USVI Budget Crunch: US Virgin Islands officials say revenues are tracking 9.4% below forecast, putting a $59M deficit on the table as the fiscal year ends Sept. 30, with lawmakers urged to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to plug near-term gaps. Electricity Relief Plan: BVIEC will apply a credit to September bills after August power bills spiked on July fuel costs tied to global market disruption and the end of an emergency subsidy. BVI Trade Push: Premier Wheatley leads a 12-member VI delegation to India (Aug. 24–31), pitching trade missions as a driver of Financial Services revenue and new partnerships. BVI Scholarships: The Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme reports a surge in applications, with four new scholars set for its next cohort. BVI MSME Grants: The VI government awarded US$165,000 in grants to 18 local MSMEs to support start-up and growth across sectors from food services to logistics and care for seniors. Tourism & Marine Safety: BVI issued a pointed marine safety message after 20 accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of reported incidents. Cruise Economy: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed Norwegian Aura’s 2027–28 Caribbean itineraries, including calls at Tortola and St. Thomas, as it leans harder into wellness and solo-friendly offerings. USVI Drought Disaster: The US government declared drought disaster conditions across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, unlocking federal emergency loan options for farmers. Google Play Settlement: USVI residents are among those potentially eligible for payouts from a $700M Google Play antitrust settlement, with many payments expected to be automatic.