out over years of double sessions
Raw emotion, frustration and resolve filled the room as students, alumni and community members spoke out about years of double-session schooling and delayed campus reconstruction during a public education town hall involving families from Simon Sanchez High School and John F. Kennedy High School.
· Education
Friday, February 20
- Port moves Master Plan 2025 into public hearing phase
The Port Authority of Guam has moved its Master Plan 2025 into the public hearing phase with the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, scheduling a hearing for March 25 at 3 p.m. in the board conference room at the Port Authority of Guam.
· Government & Politics
- More than 850 Taiwan travelers arrive for Lunar New Year
The Guam Visitors Bureau says more than 850 travelers from Taipei, Taiwan arrived on Guam for Lunar New Year, marking what officials called a strong start to the holiday travel period.
· Business & Technology
- Rev and Tax warns of imposter contacting taxpayers
The Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) warned Guam residents of an "imposter" claiming to be a DRT employee contacting local taxpayers through WhatsApp requesting for personal information.
· Local
Thursday, February 19
- UOG to mark 58th Charter Day on March 5
The University of Guam will celebrate its 58th Charter Day on March 5 with a campuswide event highlighting culture, entertainment and community engagement as part of a monthlong series of activities.
· Education
- Lawmakers weigh who can vote in political status plebiscite
Lawmakers are weighing legislation that would fundamentally change who can vote in Guam’s long-discussed political status plebiscite, a proposal supporters say is necessary to bring local law into compliance with the U.S. Constitution but which critics warn could reshape the intent of the vote.
· Government & Politics
- Two teens escape Youth Correctional Facility
Two 16-year-old males escaped custody from the Department of Youth Affairs Youth Correctional Facility at about 12:40 p.m. Feb. 18 after climbing over barbed-wire fencing, according to officials.
· Public Safety
Wednesday, February 18
- Village Streets Master Plan needs major revision, review finds
The Department of Public Works’ Village Streets Master Plan has not been fully implemented and is in need of significant updates, according to a February 2026 audit released by the Office of Public Accountability.
· Government & Politics
- Ordot Chalan Pago Elementary upgrades near completion
Facility upgrades at Ordot Chalan Pago Elementary School are nearing completion as part of the Guam Department of Education’s ongoing refurbishment initiative across the Kattan Region, officials announced Tuesday.
· Education
- Man charged with felony retail theft over $1,500
A 35-year-old man has been charged with second-degree felony retail theft after allegedly stealing more than $1,500 worth of merchandise from a Home Depot store in August, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed Tuesday in Superior Court.
· Public Safety
Tuesday, February 17
- GTA earns 2026 Great Place To Work certification
GTA has earned the 2026 Great Place To Work Certification™, company officials announced Monday, citing employee feedback that placed the local telecommunications provider well above the national average for workplace satisfaction.
· Local
- GPA awarded $1.8M more for cybersecurity
The Guam Power Authority has been awarded an additional $1,765,986 in federal funding to strengthen its cybersecurity posture and protect Guam’s critical energy infrastructure.
· Local
- Court dismisses government employee's counterclaim
The Superior Court of Guam has dismissed a counterclaim filed by government employee Bryan J. Cruz seeking declaratory relief against the Office of the Attorney General of Guam, ruling that Cruz failed to exhaust administrative remedies before turning to the judiciary.
· Public Safety
- Disability Law Center warns of gaps in special education services
The Guam Legal Services Corporation – Disability Law Center is warning parents that hundreds of public school students with disabilities may not be receiving legally required services from the Guam Department of Education.
· Education
- Missing 60-year-old man found safe in Agat
Missing person Anthony Tyquiengco Torres, 60, was located early Tuesday morning in Agat, according to the Guam Police Department.
· Public Safety
- Lawmakers weigh emergency action on airport retail contract
Lawmakers are weighing emergency action to extend the airport’s primary retail concession agreement as officials warn that a lapse in revenue could threaten the Guam International Airport Authority’s bond standing.
· Business & Technology
Monday, February 16
- Police seek missing 60-year-old man last seen in Umatac
The Guam Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 60-year-old man last seen Saturday in Umatac.
· Public Safety
- Bill would require GVB board approval for official travel
Legislation introduced Monday would require the Guam Visitors Bureau board of directors to approve all official travel before any public funds are spent.
· Government & Politics
- Man arrested after pointing apparent rifle at family's vehicle
A man was arrested after allegedly pointing what appeared to be a rifle at a vehicle carrying a woman and two children near Astumbo Elementary School, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the Superior Court of Guam.
· Public Safety
- Tamuning Elementary students get hands-on robotics lesson
Students at Tamuning Elementary School received hands-on robotics instruction this week through a STEAM outreach led by SIFA Learning Academy Charter School.
· Education
Sunday, February 15
- Man charged in Barrigada gas station kidnapping after pursuit
*A man accused of kidnapping a driver at a Barrigada gas station is facing multiple felony charges after a police pursuit that ended in a crash, according to a magistrate’s complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam.
· Public Safety
Saturday, February 14
- Homeland Security warns of phishing scheme
The Office of Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense are warning the public to be vigilant following reports of a phishing email circulating among government users.
· Local
- Oceanview Middle School earns 'A' health inspection rating
Oceanview Middle School has earned an “A” rating on its latest public health inspection, marking a significant improvement from last year’s 22/C rating, according to the Guam Department of Education.
· Education
Friday, February 13
- Search for missing swimmer transitions to recovery
Search efforts for David Soulik, the 22-year-old swimmer who went missing offshore near the Tanguissan Power Plant have been terminated as of 6 p.m. following an extensive multi-agency operation, authorities announced Friday.
· Public Safety
- Two arrested after carjacking and pursuit ends in crash
Two people were arrested following an alleged carjacking and police pursuit that ended in a crash in Chalan Pago, according to the Guam Police Department.
· Public Safety
- Man charged in armed robbery of Korean tourists
A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with an armed robbery targeting Korean tourists in the parking lot of Guam Premium Outlets, according to a court affidavit filed Thursday.
· Public Safety
Thursday, February 12
- J.Q. San Miguel Elementary refurbishment more than 90% complete
Refurbishment work at J.Q. San Miguel Elementary School is more than 90% complete as crews continue infrastructure upgrades on campus, the Guam Department of Education announced Wednesday.
· Education
- Search for missing swimmer shifts to recovery effort
The search for a 22-year-old man who went missing while swimming offshore near the Tanguissan Power Plant, shifted to recovery, according to the Guam Fire Department who noted recovery operations were carried out throughout Thursday.
· Public Safety
- Suspect formally arrested in armed robbery case
A day after being apprehended, police announced that Jay Boi Elias was formally arrested Feb. 11 on charges related to the armed robbery of a Korean tourist family in the parking lot of Guam Premier Outlets on Feb. 6.
· Public Safety
- Bill on Guam's physician shortage advances after hearing
Legislation aimed at addressing Guam’s physician shortage and expanding access to care advanced this week following a public hearing before the Committee on Health.
· Health
- Lawmakers split in reaction to final State of the Island
Lawmakers offered sharply different reactions Wednesday evening following Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s final State of the Island Address, underscoring political divisions as the 2026 election season intensifies.
· Government & Politics
Wednesday, February 11
- Governor defends fiscal record in final State of the Island
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero used her final State of the Island Address to defend her administration’s fiscal record, warn against proposed tax cuts and urge lawmakers to protect what she described as hard-won financial stability amid economic uncertainty.
· Government & Politics
- Borja to host community education town hall at JFK High
Sen. Vincent A.V. Borja will host a Community Education Town Hall on Feb. 19 at John F. Kennedy High School, continuing efforts to engage students, parents and educators in shaping public education policy.
· Education
- Swimmer swept beyond reef line at Tanguisson Beach
A 22-year-old man was swept beyond the reef line while swimming at Tanguisson Beach on Tuesday evening, prompting a multi-agency search that continued into Wednesday off Guam’s west coast, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
· Environment
- Third suspect sought in Guam Premier Outlets robbery
The third suspect wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a Korean tourist family at the Guam Premier Outlets parking lot was arrested Wednesday morning in Dededo, according to the Guam Police Department.
· Public Safety
- Dededo man charged with drug possession after Route 3 stop
A Dededo man was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop on Route 3 led police to discover suspected methamphetamine, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by the Office of the Attorney General.
· Public Safety
- Legislature and governor trade claims over appropriations
· Government & Politics
- Woman charged in vehicle theft, released on recognizance
A woman was arrested, charged and released on her personal recognizance implicated in the theft of a motor vehicle after failing to return a rental car and allegedly altering its temporary license plate, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by the Office of the Attorney General.
· Public Safety
- Crews continue search for missing swimmer near Tanguisson
Rescue crews are continuing search efforts for a missing 22-year-old man reported in distress near Tanguisson Beach in Dededo, according to emergency officials.
· Public Safety
- Gumataotao urges transparency and investment in GPD
Sen. Shawn Gumataotao called for greater transparency and sustained investment in the Guam Police Department following an oversight hearing held Tuesday afternoon, citing staffing shortages, unspent funds and critical infrastructure needs.
· Public Safety
Tuesday, February 10
- Ancestral Lands Commission earns clean audit opinion
· Local
- GMH earns 2026 CNOR Strong national designation
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority has earned the 2026 CNOR Strong designation, a national recognition for facilities that demonstrate a commitment to perioperative nursing excellence and patient safety.
· Health
Monday, February 9
- Public Health advises precautions against norovirus
The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services is advising residents to take preventive measures against norovirus amid reports of increasing cases nationally and internationally.
· Health
- Guam moves to restore stable learning at Simon Sanchez High
Guam is taking a significant step toward restoring full and stable learning conditions for students at Simon Sanchez High School after years of delays, the Office of the Governor announced Friday.
· Education
Sunday, February 8
- Homeland Security decertifies fusion center's secure room
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has decertified the Marianas Regional Fusion Center’s secure room, a move that prompted sharp disagreement Sunday between Sen. Shawn Gumataotao and the Office of the Governor over the implications for Guam’s national security posture.
· Government & Politics
- Letter to the editor: Why people should immigrate to Guam
Letter to the Editor: "Why People Should Immigrate to Guam " In a world where people are deep in pursuit of opportunity, security, and a higher living, Guam is a place that quietly offers all three.
· Environment
Saturday, February 7
- Two Barrigada men arrested in tourist robbery
Guam police arrested two Barrigada men in connection with an armed robbery involving a family of Korean tourists at the Guam Premier Outlets parking lot, authorities said.
· Public Safety
- Police mark progress on long-delayed evidence facility
The Guam Police Department marked progress on a long-delayed Guam Police Department evidence facility project in the village of Yigo, citing cost savings, modernization and long-term public safety benefits.
· Public Safety
- Police release wanted poster in armed robbery case
Guam police have released a wanted poster seeking public assistance in identifying a person of interest connected to an armed robbery at the Guam Premier Outlets parking lot Friday.
· Public Safety
- Audit finds no questioned costs in program administration
An audit by the Guam Office of Public Accountability found no questioned costs or inappropriate payments in the administration of client-reported Medicaid benefits by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, according to a department announcement Thursday.
· Health
Friday, February 6
- Lujan condemns armed robbery at Guam Premier Outlets
Sen. Jesse A. Lujan on Friday condemned an armed robbery at Guam Premier Outlets, calling it an unacceptable act of violence that threatens public safety and the island’s tourism recovery.
· Government & Politics
- Police investigate armed robbery at Guam Premier Outlets
Guam police are investigating an armed robbery reported Friday afternoon in the parking lot of the Guam Premier Outlets, authorities said.
· Public Safety
- Barnett asks to join legislative committee
Sen. Chris “Malafunkshun” Barnett has formally requested to be added as a member of the Guam Legislature’s Committee on Education, Libraries, and Public Broadcasting, according to a letter transmitted by email on Feb. 5.
· Education
- Moylan meets on expanding air service to Guam
Guam Delegate James Moylan recently held separate meetings focused on expanding air service to Guam and strengthening regional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
· Business & Technology
- GRMC adds Dr. Joel Marc Rubio to specialty care team
Guam Regional Medical City has added longtime Guam physician Dr. Joel Marc Rubio to its specialty care team, expanding local access to endocrinology services.
· Health
- Governor announces taxpayer protections amid billing delays
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Thursday announced taxpayer protections and accommodations following delays in the issuance of 2025 real property tax statements, directing the Department of Revenue and Taxation to waive penalties and late fees for qualifying taxpayers.
· Government & Politics
Thursday, February 5
- Public auditor's 2025 reports identify $242M in findings
The Office of Public Accountability issued 12 performance audits in calendar year 2025 identifying a combined $242 million in financial impact, according to its annual report.
· Local
- Duenas says property tax delays show need for reform
Sen. Chris Dueñas on Wednesday said delays in generating 2025 real property tax statements highlight the need for stronger accountability measures and performance-based budgeting within government agencies.
· Government & Politics
- GMH continues push for financial sustainability
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority said it is continuing efforts to strengthen its financial sustainability while working to protect patient services and support employees, according to a press release issued Wednesday.
· Health
Wednesday, February 4
- Public Health seeks help identifying Guam's centenarians
The Department of Public Health and Social Services is calling on the public to help identify Guam residents who will reach 100 years of age in 2026 as part of Senior Citizens Month activities planned for May.
· Health
- IT&E to close Agana Shopping Center location
IT&E Guam is closing their Agana Shopping Center location with last day of operations set for Sunday, February 22.
· Local
- Duenas urges Rev and Tax to issue public notice
Sen. Christopher M. Dueñas is urging the Department of Revenue and Taxation to issue an immediate public notice regarding delays in 2025 real property tax statements and to provide accommodations for taxpayers affected by the billing disruption.
· Government & Politics
- Administration credits savings for stabilizing operations
The administration on Feb. 3 said government savings and advance fiscal planning helped stabilize operations this year, pushing back against claims that Guam avoided financial disruption by chance.
· Government & Politics
- Senators question GDOE on financial controls and procurement
· Education
- GPA customer service systems temporarily unavailable
The Guam Power Authority on Wednesday advised customers that several customer service systems are temporarily unavailable due to system maintenance being performed by its IT contractor.
· Local
- NMI Supreme Court honors retiring Justice Perry Inos
The NMI Supreme Court on Feb. 3 honored Associate Justice Perry B. Inos as he resigned from the bench after more than 17 years of service to the Commonwealth Judiciary.
· Public Safety
Tuesday, February 3
- Lawmakers hear hours of testimony on transfer bill
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony during a Guam Legislature public hearing on Bill 233-38, a measure proposing the transfer of Lot 875-R2 in Hagåtña to the mayor’s office for development of a community sports and recreation complex anchored by a football pitch and potential beach volleyball courts.
· Sports
- Wet weather to linger across the Marianas through midweek
A wet and unsettled weather pattern will linger across the Marianas through midweek as a tropical disturbance and nearby trough keep showers in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service in Guam.
· Environment
- Gumataotao calls for accountability at Homeland Security
Sen. Shawn Gumataotao said more accountability is needed at the Office of Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense following an oversight hearing that highlighted unresolved federal reimbursement issues.
· Health
- Community health centers highlight adult primary care services
The Department of Public Health and Social Services' Guam Community Health Centers (GCHC) highlighted its adult primary care services with the spotlight on internal medicine physician Dr. Joel Paulino.
· Health
- Education Board elects Judith Guthertz as chairwoman
The Guam Board of Education has elected Judith P. Guthertz as its new chairwoman, placing a veteran educator, former lawmaker and public safety leader at the helm of the island’s public-school governing body.
· Education
Monday, February 2
- Audit finds $400.7M in Medicaid benefits for 35,000 clients
· Health
- Governor transmits fiscal 2027 budget request
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has transmitted her Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget Request to the 38th Guam Legislature, outlining a spending plan she said is rooted in fiscal responsibility, realistic revenue and long-term financial stewardship.
· Government & Politics
- Man charged in armed robbery at Talofofo store
A 19-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges in connection with an armed robbery at a Talofofo convenience store, according to a magistrate’s complaint filed in Superior Court of Guam.
· Public Safety
- Agriculture warns of box jellyfish in coastal waters
The Guam Department of Agriculture is advising the public to remain alert for box jellyfish in coastal waters and along shorelines during several periods over the coming months.
· Environment
- Man arrested in New Morning Store robbery
The Guam Police Department has arrested Jayson John Aguon, 19, for his alleged role in a Jan. 27 robbery at New Morning Store in Talo’fo’fo.
· Public Safety
- Chamorro Land Trust reports stronger fiscal 2023 finances
The Chamorro Land Trust Commission reported stronger finances in fiscal year 2023, ending the year with a $3.7 million fund balance — up $527,000 from the previous year — according to a recent financial audit.
· Local
- Be Heartfelt invites community to 'Still Hope' screening
Be Heartfelt, a local nonprofit organization, is inviting the community to a special VIP red carpet screening of Still Hope on February 5 at 6:30 p.m. at GPO.
· Health
- Gusty winds and hazardous marine conditions expected
Increased showers, gusty winds and hazardous marine conditions are expected across Guam and the Marianas as weather systems move through the region, according to the Office of Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense.
· Environment
- Fisherman dies after being pulled from water at Pago Bay
A fisherman in his 30s died Sunday night after being pulled from the water at Pago Bay Beach, according to the Guam Fire Department.
· Health
- Rio Reyes named athlete of the year at Copa De Marianas
Rio Reyes of Figo’ Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Academy has been named Athlete of the Year at the Copa De Marianas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, an honor recognizing his standout performance and sportsmanship during the tournament hosted by Marianas Pro Guam.
· Sports
Sunday, February 1
- Man arrested in Micronesia Mall purse snatching
A man has been arrested in connection with a purse snatching reported in the Micronesia Mall parking lot in December, according to a court affidavit.
· Public Safety
- Max's Restaurant closes Micronesia Mall location
Max’s Restaurant Guam has closed its location at Micronesia Mall, announcing on social media that operations have come to an end “with mixed emotions.” Management thanked loyal customers and the community for making the restaurant part of their special moments over the years.
· Public Safety
- Moylan says brief partial federal shutdown to begin
Guam Delegate James Moylan says a brief partial federal government shutdown is set to begin at midnight Eastern time after the Senate amended a House funding bill and the House did not reconvene before the deadline.
· Government & Politics
