AGP Executive Report

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Montana says Meta intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to minors and misled the public on safety, with the state guaranteed about $89M and potentially up to $127M from a sweeping multistate deal that also covers the U.S. Virgin Islands. AI Trading Webinar: Webot, a crypto exchange licensed across 48 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, will host “Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Rewiring Automated Trading,” featuring Webot US CEO Jay Hua and traders on practical ways to use AI with automation. Hurricane Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the central Atlantic as the season stays quiet so far, but forecasters warn activity often picks up in September—Caribbean travelers should monitor forecasts. Local Tech/Science Tie-In: DHS FFA highlights agri-science leadership, with the National FFA network noting U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. STEM/Community Tech Angle: A reminder that school-zone safety and public health planning still matter as communities push for safer, smarter environments.

Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: The Atlantic season is still quiet, but Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the central Atlantic and could affect Caribbean travel plans as it tracks and potentially weakens before landfall. Youth-Safety Tech & Policy: A major multistate Meta settlement is moving forward, with claims tied to Instagram and Facebook addictive design and child mental-health harms—U.S. Virgin Islands is named among the territories in the broader case. AI Trading Webinar: Webot will host a live Aug. 27 webinar on how AI is changing automated trading, with a focus on practical bot strategy and what holds up in real markets. Local Tech/Infrastructure Legal Fight: A proposed St. John yacht marina near Coral Bay—linked to Louisiana developers and defended in prior permitting battles—faces a new lawsuit from local environmentalists challenging the Army Corps’ environmental and aesthetic review. STEM/Engineering Leadership: Haley Ward, an engineering and planning firm, appointed its first northeast operations director, signaling continued regional growth and project delivery expansion. Caribbean Diving Injury Lawsuit: A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba equipment failure during a St. Thomas excursion led to lasting injuries, now in a maritime personal injury lawsuit.

AI & Trading: Webot, a regulated crypto exchange licensed in 48 U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, is hosting a live Aug. 27 webinar, “Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Rewiring Automated Trading,” featuring Webot US CEO Jay Hua and industry practitioners on how traders can apply AI to real-world bot strategies. Social Media Accountability: A major multistate Meta settlement is moving forward, with New Hampshire announcing up to $224.3M and Oklahoma guaranteed more than $235M, alongside claims tied to addictive design and alleged harm to children on Facebook and Instagram—claims that also include the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Tech & Safety: A Royal Caribbean passenger lawsuit alleges scuba equipment failure during a St. Thomas dive excursion, raising fresh questions about excursion oversight and onboard safety practices.

Social Media Accountability: New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and AG John Formella announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Facebook and Instagram features alleged to be addictive to minors, with New Hampshire set to receive up to $224.3M in 10 installments plus new child-safety requirements. Territory Impact: The deal also resolves claims involving Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as other states announce their shares—Oklahoma is guaranteed $235.6M (up to $334.1M), South Dakota is set for at least $52.6M, and Montana says it could reach $127M. Local Tech Angle: For U.S. Virgin Islands residents, the settlement matters because it targets platform design and safety controls that affect how youth use social apps.

Online Safety & Consumer Protection: Meta agreed to a landmark $17.1B multistate settlement over claims it intentionally designed Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to minors, with South Dakota set to receive at least $52.6M (up to $73.5M) paid over 10 years, pending U.S. District Court approval; the deal also requires sweeping child-safety features across Instagram and Facebook, with claims involving the U.S. Virgin Islands included. Local Tech/Travel Risk: A Royal Caribbean guest says scuba gear failed during a St. Thomas “Discover Scuba Diving” excursion, leading to lasting injuries; a maritime lawsuit was filed in August 2026. Energy & Permitting: A proposed St. John yacht marina tied to Louisiana interests is facing a new legal challenge after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over environmental and aesthetic review. STEM/Infrastructure in the Region: Home Depot launched nationwide express delivery using 2,000+ stores as fulfillment hubs, aiming for three-hour-or-less delivery. STEM Education/Community: Poetry Out Loud registration opened for the 2026-27 school year, with the program running across U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cruise Safety Watch: A Royal Caribbean guest says scuba gear failed during a St. Thomas dive, leading to lasting injuries; a maritime personal injury lawsuit was filed Aug. 12 against Royal Caribbean, with the cruise line yet to respond. Local STEM & Careers: Haley Ward, an employee-owned engineering and planning firm, named Shawn Tobey, PE as its first northeast operations director, expanding leadership across offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Community Learning: Poetry Out Loud registration for the 2026-27 school year is open, with Delaware schools and organizations invited to compete and winners advancing to state finals Feb. 18, 2027; the program runs across all 50 states plus U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Energy & Permitting: A proposed St. John yacht marina tied to Louisiana developers is facing a new legal challenge after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over environmental and aesthetic review. Public Health Policy: A primer explains Medicaid home and community-based services for older adults, focusing on barriers to staying at home and getting needed support.

Maritime Jobs Boost: MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a big 300% funding jump in 2026 aimed at upgrading equipment and training workers. Local Environment & Permitting: A proposed St. John yacht marina near Coral Bay—115 slips and about $130 million—has hit a new snag after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing the agency didn’t fully study impacts on the area’s environment and look. STEM/Engineering Leadership: Haley Ward named Shawn Tobey, PE, as its first northeast operations director, expanding leadership across offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Education & Skills: Poetry Out Loud registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year, with the NEA program running in the U.S. Virgin Islands and offering prizes plus public speaking and confidence-building for high school students. Community Safety Reminder: BLM officials urged visitors to take wildfire restrictions seriously as hunting season overlaps fire season in Oregon and Washington.

Maritime Tech & Jobs: MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, boosting equipment and workforce training under a 2026 funding jump tied to “Restore America’s Maritime Dominance.” Local Environment & Permitting: A proposed St. John yacht marina near Coral Bay—planned for 115 slips and about $130 million—has hit a new snag after local environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing the agency didn’t properly study environmental and visual impacts. Public Health & Access: A new primer looks at Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for Older Adults, focusing on barriers that keep many seniors from getting support at home. STEM/Engineering Leadership: Haley Ward named Shawn Tobey, PE, as its first northeast operations director, expanding leadership across offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Energy & Planning: A commentary argues “green” solar and battery projects still need serious hazard mitigation and professional engineering sign-off before neighbors should accept them. Cruise Safety Claim (St. Thomas): A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba gear failed during a Discover Scuba Diving excursion in Charlotte Amalie, leading to lasting injuries and a maritime lawsuit filed in August 2026. Retail Tech in the Territory: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using 2,000+ stores as fulfillment hubs, with delivery in three hours or less for a flat fee.

Maritime Funding Boost: MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a 300% funding jump in 2026 aimed at upgrading facilities and training workers. Local Environment & Permitting: A proposed St. John yacht marina near Coral Bay—115 slips and about $130 million—faces a new legal fight after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing the review didn’t adequately cover impacts. Health Tech in the Spotlight: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service that pairs app users with licensed professionals for remote hearing assessment and device tuning. Operations Leadership: Haley Ward named Shawn Tobey, PE as its first northeast operations director, expanding leadership across offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Cruise Safety Claim: A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba equipment failed during a St. Thomas dive, leading to lasting injuries and a maritime personal injury lawsuit. Energy & Permitting Debate: A commentary argues “green” solar and battery projects still need serious hazard mitigation and professional engineering sign-off before neighbors should accept them.

Tele-audiology Upgrade: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live, one-on-one tele-audiology service for ELEHEAR device owners, pairing remote assessment with personalized device tuning and a built-in follow-up via the app. Maritime Jobs & Training: MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, boosting equipment and workforce development under a 2026 funding increase. Local Energy Planning Reality Check: A new op-ed argues “green” solar and battery storage projects still need serious hazard mitigation, pushing residents to demand professional engineering reports and understand local permitting rules. Cruise Safety Lawsuit: A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba equipment failed during a St. Thomas dive, leading to lasting injuries; a maritime personal injury suit was filed. Disaster Preparedness Angle: Siela Bynoe connects her St. Thomas water-scarcity memories to broader drought and heat warnings, urging conservation and resilience planning. Retail Logistics: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using 2,000+ stores as fulfillment hubs, aiming for three hours or less in many areas. Health Policy Primer: A primer outlines barriers older adults face in getting home and community-based services, especially for people with limited income and marginalized communities.

Tele-Audiology Upgrade: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live, one-on-one tele-audiology service inside its app that lets OTC hearing device owners get remote professional assessment and personalized tuning, with a 45-minute session priced at $99. Maritime Jobs & Training: MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, boosting small-shipyard equipment and workforce training under a 2026 funding increase. Cruise Safety Claim: A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba gear failed during a St. Thomas dive, leading to lasting injuries; a maritime lawsuit was filed against the cruise line. Aging-in-Place Services: A new primer highlights barriers older adults face in getting home and community-based services, especially for people with limited income and marginalized communities. Local Tech Leadership: Haley Ward named Shawn Tobey, PE, as its first northeast operations director to support growth across offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Energy & Permitting Reality Check: A commentary urges residents to scrutinize “green” solar PV and battery storage proposals and demand clear protective health-and-safety conditions.

Maritime Jobs Boost: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced MARAD will invest $35.1 million to upgrade and equip 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a reported 300% funding increase for 2026—aimed at workforce development and critical infrastructure. Cruise Safety Claim: A St. Thomas scuba excursion is at the center of a maritime personal injury lawsuit filed by a passenger alleging a breathing-equipment failure during a Discover Scuba Diving trip at about 50 feet. Hearing Tech (Tele-Audiology): ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding one-on-one live tele-audiology for OTC hearing device owners via its app, with a 45-minute remote session and a $99 per-visit price. Retail Tech & Logistics: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using 2,000+ stores as local fulfillment hubs, promising delivery in three hours or less for a flat fee. Energy Permitting Debate: A new commentary argues “green” solar and battery projects still need serious hazard and engineering review before neighbors and regulators sign off. Lottery Numbers: Powerball’s Saturday $68M jackpot drew results (13-31-54-57-65, Powerball 23), with no jackpot winner reported yet.

Maritime Safety & Liability: A Miami pediatrician says a Royal Caribbean Discover Scuba Diving excursion in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas left him with lasting injuries after scuba equipment allegedly failed underwater; he filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit Aug. 12, 2026 against Royal Caribbean, naming local operators, and the cruise line hasn’t responded yet. STEM & Education: William & Mary welcomed its Class of 2030 and transfer students, including students from the U.S. Virgin Islands and 22 countries, highlighting a mix of academic and hands-on backgrounds like a rescue diver and a published author. Disaster Preparedness & Water: Siela Bynoe draws on her St. Thomas experience with water scarcity to argue for stronger conservation and disaster readiness as drought and extreme heat strain island and coastal communities. Public Safety: A school-zone safety reminder cites high pedestrian crash risk for children and urges drivers to slow down and watch closely where kids cross. Energy & Permitting: A commentary warns residents to scrutinize “green” solar and battery projects near them, pushing for professional engineering reports and local hazard-mitigation conditions before permits move forward. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD announced $35.1 million for workforce and infrastructure upgrades at 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, boosted by a 300% funding increase. Health Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology with licensed professionals for OTC hearing device owners via its app.

Maritime Safety & Legal: A Miami pediatrician says a scuba gear failure during a Royal Caribbean Discover Scuba Diving excursion in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, left him with lasting injuries, and he’s suing the cruise line over what he claims were known problems with the local operator and equipment. Energy & Permitting: A commentary argues “green” solar and battery storage projects near communities should come with tougher scrutiny, including professional engineering reports and clear health-and-safety mitigation tied to local land-use rules. Health Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology so OTC hearing device owners can get one-on-one remote tuning with licensed professionals for $99 per session. Disaster Preparedness: Siela Bynoe highlights how water scarcity and extreme weather make disaster planning essential, drawing on her experience in St. Thomas and current drought warnings. School Zone Safety: A reminder on school-zone risks cites child pedestrian crash data and calls for drivers to slow down and watch closely. Local Climate Resilience: Puerto Rico’s drought is driving water rationing, with experts pointing to roof rainwater catchment as an underused, practical fix. Maritime Industry Investment: MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for infrastructure upgrades and workforce training.

Maritime Tech Funding: The U.S. Transportation Department’s Maritime Administration is sending $35.1 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, boosting equipment, facility upgrades, and workforce training under a 300% funding increase. Undersea Innovation Leadership: The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium named Donald McCormack board chair after founding member Debbie Proffitt retired to St. John, where she’s focused on sea turtle conservation. Disaster Readiness & Water: Siela Bynoe connects Long Island drought lessons to St. Thomas water scarcity, arguing for conservation and better access to clean, reliable water. School Zone Safety: A reminder for families: school zones remain risky for kids, with calls to slow down and drive more carefully around pedestrians. Energy & Permitting Reality Check: A local-facing explainer warns that “green” solar and battery projects can trigger serious permitting and safety reviews, urging residents to demand professional engineering reports and understand local land-use rules. Tele-Audiology Expansion: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live, one-on-one remote hearing care for device owners via its app.

Energy & Permitting: A new op-ed argues that “green” solar and battery storage projects near communities should be judged on real safety and engineering reports, urging residents to dig into land-use rules and hazard mitigation before permits move forward. Wildfire Safety: BLM officials say wildfire and hunting seasons overlap in the Pacific Northwest, keeping fire restrictions active through Sept. 30 in Washington and reminding visitors to follow local burn bans and closures. Undersea Tech Leadership: UTIC elected Donald McCormack as board chair after Debbie Proffitt’s retirement; Proffitt is now in St. John and volunteers on sea turtle conservation. Maritime Jobs & Training: MARAD announced $35.1M for 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, boosting equipment and workforce development under a 2026 funding increase. Telehealth Hearing Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology sessions for device owners through its app. Retail Tech & Logistics: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using 2,000+ stores as local fulfillment hubs, aiming for three-hours-or-less service. Cruise Tech/Experience: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed new dining and wellness features for Norwegian Aura, including an immersive dining concept and a specialty Indian restaurant.