AGP Executive Report

Lottery Buzz: Powerball is back at $100 million ahead of Monday’s drawing, with the May 18 winning numbers 4, 13, 34, 61, 65 and Powerball 12 (Power Play 2x). Travel Watch: Delta is advertising nonstop New York (JFK) to St. Thomas for about $387 roundtrip for June 1–8. Workplace Update: The U.S. Department of Labor is restoring the 2019 overtime salary thresholds after court action vacated the Biden-era increases. Public Safety Tech: The FBI is seeking up to $36 million for nationwide access to automated license plate reader data, including coverage plans that list the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Context: A 6.0 earthquake shook parts of the Eastern Caribbean over the weekend, with no tsunami expected.

Medicare Travel Check: A new explainer breaks down how Medicare coverage changes when you’re away from home—Original Medicare generally works in U.S. territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands, while Medicare Advantage plans can vary, so beneficiaries are urged to call their insurer before they travel. Caribbean Tourism Push: The Caribbean Tourism Organization is set to launch a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism during Caribbean Week, with funds raised at a June 1 leadership dinner. Banking Rule Shift: The OCC finalized a rule that preempts state requirements on interest for mortgage escrow accounts, potentially changing what national banks pay and charge—though legal fights are still ongoing. F1 Academy Returns: F1 Academy resumes in Montreal May 22-24, with live viewing options listed for fans. Earthquake Aftermath: A powerful 6.0 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with officials reporting no tsunami threat and no major damage in early reports.

Basketball Schedule: Alabama is set for a home-and-home with Seton Hall—first at Coleman Coliseum on Nov. 13, then in Newark in the 2027-28 season. Lottery Watch: Powerball is still rolling after Saturday’s $89M jackpot drew no winner; the next drawing is Monday night with at least $86M up for grabs. Earthquake Update: A strong 6.0 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean Saturday morning, with tremors felt across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands; officials reported no tsunami threat and no major damage or injuries so far. Local Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship may not be permanent, and floated deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. USVI Shipping Concern: VIPA said a San Juan docking restriction involving Water Spirit Freight could disrupt cargo, but it’s tied to Puerto Rico/Coast Guard rules outside VIPA’s control.

Powerball Watch: No one matched all five numbers in Saturday’s Powerball drawing, leaving the jackpot at $89 million; the winning numbers were 8, 37, 40, 44 and 65 with a Power Ball of 18 (Power Play 3x), and the next drawing is set for 10:59 p.m. Monday with an estimated prize of at least $86 million. Earthquake Alert: A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the Eastern Caribbean Saturday morning, with tremors felt across multiple islands including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico; officials reported no tsunami threat and no major damage or injuries at the time. Territory Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the U.S. Virgin Islands’ political relationship with the U.S. may change, even floating the idea of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Shipping Disruption Risk: The VI Port Authority said a San Juan docking restriction involving Water Spirit Freight Services could affect cargo relied on by USVI residents and businesses, while noting Puerto Rico harbor rules fall outside its jurisdiction.

Caribbean Shaken: A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck northeast of Antigua and Barbuda Saturday morning, with strong shaking reported across multiple islands including the U.S. Virgin Islands; the UWI Seismic Research Centre put it at 31 km deep, and authorities say there’s no tsunami threat. VI Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship isn’t permanent and floated the idea of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to an estimated $86 million for Saturday after Friday’s draw produced no jackpot winner; the latest numbers were 8-37-40-44-65 with Powerball 18. Regional Watch: Earlier in the week, another quake hit the region—magnitude 6.5 near St. Kitts and Nevis—also reported no major damage so far.

Territory’s Future Talk: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates on St. Croix that the U.S. Virgin Islands’ political relationship with Washington isn’t permanent—and floated the idea of deeper ties or even combining with the British Virgin Islands. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake hit Saturday morning east of Antigua and Barbuda, followed by a 6.5 quake near St. Kitts and Nevis; reports said light shaking was felt across multiple islands and there’s no tsunami risk for the U.S. Local Shipping Concern: The VI Port Authority said a San Juan docking restriction tied to a Water Spirit Freight Services vessel could disrupt cargo relied on by residents and businesses in the territory. Lottery Buzz: No Mega Millions jackpot winner Friday; the next drawing Tuesday is set to climb near $277 million.

Local Shipping Watch: The U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority says a San Juan docking restriction tied to Water Spirit Freight Services could disrupt cargo routes used by USVI residents and businesses, while stressing Puerto Rico harbor rules are outside its control and pointing to a U.S. Coast Guard order after vessels obstructed a channel. Epstein Island Fallout: House Oversight released more details from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s Epstein investigation testimony, including claims he visited Little St. James in the Virgin Islands and found a comment about “the right kind of massage” “sexual in nature,” as the new owner faces ongoing voyeur activity. Tourism Angle: Curaçao is being highlighted as a more stable, year-round family travel destination, with a report citing the island’s low seasonality compared with much of the Caribbean. Community Spotlight: Alpha Kappa Alpha’s local chapter is set to commemorate 50 years of service, scholarship, leadership and sisterhood.

USVI Supply Chain Stress: The Virgin Islands Port Authority says it’s hearing community concerns after Water Spirit Freight Services VI was restricted from docking in San Juan, Puerto Rico—an order tied to Coast Guard findings that two Togo-flagged vessels obstructed the San Antonio Channel while moored, meaning they won’t be cleared back into the harbor until they can moor safely. Opioid Money Moves: The state is set to receive $27M from the Purdue Pharma opioid settlement, part of the broader $7.4B national deal now taking effect. Work Rules Reset: The U.S. Department of Labor restored the 2019 overtime salary threshold, rolling back the Biden-era changes after court vacated the 2024 rule. Tourism Spotlight: Curaçao is being highlighted as a steadier, more year-round family tourism market in new Caribbean travel data. Local Recognition: A bill is advancing to rename the Bolongo Bay Head Start Facility for Dilsa Capdeville, honoring decades of child and domestic violence advocacy in the territory.

Overtime Rule Reversed: The U.S. Department of Labor finalized a technical fix that restores the 2019 overtime salary threshold to $684 per week after two court rulings wiped out the 2024 Biden-era rule. Local Impact: For employers and payroll teams, the change closes out the litigation and clarifies which federal salary levels govern exempt workers. Territorial Life & Safety: A month-long distracted driving crackdown in Minnesota racked up thousands of hands-free violations, underscoring how enforcement campaigns keep targeting everyday phone habits. Caribbean Watch: A new autonomous underwater robot is helping map coral reef biodiversity hotspots using sound and vision, while U.S. Virgin Islands tourism visibility continues to rise in online chatter. Lottery Buzz: Powerball’s latest run ended with no jackpot winner; the next drawing is set for Saturday with a growing prize. Scandal Spotlight: House Oversight released more details from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s Epstein-related testimony, including his account of a 2005 comment he found “sexual in nature.”

Distracted Driving Crackdown: Minnesota wrapped up a month-long hands-free enforcement push, citing nearly 5,500 drivers for violations and flagging cases from laptop typing in heavy traffic to a semi driver who didn’t notice a deputy until crossing into the next county. Marijuana Rescheduling Fight: A House appropriations committee voted to block federal marijuana rescheduling funding, even as the Trump administration moves ahead with reform—leaving patients and businesses in a legal gray area. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to about $70M for the May 13 drawing, with no jackpot winner; next draw is Saturday. Epstein Probe Update: House Oversight released Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s transcript, where he described an Epstein comment about a “massage table” as “sexual in nature,” and said he cut short visits after it alarmed him. USVI Cost Pressure: Local reports tie higher fuel and living costs to the ongoing US-Iran impasse affecting shipping and energy.

Epstein Probe: House Oversight released Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s closed-door transcript, where he described a 2005 visit to Epstein’s Manhattan home and said Epstein’s “massage table” comment struck him as “sexual in nature,” prompting him and his wife to leave. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to a $69 million jackpot (cash value $31.2M) for Wednesday’s drawing, with numbers 22-31-52-56-67 and Powerball 15 (Power Play 2x). Marine Science: A new autonomous underwater robot, CUREE, is mapping coral-reef biodiversity hotspots by combining sound and vision in real time. Local/Regional Watch: USVI and other Caribbean areas are also feeling the ripple effects of higher fuel and shipping costs tied to the US-Iran standoff. Space/Defense: A “Golden Dome” missile defense plan is pegged at $1.2T over 20 years, according to a new government report.

Military & Culture: Deering Estate is joining the Blue Star Museums program, offering free summer admission to active-duty U.S. service members and their families from May 16 to Sept. 7, 2026. Tourism Pulse: Curaçao is being flagged as a standout for family travel growth, with demand for family-sized trips (3–5 people) outpacing regional trends—alongside the U.S. Virgin Islands. Defense Costs: A new U.S. budget estimate says Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense could run as high as $1.2 trillion over 20 years, with major uncertainty about whether it can stop large nuclear arsenals. Local Cost Pressure: The VI is bracing for higher fuel and shipping costs as the U.S.-Iran standoff drags on, keeping pressure on energy markets. Health Access: A new at-home STI testing effort is launching via a partnership aimed at making care easier to reach, including in underserved areas like the VI.

Civil Rights Settlement: PayPal agreed to settle a U.S. Justice Department probe over its 2020 Economic Opportunity Fund, agreeing to drop about $30 million in processing fees from roughly $1 billion in transactions—without admitting wrongdoing. Territorial Health Access: A new at-home STI testing push is rolling out via a partnership between Visby and RAINN, with free test distribution starting in places including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Clean Energy Expansion: The Awareness Group launched its No FICO Solar Plus Battery PPA program across seven markets, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, aiming to expand solar and backup power access for households shut out by credit-score rules. Local Community Spotlight: A St. Croix Pride Parade is set for June 6, with events running May 28 through June 20. Cost-of-Living Pressure: USVI fuel and shipping pressures are tied to the widening U.S.-Iran impasse affecting global energy routes. Lottery Watch: Mega Millions climbed to $232 million for the May 12 drawing, while Powerball sits at $47 million for May 9.

Caribbean Travel Buzz: Puerto Rico and Jamaica are leading the region’s official destination social media race, but the next growth push may hinge on creators and diaspora storytellers turning island identity into global attention. USVI Cost Pressure: The U.S.-Iran standoff is keeping fuel and shipping costs high for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new oil-market jitters after President Trump rejected Iran’s peace response—another hit to a territory already squeezed by imported essentials. Local Honor: A bill would name the Bolongo Bay Head Start Facility for Dilsa Capdeville, credited with 60 years of protecting women and children through social services, child abuse prevention, and domestic violence advocacy. Community Calendar: St. Croix Pride Parade is set for June 6, with events running May 28 through June 20. Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to a $58 million jackpot for Monday’s drawing, with no jackpot winner reported.

Local Legacy Honored: The Bolongo Bay Head Start Facility may soon be renamed for Dilsa Capdeville, after a packed Government Operations committee meeting advanced Bill No. 36-0114—recognizing her decades of work protecting women and children, pushing child abuse prevention, and helping create key institutions. Cost-of-Living Pressure: The USVI is bracing for higher fuel, shipping, and living costs as the US-Iran impasse drags on, with Strait of Hormuz risks keeping energy markets tense. Community & Safety Focus: A new St. Croix Pride Parade is set for June 6, with events running May 28–June 20, while a separate story highlights “invisible victims” when first responders are also survivors. Territory Pulse: Powerball climbed to a $57 million jackpot for Monday’s drawing, and Mega Millions continues to roll after no jackpot winner.

Travel Watch: After Spirit Airlines abruptly shut down, carriers are rushing to fill seats—Southwest, JetBlue, Breeze and others are adding nonstop options to Florida’s Disney-area airports. Sports Spotlight: Cape Coral Rowing Club’s Brooke Bunch and Sofia Mayus won silver at USRowing Southeast Regionals and earned a bid to Youth Nationals. Education: East Mississippi Community College held spring 2026 graduation ceremonies across its Scooba and Golden Triangle campuses. Climate: April 2026 landed among the warmest on record worldwide, with NOAA reporting a very high chance 2026 stays in the top four warmest years. Community Push: The 34th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive is Saturday, May 9—leave nonperishables by your mailbox for local pantries. Lottery Buzz: Powerball is back at an estimated $47M for Saturday’s drawing; Mega Millions climbed to $232M after no jackpot winner Friday.