AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed files tied to its C-Track case management platform, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, Canada; the breach was discovered June 30 but the access occurred in March, and some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical information, dates of birth, and health insurance details, with Thomson Reuters offering 12 months of identity monitoring for potentially affected people. Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination, warning people with weakened immune systems or medical devices to avoid use. Local Business/Trade Watch: A new U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report covers July 2026, offering a fresh snapshot of import and export flows that can inform VI business planning. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard Southeast District is warning travelers across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands about risks from illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations ahead of Labor Day, urging passengers to verify credentials and inspection certificates before boarding. Finance/Policy: A coalition of state attorneys general challenged an OCC rule on mortgage escrow accounts and interest-on-escrow preemption, arguing it unlawfully overrides state consumer protections—an issue with potential ripple effects for lenders operating in the region.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach of its C-Track court case-management system, with unauthorized access dating to March and discovered June 30, potentially exposing sealed or confidential court records and personal data across at least 12 U.S. jurisdictions plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard Southeast District warned residents and visitors ahead of Labor Day about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations, urging checks for proper credentials and vessel inspection certificates. Trade & Economy: A new U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services snapshot for July 2026 was published, offering updated context for regional business planning. Local Business/Workforce: USVI agencies warned of rising hunger and homelessness, a reminder of the growing pressure on local social services and household budgets.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says a breach of its C-Track case management platform affected court files in 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada, with some records potentially containing personal information; Kentucky’s courts say they weren’t functionally impaired but are still assessing scope. Local Social Safety Net: USVI agencies warn that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, raising fears of deeper food insecurity and added pressure on housing and homelessness services. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard is warning travelers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations, urging checks for credentials and vessel inspection before boarding. Business & Finance Tech: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly while keeping user data private—aimed at expanding access to financial services. Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on a new Thailand resort and flagged a return to U.S. soil with a St. Croix Exclusive Collection property opening next year. Air Travel Perks: Delta’s limited-time American Express welcome offer includes guaranteed extra-legroom Comfort certificates for new cardholders through Nov. 4.

USVI Hunger & Homelessness Watch: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, with officials warning that even partial benefit losses may drive more people toward food pantries, unstable housing and homelessness, straining already limited government and nonprofit capacity. Local Law Enforcement Scam Alert: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent text messages claiming outstanding traffic violations and urging people to pay online—police say the messages are not from any legitimate agency and urge recipients to delete them and avoid clicking links or sharing personal or financial information. Tourism & Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med Koh Samui in Thailand and also highlighted its return to US soil with Club Med St. Croix, an Exclusive Collection resort opening next year in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Business, Finance & Tech: Sun West Mortgage Company and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents,” aiming to make enterprise AI deployment cheaper and faster for large user groups while keeping individual data private. Sports With a VI Connection: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, is featured on how Hurricane Irma and Maria shaped his path to the majors.

Local Social Services: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and straining housing and homelessness services. Public Safety/Consumer Fraud: The VI Police Department is alerting residents to a scam text about “outstanding traffic violations” that urges people to pay online, warning against clicking links or sharing personal information. Territorial Governance: The USVI Senate has sent the Southland Bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo. Business & Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med Koh Samui in Thailand and also highlighted its return to US soil with Club Med St. Croix, opening next year. Finance & Tech: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly and securely, aiming to lower barriers for personalized AI use. Sports & Local Talent: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, a U.S. Virgin Islands native, is carrying his “VI STRONG” message as he makes an MLB impact. Education/Workforce Pipeline: SEB Middle FFA earned a national “Two-Star” ranking, with plans to be recognized at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Legal/Regulatory Watch: A Ninth Circuit ruling said sports event prediction market contracts aren’t “swaps” under the Commodity Exchange Act, keeping state regulators in the driver’s seat.

Food Security & Housing: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening hunger and homelessness and straining local housing and social-service providers. Public Safety & Fraud: VIPD says residents are being targeted by fake text messages about traffic violations and online fine payments; officials urge people not to click links or share personal or financial info. Territorial Business & Policy: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo. Local Economy & Workforce: Governor announces SBA disaster loans for small businesses and nonprofits in municipalities covered by a federal drought disaster declaration. AI & Financial Access: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly while keeping user data private—positioning it as a tool to expand access to services. Tech & Youth Safety (Regional Impact): Oklahoma announced a major Meta settlement over claims Facebook/Instagram were designed to be addictive to minors; the deal also includes Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands among the states covered. Caribbean Tourism: CMEx will honor hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor at its 2026 Leadership Awards fundraiser, spotlighting Caribbean tourism leadership. Sports (USVI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, credits his community’s rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria as he makes his MLB debut.

Food Security Watch: USVI agencies are warning residents that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 people, raising fears of more hunger, homelessness, and added pressure on housing and social-service providers. Public Safety Scam Alert: VIPD says residents are being targeted by fraudulent text messages about “outstanding traffic violations” that push people to pay online—police urge residents not to click links or share personal or financial info. Local Governance: The USVI Legislature sent a horse racing and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says effectively kills the Southland Gaming plan—Labour Day races on St. Thomas were then cancelled. Territorial Business & Policy: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack future in limbo. Tech & Finance (Global, but relevant): Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents,” aiming to deploy enterprise AI for thousands of users with private data handling—an approach tied to broader efforts to expand access to financial services.

Food Security Shock: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and straining housing and homelessness services. Public Safety Scam Alert: VIPD warns residents about fraudulent text messages demanding payment for “traffic violations,” urging people not to click links or share personal or financial info. Territorial Politics & Jobs: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Gaming racetrack package back to committee, leaving the Sept. 6 Labour Day races canceled and the gaming plan in limbo. Youth Tech Settlement: A multistate deal with Meta over alleged addictive design for minors includes claims involving the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new child-safety requirements and potential payouts. Tourism & Hospitality Leadership: Caribbean Media Exchange spotlights hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor, credited with expanding the all-inclusive model across Barbados and St. Lucia. Cruise Market Signals: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings, including calls at St. Thomas, pointing to continued demand for Caribbean itineraries.

Food Security Crunch: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, likely driving more people toward food pantries, unstable housing and homelessness as government and nonprofits brace for added demand. Public Safety Scam Alert: VIPD says residents are being targeted by fraudulent text messages about “outstanding traffic violations” that direct people to pay online; police urge residents not to click links or share personal or financial info and to delete the texts. Local Governance & Jobs: The USVI Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing package back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says effectively kills the deal—prompting the cancellation of the Labour Day races on St. Thomas. Territorial Policy Watch: A CNMI delegate urged USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from US territories, arguing the implementation raises legal and administrative concerns for territorial residents. Tech & Consumer Protection: Multi-state settlements with Meta over alleged addictive design for Instagram and Facebook include claims involving the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new child-safety requirements tied to the deals.

Territorial Fraud Alert: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about a text scam claiming they have unpaid traffic violations and must pay fines online, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial info and to delete the messages. Local Governance & Racing: On St. Thomas, the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming racetrack and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says effectively kills the deal—leading to the cancellation of the Labour Day races. Youth Safety & Tech Settlements: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among jurisdictions included in a sweeping $17.1 billion Meta settlement over alleged addictive design and misleading safety claims for Facebook and Instagram, with new child-safety requirements expected. Business & Workforce: Borton & Sons filed a WARN notice for 928 seasonal farmworker layoffs in Washington in November as the harvest winds down, highlighting how agricultural staffing swings can quickly reshape local labor needs. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, including Caribbean calls that could matter to regional travel demand. Media & Regulation: Broadcasters are watching September FCC deadlines, including the annual regulatory fee payment window and the Auction 114 short-form application filing period for new FM station permits.

Territorial Consumer Protection: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam, saying the messages are fake and urging people not to click links or share personal or financial information. Local Governance & Gaming: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said effectively killed the planned Sept. 6 races on St. Thomas, leaving the project in limbo. Tech & Youth Safety: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement announced this week includes claims brought by Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Meta required to add child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram. Disaster Finance: Puerto Rico’s governor says SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available for drought-affected small businesses and nonprofits, following a federal drought disaster declaration. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, including calls at St. Thomas and other Caribbean ports, while Oceania Cruises marked a major construction milestone for Oceania Sonata ahead of its 2027 debut with Caribbean sailings from Miami. Community & Resilience: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, a St. Thomas native, is carrying a “VI STRONG” message tied to his community’s rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

USVI Public Safety: VIPD is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam, urging people not to click links, respond, or share personal or financial info because the messages are not from any legitimate VI agency. Local Governance & Gaming: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming racetrack package back to committee, leaving the St. Thomas horse-racing plan in limbo after Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the process effectively killed the deal. Territorial Economy & Budget: USVI’s Office of Management and Budget says revenues are running below forecast, projecting a $59 million deficit and pointing to legal settlement funds as a near-term cash option. Tourism & Travel Demand: Cruise lines are ramping up Caribbean capacity—Norwegian Escape is adding St. Thomas calls on its New York-based fall sailings, while Oceania Sonata construction milestones point to more luxury Caribbean itineraries starting in 2027. Digital Consumer Protection: A multistate Meta settlement tied to youth social media safety includes claims covering the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Meta agreeing to new child-safety measures and payments to participating jurisdictions. Business & Infrastructure: USDOT awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects that touch the broader regional connectivity businesses rely on. Community & Resilience: A Phillies rookie from St. Thomas, Alex McFarlane, is carrying “VI STRONG” after Hurricanes Irma and Maria reshaped his hometown and delayed his path to the majors.

Territorial Consumer Protection: The U.S. Virgin Islands is included in a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to minors and misled the public about safety. Oklahoma’s attorney general says the deal guarantees Oklahoma $235,578,728, with the total potentially rising if other major platforms (including Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok) reach similar agreements—meaning the broader settlement could reshape how social media companies build youth-facing features. Local Public Safety Scam Alert: The VIPD is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam that claims people have unpaid violations and urges them to pay online; police say the messages are not from any legitimate VI agency and warn against clicking links or sharing personal or financial information. VI Governance & Gaming: On St. Thomas, the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee instead of taking a final vote, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said effectively killed the deal—leaving the September 6 Labour Day races cancelled. Infrastructure & Mobility: The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of a broader effort to upgrade docks and vessels. Tourism & Business Travel: Norwegian Escape repositioned to New York for fall sailings that include St. Thomas as a port call, adding another cruise option for VI visitors and regional travel demand. Cruise Industry Investment: Oceania Cruises marked a major milestone on its new Oceania Sonata, floated out in Italy and set for an August 2027 debut with Caribbean sailings from Miami—potentially boosting future luxury travel interest in the region.

Cruise & Tourism: Oceania Cruises moved its new flagship, the 1,390-passenger Oceania Sonata, from dry dock to fitting-out at Fincantieri in Italy, a key step toward an August 2027 debut that will include Caribbean sailings from Miami—good news for regional travel demand and visitor spending. Territorial Governance & Gaming: On St. Thomas, the 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the planned Sept. 6 Labour Day races in limbo; Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said the legislative referral effectively killed the deal, and Southland Gaming confirmed the races were cancelled. Drought Relief for Local Economies: The U.S. declared a drought disaster for parts of Puerto Rico, unlocking SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for affected farmers and small businesses—an important model for how drought shocks can translate into working-capital support across the U.S. Caribbean. USVI Budget Pressure: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warned lawmakers the territory faces a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30 as revenues lag forecasts, pointing to limited cash and urging approval of legal settlement funds to bridge the gap. Social Media Settlement With USVI in Scope: A multistate Meta settlement over alleged youth-safety failures includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Meta agreeing to child-safety changes and states receiving large payouts—raising the stakes for consumer protection and online safety policy in the territories.

Disaster Relief for Local Business: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix facing extreme dry conditions, a move that unlocks federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Puerto Rico Drought Response: Puerto Rico also received a drought disaster declaration covering 26 municipalities, enabling small businesses and nonprofits to tap SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital tied to drought-related losses. Territorial Budget Fight Hits Racing Plans: In St. Thomas, the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the referral effectively killed the deal—leading to the cancellation of Labour Day races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack. USPS Duties in Territories: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from U.S. territories, arguing legal and administrative concerns still need to be addressed. Meta Settlement With USVI in Scope: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement over Facebook and Instagram child-safety claims includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new platform safety requirements and major payouts to participating jurisdictions. USVI Fiscal Strain: USVI budget officials warned of a projected $59 million deficit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 as revenues come in below forecast, pointing to limited cash on hand and potential use of prior legal settlement funds to bridge the gap. Ferry Modernization Funding: The U.S. DOT awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, with projects selected in 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AI Trading Webinar: Webot, licensed in the U.S. Virgin Islands, announced a live webinar on Aug. 27 on how AI is reshaping automated trading. Tourism/Business Links: Contour Airlines plans new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, with onward connections to San Juan and St. Thomas.

Drought Relief for the USVI: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for federal emergency loans as extreme dry conditions persist. USVI Budget Crunch: USVI officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues are driving a projected $59 million deficit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, with lawmakers urged to consider using Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to cover near-term needs. Territorial Mail Costs: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements affecting mail from U.S. territories, arguing the system must align with territorial legal protections. USVI Senate Stalls Racetrack Plan: The 36th Legislature sent a Southland Gaming horse racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack development in limbo. Meta Settlement With Territory in Scope: A landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement over alleged youth harm and addictive design includes claims covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new child-safety requirements tied to court approval. Ferry Funding Boost: USDOT awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aiming to improve service reliability and safety. Local Business & Tourism Watch: A proposed $130 million superyacht marina in Coral Bay, St. John, faces another legal setback after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permitting and impact studies.