AGP Executive Report

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.

Antitrust & Health Policy: Acting Alaska AG Cori Mills and a coalition of 43 states and territories announced a $400 million settlement in principle with generic-drug maker Sandoz over alleged price-inflation and competition-limiting conspiracies, with Sandoz facing about $469 million in total payments if approved, plus injunctive reforms and a possible 2027 trial. Caribbean Environment: A University of South Florida report says sargassum hit a record 27 million metric tons in July across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf, with scientists warning this year’s blooms are “not normal” because the seaweed is growing locally in the region rather than just washing in—hurting tourism and marine life. Local Tech & Testing: The inaugural NextGen Uniform Bar Examination launched across 10 jurisdictions including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with 2,640 examinees completing it; some sites saw network and venue infrastructure issues that were later resolved. USVI Logistics Upgrade: Tropical Shipping ordered four new mobile harbor cranes for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including one for St. Croix and two for St. Thomas, with delivery and commissioning slated for 2027 and remote monitoring included. Timekeeping Politics: Trump urged Congress to make daylight saving time permanent, but the Senate still hasn’t acted, leaving a likely “fall back” clock change on Nov. 1. Lottery & Privacy: Powerball climbed to an estimated $786 million ahead of the Aug. 5 drawing, and an economist urged winners to protect privacy and avoid costly mistakes.

Antitrust & Health Costs: Michigan AG Dana Nessel and a coalition of 43 states and territories announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition limits, with total payments potentially reaching about $469M and injunctive reforms if approved. Caribbean Marine Crisis: Scientists report unusually large, self-sustaining sargassum growth across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf—about 27 million metric tons in July—raising tourism, harbor, and public-health concerns as the seaweed rots onshore. USVI Tech in Testing: The inaugural NextGen Uniform Bar Examination rolled out across 10 jurisdictions, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with most sites running smoothly after a few first-day infrastructure issues. Local Infrastructure Upgrade: Tropical Shipping ordered four new mobile harbor cranes for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including first mobile harbor cranes for St. Croix and St. Thomas, with delivery and commissioning targeted for 2027. Energy Resilience (USVI): After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands Energy Office’s VIBES 2.0 pilot aims to link home solar and batteries into a virtual power plant to stabilize the grid faster during outages. STEM/Science Tourism Angle: A Caribbean tourism strategist argues the region’s “innovation” is rooted in sustainability and resilience, pointing to conservation efforts including in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Education & Testing Tech: The NextGen Uniform Bar Examination launched across 10 jurisdictions, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with 2,640 examinees at 16 locations; most sites ran smoothly, though some faced network and venue infrastructure problems that were later fixed. Workforce Fintech: etoro and Papaya Global are partnering on “etoro work powered by Papaya Global’s Banco,” aiming to connect paydays directly to investing and learning tools. Antitrust & Pharma: AG Hilgers (with a 43-state coalition) announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price and competition conspiracies, with total payments around $469M and internal reform commitments. Climate & Coastal Tech: New research says sargassum is becoming self-sustaining in the Caribbean and Gulf, with 27M metric tons reported in July—bad news for marine life, harbors, and tourism. Local Energy Resilience: After Irma, the VI is scaling a virtual power plant approach that links home solar-plus-battery systems to stabilize the grid faster during outages. Port Infrastructure: Tropical Shipping ordered four mobile harbor cranes for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including first-of-their-kind cranes for St. Croix and St. Thomas, with delivery in 2027.

Finance Tech Partnership: etoro teamed with Papaya Global to launch “etoro work powered by Banco,” linking workers’ pay to optional investing and education at the moment wages are received. Public Health & Environment: A new report says sargassum is becoming self-sustaining in the Caribbean and Gulf, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July—bad news for marine life, harbors, and tourism as seaweed rots onshore. Local Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands is scaling a virtual power plant pilot (VIBES 2.0) that connects home solar-plus-battery systems to stabilize the grid faster during outages. Cruise Safety Rules: The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) lays out baseline requirements for handling crime and victim support on ships using U.S. ports, including hotline access and crew training. Trade/Infrastructure Tech: Tropical Shipping ordered four mobile harbor cranes for Florida and St. Croix/St. Thomas, with delivery and commissioning targeted for 2027 and remote monitoring included. Governance & Voting Tech: VI election officials were invited to observe USVI’s Aug. 1 Democratic primary, focusing on voting-tabulator technology in an educational, non-handling role.

Antitrust & Health Policy: Attorneys General from 43 states and territories, including U.S. Virgin Islands–linked coalition members, announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug conspiracies to inflate prices and limit competition; if approved, Sandoz would pay about $469 million and agree to internal reforms, with a possible 2027 trial looming. Climate & Coastal Tech: A new report says sargassum is becoming self-sustaining—scientists observed large growth in the Caribbean and Gulf rather than just drifting in—raising public health and harbor impacts as blooms rot and release gases. Local Infrastructure: Tropical Shipping ordered four mobile harbor cranes for St. Croix and St. Thomas, with delivery and commissioning planned for 2027, plus remote monitoring to boost container-handling capacity. Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the VI is expanding a virtual power plant approach that links home solar and batteries to stabilize the grid faster during outages. Public Safety & Travel: The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act sets baseline rules for onboard crime reporting and victim support for ships using U.S. ports. Sports (VI-hosted): Paradise Jam returns Nov. 26–28 in St. Thomas, with multiple teams including Tennessee Tech and Air Force.

Antitrust & Consumer Protection: U.S. Virgin Islands and 43 states/territories announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition, with total payments to state enforcers estimated around $469M and injunctive reforms tied to antitrust compliance. Climate & Coastal Tech: New research says sargassum is shifting from “arriving” to becoming self-sustaining in the Atlantic-Caribbean-Gulf region, raising public health and harbor/fishing risks as blooms decompose and release gases. Local Resilience Grid Tech: After Hurricane Irma, the VI is scaling a virtual power plant that links home solar-plus-battery systems to stabilize the grid faster, aiming to reduce outages without waiting on new generation or power lines. Infrastructure for Tourism: St. Thomas cruise operations face a depth constraint; WICO’s planned dredging (starting Sept. 2026, mid-2027 completion) targets safer access for the largest ships. Policy & Health: The Senate still hasn’t acted on daylight saving changes, so most clocks are expected to “fall back” Nov. 1—despite major medical groups urging permanent standard time. STEM & Research: A USVI-linked oyster-recovery sound study highlights how underwater acoustics may help restore reefs by tracking the “sound of home” for oysters. Elections Tech (Observation): VI election officials will observe the Aug. 1 Democratic primary using voting-tabulator technology, with a strictly educational role.

Daylight Saving Time Fight: The Senate still hasn’t acted on making daylight saving permanent, so most Americans are still set to “fall back” on Nov. 1—while doctors warn the wrong permanent choice could worsen travel and sleep outcomes. Sargassum Shock: Scientists report unusually self-sustaining sargassum growth across the Caribbean and Gulf, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July—bad news for marine life, tourism, and harbors as seaweed rots onshore. Local Port Tech Upgrade: Tropical Shipping ordered four new mobile harbor cranes—one for St. Croix and two for St. Thomas—plus remote monitoring, aiming to boost container handling and efficiency starting in 2027. Grid Resilience in the VI: After Hurricane Irma, the territory’s VIBES 2.0 virtual power plant links home batteries and solar to stabilize the grid fast, using existing storage instead of waiting on new generation or power lines. Drought Watch: A developing drought in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands could raise water costs and hit tourism, with knock-on effects for local economies and bond planning.

Coastal Science & Tourism: A University of South Florida report says self-sustaining sargassum is now growing in large quantities across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July—smothering beaches, killing marine life, and releasing foul odors as it rots. Local Tech & Ports: Tropical Shipping ordered four Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes—one for St. Croix and two for St. Thomas—plus remote monitoring, with delivery and commissioning set for 2027 to boost container-handling capacity. Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands Energy Office’s VIBES 2.0 virtual power plant links home solar and battery systems to stabilize the grid in sub-seconds. STEM in the Community: St. Thomas’ WICO is planning dredging to fix a depth problem that limits cruise ship access, with work starting Sept. 2026. Public Safety Drills: Operation Iron Wave tested emergency coordination across agencies, including the U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard, using drones, boats, and radiation mapping. Sports Tech/Travel: Paradise Jam returns to St. Thomas (Nov. 26–28), with multiple teams including Tennessee Tech and Air Force traveling in-season.

Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands is scaling a “virtual power plant” pilot that links home solar and battery systems so they can respond to grid needs in sub-seconds, aiming for fewer outages and more reliable power. Marine Science & Tourism Impact: New research says sargassum is now growing in large quantities across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico—turning a recurring beach problem into a self-sustaining cycle that can smother shorelines and disrupt marine life and tourism. Port Tech Upgrade: Tropical Shipping ordered four new mobile harbor cranes—one for St. Croix and two for St. Thomas—adding first-of-their-kind quayside capacity and remote monitoring, with delivery planned for 2027. Local Infrastructure Planning: St. Thomas’ WICO is moving ahead with dredging to fix depth limits that restrict the largest cruise ships from safely calling at Havensight. Community & Governance Tech: VI election officials will observe voting-tabulator operations during the Aug. 1 Democratic primary, in an educational, non-handling role. Sports Tech/Travel: Paradise Jam is set for Nov. 26–28 at UVI St. Thomas, with multiple teams traveling in for the tournament.

Sargassum Crisis: New research from the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab says self-sustaining sargassum is now growing in large quantities across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico—meaning the seaweed may be sticking around longer and spreading farther, with beaches smothered and marine life stressed. Port Tech Upgrade: Tropical Shipping ordered four new Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes—one for St. Croix and two for St. Thomas—plus Truconnect remote monitoring, aiming to boost container-handling capacity and efficiency at Virgin Islands ports. Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands is expanding a virtual power plant pilot that links home solar and battery systems so they can respond to grid needs fast, helping stabilize the territory’s electricity supply. Local Infrastructure: St. Thomas’ WICO is moving ahead with dredging to fix channel depth limits that restrict the largest cruise ships, with work slated to start in September 2026. Community & STEM Events: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept. 15–17, 2026, with sessions on adapting to climate impacts and transforming island systems—free to attend online.

Energy & Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Virgin Islands is turning rooftop solar and home batteries into a shared “virtual power plant” (VIBES 2.0) to stabilize the grid fast—without waiting on new generation or power lines. Port Tech & Logistics: Tropical Shipping ordered four new mobile harbor cranes for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including one for St. Croix and two for St. Thomas—first mobile harbor cranes for those islands, with delivery and commissioning planned for 2027. Climate & Public Health: A new report says sargassum is growing in large quantities in the Caribbean and Gulf—blanketing shorelines, smothering marine life, and raising concerns as it rots and releases gases. Local Economy Pressure: Drought in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is already hitting water costs and could weigh on tourism and sales tax collections. STEM/Community Tech: St. Thomas’ WICO is betting on dredging to fix a depth constraint that limits the biggest cruise ships—scheduled to start in Sept. 2026. Sports Tech Tourism: Paradise Jam is back in St. Thomas (Nov. 26–28), with multiple NCAA programs traveling in for the tournament at UVI’s Sports and Fitness Center.

Port Operations Upgrade: Tropical Shipping ordered four new Konecranes Gottwald ESP.6 mobile harbor cranes—one for Riviera Beach, Fla., and three for the U.S. Virgin Islands (one for St. Croix, two for St. Thomas). The first mobile harbor cranes on St. Croix and St. Thomas are due for delivery and commissioning in Q2 2027, boosting quayside cargo handling and adding Truconnect remote monitoring for fleet maintenance. Reef Health Monitoring: A new Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution study used seawater chemistry and microbes to flag early changes in coral reef health in the U.S. Virgin Islands, showing each reef site has a distinct signature and that ocean currents can shift patterns within hours. Cruise Infrastructure Tech: St. Thomas’ WICO says it has a depth problem limiting the biggest ships; a dredging project starting Sept. 2026 (mid-2027 target) aims to expand safe access to Havensight. Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands Energy Office’s VIBES 2.0 virtual power plant links home batteries and solar to stabilize the grid fast—without new generation or power lines. Coastal Science Warning: Research highlights sargassum as a self-sustaining, recurring coastal problem, with major impacts on harbors, marine life, and public health as it decomposes.

Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Virgin Islands is moving from backup power to a shared one—VIBES 2.0 links home solar-plus-battery systems into a virtual power plant that can respond in sub-seconds to help stabilize the grid. Marine Science: WHOI researchers in the U.S. Virgin Islands are using seawater chemistry and microbes to spot reef health changes early, showing ocean currents can shape those signals within hours. Coastal Tech & Tourism: St. Thomas’ WICO says it’s readying dredging to fix a depth bottleneck that limits access for the biggest cruise ships, with work starting in September 2026. Ecosystem Warning: Scientists say sargassum may be entering a self-sustaining cycle, turning beach cleanup into a recurring problem across the Caribbean and beyond. Local Governance (Elections): VI election officials have been invited to observe the Aug. 1, 2026 Democratic primary, shadowing operations and voting-tabulator technology. Community & STEM: Ten Virgin Islands students completed the CREW Fellowship and presented public health studies. Tech/Policy: A coalition of state AGs backs FCC rules aimed at tightening “know-your-customer” checks to curb illegal robocalls.

Cruise Infrastructure: St. Thomas’ WICO says it can handle more ships and passengers in FY2027, but the real bottleneck is harbor depth—so dredging is set to start in September 2026 and finish mid-2027 to better accommodate the world’s largest cruise vessels. Resilient Power: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands is scaling a “virtual power plant” approach—linking home solar-plus-battery systems so they can respond to grid needs in seconds, aiming to stabilize service without new generation or power lines. Coral Reef Health Monitoring: WHOI researchers report that seawater around U.S. Virgin Islands reefs carries distinct chemical and microbial signals shaped by ocean currents—suggesting earlier warning signs for reef decline. Coastal Disaster Watch: New research highlights sargassum as a self-sustaining problem that can keep returning, with risks ranging from clogged harbors to harmful gases as it decomposes. Local STEM Pipeline: Ten VI undergrads completed the CREW research fellowship, presenting projects on healthcare access and cardiovascular health, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Island Tech & Events: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept. 15–17, 2026, with a free, three-day online program focused on climate adaptation, system change, and turning plans into action.

Harbor Tech & Tourism: WICO says St. Thomas can handle more cruise calls, but a “depth problem” blocks the biggest ships; a dredging project (Orion Marine Construction) is set to start Sept. 2026 with mid-2027 completion to improve channel and turning-basin access. Ecosystem Science: New research argues sargassum may be stuck in a self-sustaining cycle, turning beach cleanup into a recurring fight; scientists are pushing for solutions that address what keeps blooms going. Reef Health Monitoring: WHOI researchers report seawater around U.S. Virgin Islands coral reefs carries distinct chemical and microbial signals shaped by currents, hinting at earlier ways to spot reef stress. Local Elections Tech: VI election officials are invited to observe the Aug. 1 Democratic primary, including how voting-tabulator technology is used—strictly observational. STEM Workforce: Ten VI undergrads complete the CREW fellowship with five original health research projects, supported by the NIH and local medical partners. Infrastructure & Connectivity: LTN says it completed 3,000+ satellite-to-IP migrations, including reach into places like the U.S. Virgin Islands.