AGP Executive Report

Gaza Flotilla Crackdown: Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla again in international waters off Gaza, boarding and storming dozens of small boats after fresh calls to turn back; the group says it’s a legal, non-violent humanitarian mission aiming to sustain a corridor and assert Palestinian sovereignty, while Israel claims the convoy picked up members of violent Turkish groups during a stop in Marmaris. Eurovision Fallout: The 70th Eurovision in Vienna stayed politically charged even as Bulgaria’s Dara won with “Bangaranga,” with Israel finishing second; five countries boycotted over Israel’s Gaza war, and protests spilled into the arena, including a protester removed in handcuffs during Israel’s performance. Local Spotlight: Pasadena-area Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s insurance-focused bills advanced after Senate Appropriations votes, while San Marino received IMO recognition for full STCW implementation. Sports Note: Shamrock Rovers’ Stephen Bradley pipeline keeps paying off as more players earn Ireland call-ups.

Eurovision Aftermath: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” beating Israel’s Noam Bettan to second as the UK crashed to last with “nul points,” but the night stayed politically charged after a five-nation boycott over Israel’s Gaza role and on-site protests that even led to a protester being dragged away in handcuffs during Israel’s performance. San Marino Spotlight: San Marino’s Eurovision run ended in the semi-finals—Boy George’s guest appearance with SENHIT on “Superstar” wasn’t enough to qualify. Ukraine Accountability: In Chisinau, most Council of Europe members backed a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression, with 34 of 46 states plus the EU signaling support. California Policy Push: Pasadena-area Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s insurance and education bills advanced after Senate Appropriations Committee votes, including measures aimed at claim transparency and prompt payment. Local Life & Recognition: The National Football Foundation honored inaugural Girls Flag Football Scholar-Athlete winners from the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley area, awarding scholarships and Rose Bowl tickets. Maritime Milestone: San Marino’s ship register says IMO formally recognized full STCW compliance.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” beating Israel’s Noam Bettan to second as the UK’s “nul points” night ended in last place. Boycott Fallout: The grand final still carried the week’s political weight—five countries (including Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland) boycotted over Israel’s Gaza war role, and protests spilled into the arena, including a protester dragged away in handcuffs during Israel’s performance. San Marino Spotlight: San Marino’s entry—Senhit featuring Culture Club’s Boy George—missed the final in the first semi-final, despite the cameo sparking debate online. Local Angle: In San Marino di Carpi, a Cuba solidarity event is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m., with convoy participants and humanitarian aid updates. Maritime Milestone: San Marino’s ship register says IMO has formally recognized full STCW compliance, reinforcing its standing in global seafaring training and certification.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” beating Israel’s Noah Bettan to second place—while the UK’s “nul points” finish with “Eins, Zwei, Drei” turned the night into a scoreboard headline. Boycott Fallout: The final played out after five countries—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland—stayed home over Israel’s participation, and protests followed Israel’s performances, including a protester dragged out in handcuffs during “Michelle.” San Marino Spotlight: San Marino’s entry, featuring Culture Club’s Boy George with Senhit, failed to qualify in the semi-finals, sparking online backlash and “ruined our chances” takes. Local Governance & Policy: In California, Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s insurance-focused bills advanced after Senate Appropriations Committee votes, while she urged tweaks to Governor Newsom’s May budget revision—especially around the Middle Class Scholarship. San Marino in the World: San Marino also notched IMO recognition for full STCW implementation, reinforcing its maritime training and watchkeeping alignment.

Eurovision Finale Shock: Bulgaria just won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna—Dara’s “Bangaranga” took both jury and public votes, a first-ever win for the country and a big relief for organizers who feared a tougher 2027 hosting debate if Israel had won. Boycott Fallout: The night still carried the Gaza-era backlash: five countries (including Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland) boycotted over Israel’s participation, and protests spilled into the arena, including “stop the genocide” chants and a protester being removed by security. San Marino Spotlight: San Marino’s entry “Superstar,” featuring guest vocals by Boy George, missed the final—despite the star power and plenty of attention. Local Governance & Budgets: In California, Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s insurance-focused bills advanced after Senate Appropriations approval, while she praised parts of Governor Newsom’s May budget revision and flagged missing support for the Middle Class Scholarship. San Marino Maritime: San Marino also received IMO recognition for full STCW implementation, reinforcing its push for stronger maritime training and certification standards.

Eurovision Fallout: In Vienna, San Marino’s Eurovision run ended fast as Culture Club’s Boy George joined Senhit onstage for “Superstar,” but the duo failed to qualify for the grand final—sparking online backlash that his cameo “ruined” their chances. Israel Protests: The contest stayed politically charged: Israel’s Noam Bettan advanced amid boos and “stop the genocide” chants, and security dragged a protester out in handcuffs during his performance. Boycott Shock: Five countries—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland—stayed away over Israel’s Gaza war, leaving the field at its smallest in years and dampening the usual party mood. Local Spotlight: San Marino’s Ship Register scored IMO recognition for full STCW implementation, reinforcing the country’s maritime credentials. Arts & Culture: Pasadena Choral Society is staging “Life of Mozart” this week, adding a local spotlight to the broader classical season. Policy Watch: California Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s bills moved ahead after Senate Appropriations votes, including measures aimed at insurance claim transparency and accountability.

Eurovision Flashpoint: The Eurovision grand final heads into Saturday after a first semi-final in Vienna that was anything but music-only—five countries (Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland) boycotted over Israel’s participation, while pro-Palestine chants (“stop the genocide”) erupted during Israel’s Noam Bettan performance and security dragged a protester away in handcuffs. San Marino Spotlight: San Marino’s entry—Senhit featuring Culture Club’s Boy George—failed to qualify, sparking online backlash and “pointless/ruined” complaints, though George later said he had a “fabulous” experience and will reunite with Senhit in Milan. Final Lineup: Finland, Israel and nine others booked spots for the final; eliminated acts included Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino. Local Governance: San Marino’s Ship Register says the IMO has formally recognized full STCW compliance. Community & Culture: A Cuba solidarity event is set for San Marino di Carpi, with aid convoys and the Henry Reeve Brigade involved.

Eurovision Fallout: San Marino’s Eurovision run ended fast in Vienna as SENHIT’s “Superstar” failed to qualify, despite guest vocals from Culture Club’s Boy George—who later called the experience “fabulous” and said he’d reunite with SENHIT in Milan. Protest Pressure: The contest stayed politically charged: Israel’s Noam Bettan advanced amid “stop the genocide” chants, and security dragged a protester out in handcuffs during the performance. Final Lineup Set: After the first semi-final, Finland and Israel were among the 10 qualifiers, while Portugal, Georgia, Montenegro, Estonia and San Marino went home. Arts & Tech Tension: A new survey finds 99% of professional visual artists strongly dislike generative AI, citing threats to income and job security. Local Community Win: The Friends of Crowell Public Library held a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, spotlighting the Book Shoppe volunteers who keep the library thriving. San Marino Maritime: San Marino received IMO recognition for full STCW implementation, reinforcing its push for higher-quality seafarer training and certification.

Eurovision Fallout: In Vienna, San Marino’s Eurovision run ended after Boy George’s cameo with SENHIT on “Superstar” failed to qualify for the grand final—prompting fans to call the appearance “pointless” and “ruining” the chances, while George posted that he was “sad” but had a “fabulous” experience and will reunite with SENHIT in Milan. Protest-Led Tension: The same semi-final was dominated by Gaza-linked chants; during Israel’s Noam Bettan performance of “Michelle,” security removed a protester in handcuffs as “stop the genocide” calls erupted, and Bettan still advanced to Saturday’s final. Final Lineup Locked: Finland, Israel and nine others booked spots for the grand final, while San Marino, Portugal, Georgia, Montenegro and Estonia were sent home. San Marino Wins Quietly: Away from the pop drama, San Marino received IMO recognition for full implementation of the STCW Convention, a boost for its maritime training and certification standing.

Eurovision Fallout: Vienna’s Eurovision 2026 is still roiling after Israel’s Noam Bettan advanced to the grand final despite pro-Palestine chants and a protester being dragged out in handcuffs during his “Michelle” performance. San Marino Spotlight: The biggest local shock for viewers: Boy George’s guest appearance with San Marino’s SENHIT on “Superstar” didn’t land enough votes—San Marino crashed out in the first semi-final, and Boy George immediately went online calling the experience “fabulous” while fans argued his cameo was “pointless” or “ruining” the chances. Politics vs Pop: The contest’s 70th anniversary is playing out under heavy security and ongoing boycotts by five broadcasters over Israel’s Gaza war. Local Pride: Away from the drama, San Marino received IMO recognition for full implementation of the STCW maritime training standards.

Eurovision Fallout: Boy George’s cameo with San Marino’s SENHIT didn’t land a spot in the final—he says he’s “sad” but “wouldn’t take a minute” back, while fans online accuse the move of “ruining” San Marino’s chances. Protest-Led Security: In Vienna, Israel’s Noam Bettan advanced amid chants of “stop the genocide,” with security dragging a protester out in handcuffs during the performance. Final Lineup: Finland and Israel topped the first semi-final qualifiers, joining Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia and Sweden; Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino went home. Local Spotlight: San Marino also scored IMO recognition for full implementation of the STCW seafarer training standards. What’s On: A quick guide to fun things to do May 14–20 rounds out the week’s lifestyle picks.

Eurovision Fallout: In Vienna’s first semi-final, Israel’s Noam Bettan qualified for Saturday’s final even as pro-Palestine chants erupted and a protester was dragged out in handcuffs mid-performance. San Marino Spotlight: Boy George joined San Marino’s SENHIT onstage for “Superstar,” but the duo failed to reach the final; George posted that he was “sad” yet called the experience “fabulous,” adding they’ll reunite in Milan in July. Protest Pressure: The contest’s 70th anniversary is playing out under heavy security and a boycott wave—five countries pulled out over Israel’s Gaza war, while alternative concerts are popping up across Europe. Other Big News: In Los Angeles, a counselor tied to Matthew Perry’s fatal ketamine case is heading toward sentencing, with prosecutors seeking prison time.

Eurovision Shockwave: Finland and Israel stormed into the Eurovision final after the first semi-final in Vienna, but the night was loud with politics and backlash—five countries boycotted over Israel’s Gaza role, and fans still fumed over “robbed” results. San Marino Spotlight: Tiny San Marino, featuring Culture Club’s Boy George with Senhit on “Superstar,” missed the cut—despite the cameo sparking online complaints that his part was “pointless” or “giving nothing.” Vienna Under Pressure: Organizers faced protests and tight security, with ORF saying it wouldn’t censor booing or the Palestinian flag. Final Line-Up Takes Shape: Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia, Sweden and Israel joined Finland in the Saturday final, while Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino went home.

Eurovision in Vienna: The first Eurovision 2026 semi-final is tonight, and San Marino’s entry is already under pressure—Boy George (with Senhit as the official act) is facing a “biggest risk” of missing the final, with bookmakers listing San Marino at 7/2 to qualify. Protest and security: Vienna is bracing for demonstrations tied to Israel’s participation, with police laying out “strictest” measures as tensions rise. Boy George’s stance: Amid the backlash, Boy George has been publicly backing Jewish communities in the UK and even embraced Israeli contestant Noam Bettan during rehearsals. Vatican note: Swiss Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig—apostolic nuncio to Italy and San Marino—died at 79, remembered by Pope Leo XIV for his faithful service. Ethics spotlight (US): A top EPA official’s stock trades in fossil-fuel and power companies have sparked fresh conflict-of-interest questions.

Eurovision in Vienna: The contest kicks off Tuesday with Israel’s entry still in the spotlight, despite a five-country boycott (Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland) over Israel’s Gaza war. In Israeli coverage, the mood is defiant—“No one likes us, we don’t care”—and attention turns to pushing votes for Noam Bettan, performing “Michelle” in Hebrew, English and French in the first semi-final. San Marino on stage: Boy George makes his Eurovision debut for San Marino, teaming with Senhit for “Superstar,” as SMRTV leans into big-name casting to boost the microstate’s visibility. Boy George’s message: He also shared solidarity with London’s Jewish community amid rising antisemitism, framing it as “doing what is right.” Local culture: The Huntington in San Marino spotlights landmark oaks for LA250 and is set to install Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture later this year. Travel note: Some European cities are adding “tourist taxes” that can add up to about €16 a night.

Eurovision in the spotlight: San Marino’s tiny delegation is turning heads in Vienna after recruiting Boy George to perform alongside Senhit, with the microstate openly saying it may “poach” more British pop talent for future contests—while the wider Eurovision week stays tense as several countries boycott over Israel’s inclusion. Solidarity amid backlash: Boy George also posted a recorded message supporting Jewish people at London’s anti-antisemitism rally, saying he “doesn’t want to be thanked for doing what is right,” after he couldn’t attend in person. Local culture & civic life: The Huntington in San Marino-area Pasadena is spotlighting Karen Lawrence’s leadership and ongoing campus renovations, plus public programming that frames art and conservation as part of democratic life. Travel costs: Holidaymakers heading to parts of Europe may face higher “tourist tax” bills in 2026, with some destinations charging up to about €16 per night. Mobility deal watch: Bermuda is pushing a reciprocal driving-licence framework with Britain and partners—aiming to cut the need for a UK test after a year.