AGP Executive Report

Meta Settlement: Gov. Kelly Ayotte and AG John Formella announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal over alleged addictive design and misleading safety claims for Instagram and Facebook, with New Hampshire set to receive up to $224.3 million; the settlement also covers claims by 47 other states plus D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Impact: South Dakota confirmed a minimum $52.6 million share (could rise to $73.5 million) and said payouts go into its consumer fund, while Oklahoma is guaranteed at least $235.6 million (potentially more). USVI Sailing: St. Croix will host the 2026 ISCA Sunfish World Championship Nov. 4–14, a qualifier for the Pan American Games, with 15 USVI sailors competing. USVI Budget Pressure: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warned of a projected $59 million deficit as revenues run about 9.4% below forecast, urging lawmakers to consider Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared drought disaster conditions affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands, opening the door to emergency federal loans for farmers. Border/Travel Policy: RVIPF introduced a two-year limit on visa waivers, ending waivers valid for the remaining life of a passport. Tourism Spotlight: Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index ranked Trunk Bay No. 1 worldwide, with Sandy Point (No. 7) and Magens Bay (No. 17) also making the list.

Territorial Budget Crunch: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warned lawmakers revenues are running 9.4% below forecast, putting the territory facing a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with only $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared drought disaster conditions for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in extreme drought, a move that can unlock emergency federal loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Meta Settlement: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced South Dakota’s minimum $52.6 million share of a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over claims Meta designed Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to minors; the agreement also covers the U.S. Virgin Islands among other jurisdictions and is subject to federal court approval. Border Enforcement Update: U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded maritime interdiction by creating new “Customs Enforcement Areas,” extending enforcement jurisdiction from 12 to 24 nautical miles in regions including waters near Puerto Rico. Tourism Spotlight: Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index ranked Trunk Bay No. 1 worldwide, Sandy Point (St. Croix) No. 7, and Magens Bay (St. Thomas) No. 17.

Drought Emergency: 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. Territorial Finances: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators revenues are running about 9.4% below forecast, putting the territory facing an estimated $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with lawmakers weighing options to cover the gap. Ferry Funding: The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded nearly $665 million for 23 ferry projects across 14 states and the USVI, including vessel replacements and infrastructure upgrades. Border Policy: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force says visa waivers now have a two-year limit, ending waivers tied to the remaining life of an applicant’s passport. Travel Spotlight: Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index ranked Trunk Bay No. 1 worldwide, Sandy Point No. 7 and Magens Bay No. 17. Citizenship Politics: CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a bill to end birthright citizenship for territories like the USVI has little chance this session.

Territorial Finance: USVI Office of Management and Budget Director Julio Rhymer Jr. says sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the territory with a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with lawmakers weighing options to cover the gap, including approval of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds. Drought Emergency: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in extreme drought and no quick relief in sight—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans. Ferry Funding: The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded nearly $664.8 million for 23 ferry projects across 14 states and the USVI, including vessel replacements, terminal upgrades and operating help. Tourism Spotlight: Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index ranked Trunk Bay (No. 1), Sandy Point (No. 7) and Magens Bay (No. 17), giving the islands major travel buzz. School Arts: Poetry Out Loud 2026-2027 registration is now open for participating schools across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Travel Rules (BVI): The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force introduced a two-year limit on visa waivers, ending waivers that last for the remaining passport validity. Crime Update: A man pleaded guilty to stealing identities to secure more than $450,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.

Territorial Finance: USVI officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the government facing a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warning revenues may run 9.4% below forecast and pointing to limited cash and possible use of Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to cover near-term needs. Drought Emergency: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in extreme drought and no quick relief in sight—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans. Ferry Funding: The DOT/FTA awarded about $665 million for 23 ferry projects across 14 states and the USVI, including vessel replacements and terminal upgrades, aimed at improving safer, more reliable ferry service. Border Policy (BVI/USVI travel): The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force says visa waivers now cap at two years, ending waivers that matched the remaining life of a passport. Local Education: Okkodo High School teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, one of eight selected nationwide. Cruise Watch: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed new wellness and dining offerings for its soon-to-debut Norwegian Aura, including a large Thermal Suite and a new Indian specialty restaurant.

Territorial Finances: USVI’s Office of Management and Budget says revenues are running 9.4% below forecast, putting the territory facing a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with lawmakers urged to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to cover near-term cash needs. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme drought on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix and opening the door for emergency federal loans for farmers. Border Rules (BVI/USVI Travel): The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force says visa waivers will now be limited to two years, instead of matching the remaining life of an applicant’s passport, as part of border security steps. Powerball Update: No jackpot winner has been reported; the next Powerball drawing is set with the prize estimated at $81 million, after Saturday’s numbers produced only lower-tier wins. Local Education Spotlight: Joseph Chargualaf II, an Okkodo High School English teacher, was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow. Tourism/Environment Watch: A long-running plan for a St. John superyacht marina faces fresh legal pressure after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Drought Emergency in the USVI: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, citing extreme dry conditions and allowing farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans. Local Impact on Water and Food: Officials say the declaration won’t end the drought, but gives another tool to cope as dry weather also worsens conditions in neighboring Puerto Rico, where water rationing has been implemented. Google Play Antitrust Payouts: A $700 million settlement tied to Google Play antitrust claims could send restitution payments to eligible consumers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with many payments expected to go out automatically. Community Recognition: Okkodo High School teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, selected from hundreds of applicants nationwide. Travel and Leisure: A new list highlights Caribbean resorts U.S. citizens can visit without a passport, including St. Croix’s The Buccaneer and St. Thomas’ Bolongo Bay. Sports Note: Saint Lucia’s U14 team finished with a win over USVI in the CFU Challenge, underscoring regional youth football matchups.

Drought Update: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix all facing extreme dry conditions, a move that lets local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans. Local Impact: The drought is also hitting Puerto Rico, where officials have rolled out water rationing in parts of the island, as experts point to a strong El Niño pattern and expect a below-average Atlantic hurricane season. Consumer Watch: A nationwide Google Play antitrust settlement worth $700 million could send payments to eligible customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with many refunds expected to go out automatically for purchases made through Google Play between Aug. 16, 2016, and Sept. 30, 2023. Travel & Lifestyle: A new travel roundup highlights St. Croix’s Buccaneer and a 340-acre resort experience, plus St. Thomas and other Caribbean stays that U.S. citizens can book without a passport. Community Notes: Okkodo High School teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, one of eight educators selected nationwide.

Drought Emergency: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, and the move lets local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans. Consumer Watch: A $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement includes U.S. Virgin Islands residents, with many payments expected to be sent automatically for eligible purchases made through Google Play between Aug. 16, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2023. Lottery Buzz: Powerball’s $68 million jackpot is back up after no winner, with Saturday’s numbers reported as 13-31-54-57-65 and Powerball 23; next drawing is Monday. Local Education: Okkodo High School teacher Joseph Chargualaf II was named a 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow, selected from more than 250 applicants. Travel & Safety: British Virgin Islands marine authorities issued a safety reminder after recording 20 marine accidents this year, mostly collisions and groundings.

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.

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.