Drought Relief for USVI: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix all in extreme drought, allowing local farmers and agricultural producers to apply for federal emergency loans. Antitrust Payouts: A $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement could send payments to eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and other U.S. jurisdictions, with many refunds expected to be sent automatically. Local Education Spotlight: Okkodo High School English teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, one of eight educators selected nationwide, to lead a yearlong literacy initiative. Fall Weather Watch: Federal forecasters say El Niño may keep temperatures above average longer than usual into fall, with NOAA projecting warm conditions across much of the U.S. Community & Culture: A new student convocation at Cornell highlighted incoming students from across the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond, while local music in St. John is set for a free Paper Mill Creek Saloon show Sunday, Aug. 23.
AGP Executive Report
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Drought Relief for USVI: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix all in extreme drought, a move that lets local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans. Google Play Antitrust Payouts: USVI residents who bought apps or in-app content through Google Play between Aug. 16, 2016, and Sept. 30, 2023 may be eligible for payments from a $700 million settlement tied to a nationwide antitrust case. Weather Watch: Federal forecasters say fall 2026 could stay warmer than usual in many areas as El Niño strengthens, with September looking like an extension of summer in parts of the U.S. Local Education News: A new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 school opened on St. Croix, bringing fresh options for students and families. Community & Safety: With school back in session, officials are urging extra caution in school zones as pedestrian risks remain a concern.
Drought Relief: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix all in extreme drought, a move that lets local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans. Disaster Preparedness: Siela Bynoe highlights how communities can prepare for water and climate shocks now so recovery is easier later. School Safety: With kids back in class, a reminder on school-zone dangers points to the need for drivers to slow down and stay alert around pedestrians. Marine Safety: The British Virgin Islands issued a marine tourism safety message after 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up most incidents—an alert aimed at improving navigation judgment. Local Education & Community: Lake Placid High School FFA is pairing with an Arizona chapter through National FFA Connect, while W&M welcomes its new Class of 2030 and transfer students. Federal Money for Work: MARAD announced $35.1 million in shipyard grants nationwide, including support tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
USVI & regional travel: A Make-A-Wish Southern Florida wish came true for 10-year-old Dmytri Christian Alexander, originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, who spent a day at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport air marshalling, touring aviation operations, and even climbing aboard an airport fire rescue truck. Local community & culture: St. John bands are set to play a free afternoon at Paper Mill Creek Saloon in California after getting stranded following the collapse of San Francisco’s Freak Nest festival, with music running 1–5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23. Sports (USVI connection): In the CFU U14 Challenge, Saint Lucia beat Suriname 7-1 and scored its only goal in the series against the U.S. Virgin Islands, which had earlier been shut out 10-0 by Suriname. Housing funding: The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York awarded $70.9 million in Affordable Housing Program grants, including projects across Puerto Rico and the region, supporting creation, rehab, or preservation of 2,440 units. Weather watch: A federal fall forecast points to above-normal temperatures across much of the U.S., with September possibly feeling like an extension of summer in parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line is rolling out fresh onboard upgrades for the soon-to-debut Norwegian Aura, including its first specialty Indian restaurant (Tamara), a new immersive complimentary dining concept (The Panorama Room), and the line’s largest thermal spa—plus redesigned dining and lounge spaces meant to make it easier for guests to gather. Housing Funding: The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York awarded $70.9 million in Affordable Housing Program grants to 47 projects, targeting 2,440 units across multiple states and Puerto Rico. Local Education: A new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and adding storm-shelter-ready features, water storage, and solar power. Sports: The CFU U14 Boys Challenge continued with Saint Lucia beating Grenada 7-0 and facing the U.S. Virgin Islands next after USVI’s opening loss. Community Events: Five St. John bands are set to play a free Paper Mill Creek Saloon show on Aug. 23 after being stranded on the West Coast.
Education & Recovery: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened Aug. 7 on St. Croix, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and marking the first new VI school building in nearly three decades, with a storm-shelter gym, water storage, and solar power. Sports: Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz beat the U.S. Virgin Islands 7-0 in the CFU U14 Challenge Series, leaving the USVI still searching for goals after a tough start. Tourism Policy: The Marianas Visitors Authority says it’s monitoring a Trump executive order aimed at birth tourism, stressing it supports legitimate travel while backing safeguards to protect border integrity. Local Business & Delivery: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using 2,000+ stores as fulfillment hubs, offering items in three hours or less for a flat fee, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico/USVI region with limited shower impacts expected, while another wave could bring more moisture late Wednesday into Thursday. Maritime Funding: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced MARAD funding of $35.1 million for infrastructure and workforce upgrades at 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Citizenship Watch: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith says his bill to end automatic citizenship for children born in Guam and other U.S. territories is still active, despite Guam Del. James Moylan calling it dead, with Griffith saying he’s still seeking co-sponsors and has received no updates from House leadership. Education & Recovery: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and marking the first new VI school building in nearly three decades, part of a $264 million redevelopment. Local Sports: Saint Lucia beat the U.S. Virgin Islands 7-0 in the CFU U14 Challenge Series, leaving the USVI searching for its first goals as the group continues. Maritime Investment: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced $35.1 million for 45 small shipyards, including $1.007 million for Gulf Marine Repair in Tampa, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included in the broader program. Weather Outlook: The National Hurricane Center says no tropical cyclone formation is expected in the next week, but a tropical wave may bring limited showers to the Puerto Rico/USVI region.
Maritime Investment: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced MARAD will send $35.1 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, boosting equipment and workforce training under a 2026 funding increase. Local Education: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix on Aug. 7, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and becoming the territory’s first new school building in nearly three decades. Sports (USVI Youth): The U.S. Virgin Islands U14 boys fell 7-0 to Saint Lucia in the CFU Challenge series, leaving USVI still searching for goals after heavy early results. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico/USVI region Sunday with limited impacts, while another wave could bring more moisture and rainfall late Wednesday into Thursday. Health/Community Info: TRICARE beneficiaries got a reminder of pharmacy options, including military pharmacies and other ways to fill prescriptions. Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for Summer 2028 with hundreds of sailings, including Caribbean calls. Lottery: Mega Millions is up to a $100 million jackpot Tuesday; Powerball’s Aug. 17 numbers were 8-15-25-49-65 with Powerball 22.
Education & Recovery: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix Aug. 7, the first new VI school building in nearly three decades, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities with a 139,000-square-foot campus designed for 735 students and built to serve as a storm-shelter-ready community hub. Local Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands U14 boys team fell 7-0 to Saint Lucia in the CFU Challenge Series, leaving USVI scoreless and having conceded 15 in its first two games. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico-USVI region, with limited shower activity expected through midweek, plus breezy conditions and possible moisture increases later Wednesday into Thursday. Public Safety/Community: A Purple Carpet Bash is planned for Oct. 2 in Christiansted, bringing together survivors, veterans and advocates for domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health and veterans’ wellness. Health/Benefits: TRICARE beneficiaries get multiple pharmacy options, including military pharmacies, with coverage details available through Express Scripts. National/Regional News: Port Tampa Bay leaders discussed a roughly $1 million investment for shipyard training and upgrades, and Powerball reset after no jackpot winner, with Aug. 17 numbers 8-15-25-49-65 and Powerball 22.
Education & Recovery: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened Aug. 7 on St. Croix, the first new VI school building in nearly three decades, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and designed for 735 students with storm-shelter capacity, solar power, and water storage. Local Community & Safety: A new Purple Carpet Bash is set for Oct. 2 in Christiansted, focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness, featuring Rob Malloy. Sports (VI in the spotlight): The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series title in Florida, and VI lacrosse is also on the international radar with the Pan-American Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Jamaica. Weather Watch: Breezy conditions and limited shower activity are expected as tropical waves move through the region, with forecasters monitoring moisture increases later in the week. Health Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, offering live tele-audiology sessions for OTC hearing device owners. National Notes: Powerball continues to roll toward $1B+ after no jackpot winner, and the Senate push for permanent daylight saving time is back in the headlines.
USVI Education: A new U.S. Virgin Islands school opened on St. Croix for the first time in 27 years: the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and now the territory’s largest campus, built to serve up to 735 students. Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center says no tropical cyclone formation is expected in the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea or Gulf of America over the next week, but the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are still dealing with a tropical wave bringing limited showers, plus breezy conditions and drier air later in the week. Local Community & Safety: A Purple Carpet Bash is set for Oct. 2 in Christiansted, bringing together survivors, veterans and advocates for programming on domestic violence, trauma recovery, men’s mental health and veterans’ wellness. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series championship in Vero Beach, Florida. Aviation/Travel: Southwest Airlines announced nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027. Business/Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology sessions for users of its OTC hearing devices.
Housing & Aid: Right to Democracy says nearly 4 in 5 Sinlaku housing-aid referrals weren’t awarded, with only 1,905 of 8,857 referred applicants deemed eligible (a 21.5% success rate), far below the group’s Yutu comparison. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbances have faded in the National Hurricane Center outlook, but a tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico–USVI region Sunday with limited showers expected, plus breezy conditions and Saharan dust. Time Change Push: President Trump is urging the Senate to pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, claiming it would reduce the nation’s murder rate. Local Education: A new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix for the first time in 27 years, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and designed for up to 735 students. Maritime Industry: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Community Event: H.O.P.E. and the Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund are set to host the Purple Carpet Bash on Oct. 2 in Christiansted for domestic violence awareness, veterans wellness, and men’s mental health.
Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico–USVI region Sunday with only limited shower impacts expected, while drier air and Saharan dust should follow; breezy to locally windy conditions ease into Monday. Local Education: The territory’s first new U.S. Virgin Islands school in 27 years opened on St. Croix—Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School—built to better handle hurricane realities and now the largest campus in the territory. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series title in Vero Beach, Florida, capping a dominant run. Community & Safety: A Purple Carpet Bash is set for Oct. 2 in Christiansted, supporting domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health. Health Alert: Federal authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina, urging Caribbean distributors and kitchens to check freezer stock for affected lot numbers. Travel: Southwest will add nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027. Politics/Timekeeping: President Trump is pushing the Senate to make daylight saving time permanent, arguing it would reduce the murder rate.
Lottery Watch: A single Powerball ticket sold in Quincy, Illinois won the $1.04 billion jackpot (white balls 4, 26, 66, 67, 69; Powerball 9; Power Play 2x). The winner can take about $450.5 million cash or the full $1.04 billion paid out over 29 years; the next drawing is set for Saturday with an estimated $20 million. Local Education: The first new U.S. Virgin Islands school in 27 years opened on St. Croix—Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School—replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and designed for up to 735 students. Sports & Community: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series championship, and a Purple Carpet Bash is planned for Oct. 2 in Christiansted to support domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health. Travel & Business: Southwest will add nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027, and a USPS change is raising shipping costs for residents mailing from U.S. territories to the 50 states.
Education Spotlight: St. Croix opened the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School, the first new USVI school in 27 years, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and now the territory’s largest campus for up to 735 students. Sports & Community Pride: The USVI won the Nike RBI Softball World Series title in Vero Beach, capping a dominant run that included a championship win over Houston. International Lacrosse: Team Canada will feature USVI in the Pan-American Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Jamaica (Aug. 16-23), with Alexis Simard and coach Mark Miyashita representing Canada while the USVI competes in Pool A. Public Safety & Health: Federal authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required import reinspection, urging Caribbean-area distributors to check freezer stock. Local Event: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund will host the Purple Carpet Bash on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness.
Powerball Jackpot: A single Powerball ticket sold in Quincy, Illinois matched all six numbers to win an estimated $1.04 billion, resetting the next drawing to about $20 million; the winning numbers were 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, with Powerball 9. Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw, frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered U.S. commerce without required import reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to check affected freezer stock. Local Community Event: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund will host the “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” Oct. 2 in Christiansted, focusing on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Sports & Representation: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series title in Vero Beach, Florida. Travel & Connectivity: Southwest Airlines announced nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027, adding another direct option for travelers.
Air Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is adding a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas, starting March 13, 2027, with weekly Saturday service—another boost to the airline’s growing VI network. Community & Safety: UTIC has named Donald McCormack as board chair after founding chair Debbie Proffitt retired, as the undersea tech group looks ahead to its next decade. Local Health Alert: Federal officials issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required reinspection; Caribbean distributors are urged to check affected stock. Sports: Army West Point added Scott Fortier to its swimming and diving staff, bringing experience coaching the U.S. Virgin Islands national team. Domestic Violence Awareness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund will host the Purple Carpet Bash on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, featuring Rob Malloy and programming for survivors, veterans, men’s mental health, and trauma recovery. Maritime Industry: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards, including support for the U.S. Virgin Islands, to upgrade equipment and training. Business Travel/Leisure: Allegiant is expanding its Caribbean network after acquiring Sun Country, adding complimentary nonalcoholic drinks and preparing a new premium cabin product for 2027. Powerball: A single ticket sold in Illinois won the $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot; the next drawing resets to about $20 million.
Local Public Safety: A 21-year-old man, Angel Rodriguez III, was fatally shot near the St. Croix Superior Court Monday afternoon, the territory’s 31st homicide of 2026; police say he was found unresponsive in a vehicle after reports of gunfire around 2:06 p.m., and investigators are asking the public for tips. Community & Culture: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund will host the “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” Oct. 2 in Christiansted, featuring Rob Malloy and programming focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Travel & Business: Southwest Airlines announced nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027, adding another direct route into the U.S. Virgin Islands. Maritime Economy: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards in 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Food Safety: Federal health officials issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef from Argentina after it entered commerce without required reinspection, urging Caribbean distributors to check freezer stock. Sports: Army added Scott Fortier to its swimming and diving staff for the 2026-2027 season; Fortier previously coached the St. Croix Dolphins and the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team. National Odds & Ends: Powerball’s jackpot hit $1.04 billion after no winner, with the winning numbers 4-26-66-67-69 and Powerball 9.
U.S. Virgin Islands Public Safety: A 21-year-old man, identified as Angel Rodriguez III, was fatally shot near the St. Croix Superior Court on Monday afternoon, the territory’s 31st homicide of 2026; VIPD says the call came in around 2:06 p.m., and the Criminal Investigation Bureau is asking anyone with information to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, or Crime Stoppers V.I. Tropical Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking two Atlantic invests—92L and 94L—expected to strengthen into tropical depressions this week, with Puerto Rico bracing for increased tropical moisture; as of Aug. 13, little to no risk to Florida is expected. Caribbean Business & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line outlined a bigger 2028 Caribbean plan, including St. Thomas calls on seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami. Education Spotlight (USVI): The University of the Virgin Islands received a national Student Journey Award from EAB for improving the student experience and supporting success from enrollment through graduation. National Policy Debate: President Trump signed executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in certain cases, reviving concerns among U.S. territories. Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required reinspection.
Powerball Fever: The Powerball jackpot is officially at $1.04 billion after a winner in Illinois matched all six numbers (4, 26, 66, 67, 69; Powerball 9). The cash option is about $450.5 million, with both payout choices before taxes. Next Draw Countdown: For Wednesday’s $1 billion drawing, the winning numbers were 4-26-66-67-69 with Powerball 9 (2x Power Play), and officials say the cash value is about $433.1 million if someone hits the jackpot. Local Crime: A 21-year-old man, identified as Angel Rodriguez III, was fatally shot near the St. Croix Superior Court on Monday; VIPD says the territory recorded its 31st homicide of 2026 and is asking the public for tips. Regional Environment: Federal prosecutors unsealed charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator and employees for alleged Clean Water Act violations tied to discharging wastewater into waters near a public beach. Education Spotlight: The University of the Virgin Islands received a national Student Journey Award for improving student success and the overall student experience.
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