AGP Executive Report

Biotech & Health: USC honored Amy Lee, a San Marino resident and longtime biochem professor, for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease, including COVID-19. Patents & Innovation Policy: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications will automatically include Moldova from 1 June—boosting protection for local innovators. Smart Cities & Heritage Tech: At the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan, mayors stressed long-term heritage conservation and “smart governance” supported by technology, with San Marino’s mayor joining the mountain visit. Energy & Digital Tech Deals: Azerbaijan and SOCAR signed agreements worth $7.5B during Baku Energy Week, including a framework for securing supply in critical minerals and rare earths with U.S. partners and mentions of San Marino among participants. AI in Culture: Boy George says he’s re-releasing “Karma Chameleon” using AI so he can better control how the song is used. Tech & Business (Hospitality): Caesars is set to be bought by Tilman Fertitta in an all-cash deal (~$17.6B), with plans to merge loyalty programs into a single hospitality ecosystem.

Biotech & Research Honors: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease, including COVID-19. Patents & Innovation Policy: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications will automatically include Moldova from 1 June—boosting protection access for local innovators. Energy & Critical Minerals Deals: Azerbaijan and the US signed agreements worth $7.5B during Baku Energy Week, including a framework for securing supply in mining and processing critical minerals and rare earths, with participation from firms including SOCAR and major US investors. Tech-Adjacent Culture & AI: Boy George announced an AI re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give him more control over how the track is used. Local Tech/Urban Governance: The Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan highlighted heritage conservation and “smart governance” powered by technological innovation, with San Marino’s mayor joining the discussion. US Tech & Society: A lawsuit claims “aesthetic injury” from plans to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue, adding a new twist to public-space design debates.

San Marino Research Spotlight: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins (GRPs), linking them to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease including COVID-19. Tech & Innovation Policy: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications will automatically include Moldova from 1 June—an update that could expand protection for regional innovators. Local Tech Diplomacy: During the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan, San Marino mayor Andrea Crescentini joined discussions on heritage conservation and sustainable urban development, with leaders pointing to nature and “smart governance” supported by technology. Energy & Critical Minerals: Azerbaijan and SOCAR signed agreements worth $7.5B with partners including San Marino and France during Baku Energy Week, including a framework aimed at securing supply for critical minerals and rare earths. AI in Culture: Boy George announced an AI re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give artists more say over how their music is used. Governance & Ethics: A U.S. ethics dispute surfaced after HHS General Counsel Mike Stuart bought Corning stock while Corning sells products to his agency, with officials declining to certify his disclosure.

San Marino Research Spotlight: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease, including COVID-19. Local Tech & Policy Watch: A lawsuit over “aesthetic injury” alleges harm from plans to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool a bright blue, reigniting debate over public space design and governance. Global IP for Innovators: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications now automatically include Moldova from June 1—good news for regional inventors and businesses. Heritage + Smart Governance: Mayors at the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan stressed long-term heritage protection and smart governance, with technology framed as a tool for sustainable urban development. Tech-Adjacent Business Deals: Azerbaijan and SOCAR signed agreements worth $7.5B at Baku Energy Week, including a framework on securing supply for critical minerals and rare earths, with partners listed from multiple countries including San Marino. US Ethics & Tech Industry: An HHS official’s Corning stock trades are under scrutiny after ethics officials declined to certify his disclosure, raising questions about conflicts tied to a major tech-linked supplier.

San Marino in Global Tech Deals: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and SOCAR signed agreements worth about $7.5B at Baku Energy Week, including deals tied to digital technologies with partners listed as San Marino among others. Science & Careers: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins linked to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. Research Recognition: Four USC faculty were named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, spanning dance, American studies, and fine arts—another reminder that major research and creativity funding is still flowing. Patent Policy for Innovators: Moldova joined the European Patent Organisation as its 40th member, meaning European patent applications now automatically include Moldova from 1 June. Tech in Culture: Boy George announced an AI re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give artists more control over how their music is used. Governance & Heritage Tech: Mayors at the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan highlighted smart governance and tech-enabled heritage conservation, with San Marino’s mayor joining the trip.

Election Watch: Los Angeles County voters have cast their final picks in California’s “jungle primary,” shaping the top two contenders for Assembly and state Senate seats across 24 Assembly races and eight Senate races. Energy & Digital Deals: Azerbaijan’s Baku Energy Week saw contracts and memoranda worth about $7.5B signed with international partners, including San Marino, spanning energy, investment, and digital technologies. Patents & Innovation: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications will automatically include Moldova from June 1. Tech in Culture: Boy George announced an AI re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give artists more control over how their music is used. Local STEM Spotlight: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. Research Recognition: Four USC faculty were named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, supporting independent work across arts and sciences. Governance & Ethics: An HHS official’s Corning stock trades triggered ethics scrutiny after an Office of Government Ethics decision cited non-compliance. Global Cities & Heritage Tech: Mayors at the Huangshan dialogue emphasized long-term heritage protection and “smart governance” powered by technology.

Energy & Digital Deals: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and SOCAR signed a package of agreements and memoranda worth about $7.5B at Baku Energy Week, spanning economy, energy, investment, and digital technologies, with participation that includes San Marino. Patents & Innovation Access: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications will automatically include Moldova from June 1, boosting regional IP value for innovators. Research Spotlight (San Marino): USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. Ethics & Tech Industry: A U.S. HHS general counsel’s Corning stock trades are under scrutiny after an ethics official declined to certify his disclosure, raising questions about conflicts involving a major tech supplier relationship. Smart Governance & Heritage Tech: Mayors at China’s Huangshan dialogue emphasized long-term heritage conservation and “smart governance” supported by technological innovation, with San Marino’s mayor joining the mountain visit.

European IP Update: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications will automatically include Moldova from 1 June—boosting access to patent protection across Europe. Local Tech & Governance: At the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan, city leaders stressed long-term heritage conservation and “smart governance,” pointing to tech-enabled approaches for sustainable urban development. San Marino Research Spotlight: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. AI in Pop Culture: Boy George announced an AI re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give him more control over how the song is used. Ethics & Tech Industry: A U.S. HHS general counsel’s Corning stock trades raised ethics concerns, with an ethics office declining certification over non-compliance. Energy & Illicit Trade: A report describes ship-to-ship transfers used to move sanctioned Iranian oil, helping the regime keep selling despite pressure.

Patent & Innovation Policy: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications will automatically include Moldova from 1 June—boosting regional IP access for innovators. Local Tech & Governance: Mayors at the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan stressed long-term heritage protection and “smart governance,” pointing to technology as a tool for sustainable urban development. San Marino Spotlight (Science): USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. Research Recognition: Four USC faculty were named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, spanning dance, American studies, and fine arts—another reminder that research and creativity keep crossing paths. Tech, Ethics & Finance: A U.S. HHS official’s stock trades in Corning were flagged for ethics non-compliance, raising questions about conflicts when agencies buy from major tech-linked firms. Culture + AI: Boy George announced an AI re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give artists more say in how their music is used.

European IP Update: Moldova became the 40th member of the European Patent Organisation, so from 1 June European patent applications will automatically include Moldova’s designation—boosting patent value for innovators. Smart City & Heritage Tech: At the Global Mayors Dialogue in Huangshan, mayors stressed long-term heritage protection and “smart governance” powered by technology, with San Marino’s mayor joining the mountain visit. Local Science Spotlight: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. AI in Culture: Boy George plans an AI “version” re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give him more control over how the song is used. US Policy Watch: A lawsuit alleges “aesthetic injury” over plans to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue, while separate reporting flags ethics concerns over an HHS official’s stock trades.

Global Mayors Dialogue: Serravalle mayor Andrea Crescentini joined a Huangshan Mountain visit where the standout “tech” moment was actually the landscape—highlighting how sister-city talks can start with shared environmental priorities. San Marino Research Spotlight: USC biochemistry professor emerita Amy Lee, a San Marino resident, was honored for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. AI in Pop Music: Boy George announced an AI-assisted re-release of “Karma Chameleon,” aiming to give artists more control over how their songs are used. US Science Honors: Four USC faculty were named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, adding fresh momentum to independent research and creative work. Ethics & Tech/Industry: A U.S. HHS official’s Corning stock trades triggered ethics scrutiny, raising questions about conflicts involving a major tech-linked supplier. Energy & Sanctions: Reports describe ship-to-ship transfers that help Iran keep selling sanctioned oil, using concealment tactics to reach refineries. Tech & Business Deal: Caesars Entertainment agreed to be bought for about $17.6B by Tilman Fertitta, with plans to merge loyalty programs across hospitality brands.

AI in Music: Boy George says he’ll re-release “Karma Chameleon” with an AI version, aiming to regain control over how the song is used. San Marino Research Spotlight: USC honors San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. USC Research Recognition: Four USC faculty named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, spanning dance, American studies, and fine arts. Ethics & Tech/Industry: An HHS general counsel’s Corning stock trades are under scrutiny after an ethics office declined to certify his disclosure, raising questions about conflicts involving a major tech-linked supplier. Energy & Illicit Trade: Reporting describes ship-to-ship transfers that help keep sanctioned Iranian oil flowing to China, using concealment tactics offshore. Tech-Adjacent Business Deal: Caesars Entertainment is set to be bought in an all-cash deal worth about $17.6B by Tilman Fertitta, with plans to merge loyalty programs into a hospitality “ecosystem.” Sports Tech Culture: A record $1.25M helmet sale highlights the tech-and-heritage crossover of motorsports memorabilia.

AI in Pop Music: Boy George says he’ll re-release “Karma Chameleon” as an AI version, aiming to regain control over how the song is used. San Marino Research Spotlight: USC honors San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work on glucose-regulated proteins tied to cancer, metabolism, and infectious disease. USC in Global Science & Arts: Four USC faculty named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, spanning dance, American studies, and fine arts. Ethics & Tech Industry Links: A lawsuit claims “aesthetic injury” over plans to paint the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool blue, while a separate report flags concerns about an HHS official’s stock trades in a major tech-linked company. Energy & Illicit Trade: A report describes ship-to-ship transfers that help Iran keep selling sanctioned oil, using concealment tactics offshore. Aviation Management: Empire Aviation Group appoints Paul van der Blom as Head of Aircraft Management to oversee a growing managed jet fleet.

San Marino Science Spotlight: USC honored San Marino resident Amy Lee with a 2026 Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for 45 years studying glucose-regulated proteins (GRPs) that link cancer, metabolism, and infections including COVID-19. Ethics & Tech Governance: A U.S. HHS general counsel’s stock trades in Corning—citing a business link to Apple—triggered ethics scrutiny after an Office of Government Ethics official declined to certify his disclosure for non-compliance. Energy & Global Security: A report describes ship-to-ship transfers used to keep sanctioned Iranian oil flowing to China, with identity-concealing tactics offshore. Business & Hospitality Tech: Caesars Entertainment agreed to be bought in an all-cash deal worth about $17.6B by Tilman Fertitta, aiming to merge loyalty programs into a larger hospitality “ecosystem.” Local Tech-Adjacent Culture: A lawsuit over “aesthetic injury” claims damage from plans to paint the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool a vivid blue.

Hospitality Tech & M&A: Caesars Entertainment has agreed to be bought by Tilman Fertitta’s Fertitta Entertainment in an all-cash deal valued at about $17.6B, with plans to merge loyalty programs into a single hospitality “ecosystem.” Geopolitics & Energy: A report describes Iran-linked ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned crude offshore, using concealment tactics to keep oil flowing to Chinese refineries despite U.S. pressure. Ethics & Corporate Tech: An HHS official’s stock trades in Corning are under scrutiny after an ethics office declined to certify his disclosure, raising questions about conflicts tied to major tech relationships. Aerospace & Aviation Ops: Empire Aviation Group named Paul van der Blom as Head of Aircraft Management to oversee a growing managed business-jet fleet and expand operational oversight. San Marino STEM Tie-in: A feature highlights Massimo Tamburini’s MV Agusta design legacy, noting his work connected to San Marino’s Cagiva Research Center.

Maritime Sanctions Evasion: A Wall Street Journal report describes how sanctioned Iranian oil keeps moving via ship-to-ship transfers off Malaysia, with identities obscured by black paint and names covered during offshore transfers to Chinese refineries. Ethics & Tech Industry Conflict: An HHS general counsel’s Corning stock trades are under scrutiny after an ethics official declined to certify his disclosure for “continued non-compliance,” raising questions about conflicts tied to Corning’s ties to Apple. Aerospace Leadership: Empire Aviation Group appointed Paul van der Blom as Head of Aircraft Management to oversee a growing managed business jet fleet, adding operational oversight and charter support. STEM-Adjacent Sports Tech Culture: A guide to how the Champions League works highlights San Marino’s league spot in UEFA’s qualification system, tying local football to Europe’s tech-driven sports ecosystem. Science & Society (Local Interest): A Huntington Library exhibit connects personal archives of writers like Charlotte Brontë and Octavia E. Butler to Southern California’s research and cultural history.