Guam News (2025)

30/07/2025

The tsunami advisory issued for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands has been canceled following a massive undersea earthquake near Russia. The U.S. Geological Survey initially recorded the quake at magnitude 8.0 before revising it to 8.8. The powerful tremor struck at approximately 9:24 a.m. ChST on Wednesday, 133 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at a depth of 74 kilometers.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced that, based on all available data, there is no longer a tsunami threat to Guam, Rota, Tinian, or Saipan. While early alerts prompted precautionary measures throughout the region, further analysis determined there was no risk of hazardous tsunami waves reaching the Marianas. Officials noted, however, that minor sea level fluctuations may still occur in coastal areas.
Despite the cancellation at 6:40 p.m., Wednesday, local authorities urged the public to remain vigilant. Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) reported that a high risk of rip currents remained in effect through late Wednesday evening. Residents and visitors were strongly advised to stay out of the water until conditions improve.
Landon Aydlett from the National Weather Service Guam who appeared on the NMI News Service’s Brad Ruszala’s Show on Wednesday noted there was no damage reported from the tsunami waves but “wave energy” was seen in the gauges. He also spoke of waterspouts that were reported one of which was in Ipan, Talo’fo’fo.
Emergency officials continue to monitor the situation and have asked the community to exercise caution, especially near beaches. GHS/OCD emphasized the importance of heeding public safety announcements and avoiding risky water activities until the advisory is fully lifted.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

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30/07/2025

A woman is facing multiple felony charges in three separate criminal complaints, including drug possession, unauthorized firearm possession, and the theft of a vehicle earlier this year and forgery. Cleo Colleen Crisostomo Sablan Madeus, also known as Cleo Madeus, was charged in one case with the theft of a 2008 Toyota Rav4 and in another with possessing methamphetamine and a loaded shotgun without a valid fi****ms ID.
According to court documents, the vehicle theft was reported in January after the victim noticed the SUV was taken without permission. The suspect was later identified as Madeus, who reportedly claimed the car was gifted to her—a claim the owner denied. Police arrested Madeus on July 21 in connection with the incident, noting she had once been helped by the vehicle owner during a period of homelessness.
Just days later, on July 27, Madeus and co-defendant Michael James Affleje were detained after police responded to a “burglary in progress” call in Toto but later reclassified as a “counseling call”. During a search of the vehicle, officers found drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine linked to both suspects. A shotgun with live ammunition was also discovered in the backseat. Madeus admitted the firearm was borrowed for hunting, despite lacking a valid fi****ms ID.
Madeus was also linked to a forgery case reported in April. She allegedly admitted to depositing a check for $560, knowing it was "not legitimate," and was going to "split the funds with two accomplices."
Affleje, who has a pending felony drug possession case was also charged in the Superior Court of Guam with possession of a controlled substance. Madeus now faces a total of five felony charges across the three cases. Both defendants were booked and transported to correctional facilities.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

30/07/2025

The Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic wrapped up its annual Back-to-School Health Outreach on Monday, drawing hundreds of students and families eager to receive free school physicals and PPD skin tests ahead of the new academic year. The event officially began at 4:00 p.m., but families began lining up as early as 8:00 a.m., underscoring the island's strong need for accessible and affordable healthcare services.
The clinic’s medical professionals, volunteers, and support staff worked tirelessly through the afternoon, even amid periods of rain, to ensure every child was seen and screened. The outreach event provided critical preventive care for students returning to class, helping meet school health requirements while offering financial relief to many local families.
“Our mission is to serve the community with compassion and excellence,” said a clinic representative. “We are honored be a part of so many families’ back-to-school preparations, and we’re grateful for the overwhelming turnout and trust from the community.”
The SDA Clinic expressed gratitude to the volunteers and families who contributed to the event’s success and emphasized the importance of ongoing public health outreach. Those who received PPD skin tests returned to the clinic Wednesday for readings.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

Photos courtesy of SDA Clinic

30/07/2025

A measure to waive vehicle license plate registration fees for Guam’s veterans is moving closer to becoming law. On Monday, lawmakers unanimously advanced Senator Therese Terlaje’s Bill No. 149-38 (LS) to the voting file, signaling strong bipartisan support for honoring the island’s veterans with meaningful relief.
“Bill 149 builds upon the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for veterans, many of whom continue to serve as pillars in our community,” said Senator Terlaje. The proposed legislation specifically seeks to honor veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II, acknowledging their service, sacrifice, and enduring contributions to Guam.
Senators from both parties took to the floor to endorse the bill, emphasizing that appreciation for veterans should be reflected in policy. Lawmakers commended the bill as a practical and respectful step toward giving back to those who have bravely served both island and nation.
Support for the measure has been widespread, including backing from the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs and several veteran organizations during a recent public hearing. With the bill now in the voting file, its final passage appears imminent, reinforcing the Legislature’s commitment to transforming gratitude into action.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

30/07/2025

The spirit of giving arrived early this year as the Guam Hawgs Motorcycle Club rolled into the Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) for their annual “Christmas in July” gift donation event. With arms full of supplies and hearts set on service, club members brought joy, support, and encouragement to the youth currently in DYA’s care.
The donation included school supplies, hygiene products, snacks, food commodities, cleaning supplies, musical instruments, and sports equipment—highlighted by two brand-new portable basketball rims. The Guam Hawgs began collecting donations on July 18 and rallied community support to deliver a generous haul, checked and packed with care.
“Their efforts brought a joyful and uplifting spirit to the youth in DYA’s care. For the past three years, Guam Hawgs have generously contributed to the Christmas in July donations, and their support continues to grow each year,” DYA Spokesperson Danielle Camacho said in a statement on July 28.
DYA plans to use the donated items to support the upcoming school year, reward positive behavior, and enhance therapeutic and recreational programming such as music therapy, arts and crafts, and physical exercise. The effort reinforces the club’s mission of giving back—and helping guide the next generation toward brighter futures.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

Photos courtesy of DYA

30/07/2025

Guam and CNMI are now on Tsunami Advisory.

We urge the community to be prepared to stay out of the water, move away from beaches and harbors at least 100 feet inland, 50 feet upward.

For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489- 2540 or via email at [email protected].

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

30/07/2025

UPDATE: Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are now under a tsunami advisory following a powerful earthquake initially recorded at magnitude 8.0 and later upgraded to 8.7 by the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake struck at 9:24 a.m. ChST, about 133 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at a depth of 74 kilometers.

Officials warn that sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents may affect Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan beginning as early as 2:37 p.m. ChST. These conditions could pose significant hazards to those in or near the water, including along beaches, harbors, and coastal areas.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has confirmed that while a tsunami with large wave heights is not expected, dangerous currents and unpredictable surges remain a real threat. Residents are urged to remain out of the water and to move at least 100 feet inland and 50 feet above sea level, especially if located in vulnerable coastal zones.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise the public to stay tuned to official updates. The community is urged to remain vigilant and avoid all shorelines until the advisory is lifted.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

30/07/2025

The Guam Homeland Security has declared a Tsunami Watch for Guam and CNMI as of 9:50a.m.

The public is advised to stay alert for further updates. The current Tsunami Watch may be canceled or elevated to an advisory or warning depending on further assessments. If a tsunami threat exists, the earliest estimated arrival time of waves in Guam, Rota, Tinian, or Saipan would be 2:37 p.m. ChST.

These Guam locations are advised to take extra precautions: Pati Point, Pago Bay, Inarajan, Apra Harbor.

We urge the community to be prepared to take action if a tsunami advisory is issued, to include getting to higher ground, at least 100 feet inland, 50 feet upward, if in a coastal area.

For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489- 2540 or via email at [email protected].

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

30/07/2025

A tsunami watch is in effect for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) following a powerful 8.0 magnitude earthquake recorded southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at a depth of 74 kilometers at 9:24 a.m. ChST.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has advised that the tsunami threat to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan is still under evaluation. Emergency management officials urge the public to stay alert for updates, as the watch could be canceled or elevated to an advisory or warning depending on further analysis.

If a tsunami threat materializes, officials estimate that the earliest possible arrival of tsunami waves in the region could be around 2:37 p.m. ChST. Residents in low-lying coastal areas are urged to be ready to move at least 100 feet inland and 50 feet above sea level should an advisory be issued.

Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense encourages the public to remain informed and prepared.

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

29/07/2025

The Guam Legislature is reigniting debate over Bill No. 88-38 (COR), as lawmakers seek to override Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s veto of the vehicle tax reform measure. Authored by Senator Telo Taitague, the bill would revise how taxes are assessed during vehicle title transfers, shifting from Kelley Blue Book estimates to the actual sale price listed in a notarized bill of sale.
“Bill 88 is about fairness and common sense,” Senator Taitague said. “Families are being taxed on inflated Kelley Blue Book values that don’t reflect what they actually paid for their vehicles – especially given Guam’s unique environmental conditions that affect a car’s worth.
Taitague said the bill brings transparency, not bureaucracy. On the opening day of the July legislative session, Taitague successfully motioned to place the bill on the session agenda, a key step toward the override attempt.
The legislation passed unanimously in May amid growing frustration over the high cost of vehicle transfers, which supporters say has contributed to a surge in junk and abandoned cars. Governor Leon Guerrero vetoed the bill citing concerns about potential fraud and revenue loss, but Taitague pushed back, emphasizing the existing legal safeguards like notarization. the truth is, most people in our community are honest and are not looking to commit fraud – they’re just trying to avoid paying more than what their car is worth or what they truly paid for,” Senator Taitague added.
Ten votes are needed to override the veto. Senator William A. Parkinson acknowledged the governor’s concerns during session but did not object to moving the bill forward. “This bill doesn’t weaken oversight—it modernizes it,” Taitague said, adding that Guam’s climate accelerates vehicle depreciation and that outdated valuation tools unfairly penalize taxpayers. “We owe it to our people to remove barriers, not create them.”

By: Guam News Staff
[email protected]

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