AGP Executive Report

Territory Spotlight: St. Thomas native Alex McFarlane keeps “VI STRONG” close as he makes his MLB debut with the Phillies, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria wiped out local baseball and forced him to rebuild his path off-island. Local Governance & Community: On St. Thomas, the Labour Day horse races have been cancelled after the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming bill back to committee, leaving the planned Sept. 6 race day without the needed license. Sports & Culture: St. Croix is set to host the 2026 ISCA Sunfish World Championship (Nov. 4–14), a major international sailing event and a Pan American Games qualifier, with opening ceremonies at Christiansted Fort. Youth & Online Safety: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new child-safety requirements for Facebook and Instagram and major payouts tied to the case. Journalism & Accountability: The Miami Herald and WLRN won top honors at the Sunshine State Awards for their Brightline investigative series “Killer Train,” underscoring the role of watchdog reporting across the region.

Local Sports Pride: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane credits his St. Thomas roots for his “VI STRONG” mindset after Hurricanes Irma and Maria wiped out his community’s baseball fields and left the island rebuilding for months. Caribbean Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with 450+ voyages across 20 ships, including Caribbean sailings and lots of long port days—an early nudge for travelers planning ahead. Youth & Education: North Pitt FFA earned national recognition in the 2026 National Chapter Award Program, joining a wider push for hands-on learning and leadership. Community & Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed but quickly unraveled, with remnants still expected to bring squally weather and locally heavy rain to parts of the eastern Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands later this weekend. USVI Governance: St. Thomas horse racing on Labor Day weekend was canceled after the Legislature sent the gaming bill back to committee, leaving Southland Gaming without the needed license. Online Safety Policy: A federal appeals court ruled ICE’s “detain nearly all” policy for long-term undocumented immigrants is unlawful, with the decision taking effect in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Youth Social Media Accountability: A landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement over alleged addictive design and misleading safety claims is set to reshape youth protections, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included in the multistate deal and Meta required to add new child-safety measures like daily time limits and other controls. Local Governance & Public Life: In St. Thomas, the Legislature sent a horse racing and gaming bill back to committee after Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the process effectively killed the planned Sept. 6 Labour Day races—leading to the event’s cancellation. Immigration Courts: A federal appeals court ruled ICE’s policy to detain nearly all undocumented immigrants without hearings is unlawful, with the decision taking immediate effect in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Community & Culture: St. Croix will host the 2026 ISCA Sunfish World Championship (Nov. 4–14), a major international sailing event and a Pan American Games qualifier. Lifestyle & Travel: A new Caribbean travel roundup highlights the “best beaches” chosen by locals and travel experts, with the focus on avoiding tourist traps.

Youth Online Safety & Accountability: Meta has agreed to a sweeping $17.1 billion settlement over claims it designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to minors and misled the public on safety—an effort that also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands in the multistate deal, with required child-safety changes like daily time limits and other controls. Local Governance & Community Life: On St. Thomas, the Labour Day horse races were cancelled after the Legislature sent the key Southland Gaming bill back to committee, leaving the event without the needed license. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed east of the islands but unraveled quickly; remnants may still bring squally weather and locally heavy rain to the eastern Caribbean and the Virgin Islands later this weekend. Sports & Tourism: St. Croix will host the 2026 ISCA Worlds and Pan American Games qualifying event, bringing international sailors to Christiansted Nov. 4–14. Culture & Education: Poetry Out Loud registration is open for the 2026–27 school year, with the program spanning U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arts & Wellness: Norwegian Aura is rolling out new wellness and dining upgrades, adding more thermal experiences and fresh specialty options for Caribbean travelers.

Local Governance: The Labour Day horse races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing bill back to committee, leaving Southland without the needed license. Territorial Citizenship Debate: A conservative think-tank is pushing the idea that Congress can “limit U.S. citizenship” in territories, reviving fears around birthright citizenship for places like the U.S. Virgin Islands. Youth Online Safety & Consumer Protections: Meta’s massive multistate settlement includes the U.S. Virgin Islands and adds child-safety rules for Facebook and Instagram, with daily time caps and other limits aimed at reducing compulsive use. Local Sports & Community: St. Croix will host the ISCA World Championship and Pan American Games qualifying sailing event Nov. 4–14, bringing international competitors and spotlighting the island’s maritime culture. Culture & Education: Poetry Out Loud registration is open for the 2026–27 school year, with the program active across U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Island Life & Travel: A Caribbean cruise itinerary highlights stops including Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, as travel brands market 2027 sailings from San Juan.

USVI Sports & Gaming: The Labour Day horse races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing bill back to committee, leaving Southland without the needed license to run the Sept. 6 event. Territorial Politics: The 36th Legislature also confirmed two gubernatorial nominees tied to WAPA and the Board of Pharmacy, while forwarding housing and land-use bills to the governor. Youth Online Safety: Meta’s landmark $17.1B settlement over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram includes U.S. Virgin Islands participation, with new child-safety steps like daily time caps and removal of like counters. St. Croix Sailing Spotlight: St. Croix will host the 2026 ISCA World Championship (Nov. 4–14), a Pan American Games qualifier, bringing international Sunfish sailors to the island. Culture & Education: Poetry Out Loud registration is open for the 2026–27 school year, with the program active across the U.S. Virgin Islands and other U.S. jurisdictions.

Social Media & Youth Safety: New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and AG John Formella announced a landmark multistate Meta settlement worth up to $224.3 million for the Granite State, with Meta required to add major child-safety changes to Facebook and Instagram. Territorial Impact: The same deal also covers claims involving the U.S. Virgin Islands, as part of a broader $17.1 billion agreement with 48 states and territories. More State Payouts: South Dakota is set to receive at least $52.6 million (with possible growth), while Oklahoma is guaranteed more than $235 million, as Meta faces court approval and new youth protections. Local Sports Spotlight: St. Croix will host the 2026 ISCA World Championship (Nov. 4–14), a qualifying event for the Pan American Games, with sailors from around the world and local opening ceremonies in Christiansted. Community & Culture: Poetry Out Loud registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year, with the program spanning U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI Budget Pressure: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warned lawmakers about a projected $59 million deficit tied to lower-than-expected revenues, and urged action to cover near-term cash needs.

Online Safety & Consumer Protection: A sweeping $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over alleged addictive design on Facebook and Instagram is moving through court review, with the U.S. Virgin Islands named among the jurisdictions seeking safeguards for children and teens. Territorial Finance: U.S. Virgin Islands OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warned lawmakers that revenues are tracking about 9.4% below forecast, putting a projected $59 million deficit on the table and pointing to possible use of legal settlement funds to cover near-term gaps. Culture & Community: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) launched honoree profiles for its 2026 Leadership Awards, spotlighting “Carivangelist” Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon and her decades of sharing Caribbean culture and lifestyle. Local Environment & Development: A proposed St. John superyacht marina faces a new legal fight after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing the project’s environmental and aesthetic impacts weren’t adequately studied. Education & Youth Arts: Poetry Out Loud registration opened for the 2026–27 school year, with the program operating across U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Literacy Recognition: Guam educator Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, part of a cohort that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travel & Lifestyle: A Caribbean cruise itinerary highlights St. Thomas and St. Maarten stops, with departures from San Juan and a call at Charlotte Amalie.

Territorial Finances: US Virgin Islands officials say revenues are running below forecast, putting a projected $59 million deficit on the table as the fiscal year nears Sept. 30, with leaders pointing to legal settlement funds and limited cash buffers to bridge the gap. Caribbean Tourism & Media: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) is rolling out honoree profiles ahead of its Dec. 6 Leadership Awards, starting with “Carivangelist” Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, a longtime travel writer and TV personality focused on Caribbean culture beyond the beaches. Local Environment & Development: A proposed superyacht marina in Coral Bay, St. John—tied to Louisiana developers and defended through years of permitting—faces a new legal fight after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Citizenship Politics: CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a bill to end automatic birthright citizenship for territories including the US Virgin Islands is unlikely to move this session, framing it as an ideological push from a narrow GOP faction. Culture & Youth: Poetry Out Loud registration is open for the 2026-27 school year, with the program explicitly including the U.S. Virgin Islands and offering students a path from local recitals to national finals. Island Lifestyle: A free psychedelic funk-rock pop afternoon is set for Paper Mill Creek Saloon as St. John bands regroup after a festival setback, bringing island flavor to the redwoods.

Local Governance & Budget: The U.S. Virgin Islands faces a late-year squeeze as revenues come in 9.4% below forecast, leaving a projected $59 million deficit and prompting talk of using Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to cover near-term needs. Arts & Education: Poetry Out Loud 2026-2027 registration is open, with the NEA program bringing high school poetry recitation to communities across the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond. Literacy Spotlight: Guam’s Okkodo High School teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, leading a yearlong literacy push that includes students across Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Culture & Community: A free, island-inflected music afternoon is set as five St. John bands head to Paper Mill Creek Saloon in California for a psychedelic funk-rock pop show. Travel & Lifestyle: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled major new dining and wellness upgrades for Norwegian Aura, including its first Indian specialty restaurant and an expanded thermal spa experience. Marina Watch: A proposed St. John superyacht marina is back in the spotlight after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permitting and impact concerns. Community Service: Grafton’s Military & First Responders Appreciation Night will honor three local leaders for service and community support.

Cruise Culture: Norwegian Cruise Line is rolling out fresh dining and wellness upgrades for the soon-to-debut Norwegian Aura, including its first specialty Indian restaurant (Tamara), an immersive complimentary dining concept (The Panorama Room), and the ship’s biggest thermal spa experience. Travel & Community: A new Oceania Caribbean sailing tied to Tim Conway Jr. includes a stop in Charlotte Amalie, with the itinerary also featuring St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua and Tortola. Local Finance: USVI’s Office of Management and Budget says the territory faces a projected $59 million deficit as revenues come in below forecast, with lawmakers weighing next steps for cash coverage. Caribbean Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) launches honoree profiles ahead of its 2026 Leadership Awards, starting with “Carivangelist” Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon. Environment & Lifestyle: A proposed St. John superyacht marina faces a new legal fight after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over environmental and aesthetic review. Education & Reading: Joseph Chargualaf II (Okkodo High School) named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, with a yearlong literacy push for students. Sports in the Islands: Vanderbilt women’s basketball will play Paradise Jam in St. Thomas as part of the lead-up to the 2026-27 season.

USVI Budget Crunch: Sharply lower-than-expected revenues are forcing the U.S. Virgin Islands to plan for a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. saying the territory may need to tap legal settlement funds and other available cash to bridge the gap. Caribbean Media Spotlight: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) kicked off 2026 Leadership Awards honoree profiles, starting with travel writer and “Carivangelist” Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, ahead of the Dec. 6 event in Miami. Local Education Milestone: On St. Croix, the new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened Aug. 7—part of a $264 million rebuild effort—with storm-shelter-ready design and solar power. Literacy Recognition: Joseph Chargualaf II, an Okkodo High School English teacher, was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, launching a yearlong literacy initiative. Culture & Community: Five St. John bands are set to play a free St. John-to-California music meetup at Paper Mill Creek Saloon on Aug. 23 after a festival collapse stranded them on the West Coast.

Education & Community: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix on Aug. 7, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and adding a modern campus with classrooms, labs, maker spaces, storm-shelter-ready gym space, water storage, and solar power as part of a $264 million redevelopment effort. Literacy & Youth: Okkodo High School English teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, selected from 250+ applicants, to lead a yearlong literacy initiative focused on books that reflect students’ interests and backgrounds. Local Culture & Lifestyle: A free psychedelic funk-rock pop afternoon is planned for Sunday, Aug. 23, when five St. John bands—The Orange Peels, Mother Goat, PuZL, Housewives of St. John, and Chasing Hues—perform at Paper Mill Creek Saloon after being stranded on the West Coast. Health & Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology to its app so OTC hearing device owners can get one-on-one remote support from licensed professionals on their schedule. Sports & Pride: The Lady Raiders’ 2026-27 non-conference schedule includes a Paradise Jam stop in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

U.S. Virgin Islands Education: St. Croix opened the new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School on Aug. 7, a major rebuild effort after Irma and Maria, with a storm-shelter gym, water storage, solar power, and space for 735 students. Literacy & Youth: Okkodo High School teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, launching a yearlong literacy push focused on books that reflect students’ lives and backgrounds. Health & Aging Support: A new primer breaks down Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for older adults, highlighting how income limits and discrimination can block people from staying at home with needed care. Community & Lifestyle: A free St. John-to-California music meetup is set for Aug. 23 at Paper Mill Creek Saloon, bringing island-inflected funk, rock, and pop from five St. John bands. Local Tech Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service that lets OTC hearing device owners get one-on-one remote tuning and follow-up. Sports & Travel Buzz: Lady Raiders announced their 2026-27 non-conference schedule, including Paradise Jam in St. Thomas.

Lottery Watch: Powerball numbers for Saturday’s $68M jackpot were 13-31-54-57-65 with the Powerball 23, and officials are still waiting to confirm whether anyone matched all six. Sports & Community: Stanford’s No. 9 men’s soccer team hosts Denver at Cagan Stadium, continuing a busy early season stretch. Local Education & Reading: Okkodo High School English teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, launching a yearlong literacy push for students across 6th–12th grades. Disaster-Ready Learning: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, built to replace hurricane-damaged facilities with solar power, water storage, and a gym that can serve as a storm shelter. Health Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, offering live tele-audiology sessions for device owners to get remote professional hearing support. Culture & Music: Five St. John bands are set for a free psychedelic island-funk afternoon at Paper Mill Creek Saloon on Sunday. Tourism Safety (Regional): The British Virgin Islands issued a marine safety reminder after 20 accidents this year, urging smarter navigation and preparation for yacht charters.

Education & Literacy: Okkodo High School English teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, one of eight educators nationwide chosen to lead a yearlong classroom literacy initiative that spotlights books reflecting students’ interests and backgrounds. Local Schools: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix on Aug. 7, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities with a 139,000-square-foot campus built for 735 students, including storm-shelter-ready spaces, solar power, and onsite water storage. Community & Culture: St. John bands are set to bring a psychedelic, island-inflected lineup to Paper Mill Creek Saloon in Forest Knolls on Aug. 23 after getting stranded on the West Coast, with five acts playing free from 1–5pm. Lifestyle Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service offering one-on-one remote sessions for device owners to get licensed professional support and device tuning. Travel & Safety: British Virgin Islands marine authorities issued a safety reminder after recording 20 marine accidents this year, urging visitors to rely on competence, preparation, and judgment when chartering boats.