AGP Executive Report

Business & Finance: Houston’s Fertitta Entertainment, led by U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino Tilman Fertitta, agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment in a roughly $17.6 billion all-cash deal, valuing Caesars at $31 per share and including about $11.9 billion in assumed debt—setting up major regulatory review and possible asset sales. Local Governance & Community: A Pasadena Police Department forensic specialist and supervisor graduated from a statewide leadership program for civilian public safety staff, highlighting growing training for non-sworn roles that support work across Pasadena and neighboring San Marino. International Spotlight (San Marino): Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit the Republic of San Marino on Saturday, August 22, before heading to Rimini later that day. Sports (San Marino ties): Bangladesh announced a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly against San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning under new coach Thomas Dooley. Energy: San Marino’s public utility AASS launched a call for investors to sell solar assets or development-stage companies to boost domestic renewable power and reduce reliance on imported electricity.

Aviation & Business: Fly Alliance says its new San Marino unit has secured an air operator’s certificate (AOC) with Global Express, using a 12-passenger Global Express registered in San Marino—an expansion that also points to future India operations. Energy & Investment: San Marino’s public utility AASS has launched an expression-of-interest program to buy solar projects or development-stage companies, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity and boost long-term price stability. Football (San Marino friendly): Bangladesh has named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 international friendly against San Marino, with Thomas Dooley starting a new era and several expat players joining directly in San Marino. Eurovision (San Marino vote): Rai released televoting data from Eurovision 2026, showing San Marino ranked third in Semi-Final 1 with 10.86%. Sports & Culture: A Gilles Villeneuve helmet from the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix sold for a record $1.25 million, while local readers can also look ahead to this week’s family events and festivals.

San Marino Football Spotlight: Bangladesh named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly against San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning and PWD Sporting Club forward Minhazul Karim Shadhin the only new face; the team leaves for San Marino May 31 under new coach Thomas Dooley. Energy & Local Security: San Marino’s public utility AASS launched a solar acquisition program seeking investors to sell PV projects or development-stage companies, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity and boost renewable generation. Local Governance Watch: AASS’s solar push ties into San Marino’s energy plan, while the wider week’s coverage also highlighted how major decisions can hinge on follow-through and timelines. Sports Culture: The week also featured broader football build-up, including discussion of who will miss FIFA World Cup 2026—setting the stage for smaller nations like San Marino to draw attention in friendlies and qualifiers.

Aviation Update: JetGlobe (Istanbul Atatürk) is back in business after an eight-month pause, adding a 2004-built Bombardier Challenger 604 to its fleet—configured for up to nine passengers and still awaiting service entry. Ukraine Diplomacy: Fifty UN member states, including San Marino, condemned Russia’s escalating attacks on civilians and threats to diplomatic institutions, pointing to a major wave of strikes on May 23–24. Local Animal Services: Pasadena’s Public Safety Committee will review a proposed five-year renewal with Pasadena Humane Society worth up to $10.47 million, covering animal control, shelter operations, and state-mandated pound and rabies programs. Sports Spotlight: CIF Southern Section baseball finals are set for May 29–30, with St. John Bosco returning to the D1 final against Norco. San Marino Energy: San Marino’s public utility AASS launched a solar acquisition program seeking investors to sell PV projects or development-stage companies, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity.

World Cup buzz in L.A.: Fans can catch the “beautiful game” through art this week, with soccer-themed exhibits popping up across the city—starting with a new show at Los Angeles Union Station’s Metro Art Passageway Gallery. Local community spotlight: The Ted Lindsay Foundation held its annual Wine Tasting at the San Marino Club in Troy, raising support for families affected by autism. San Marino energy push: San Marino’s public utility AASS has launched a program to buy solar projects (or the companies behind them) to cut reliance on imported electricity, with projects targeted to be commissioned by Dec. 31, 2026. Bangladesh football ties to San Marino: Bangladesh named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly in San Marino under new coach Thomas Dooley, though local officials have publicly questioned whether the contract is fully final. Regional civic help: Pasadena and Altadena voters can use a League of Women Voters hotline for the June 2 primary.

Bangladesh Football: Bangladesh named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly in San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning and Minhazul Karim Shadhin earning a first call-up. But the appointment of new coach Thomas Dooley is still under a cloud: Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque says the contract isn’t final and wants the San Marino match treated as a “test.” Energy & Local Economy: San Marino’s public utility AASS launched a solar acquisition program, inviting investors to sell operating, under-construction, or ready-to-build PV projects (or the companies behind them) to cut reliance on imported electricity. Community & Culture: South Pasadena and nearby cities marked Memorial Day with vintage warbird flyovers and color guard ceremonies, while Tehachapi Valley Arts Association announced Rich Gallego as its June guest artist. Sports Biz: Gilles Villeneuve’s 1982 Ferrari helmet sold for a record $1.25 million.

Bangladesh Football Buzz: Bangladesh Football Federation has named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly in San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico returning and Minhazul Karim Shadhin earning a first call-up, while Rakib Hossain misses out for family reasons and Topu Barman comes back after suspension. The team leaves for San Marino on May 31 after a six-day Dhaka camp under new coach Thomas Dooley. Local Energy Push: San Marino’s public utility AASS has launched a solar acquisition program inviting investors to sell PV projects or development-stage companies, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity. Coaching Uncertainty: Dooley’s appointment still faces political noise, with youth sports minister Aminul Haque previously calling the San Marino match a “test” and saying the contract wasn’t final yet. Sports Elsewhere: A Gilles Villeneuve helmet from the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix sold for a record $1.25M.

World Cup 2026 Star Absences: FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be missing big names, with some top players ruled out by injury or because their countries didn’t qualify—Al Jazeera spotlights stars like Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski. Sports Business & Collectibles: Motorsport memorabilia hit a new high—Gilles Villeneuve’s 1982 Ferrari helmet sold for a record US$1.25 million. Local Civic Help: Pasadena and Altadena voters can use a League of Women Voters hotline for the June 2 primary (626) 798-0965, with hours running through Election Day. Bangladesh Football Shake-Up: Thomas Dooley’s Bangladesh coaching appointment is confirmed, but Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque says the contract isn’t final and the June 5 friendly vs San Marino will be treated as a test. San Marino Connection: The World Cup and qualifying coverage keeps circling back to San Marino as a benchmark for UEFA’s push to reduce mismatches.

Sports & Collectibles: Gilles Villeneuve’s helmet from his final F1 race in 1982 sold for a record US$1.25 million, topping Ayrton Senna’s previous helmet mark—an item tied to the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix and Villeneuve’s Ferrari legacy. Local Civic Life: Ahead of Pasadena’s June 2 primary, the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area is running a nonpartisan voter hotline at (626) 798-0965, with daily hours through Election Day to help residents with registration, voting options, and polling locations. Bangladesh Football Drama: Thomas Dooley’s appointment as Bangladesh head coach is now under dispute after Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque said the contract isn’t final and that the June 5 friendly vs San Marino will be treated as a “test.” Environment & Accountability: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez says crews stopped an East Los Angeles oil spill after a pipeline rupture, while state and local teams assess impacts and she calls for a full investigation.

Bangladesh Football Shake-Up: Thomas Dooley’s appointment as Bangladesh national team coach is already under a cloud after Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque said the contract “has not yet been finalised,” calling the June 5 friendly against San Marino a “test” and urging the federation to keep searching for a “better option.” Local Sports: In CIF Southern Section baseball, Norco and Harvard-Westlake advanced to Division 1 semifinals after pool-play and quarterfinal wins, with Norco rebounding from a loss to keep its title run alive. Community Calendar: Pasadena’s Memorial Day weekend is packed with markets, Bike Month events, family activities, and Monday’s remembrance ceremony at Memorial Park. Transit Perk: Bike Day brought free rides across Pasadena Transit and LA Metro bus and rail networks, plus free Metrolink trips for riders boarding with a bicycle. Regional Watch: A senator’s office says crews contained an East LA oil spill after a pipeline rupture, while residents await assessments of environmental and health impacts.

Bangladesh Football: Thomas Dooley’s appointment is still not “finalised,” Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque says, despite the Bangladesh Football Federation announcing the coach a day earlier—Aminul now wants the June 5 friendly against San Marino to act as a trial before any final decision. Aviation Business: Empire Aviation Group named Paul van der Blom as Head of Aircraft Management, overseeing a managed fleet of 20+ jets and linking aircraft management with charter opportunities. Global Politics & Rights: A new Freedom House ranking puts Finland top for freedom and says the U.S. hit its lowest score on record, with global freedom declining for a 20th straight year. Local Watch: Pasadena Transit, Metro and others waived fares for Bike Day, while Senator Sasha Renée Pérez urged full investigation after an East L.A. oil spill. Sports: UEFA is pushing a Champions League-style qualifying revamp for 2030/2032 that would reduce mismatches like San Marino vs major powers.

Oil Spill Update: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez says crews contained an East Los Angeles underground pipeline rupture that spilled about 2,400 gallons of crude oil into storm drains, with state and local teams still assessing impacts on nearby residents and urging a full investigation. Immigration Pressure: Pérez also weighed in on a hunger strike at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center Annex, calling for better conditions, medical care, and accountability. Local Justice: California AG Rob Bonta announced felony charges against former Pasadena/San Marino jeweler Nelson Andres Holdo, accused of a $1.5 million “phantom Rolex” watch fraud. World Cup Buzz: UEFA is set to revamp 2030 World Cup and Euro 2032 qualifying to reduce mismatches—meaning teams like San Marino may face fewer one-sided games. Sports & Community: Pasadena Transit, Metro, and others waived fares for Bike Day, while Trinity Classical Academy advanced in CIF baseball playoffs.

UEFA Format Shake-Up: UEFA has approved a Champions League–style revamp for men’s international qualifying, splitting Europe’s top 36 teams into three groups of 12 and pushing lower-ranked sides into a separate League 2—meaning big nations like England should no longer face minnows such as San Marino or Andorra in the same way. A decision on the final details is expected in September. Local Transit & Community: Pasadena Transit, LA Metro, and other agencies are waiving fares today for Bike Day, with free rides across buses, trains, and shuttles. Justice & Immigration: Senator Sasha Pérez backed detainees on hunger strike at Adelanto, calling for stronger oversight of private ICE facilities. Luxury Watch Fraud: California AG Rob Bonta announced felony charges against former San Marino jeweler Nelson Andres Holdo, accused of a $1.5 million phantom Rolex scheme. Aviation: Gama Aviation (San Marino) received its air operator’s certificate (AOC), signaling new charter plans. Sports: Southern Section baseball playoff matchups are set after Tuesday’s results.

UEFA Overhaul: UEFA has proposed a Champions League–style qualifying revamp for the 2030 World Cup and Euro 2032, aiming to cut the predictable mismatches that have fueled backlash—like France’s 14-0 win over Gibraltar and Austria’s 10-0 rout of San Marino. The plan would split Europe’s top 36 teams into three groups of 12 (League 1), each playing six matches against six different opponents, then use a separate tier for lower-ranked sides, with some spots decided via playoffs. A decision is expected in September. Local Spotlight: In California, Pasadena-area law enforcement and the state AG say former jeweler Nelson Andres Holdo ran a luxury watch “phantom Rolex” scheme, facing 23 felony counts tied to nearly $1.5 million in alleged fraud. Transit & Community: Pasadena Transit and LA Metro are waiving fares for Bike Day, while the San Gabriel Valley is gearing up for a packed summer of outdoor events and festivals.

Aviation Milestone: Gama Aviation San Marino has secured a fresh San Marino air operator’s certificate (AOC #SM-007), with the same number previously held by TJS San Marino but confirmed as a new document—its Citation Jet 1 is based in Munich Augsburg and has been operating under the “GSR” code since April 29. World Cup Ticket Reality: Austria’s World Cup 2026 campaign is set to kick off June 16 vs Jordan, and ticket demand is so high that official early lotteries are over, leaving only limited last-minute options. UEFA Format Shake-Up: UEFA has approved a Champions League-style qualifying overhaul for the 2030 World Cup and Euro 2032, splitting Europe’s top teams into a higher tier so countries like England won’t face minnows such as San Marino as often. Eurovision Afterglow: Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, with Israel second and the UK finishing on “nul points,” while San Marino’s Senhit landed in the lower ranks. Regional Note: In Southern California baseball, Trinity Classical Academy advanced to quarterfinals after a home win over Troy.

Demography Shock: A new global snapshot shows fertility rates plunging across rich countries, with San Marino listed at just 1.16 children per woman in 2025—among the lowest worldwide—raising alarms about labor shortages and aging societies. Justice Update: California prosecutors filed 23 felony counts against former Pasadena jeweler Nelson Andres Holdo, tied to an alleged $1.5 million “phantom Rolex” scheme that targeted 22 victims. Football & Format Watch: UEFA unveiled a Champions League-style overhaul for men’s major qualifiers through 2030/2032, designed to cut mismatches—meaning England won’t face minnows like San Marino or Andorra in the group stage. Local Sports: Trinity Classical Academy advanced to the CIF Southern Section baseball quarterfinals after a home win over Troy, while playoff brackets and elimination-game results continued to roll in across divisions. Euro Buzz: Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” while the Israel-linked controversy and boycotts kept dominating the headlines.