AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach of its C-Track court case management system, with unauthorized access reported from March and discovered June 30; affected systems include the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme and Superior Courts, plus courts in 11 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, and officials say some records may include names and sensitive personal data such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license details, medical info, dates of birth, and health insurance information. Federal Gun Laws: The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands over the territory’s June 2026 semiautomatic firearm and magazine restrictions, arguing VIPD enforcement uses standards the Supreme Court rejected in Bruen. Local Justice: A federal jury convicted 73-year-old St. Croix man James Lealand Johnston (“JJ Rocks”) of possessing child pornography; he faces up to 10 years in prison. Epstein Fallout: Billionaire Leon Black sued the House Oversight Committee to block subpoenas tied to the Epstein investigation, after refusing to testify about nondisclosure agreements. Consumer Safety: The CPSC recalled 6.3 million bottles of certain Clorox Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination. Community & Sports: The Ernest Grundy Tennis Center received an Outstanding Facility Award. Entertainment/Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled Norwegian Aura, its newest and largest ship, built around relaxation and wellness, with a Miami sailing planned. Lottery: No Powerball winner pushed the jackpot to an estimated $173 million for Saturday’s drawing.

Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Scented 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. The affected products have date codes starting with “PR01” and specific number ranges, and exposure could be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case management system, discovered June 30, affecting court systems in at least 12 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, Canada. The company says some records may include sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers and medical details, and that courts were not functionally impaired. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard Southeast District warned residents and visitors about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations ahead of Labor Day, urging passengers to verify credentials and safety inspections before boarding. Local Relevance: The breach specifically includes the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme and Superior Courts, meaning residents may be among those receiving notifications.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters’ C-Track case-management platform was hit by an unauthorized access incident on June 30, with files “affected” in multiple U.S. states including the U.S. Virgin Islands, raising concerns about possible exposure of sealed or confidential court material and personal data. Maritime Safety: Ahead of Labor Day, the Coast Guard Southeast District warned residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands and nearby areas about illegal passenger-for-hire charters, urging travelers to verify credentials, a safety plan, and a Certificate of Inspection before boarding. Local Policy Watch: A coalition of state attorneys general sued to block an OCC mortgage escrow rule tied to interest-on-escrow requirements, arguing it unlawfully preempts state consumer protections. Citizenship Debate: A Pence-linked think tank urged Congress to restrict birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, citing the Insular Cases and congressional control over territorial citizenship. Travel Perks: Delta’s limited-time American Express offer includes guaranteed extra-legroom Delta Comfort certificates plus bonus miles, with a Nov. 4 deadline to claim.

Mortgage & Banking Fight: Ten state attorneys general sued to block an OCC rule on real estate lending escrow accounts and its preemption of state interest-on-escrow laws, arguing the long-running state protections prevent lenders from profiting off escrow deposits. Citizenship Debate: A Pence-linked legal report urges Congress to restrict birthright citizenship in the U.S. Virgin Islands and other unincorporated territories, citing the Insular Cases and calling for statutory changes. Local Housing & Services: HUD Secretary Scott Turner met with Gov. Greg Gianforte to highlight foster-youth housing vouchers aimed at preventing homelessness as young people transition out of care. USVI Recognition: Former Gov. Kenneth Mapp received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor on St. Croix, with a highway named for him. Scam Alert: VIPD warned residents about a traffic fine text scam targeting Virgin Islands drivers. Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on a new Thailand resort and noted its return to U.S. soil with a Club Med St. Croix Exclusive Collection property opening next year. Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center tracked Invest 97L in the Gulf, with possible tropical development before any impacts.

Local Education & Youth Leadership: The Southeast Bulloch Middle School FFA chapter earned a rare “Two-Star” national ranking, with delegates set to be recognized at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. U.S. Virgin Islands & Tourism: Club Med broke ground on a new Thailand resort, and the company also flagged its upcoming Club Med St. Croix Exclusive Collection opening next year, marking its return to U.S. soil. USVI Community & Public Service: Former USVI Gov. Kenneth Mapp received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, and Route 75 was designated the “Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp Highway.” Health Workforce: Ghana and the U.S. Virgin Islands discussed a pathway for Ghanaian nurses to work in the territory’s healthcare system under a regulated recruitment framework. Sports: A Phillies win over the Diamondbacks highlighted rookie Alex McFarlane’s late-game pitching impact, while the team’s postseason push continues.

Epstein Files Push: Rep. Thomas Massie named 14 people he says should be investigated over alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, calling for more government files after he says millions remain withheld. USVI Social Services: VI agencies warn 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. Local Safety Scam Alert: VIPD is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam targeting Virgin Islands drivers. Housing & Youth Support: HUD Secretary Scott Turner joined Gov. Gianforte for a foster youth housing discussion, highlighting voucher support for young adults aging out of care. Sports (USVI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, carrying his U.S. Virgin Islands roots, helped preserve a 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks. Community Fundraiser: A South Florida roofing contractors tournament raised $220,000 for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Environment/Global: EPA named a new director for the Long Island Sound Partnership, with the role covering work across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Local Public Safety: VIPD is warning residents about a traffic-fine text scam, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial details and to delete the messages. Social Services & Housing: With new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1, VI agencies say up to 5,000 residents could lose benefits, worsening food insecurity and increasing pressure on housing, homelessness and nonprofit providers. Territorial Leadership: Former USVI Gov. Kenneth Mapp received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, and a highway on St. Croix was named for him. Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking Invest 97L in the northern Gulf, which could briefly strengthen into a tropical depression or storm before moving inland near the Texas coast. Community & Culture: Caribbean Media Exchange will honor hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor at its 2026 leadership awards. Sports (VI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, from St. Thomas, is carrying his “VI STRONG” message as he makes his MLB debut.

Local Government & Social Services: USVI agencies are warning residents that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 people, potentially worsening food insecurity and increasing pressure on housing, homelessness and local nonprofits. 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 people not to click links or share personal or financial information. Territory Leadership: Former USVI Gov. Kenneth Mapp received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, and a St. Croix highway segment was designated the “Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp Highway.” Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Invest 97L in the northern Gulf, which could briefly strengthen into a tropical depression or storm before moving inland near the Texas coast, bringing heavy rain to the Gulf region. Community & Culture: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) will honor hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor at its Dec. 6 leadership awards. Sports (USVI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, from St. Thomas, is carrying his hometown with him as he makes his MLB debut.

SNAP & Homelessness Watch: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, raising fears of deeper food insecurity, more people seeking help, and added strain on housing and social services. Local Safety Scam Alert: VIPD warned residents about fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid traffic fines and urging people to click links or pay online—police say the texts are fake and urge deletion and reporting. Territory Security & Mourning: St. Croix concluded official observances for slain VIPD lead dignitary security officer Eustace Charles, with flags lowered and funeral services following a public lay-in-state. Tropical Weather Update: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Atlantic disturbances; Dolly’s remnants are expected to bring heavy rain risk to the Leeward Islands, USVI, and Puerto Rico into early next week. Sports Note (USVI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, from St. Thomas, is carrying his “VI STRONG” message after Hurricane Irma and Maria devastated his community. Travel & Leisure: A rate check highlights the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas as a luxury option with late-summer pricing around $644 a night, while Trunk Bay on St. John is again spotlighted in global beach rankings.

Local Public Safety: VIPD is warning residents about a traffic-fine text scam, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial details and to delete the messages. Community Loss: St. Croix concluded four days of official observances for slain VIPD officer Eustace Charles, with flags lowered and funeral services after he lay in state. Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Atlantic systems; Dolly’s remnants could bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, while a weak Gulf low is also being monitored. Immigration Court: A federal appeals court ruled ICE’s policy of detaining nearly all undocumented immigrants without hearings is unlawful, with the decision taking effect in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Territory Politics: A conservative report urges Congress to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism & Travel: A rate check highlights the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas as a “most overlooked” luxury stay, and Norwegian Cruise Line announced Summer 2028 bookings including calls at St. Thomas. Sports: Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly says the extra roster spot will likely go to a third catcher.

Local Public Safety: VIPD is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial details and to delete the messages. Territory News: St. Croix concluded four days of official observances for slain VIPD officer Eustace Charles, with flags lowered and funeral services held after he lay in state. Elections & Courts: V.I. Attorney General Gordon Rhea issued an opinion on election procedures, including who handles candidate eligibility and what protections apply to disqualified candidates. Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two areas in the Atlantic and Gulf; Dolly’s remnants may bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Business/Policy: A federal appeals court ruled ICE’s policy to detain nearly all undocumented immigrants without hearings is unlawful, with the decision taking effect in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sports (USVI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, from St. Thomas, credits his community’s rebuild after Hurricanes Irma and Maria as he carries “VI STRONG” into the majors. Tourism: Trunk Bay on St. John is highlighted as the world’s best beach in a global ranking, while Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix is set to reopen Sept. 5 with limited weekend access.

Local Public Safety: VIPD warned residents about a traffic fine text scam, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial info and to delete the messages. Territory Politics & Courts: A federal appeals court ruled ICE’s policy to detain nearly all undocumented immigrants without hearings is unlawful, and the decision takes effect in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Elections Oversight: V.I. Attorney General Gordon Rhea issued an opinion on election matters, saying the Supervisor of Elections has primary responsibility for candidate eligibility while the Board handles appeals with procedural protections. Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Atlantic systems; Dolly’s remnants may bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, while another Gulf low has a low chance to develop. Community & Tourism: The Virgin Islands marked the end of official observances for slain VIPD officer Eustace Charles, with a lay-in-state and funeral after days of flag-lowering and public tributes. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Escape is repositioning to New York for fall Caribbean sailings that include St. Thomas and St. Croix. Citizenship Debate: A conservative think tank is urging Congress to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Meta Settlement: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond announced a $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta over alleged addictive design and misleading youth-safety claims; Oklahoma is guaranteed at least $235.6 million, and the case includes the U.S. Virgin Islands among the plaintiffs. Tropical Weather: National Hurricane Center monitoring continues as Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened into a tropical wave; its moisture could bring heavy rain to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands late weekend into early next week. Local Safety Alert: VIPD warned residents about a traffic fine text scam, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial information. Territory Governance: V.I. Attorney General Gordon Rhea issued an opinion on election procedures, including candidate eligibility responsibilities and appeal protections. Legislative Update: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse racing and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said effectively kills the planned Sept. 6 races. Public Service Loss: The territory concluded official observances for VIPD lead dignitary security officer Eustace Charles after a fatal shooting in July. Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Escape is repositioning to New York with an Eastern Caribbean itinerary that includes St. Thomas. Hurricane Watch: NHC also flagged two “areas of interest” in the Atlantic and Gulf for possible development later next week.

Cruise Industry: Oceania Cruises floated out its new 1,390-passenger ship, the Oceania Sonata, at Fincantieri in Italy, moving it from dry dock to fitting-out ahead of an August 2027 debut that will include Caribbean sailings from Miami. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened into a tropical wave, but its moisture could bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands, then the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola over the weekend into early next week, with flash-flood risk in higher terrain. Local Governance: The VI Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the Sept. 6 Labour Day races on St. Thomas cancelled and the racetrack plan in limbo. Elections & Courts: VI Attorney General Gordon Rhea issued an opinion on election matters, including candidate eligibility and the roles of the Board of Elections and Supervisor of Elections, with court cases still ongoing. Online Safety & Money: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement includes claims covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with required child-safety changes and major payouts to participating jurisdictions. Nature & Tourism: Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix will reopen Sept. 5 with limited weekend access, timed to protect nesting and hatching leatherback sea turtles. Territorial Policy: A CNMI delegate urged USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from U.S. territories while legal and administrative concerns are addressed.

Local Nature & Tourism: Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix will reopen Sept. 5 with weekend-only access (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), returning visitors to a 383-acre stretch of white sand and sea-turtle nesting habitat. Territorial Courts & Public Safety: The Third Circuit denied Jenifer O’Neal’s latest bid for release pending her appeal of fraud and money-laundering convictions, using a brief standardized order with no written explanation. Local Sports & Gaming: The Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming bill back to committee, leaving the September 6 plan in limbo. Online Youth Safety & Money: Meta’s landmark multistate settlement over Facebook/Instagram child-safety claims includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with required safety changes like daily time limits and other default protections. Weather & Disaster Aid: Puerto Rico received a federal drought disaster declaration covering 26 municipalities, unlocking SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for eligible small businesses and nonprofits. U.S. Virgin Islands & Mail Rules: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged USPS to pause new duty collection requirements affecting mail from U.S. territories while legal issues are addressed. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $119 million for Saturday’s Aug. 29 drawing after no jackpot winner. Maritime Enforcement: CBP expanded maritime interdiction by creating new customs enforcement areas in waters near Puerto Rico and other regions. Community & Culture: St. Croix will host the 2026 ISCA Sunfish World Championship Nov. 4–14, with racing tied to Pan American Games qualification. Beach Spotlight: Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index ranked Trunk Bay No. 1, Sandy Point No. 7, and Magens Bay No. 17.

USVI Politics: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo as lawmakers seek more review of exclusivity, revenue sharing, and the live racing deal. Territorial Mail Policy: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from U.S. territories, arguing the system must match each territory’s legal protections. Online Safety & Money: A landmark multistate Meta settlement would require new child-safety limits on Facebook and Instagram; the deal includes payments tied to claims covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drought Watch: The U.S. government declared drought disaster conditions in Puerto Rico, with emergency loan access for affected municipalities—an issue that also hits farming across the U.S. Caribbean. Local Events: St. Croix will host the 2026 ISCA Sunfish World Championship Nov. 4–14, with the regatta also serving as a Pan American Games qualifier. Sports & Culture: Miss Oklahoma Jaselyn Rossman is headed to West Palm Beach for Miss America 2027, where the competition includes U.S. Virgin Islands representation.