AGP Executive Report

Blue Star Museums Free Summer Visits: Active-duty military members and their families can get free admission at participating museums nationwide—including in the U.S. Virgin Islands—starting Armed Forces Day (May 16) through Labor Day (Sept. 7), with up to five family members eligible. New USVI Ferry Service: A Louisiana-built passenger ferry, the Spirit of 1733, has begun running between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John), designed to carry up to 300 passengers at 28 knots. Military Families Spotlight: OMAM in Ormond Beach is among the local stops promoting the same Blue Star Museums free-admission program for the summer. HBCU Research Push: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund released a national assessment of research capacity at 47 HBCUs/PBIs, including institutions in the U.S. Virgin Islands, at the NSF EPSCoR Annual Summit. Border and Smuggling Crackdown: U.S. Air and Marine Operations helped stop a maritime smuggling attempt off western Puerto Rico, leading to the apprehension of 64 migrants.

Medicaid Crackdown: The Trump administration says it will squeeze states that don’t aggressively pursue Medicaid fraud, warning it could withhold $1.3 billion in payments to California and target other states too, after federal letters flagged Medicaid Fraud Control Units for “raking in taxpayer dollars” without fighting fraud. Royal Investigation: UK police expanded their probe into Prince Andrew’s past, including new claims tied to fraud and misconduct, and urged Epstein-related victims to come forward. USVI & Puerto Rico Border Security: Air and Marine Operations helped stop a smuggling attempt off western Puerto Rico, leading to 64 migrant apprehensions, while CBP reminded small-boat operators between Puerto Rico and the USVI that arrival reporting is required or penalties follow. Local Culture & Community: St. Croix artist Kruziano is set to release a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” backed by producer BL Tha Hook Slaya. Epstein Files Spotlight: A Manhattan library opened to display the full 3.5 million pages of the Epstein Files, keeping public attention on the case.

Immigration Crackdown: Air and Marine Operations, with Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations, intercepted a suspected Yola-type vessel in western Puerto Rico carrying 64 migrants—58 from the Dominican Republic and six from Haiti—who were processed for removal proceedings after being brought to the Mayagüez Port of Entry. Border Rules for Islanders: U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminded small-boat operators that trips between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require arrival reporting, warning penalties after 12 fines totaling $60,000 since January. Local Justice Pressure: St. Croix residents are demanding answers after a report highlighted a 2020 highway murder plea deal where one defendant pleaded guilty while a co-defendant’s identical first-degree murder and conspiracy charges were dismissed. Military Families: Blue Star Museums is offering free summer admission for active-duty military families, running May 16 through Sept. 7. Public Safety Tech: The FBI is seeking nationwide access to license plate reader data, including coverage in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $113M (cash value $49.6M) with no winner reported in the latest run-up; Wednesday’s drawing is set for 11 p.m. ET. USVI Freight Disruption: A Coast Guard ban on two San Juan cargo vessels—Water Spirit 2 and Admiral Pride—over med-mooring rules is raising alarms about delays for island-to-island shipments, with Delegate Stacey Plaskett pressing federal and Puerto Rico port officials for answers. Local Justice Pressure: On St. Croix, the AG’s silence is drawing heat as the territory demands transparency over a highway murder plea compromise that left a co-defendant facing a dramatically different outcome. Tech & Privacy: The FBI is seeking a vendor to access nationwide license plate reader data, including in Puerto Rico and the USVI, aiming to track vehicle movement “in near real time.” Health Watch: A new sunscreen review says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective.

Highway murder plea sparks fresh outrage in St. Croix: The St. Croix Sun’s latest reporting has reignited calls for transparency after the Virgin Islands Department of Justice reportedly stayed quiet as the territory faces demands over a 2020 Melvin Evans Highway murder plea compromise, with scrutiny focused on why one defendant’s charges were dismissed while another pleaded guilty. Hurricane prep update: The National Hurricane Center is updating the 2026 hurricane “cone of uncertainty” to show more inland impacts, including watches and warnings for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Shipping disruption hits the islands: A Med-mooring ban in San Juan has sidelined cargo vessels Water Spirit 2 and Admiral Pride, raising concerns about freight delays for U.S. Virgin Islands routes. Privacy and surveillance push: The FBI is seeking nationwide access to license plate reader data, including coverage plans that list Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Money news: Mega Millions climbed to $277M for Tuesday’s drawing; no jackpot winner was reported.

Earthquake Watch: A cluster of quakes near the U.S. Virgin Islands kept shaking the area on May 19, including a reported 4.1 magnitude event near Cruz Bay and multiple smaller tremors around Charlotte Amalie, with no tsunami alerts mentioned. Local Business & Markets: Black Creek Investment Management trimmed its PriceSmart stake, selling 473,785 shares in a deal estimated at about $69.2 million, while PriceSmart shares continue to run strong. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to a $277 million jackpot for the May 19 drawing (numbers: 10-26-34-56-64, Mega Ball 6), and Powerball remains in the $100M range after no jackpot winner on May 18. Legal & Insurance: A Delaware court ruled an AIG unit doesn’t have to cover $2.5 million in pollution-defense costs tied to earlier claims in a USVI oil refinery dispute. Public Safety Tech: The FBI is seeking access to nationwide automated license plate reader data, including coverage that would reach Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. VI Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship isn’t set in stone and raised the possibility of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands.

FBI License-Plate Push: The FBI is seeking a private contractor to give it nationwide access to automated license plate reader data, including coverage in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a price tag up to $36 million—aimed at tracking vehicle movements by plate and vehicle details. USVI Docking Disruption: In San Juan, Water Spirit Freight Services has faced docking restrictions that could ripple through freight links between St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola and San Juan, and Delegate Stacey Plaskett says her office is in contact with the Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Ports Authority. Powerball Still Climbing: No jackpot winner Monday; the Powerball jackpot sits at $101 million after the May 18 drawing (4, 13, 34, 61, 65; Powerball 12), with the next drawing Wednesday. Earthquake Aftershocks Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with no tsunami expected, and residents across nearby islands reported shaking. Local Business/Community: Ascentis Wealth Management added Ryan Uszenski, based in St. Thomas, as an equity partner.

Health & Safety: A new Environmental Working Group sunscreen guide says only about 20% of 2,784 products tested offer both safe and effective UVA/UVB protection, urging shoppers to skip sprays/powders and watch for inflated SPF claims. Money & Travel: Powerball is back at $100 million for Monday’s drawing (numbers: 4, 13, 34, 61, 65; Powerball 12; Power Play 2x), while Delta is advertising nonstop New York–St. Thomas roundtrips for $387 in early June. Law Enforcement Tech: The FBI is seeking up to $36 million to buy nationwide access to automated license plate reader data, including coverage requests for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Workplace Rules: The U.S. Department of Labor moved to restore the pre-2024 overtime exemption salary threshold after court vacated the Biden-era rule. Regional Watch: Earthquake reports across the Eastern Caribbean continue to roll in, with no tsunami expected.

Earthquake Watch: A strong magnitude 6.0 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Kitts and Nevis and across nearby islands; authorities say no tsunami is expected, and early reports point to no injuries or major damage. Local Impact: In the USVI and Puerto Rico shipping lanes, Delegate Stacey E. Plaskett says her office is pressing federal and Puerto Rico port officials after docking restrictions hit Water Spirit Freight Services, raising fresh worries about delays for goods moving between St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola and San Juan. Territory Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the USVI’s political relationship with the United States isn’t permanent and could evolve, including possible deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Federal Finance: The OCC finalized a rule that preempts state requirements for interest on mortgage escrow accounts, a move that could reshape how banks handle escrow fees and payments. International Spotlight: Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St. James remains in the headlines again, with new claims and attention tied to the island’s current owner and ongoing trespasser activity.

Powerball Watch: No jackpot winner in Saturday’s Powerball drawing; the estimated prize is now about $86M for the next draw Monday night, after the May 16 numbers (8-37-40-44-65, Powerball 18) left a $89M pot unclaimed. Earthquake Roundup: A strong quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with reports of shaking across multiple islands including the U.S. Virgin Islands, while officials said no tsunami is expected. USVI Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship isn’t set in stone and raised the possibility of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Local Shipping Concern: The VI Port Authority is responding after a vessel tied to Water Spirit Freight Services was restricted from docking in San Juan, raising worries for cargo routes relied on by USVI residents. Sports: Alabama men’s basketball is set for a home-and-home series with Seton Hall.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful quake struck northeast of Antigua and Barbuda Saturday, with the Seismic Research Centre placing it at 31 km deep and about 80 km from the islands; strong shaking was reported across multiple territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands, but no immediate injuries or major damage were reported. Lottery Buzz: No Powerball winner matched all five numbers Saturday—jackpot $89M—so the next drawing climbs to at least $86M Monday night; Mega Millions also continues rolling after Friday’s $251M jackpot had no match. Local Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship may not be permanent and floated deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Public Safety & Health: A CDC travel notice flags rising dengue risk tied to travel, and reports note a surge in cases tied to the Caribbean. Marine Science: A new autonomous underwater robot tested near the U.S. Virgin Islands can track reef biodiversity hotspots using sound and vision.

Caribbean Shaken: A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck northeast of Antigua and Barbuda Saturday morning, with strong shaking reported across multiple islands including the U.S. Virgin Islands; a separate 6.5 quake also hit St. Kitts and Nevis, and authorities said there were no immediate reports of major damage. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to an estimated $86 million for Saturday’s drawing, with winning numbers reported as 8-37-40-44-65 and Powerball 18; Mega Millions also rolls on after Friday’s jackpot went unclaimed. Local Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship isn’t permanent and raised the possibility of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Public Health Watch: A CDC travel notice follows a sharp rise in dengue cases, with travel-linked infections tied to the Caribbean—including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Trade Concern: The VI Port Authority said a San Juan docking restriction involving Water Spirit Freight Services could disrupt cargo relied on by residents and businesses in the territory.

Territorial Future Talk: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates on St. Croix that the U.S. Virgin Islands’ political relationship with Washington isn’t permanent—and floated the idea of deeper ties or even combining with the British Virgin Islands. Earthquake Watch: A 6.0 quake hit Saturday morning east of Antigua and Barbuda, followed by a 6.5 temblor that rocked St. Kitts and Nevis; reports said light shaking across several islands and no immediate damage. Port Disruption Concerns: The VI Port Authority said a San Juan docking restriction tied to Water Spirit Freight Services could disrupt cargo routes relied on by USVI residents and businesses, while noting Puerto Rico harbor rules are outside its control. Second Amendment Politics: Coverage also points to a Trump administration posture that’s being described as unreliable for gun-rights backers, even as lawsuits challenge gun limits. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to about $251M after Friday’s drawing had no jackpot winner; next draw is Tuesday.

Epstein Island Fallout: The new owner of Little St. James—Stephen Deckoff—has been hit with fresh reports of trespassers and alleged assaults, as curiosity-seekers keep arriving by jet ski and drone despite staff saying they’ll make lawful citizen arrests. USVI Port Disruption Watch: In San Juan, a docking restriction tied to the Water Spirit Freight Services vessel has raised cargo concerns for USVI shippers, with the VI Port Authority saying the decision is outside its jurisdiction. Local Culture & Community: Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Kappa Tau chapter is set to mark 50 years of service, scholarship, leadership and sisterhood this May 22–23 at the University of West Georgia. Regional Tourism Signal: Curaçao is being singled out for steadier, year-round family travel demand in a new Caribbean Travel Trends report.

Shipping Disruption Watch: The U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority says a San Juan docking restriction tied to the Water Spirit Freight Services vessel could affect cargo flows, but the issue is limited to Puerto Rico’s Port of San Juan and outside VIPA’s control. Opioid Settlement: Delaware says the $7.4 billion Purdue Pharma/Sackler settlement is now legally effective, with money flowing to communities and victims and the Sacklers permanently barred from selling opioids in the U.S. Labor Rules: The U.S. Department of Labor restored the 2019 overtime salary threshold after courts vacated the Biden-era 2024 rule. Caribbean Tourism: Curaçao is being highlighted as a steadier, more year-round family travel destination in a new Caribbean Travel Trends report. Local Safety Angle: A man arrested at Boston’s Franklin Field on gun charges reportedly has a record dating back to 1993. STI Access: A new at-home STI testing program is launching, with free tests aimed at people facing barriers to care, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Overtime Rules Back on Track: The U.S. Department of Labor finalized a technical fix restoring the 2019 overtime salary threshold to $684 per week after courts struck down the 2024 Biden-era rule—closing the litigation loop for employers and payroll teams. Little St. Jeff’s Under Siege: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, reports say the new owner of Epstein’s former island, Stephen Deckoff, is dealing with escalating trespassing—allegations include visitors being hog-tied or bound with duct tape, with police present in at least one incident. Local Crime Update: On St. Thomas, Luis Amaro Jr., 37, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault after a May 3 complaint; bail is set at $25,000. Sailing & Scouts: A scouting troop wrapped up a sailing trip in the territory, learning to crew, navigate, and earn awards during a voyage. Distant Headlines: Powerball climbed again with no jackpot winner in the latest draw, and an autonomous underwater robot is being used to map coral reef biodiversity hotspots.