AGP Executive Report

Election Watch (L.A. County): Voters in Los Angeles County picked their top two choices for November’s Assembly and state Senate races in California’s “jungle primary,” with many contests featuring term-limited incumbents. San Marino Sports (Football): Bangladesh’s new coach Thomas Dooley has named a 23-man squad for a FIFA friendly in San Marino on June 5, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning after 19 months away. San Marino Sports (Basketball): San Marino is set to compete in the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries in Gibraltar (June 23–28), after winning bronze in 2024 with a win over Gibraltar. Local Public Safety: A Sunday house fire in Pasadena was contained to one room, but a resident was displaced after firefighters found hoarding conditions; mutual aid included San Marino Fire. Business & Travel (San Marino link): Azerbaijan’s Baku Energy Week signed deals worth $7.5B with partners including San Marino, while Europe’s ETIAS and border systems continue rolling out. Culture (San Marino link): USC honored a San Marino resident, biochemist Amy Lee, with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award.

San Marino Football: Bangladesh’s new coach Thomas Dooley has named a 23-man squad for the FIFA friendly against San Marino on June 5, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning after 19 months away; the team left Dhaka for Europe and will play at the San Marino Stadium. Local Sports Spotlight: The FIBA European Championship for Small Countries kicks off June 23-28 in Gibraltar, with San Marino in Group A alongside Gibraltar, Andorra and Malta. International Diplomacy: A UN Security Council emergency session saw 56 countries and the EU strongly condemn a Russian drone violation of Romanian airspace, with San Marino among the signatories. Business & Gaming: In the wider region, Tilman Fertitta’s Fertitta Entertainment has agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment for about $17.6B, with local officials saying Caesars Virginia operations should see no noticeable change if the deal closes. Culture & Community: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit San Marino on Aug. 22 as part of his Italy pastoral agenda.

San Marino Football Spotlight: Bangladesh’s new head coach Thomas Dooley has named a 23-man squad for the team’s first-ever friendly on European soil, with the match against San Marino set for June 5 at San Marino Stadium; Dooley says he wants possession-based football and praised the “powerful heartbeat” of Bangladesh’s fan culture as the squad departed Dhaka. Sports & Community: In California high school baseball, Pittsburg High ended San Marin’s run in the NCS Division III semifinals after a walk-off RBI double sent the Pirates to the section championship for the first time in 30 years. Regional Sports Schedule: The FIBA European Championship for Small Countries returns June 23-28 in Gibraltar, with San Marino in Group A alongside Gibraltar, Andorra, and Malta. Local Culture & Heritage: Mayors’ dialogue this week focused on heritage conservation and long-term protection over short-term gains. International Note: Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit San Marino on Aug. 22.

Bangladesh–San Marino Football: New coach Thomas Dooley has sent Bangladesh’s 23-man squad to San Marino for their first-ever friendly on European soil, with Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning after 19 months away; the match is set for June 5 at the San Marino Stadium. Local Sports Spotlight: Pittsburg High’s JJ Robinson delivered a walk-off RBI double to beat San Marin 4-3 and reach the NCS final for the first time in 30 years. Public Safety: Pasadena firefighters contained a Sunday house fire to one room, but a resident was displaced after hoarding conditions hampered crews; San Marino Fire assisted. International News: The Republic of Moldova joined the European Patent Organisation as its 40th member state, expanding European patent designations. Culture & Media: Boy George, who guested with San Marino at Eurovision 2026, says he wants to write a future UK Eurovision entry. Business: Tilman Fertitta’s $17.6B all-cash bid to acquire Caesars is moving through the approval process.

Bangladesh–San Marino Football: Thomas Dooley’s Bangladesh squad has left Dhaka for San Marino for a June 5 friendly at the San Marino Stadium, with the coach praising the “powerful heartbeat” of local football and naming a 23-man roster that includes goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning after 19 months. Local Sports Spotlight: In California high school baseball, Pittsburg High ended a 30-year wait for an NCS final, beating San Marin 4-3 on a walk-off double by JJ Robinson. Diplomacy & Culture: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit San Marino on Aug. 22, with Vatican plans also tying the trip to Rimini’s major religious and cultural events. Heritage Governance: Mayors at the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan stressed long-term heritage protection over short-term “popularity,” warning that damaging authenticity kills sustainability. EU Border Rules: EES is fully operational across Schengen as of April 10, 2026, with ETIAS expected later in 2026.

Bangladesh–San Marino Football: Bangladesh’s national team left Dhaka for its first-ever friendly on European soil, heading to San Marino Stadium for a June 5 match. New coach Thomas Dooley named a 23-man squad, bringing back experienced keeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” after a 19-month absence, and stressing a possession-and-positional style. Local Sports Spotlight: In California high school baseball, Pittsburg High stunned San Marin 4-3 in the NCS Division III semifinals, ending a 30-year wait for an NCS final. Eurovision & Pop Culture: Boy George, who guested with San Marino’s 2026 Eurovision entry, says he wants to write the UK’s next Eurovision song and criticized the “Big Five” automatic qualification setup. Church in San Marino: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22 as part of a trip tied to Rimini events. Business Watch: U.S. casino giant Caesars is moving toward a $17.6B takeover by Tilman Fertitta’s firm, a deal that would reshape major gaming brands pending approvals.

Caesars Takeover: Tilman Fertitta’s Fertitta Entertainment has agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment in an all-cash $17.6B deal, offering $31 per share and taking on about $11.9B in debt—pending regulatory approval. Eurovision Buzz: Boy George, who guested with San Marino’s 2026 entry, says he wants to write the UK’s next Eurovision song and joked the contest isn’t an even playing field. Pope in San Marino: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22 as part of his Italy trip. Bangladesh vs San Marino Football: New coach Thomas Dooley named a 23-man squad for the June 5 friendly in San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning after a 19-month absence. Local Sports: Pittsburg High ended a 30-year wait for an NCS final, beating San Marin 4-3 on a walk-off double. San Marino Science: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 lifetime achievement award for decades of research on glucose-regulated proteins.

Football & National Pride: Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley named a 23-man squad for the June 5 FIFA friendly in San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning after 19 months out, plus recalls for defenders Isa Faisal and Tajuddin and winger Rafiqul Islam. Sports Drama: Pittsburg High ended San Marin’s run in the NCS Division III semifinals, winning 4-3 on a walk-off RBI double—Pittsburg’s first NCS final in 30 years. Church & Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit San Marino on Aug. 22, with the Vatican confirming a morning schedule and afternoon activities tied to Rimini’s major religious and cultural events. Local Culture & Community: Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride will waive fares on Election Day, June 2, including service for seniors and people with disabilities in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino and nearby areas. Research Spotlight: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins. Business Watch: Tilman Fertitta’s firm agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment for $17.6B, a deal that could reshape the U.S. casino landscape pending approvals.

Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV is set to travel to the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22, with Vatican officials saying the morning visit follows an invitation from former Captains Regent Matteo Rossi and Lorenzo Bugli. Eurovision Spotlight: Boy George, who appeared as a guest performer on San Marino’s 2026 entry “Superstar,” says he wants another shot—this time writing the UK’s next Eurovision song—and also questioned the “Big Five” automatic qualifiers. Aviation & Business: Fly Alliance secured a San Marino AOC for its new unit, Fly Alliance (San Marino), using a Global Express registered in San Marino, with plans to expand operations in India later. Sports (San Marino ties): Ireland’s Sinead Lohan will play her 27th Billie Jean King Cup for Ireland in San Marino this June as the team targets promotion from Europe Group III. Local Governance & Mobility: Pasadena will waive fares on Election Day, June 2, with free rides extending to paratransit users in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino and nearby areas. Human Rights Law: California’s Senate passed SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, aimed at increasing oversight of private immigration detention facilities. Major Deal Watch: Tilman Fertitta’s firm agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment for about $17.6B, a move that could reshape the U.S. casino industry.

Immigration Oversight: California’s Senate passed SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, to tighten statewide inspections and compliance for private immigration detention facilities after reports of inhumane conditions. Casino Deal: Tilman Fertitta’s Fertitta Entertainment agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment in an all-cash $17.6B deal, including about $11.9B in assumed debt, taking Caesars private and expanding Fertitta’s reach across Las Vegas and Atlantic City pending regulators. Eurovision Buzz: Boy George says he wants to write the UK’s next Eurovision entry after representing San Marino this year, while also criticizing the “not an even playing field” setup. San Marino Sports Link: Ireland’s Sinead Lohan will play her 27th Billie Jean King Cup in San Marino this June as Ireland targets promotion in Europe Group III. Aviation: Fly Alliance secured a San Marino AOC for Fly Alliance (San Marino) with a Global Express, with plans to expand operations in India later. Local Football: Bangladesh named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly against San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning under new coach Thomas Dooley.

Casino Deal: Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s Fertitta Entertainment has agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment in a roughly $17.6B all-cash deal, valuing Caesars at $31 per share and including about $11.9B in assumed debt—pending shareholder and Nevada regulatory approvals. Eurovision & San Marino: UK star Boy George says he wants to write the next British Eurovision entry, while Rai published televoting results showing San Marino placed 3rd in Semi-Final 1 (10.86%). Aviation: Fly Alliance secured a San Marino AOC for its Fly Alliance (San Marino) unit using a Global Express, with operations planned beyond the certificate and future expansion in India. Football (San Marino friendly): Bangladesh named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly against San Marino, with goalkeeper Anisur Rahman “Zico” returning under new coach Thomas Dooley. Local Public Safety (San Marino support): Pasadena’s forensic and jail supervisors completed a civilian leadership program; the department also supports neighboring cities including San Marino.

Tennis in San Marino: Ireland’s Sinead Lohan will lead a promotion-chasing Billie Jean King Cup squad at the Centro Tennis Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino, with the team competing June 17-20. Aviation & business: Fly Alliance says it has secured a San Marino air operator’s certificate for its new unit, Fly Alliance (San Marino), using a Global Express aircraft registered in San Marino. Eurovision results: Rai has published Italy’s full televoting breakdown for Eurovision 2026, including San Marino’s 10.86% in Semi-Final 1. Football build-up: Bangladesh has named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly against San Marino under new coach Thomas Dooley, while a state minister says the contract is still not final. Sports memorabilia: Gilles Villeneuve’s helmet from the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix sold for a record US$1.25 million. Local life & events: This week’s listings include family-friendly activities and community events, plus a major music-heavy festival calendar.

Industrial Safety Update: Officials say the threat of a massive explosion at a Garden Grove aerospace plastics facility tied to a ruptured 34,000-gallon tank of highly-flammable MMA has been eliminated, with evacuations lifted and no public danger reported. Sports—San Marino on the Pitch: Bangladesh has named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly against San Marino, with new coach Thomas Dooley starting preparations in Dhaka; the state minister says the contract still isn’t fully finalised and the match will be treated as a “test.” Motorsport Memorabilia: Gilles Villeneuve’s helmet from the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix sold for a record US$1.25 million, highlighting the enduring pull of San Marino’s racing legacy. Community & Culture: The Huntington’s “Stories from the Library” exhibit explores the private worlds of writers including Charlotte Brontë and Octavia E. Butler, with a spotlight on Southern California connections.

Health & Travel: A Greenisland couple’s double multiple sclerosis diagnosis sent them rethinking everything—now they’re spending a year travelling Europe, turning a medical shock into a moving life plan. High School Sports: CIF Southern Section baseball finals are set for May 29-30, headlined by St. John Bosco vs Norco Friday night at Cal State Fullerton, with other division matchups already locked in after Tuesday’s semifinals. Local Government & Animals: Pasadena’s Public Safety Committee will review a five-year renewal with Pasadena Humane Society worth about $10.47M to keep animal control and shelter services running. Culture & Community: Newport Beach is celebrating its tourism legacy with a new Balboa Island Museum exhibit, “120 Years of Welcome,” featuring retro-style performances and local history. Football (San Marino link): Bangladesh has named a 30-man preliminary squad for its June 5 friendly in San Marino under new coach Thomas Dooley, with some uncertainty still swirling around the appointment.

World Cup culture in L.A.: Fans can “catch” the fútbol buzz through new soccer-themed art stops, including a fresh Metro Art exhibition at Los Angeles Union Station and other exhibits tied to the city’s growing game-day creativity. San Marino football link: Bangladesh is set to play San Marino on June 5, with a 30-man preliminary squad announced and new coach Thomas Dooley’s debut already drawing scrutiny. Local civic help: Pasadena and Altadena voters can use a League of Women Voters hotline for the June 2 California primary, with volunteers covering registration, voting options, and polling places. Memorial Day tradition: In South Pasadena and nearby cities, warbird formation flyovers and color-guard ceremonies keep remembrance front and center. Florida inequality: A new report ties rising gasoline costs from the Iran war to widening “K-shaped” gaps between rich and poor.

Art & Community: Rich Gallego is the featured guest artist for June at Tehachapi Valley Arts Association, with an exhibit running June 4–July 2 and a First Friday opening June 5 (4–6 p.m.) at Gallery ’N’ Gifts in Tehachapi. Memorial Day Traditions: South Pasadena and nearby cities are set for the Condor Squadron Missing Man formation flyover, while local color guards and ceremonies continue to honor those who didn’t come home. Sports—Bangladesh vs San Marino: Bangladesh has named a 30-man preliminary squad for June 5’s friendly, with Zico returning and Minhazul Karim Shadhin earning a first call-up—though the coach’s contract is still being publicly questioned. Local Crime: California’s AG filed felony charges against former Pasadena jeweler Nelson Holdo, alleging a $1.5 million phantom Rolex scheme. Global Sports Buzz: Gilles Villeneuve’s 1982 F1 helmet sold for a record $1.25M.