Territorial Politics: Delegate Stacey Plaskett advanced in the Democratic governor primary, beating Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and securing the Plaskett–Potter ticket for the November race. Public Safety: A St. Thomas man, Albert Lindo III, was charged after police say he used a machete to force open his grandmother’s door at Annas Retreat, then allegedly scattered belongings and threatened family members. Sports: The USVI women’s softball team ended a medal drought at the CAC Games, earning silver after the gold-medal game was postponed and ultimately cancelled due to severe weather. Health & Consumer Watch: Attorneys general announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing; the deal is contingent on approvals and includes internal reforms. Local Notices: The Economic Development Park Corporation is seeking bids for the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park lift station renovation on St. Croix, with questions due Aug. 17 and bids due Aug. 31. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to an estimated $748 million for Monday’s drawing after no jackpot winner in the prior draw.
AGP Executive Report
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Antitrust & Consumer Protection: U.S. and coalition attorneys general announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition limits, with Sandoz agreeing to reforms and injunctive terms; if finalized, states and territories would receive about $469 million in total payments to enforcers. Local Public Works: The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority is inviting bids for the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park lift station renovation on St. Croix, with questions due Aug. 17 and bids due Aug. 31. USVI Politics: Delegate Stacey E. Plaskett won the Democratic governor primary with running mate Milton E. Potter, securing the nomination ahead of the November general election. Public Safety: VIPD issued a wanted bulletin for 21-year-old Deshawn Henley in connection with a 3rd-degree burglary investigation on St. Croix. Environment & Tourism: A new report says sargassum is becoming self-sustaining and blanketing coastlines across the Caribbean and Gulf, raising health and marine-life concerns. Sports: USVI women’s softball ended a long medal drought at the Central American and Caribbean Games, taking silver after weather forced cancellation of the gold-medal game. Community & Culture: A Bermudian photographer received Caribbean Culture Fund support for a visual storytelling project, including a USVI documentary among funded works. Weather/Disaster Preparedness: A moderate earthquake and aftershock were reported north of St. Thomas, prompting VITEMA to ask residents to report what they felt. Lottery: Powerball continues climbing toward an estimated $748 million for the Aug. 3 drawing after no jackpot winner on Aug. 1.
Daylight Saving Time: The U.S. House voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but the Senate hasn’t acted—so most Americans will still “fall back” on Nov. 1, and doctors warn the fix could be wrong if Congress chooses the wrong permanent option. Public Works: The Economic Development Park Corporation is inviting sealed bids for the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park lift station renovation on St. Croix (IFB# 2026-01 EDPC); questions due Aug. 17 and bids due Aug. 31, with a public bid opening Sept. 2. Territorial Politics: Delegate Stacey Plaskett and running mate Milton Potter won the USVI Democratic governor primary, defeating Tregenza Roach, with unofficial results showing 4,493 votes for Plaskett–Potter. Lottery Watch: Powerball continues to climb after no jackpot winner; the next drawing is Aug. 3 with an estimated $748 million. Earthquake Update: A moderate 4.93 quake and a 4.00 aftershock were reported north of St. Thomas; VITEMA asked residents to report where and how strongly they felt it. Crime Alert: VIPD issued a wanted bulletin for 21-year-old Deshawn Henley in a St. Croix 3rd-degree burglary case.
Democratic Primary: Delegate Stacey E. Plaskett and running mate Milton E. Potter won the USVI Democratic governor primary, taking 4,493 votes (about 47%) to defeat Tregenza A. Roach, with turnout reported at 47.75% (9,991 ballots cast), pending certification. Lottery Watch: No one matched all six numbers in Saturday’s Powerball drawing, so the jackpot rolls to an estimated $748 million for Monday, Aug. 3 (cash value $325.1 million). Winning numbers: 6-17-27-48-50, Powerball 5, Power Play 3x; one Virginia ticket won $2 million and several others won $1 million. Earthquake Update: A moderate 4.93 quake and a 4.00 aftershock were reported north of St. Thomas; VITEMA asked residents across the territory to report where and when they felt the shaking. Local Public Safety: VIPD issued a wanted bulletin for 21-year-old Deshawn Henley in connection with a 3rd-degree burglary investigation on St. Croix, asking the public not to approach him and to call 911 or Crime Stoppers. Environment & Tourism: A new report says sargassum is growing in large quantities across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with 27 million metric tons recorded in July—raising fresh concerns for beach conditions and marine life. Regional Culture: The USVI’s Safiah Wharton is set to compete in Nevis’ 2026 Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant on Aug. 3.
Lottery Watch: Powerball’s Aug. 1 jackpot climbed to an estimated $707 million (cash value $307.3 million) after no one matched all six numbers in the prior drawing; the winning numbers were 6-17-27-48-50 with Power Play 3x. Democratic Politics: In the USVI Democratic primary, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and Milton E. Potter reportedly won the gubernatorial ticket, setting up the November general election. Earthquakes: A moderate 4.93 earthquake and a 4.00 aftershock shook waters north of St. Thomas; VITEMA asked residents to report where and when they felt the tremors. Public Safety: VIPD issued a wanted bulletin for 21-year-old Deshawn Henley on a 3rd-degree burglary warrant, asking the public not to approach him and to call 911 or Crime Stoppers. Community & Faith: “Pray Over the U.S. Virgin Islands” is set for Point Udall on Aug. 8 with free admission and shuttle service from Cramer’s Park. Sports Tourism: Paradise Jam is coming to St. Thomas Nov. 26-28, with multiple teams confirmed, including Tennessee Tech and the Lady Raiders. Environment: Seaweed/sargassum continues to blanket Caribbean coastlines, raising concerns for beaches and marine life.
Sargassum Crisis: A new report says about 27 million metric tons of self-sustaining sargassum have been recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico this July, with scientists warning this is the first time large growth has been seen in the region instead of just being swept in by currents—bad news for marine life and tourism. Local Public Safety: VIPD issued a wanted bulletin for 21-year-old Deshawn Henley on a 3rd-degree burglary warrant, saying he’s known to frequent Harbor View and JFK housing areas on St. Croix and asking the public not to approach him. Communications Policy: The FCC set dates for Auction 114, including a Sept. 14–30 filing period for FM construction permit bidders and Feb. 2, 2027 bidding, with U.S. Virgin Islands allotments included. Drought Watch: Analysts say developing drought in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands could raise water costs and hurt tourism and sales-tax collections, with dry conditions persisting since May. Tourism & Travel: Cruise traffic is surging—USVI recorded 68% growth in cruise passengers in the first quarter, according to CTO data. Sports Calendar: Several college teams are set for the 2026 Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, including Tennessee Tech, Air Force, South Florida, and others, with games running Nov. 26–28.
Local Crime: VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau is seeking 21-year-old Deshawn Henley on a 3rd-degree burglary warrant, noting he’s known to frequent Harbor View and JFK housing areas on St. Croix; police ask the public not to approach and to call 911 or the VIPD Burglary Unit. Public Safety/Environment: A developing drought in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is raising concerns about higher water costs, possible tourism slowdowns, and knock-on effects for the islands’ economies. Tourism & Travel: Cruise data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization shows the U.S. Virgin Islands posted the biggest jump in the region for Q1 cruise passengers, up 68% year-over-year. Marine Life: Scientists report a major sargassum seaweed surge across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with heavy beach impacts and marine life disruption. Community Events: Restore America’s Paradise will hold a free public prayer gathering at Point Udall on Aug. 8, with shuttles from Cramer’s Park. Sports (Paradise Jam): Multiple college teams are set for the 2026 Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, including Tennessee Tech and Air Force, with games running Nov. 26–28 at UVI’s Sports & Fitness Center. Infrastructure/Shipping: Tropical Shipping ordered four new mobile harbor cranes for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including units for St. Croix and St. Thomas, boosting quayside cargo handling capacity.
Port Operations Upgrade: Tropical Shipping ordered four Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes—one for St. Croix and two for St. Thomas—aimed at boosting container-handling capacity, with delivery and commissioning slated for Q2 2027. Cruise Watch: Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is back on schedule after a viral cabin flooding incident, continuing its route from St. Thomas to Perfect Day CocoCay before returning to Fort Lauderdale Aug. 2. Local Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands is moving toward a virtual power plant model that links home solar and battery systems to help stabilize the grid faster during outages. St. Thomas Port Fix: WICO says St. Thomas’ cruise growth is limited by harbor depth, and a dredging project is set to start in September 2026, targeting mid-2027 completion. Community Prayer: Restore America’s Paradise will hold “Pray Over the U.S. Virgin Islands” at Point Udall Aug. 8 with free admission and shuttles from Cramer’s Park. Territory Spotlight: VI election officials will observe the Aug. 1 Democratic primary in the U.S. Virgin Islands in an educational, non-ballot role. Paradise Jam Sports: Multiple college programs—including Tennessee Tech, Indiana State, and Middle Tennessee—are set to compete in the 2026 Paradise Jam in St. Thomas during Thanksgiving week.
Emancipation Day in the Caribbean: With Aug. 1 marking the Slavery Abolition Act’s start of effect in 1834, a Fort Lauderdale event is set to honor freedom across the region, connect Haiti’s independence legacy, and highlight the meaning of Juneteenth. Sports: Air Force women’s basketball will visit the Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam, facing Texas Tech plus either Xavier or Santa Clara on Nov. 26 and 28 at St. Thomas. Energy & local economy: The White House is reportedly courting investors to restart mothballed refineries, including St. Croix’s former Hovensa site, with discussions involving regulators and the EPA. Local faith & community: “Pray Over the U.S. Virgin Islands” is planned for Point Udall on Aug. 8, with free admission and shuttles from Cramer’s Park. Public safety & trust: A local debate continues after a VIPD officer’s ambush, with residents questioning why advanced tracking is used in some cases but not others. Grid resilience after Irma: The territory’s virtual power plant pilot links home batteries and solar to help stabilize the grid faster during outages. Elections: VI election officials have been invited to observe the Aug. 1 Democratic primary in the territory. Robocall crackdown: Attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Lottery: Powerball climbed to about $707 million for Saturday’s drawing after no jackpot winner; Mega Millions hit $800 million earlier this week.
Lottery Fever: Powerball keeps rolling after no jackpot winner Wednesday; the prize is now estimated at $707 million (cash $309.7M) for Saturday’s drawing, with numbers 30-36-40-42-57 and Powerball 2. Energy & Industry: White House talks with potential investors are exploring ways to restart defunct refineries, including St. Croix, with discussions reportedly involving EPA regulatory requirements. Cruise Capacity: St. Thomas’ WICO says it can handle more and bigger ships once planned dredging begins in September 2026, aiming to fix channel and turning-basin depth limits that currently restrict the largest vessels. Local Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands is expanding a “virtual power plant” approach that links home solar and battery systems to help stabilize the grid quickly during outages. Public Safety Tech: Attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and related scams. Elections Watch: VI election officials have been invited to observe the Aug. 1 Democratic primary, with a strictly educational, non-ballot role.
Cruise Capacity Boost for St. Thomas: West Indian Company (WICO) says Havensight’s depth limits the biggest ships, but a dredging project starting September 2026 (Orion Marine Construction) should improve access and help the port handle more vessel calls and passengers by mid-2027. Election Watch in the Territory: Virgin Islands election officials Carlene Herbert and Kenrico Wheatley Jr. have been invited to observe the USVI Democratic Primary on Aug. 1, shadowing operations and voting-tabulator use without handling ballots. Mega Millions and Powerball Still Rolling: A Florida ticket won the $800 million Mega Millions jackpot (numbers 34-48-49-59-70, Mega Ball 12), while Powerball climbs to an estimated $663 million for the July 29 drawing (30-36-40-42-57, Powerball 2). Robocall Crackdown Push: U.S. attorneys general, including VI-linked AGs in the broader coalition, are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Local Safety and Community: A St. Cloud Metro Bus received a Minnesota workplace safety award, while VI coverage also continues to track public concerns after a high-profile VIPD ambush. Regional Travel: Fly the Whale will add a new daily San Juan–St. Thomas route starting Aug. 3, cutting the trip to about 35 minutes.
U.S. Virgin Islands Politics: Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett for governor and Senate President Milton E. Potter for lieutenant governor ahead of the territory’s Aug. 1 primary. Public Safety: VIPD is asking the public to help locate 27-year-old Abassi Boston, wanted in connection with a St. Croix homicide investigation. Tourism & Travel: Fly the Whale will launch a new daily San Juan–St. Thomas route starting Aug. 3, with a 35-minute trip between Isla Grande and Cyril E. King airports. Local Spotlight: Trunk Bay in St. John was named the world’s best beach for 2026 by Beach.com, highlighting its snorkel trail. Regional Environment: Scientists warn that sargassum seaweed is becoming a self-sustaining Caribbean problem, with ongoing impacts on beaches, harbors, and public health. Federal Consumer Protection: A bipartisan group of attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Business/Community: Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 10 new member properties, including The Botany in St. Thomas.
Mega Millions: The jackpot climbed to an estimated $800 million ahead of the Tuesday, July 28 drawing, with numbers reported as 34-48-49-59-70 and Mega Ball 12 (cash value about $344.2 million). Powerball: No one won the July 27 Powerball jackpot; the winning set was 6-26-46-58-65 with Powerball 25, and the next drawing is set for July 29 with an estimated $663 million. Robocall crackdown: U.S. and state attorneys general, including VI’s AG Rayfield, are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to help stop illegal robocalls. Local public safety: VIPD is asking the public for help locating 27-year-old Abassi Boston in connection with a St. Croix homicide investigation. Politics: Former VP Kamala Harris endorsed Stacey Plaskett for governor and Milton Potter for lieutenant governor ahead of the Aug. 1 VI primary. Travel/transport: Fly the Whale announced new daily service between San Juan and St. Thomas starting Aug. 3, cutting the trip to about 35 minutes. Tourism spotlight: Trunk Bay in St. John was named the world’s best beach for 2026 by Beach.com. Sports: Bermuda’s U15 girls finished runners-up at the Goombay Cup after a 2-2 draw with the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Beach Tourism: Beach.com has named Trunk Bay in St. John as the world’s best beach for 2026, praising its clear cyan water and powdery sand plus a $5, 200-metre snorkeling trail. Lottery Buzz: Powerball keeps climbing after Monday’s no-winner jackpot; the next drawing is set for Wednesday with an estimated $663 million (cash value $290.4 million) after numbers 6-26-46-58-65 and Powerball 25. Local Business/Travel: Preferred Hotels & Resorts says it added 10 new member properties in Q2 2026, including a forthcoming Caribbean hideaway on St. Thomas. Public Safety/Justice: The DOJ is asking a federal judge to block enforcement of the Virgin Islands’ assault weapons ban, arguing it’s unconstitutional after a recent Third Circuit ruling struck down a similar New Jersey ban. Community & Planning: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept. 15–17, 2026, with a new three-day format focused on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilizing action. Sports: Bermuda’s U15 girls finished runners-up at the inaugural Under-15 Girls Goombay Cup in the Bahamas, including a 2-2 draw with the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Public Safety: St. Croix is reeling after VIPD Executive Security Unit Officer Eustace Charles was killed in an early-morning ambush in Williams Delight; authorities say surveillance helped track involved vehicles, multiple firearms were recovered, and arrests were made as the investigation continues with VIPD and the FBI. Local Crime & Courts: In a separate St. Croix case, a Queen Mary Highway traffic stop led to the recovery of two unlicensed handguns, including an un-serialized “ghost gun,” and two men were charged and remanded on $50,000 bail. Territorial Politics: A new federal push to restrict birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is drawing backlash, including from lawmakers who argue territories weren’t consulted. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands’ softball team opened strong at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, while Indiana’s men’s basketball beat the U.S. Virgin Islands 99-57 in the FISU America Games. Tourism & Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, a 2027 opening that will bring 150 suites to the Carambola Beach Resort site. Reef Science: WHOI researchers say seawater around U.S. Virgin Islands reefs carries chemical and microbial signals that could flag reef health changes earlier than visible damage. Odds & Numbers: Powerball’s Monday, July 27 jackpot climbed to an estimated $633 million; winning numbers were 6-26-46-58-65 with Powerball 25 (Power Play 2x).
Public Safety: St. Croix is reeling after the early-morning ambush death of VIPD Executive Security Unit Officer Eustace Charles in Williams Delight; authorities say surveillance helped track involved vehicles, multiple firearms were recovered, and several people were taken into custody as the VIPD and FBI investigate. Court & Crime: In a separate Queen Mary Highway stop, VIPD arrested two men after finding two unlicensed handguns, including an un-serialized “ghost gun,” with charges filed in Superior Court. Investigation Update: VIPD detectives and federal partners moved quickly to identify alleged ambush suspect Ra’Kheel Velazquez, who remains held on $100,000 bail on combined felony weapons counts. Local Business/Travel: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, a 150-key resort opening in 2027, and a new St. Thomas villa retreat, The Botany, is set to welcome guests this winter. Tourism Spotlight: Trunk Bay on St. John was named the world’s top beach in a Beach.com ranking, with an underwater snorkeling trail highlighted. Politics: A U.S. bill targeting birthright citizenship in territories drew pushback from Guam and CNMI leaders. Lottery: Powerball climbed to $633 million for Monday’s drawing.
Violent Crime in St. Croix: Police Officer Eustace Charles, 51, died after an early-morning ambush in Williams Delight on Sunday, July 26; authorities say his vehicle was blocked and he was shot, with several people taken into custody as persons of interest and firearms recovered, while the investigation is being handled by VIPD and the FBI. Gun Laws in Court: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands and its police commissioner seeking concealed-carry licenses for nonresidents, calling the territory’s process unconstitutional. Tourism Spotlight: Trunk Bay in St. John was named the world’s top beach in Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index, praised for its national-park setting and an underwater snorkeling trail. Sports & Community: St. Croix will host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds in November 2026, and local youth football at the Goombay Cup saw the U.S. Virgin Islands play Bermuda to a 2-2 draw. Powerball: No jackpot winner Saturday; Monday’s Powerball is estimated at $633 million after the rollover.
Lottery Buzz: No Powerball jackpot winner Saturday; the prize climbed to $633M for Monday’s drawing after 3-4-24-36-47 with Powerball 17, with a $1M ticket sold in Michigan. Local Sports & Community: St. Croix is set to host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds in November (Nov. 4-14), with a July 29 meet-and-greet at Hotel Comanche in Christiansted; meanwhile, the Bermuda U15 women’s team opened the Goombay Cup with a 2-2 draw against the U.S. Virgin Islands and later played a goalless match vs Turks & Caicos. Public Health: CDC says the multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to imported moringa leaf powder is officially over, but warns some recalled bottles may still be in homes across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Aviation & Travel: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago starting Oct. 5, and Southwest continues expanding routes, including new St. Thomas service. Gun Rights Court Fight: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a second lawsuit seeking to let nonresidents apply for concealed carry licenses in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Lottery Watch: Powerball’s $600 million jackpot is up for grabs Saturday, July 25, with winning numbers reported as 3-4-24-36-47 and Powerball 17 (Power Play 4x); tickets cost $2 and the odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. Sports—VI on the field: The U.S. Virgin Islands played Bermuda to a 2-2 draw in the Goombay Cup U15 tournament in the Bahamas, while the wider event also saw T&T Prison Service fall 4-3 to Slingerz FC. Local Sports—FISU America Games: Indiana men’s basketball kept rolling in the FISU America Games, beating the U.S. Virgin Islands 120-63 in Group B play, with Vaughn Karvala leading the scoring. Public Safety: VIPD Special Operations arrested a 26-year-old St. Croix man, Jahneal Gilbert, on unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges after officers found a handgun in plain view during “Operation Rapid Response.” Citizenship Fight: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s bill to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories drew renewed pushback from Guam and CNMI leaders, who argue it would violate existing commitments and create stateless outcomes.
Mega Millions: The jackpot climbed to $743 million ahead of Friday’s drawing, with a cash value of $323.4 million; the winning numbers were 2, 5, 42, 44, 60 and Mega Ball 1. Travel & Tourism: A new luxury St. Thomas villa resort, The Botany, is set to open this winter with 20 villas, 300 acres, and a secluded beach. Gun Laws in Court: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Virgin Islands’ concealed-carry rules for nonresidents, seeking permission for out-of-territory applicants to get licenses. Local Policing: VIPD Special Operations arrested a 26-year-old St. Croix man, Jahneal Gilbert, on unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges after officers found a handgun in plain view near Midland Road. Public Health: CDC closed a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa leaf powder after 131 illnesses across 38 states, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Air Service: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop Dominica–Trinidad and Tobago flights starting Oct. 5, 2026, with same-plane connections to San Juan and St. Thomas. Sports: Bermuda’s U15 women’s team opened the Goombay Cup with a 2-2 draw against the U.S. Virgin Islands, then beat Grenada 7-0.
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