Coastal Science & Tourism: A University of South Florida report says sargassum is hitting record levels again, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf—plus scientists say this year’s blooms are growing locally in the region, not just washing in, threatening beaches, marine life, and tourism. Local Resilience & Infrastructure: A drought developing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is already stressing water systems and could raise costs for water authorities, with analysts warning of knock-on effects for tourism and sales tax collections. Public Health & Tech-Adjacent Policy: A coalition of 43 states and territories announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits, with injunctive reforms and a possible 2027 trial timeline. Education & STEM Pipeline: The National FFA Organization reported 1,053,847 student members for 2025–2026 across 9,591 chapters, noting growth that spans all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Tech Operations: The inaugural NextGen Uniform Bar Examination launched across 10 jurisdictions including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with some testing sites handling network or venue infrastructure issues on day one. Logistics & Ports: Tropical Shipping ordered four new mobile harbor cranes for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including first-ever units for St. Croix and St. Thomas, with delivery and commissioning slated for 2027. Sports Tech & Community: Paradise Jam is set for Nov. 26–28 at UVI St. Thomas, with multiple teams scheduled to compete in the Harbor Division.