AGP Executive Report

USVI Military Homecoming: Sixteen Soldiers from the 512th Movement Control Company returned to the U.S. Virgin Islands on July 3 after an 11-month CENTCOM deployment, including a special welcome for Sgt. Chantwan Turnbull and Sgt. D-Ganric Callwood. Local Crime Update: St. Croix homicide detectives are investigating a daylight shooting at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted that left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead, the 13th homicide on the island this year. Immigration Policy Watch: USCIS has released proposed EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act regulations, including a tentative plan to curb using EB-5 capital for bridge financing; DHS is taking public comments through Aug. 31, 2026. Citizenship Court Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a decision advocates say strengthens constitutional citizenship arguments for U.S. territories. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions continues to roll after no jackpot winner on July 3; the next drawing is Tuesday, July 7, with the jackpot now topping $576 million. Weather/Travel Note: Saharan dust is expected to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands around the July 4 weekend, likely bringing hazy skies and warmer conditions.

Territorial Crime Update: A barrage of afternoon gunfire at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead, the VIPD said, with homicide detectives now working to identify the shooter and motive. Supreme Court & Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a ruling advocates say strengthens constitutional citizenship arguments for U.S. territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism Momentum: A new Caribbean Tourism Organization snapshot highlights fast growth across the region, including Anguilla’s 24.6% jump in stayover visitors, underscoring continued demand that also benefits nearby islands and airlift routes. Local Law & Courts: A St. Croix docket roundup points to multiple serious cases now before the Superior Court, reflecting a sharp rise in violent incidents. Holiday Weather Watch: Saharan dust is expected to push into the U.S. Virgin Islands around the July 4 weekend, likely bringing hazy skies and warmer conditions rather than major air-quality impacts. Mega Millions Reminder: The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to $542 million for Friday’s drawing, with tickets sold in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the next draw set for Tuesday, July 7.

Local Crime: A barrage of afternoon gunfire at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead, with VIPD reporting multiple calls starting around 2:15 p.m. July 2 and investigators working the scene at 14B Estate Plessen. Courts & Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Trump executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship, a ruling territorial rights advocates say strengthens arguments for constitutional citizenship in places like Guam and could affect ongoing disputes involving U.S. territories. Community Aging & Mobility: AARP’s 2026 Community Challenge grants continue to roll out, including funding for projects that improve walkability, accessibility, and senior services—efforts that also extend to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Weather Watch: Saharan dust is expected to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands around the July 4 weekend, likely bringing hazy skies and warmer conditions while meteorologists say major air-quality impacts are unlikely. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to $511M for the June 30 drawing, with the next draw set for July 3.

Local Courts: St. Croix’s Superior Court docket is packed with violent cases, including a fatal gas-station shooting tied to Brian Schooler and a separate family dispute that escalated into attempted murder charges against Jahnigh Gonsalves. Weather & Health: Saharan dust is expected to push into the U.S. and may reach Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands around the July 4 weekend, bringing haze and warmer conditions while most dust stays aloft. USVI Citizenship Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Trump effort to narrow birthright citizenship, a decision that could matter for people born in U.S. territories. Aging & Accessibility Grants: AARP’s Community Challenge program is funding quick local improvements nationwide, with projects aimed at mobility, safer walking, and staying connected—grants also reaching Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism & Travel: American Airlines is expanding winter service between Miami and St. Thomas, adding up to four daily nonstop flights during peak season. Community Spotlight: Wet Fete 2026 returns to Anguilla with a Caribbean lineup that includes performers from St. Croix.

Local Courts: St. Croix’s Superior Court docket is packed with violent cases, including a fatal gas-station shooting tied to Brian Schooler and a family dispute that escalated into attempted murder charges against Jahnigh Gonsalves, underscoring a volatile stretch for local law enforcement. USVI Rights & Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Trump effort to limit birthright citizenship for children of temporary or unauthorized immigrants, a ruling that Right to Democracy says carries major implications for people born in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Aging & Mobility Grants: AARP’s Community Challenge continues to fund quick fixes for walkability and accessibility, with the program noting it has supported projects across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of a broader $8.3 million push for livable communities. Travel & Tourism: American Airlines is expanding its winter schedule between Miami and St. Thomas, adding up to four daily nonstop flights to make reaching the U.S. Virgin Islands easier for visitors. Marine Industry: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley calls recent charter yacht fee increases a “tremendous” success, saying the changes boosted revenue and attracted more operators—an update that will be watched across the region’s charter market.

Citizenship Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s bid to narrow birthright citizenship, reaffirming that a child born on U.S. soil and subject to U.S. law is a citizen—an outcome with major implications for people born in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI Voting Rights: The Court also upheld grace periods for late-arriving mail-in ballots, keeping states’ ability to count ballots received after Election Day (as long as they’re postmarked by then) and dealing another blow to efforts to tighten mail voting. BVI Marine Industry: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley called recent charter yacht fee increases a “tremendous” success, saying the changes are boosting government revenue and drawing more operators to base in the territory. AARP Livability Grants: AARP announced multiple Community Challenge awards, including projects aimed at safer walking, accessibility, and senior-friendly public spaces—grants that also extend to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Odds & Ends: Lottery jackpots climbed again—Powerball hit $375M and Mega Millions topped $511M ahead of upcoming drawings.

Lottery Buzz: No one matched all numbers in Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, so the jackpot is climbing to at least $542 million for Friday, July 3 (numbers: 26, 41, 50, 53, 62; Mega Ball 12). Local Aging & Mobility: AARP’s 2026 Community Challenge picked Woodstock for a quick-action project that will add five accessible benches to help older adults rest and move safely between homes, services, parks and the village center. USVI in the Spotlight: The U.S. Virgin Islands is listed among territories sending National Guard troops to Washington ahead of the July Fourth weekend, as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer orders her Guard to limit its mission to the America 250 events only. Voting Rights Watch: The Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive afterward, a ruling that preserves “grace period” rules in places including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Epstein Probe Fallout: New reporting says New Mexico’s Epstein “Truth Commission” issued subpoenas to federal prosecutors, including requests tied to decisions not to pursue charges.

USVI National Guard Presence: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the Michigan National Guard to limit its Washington, D.C. mission to events tied to the America 250 celebration, warning she’ll end support if troops are used for other efforts; the report notes the U.S. Virgin Islands has sent 83 National Guard members to the capital ahead of July Fourth. Epstein Probe Watch: A New Mexico “Truth Commission” released subpoenas seeking records from U.S. prosecutors in South Carolina, Florida, Michigan and the U.S. Virgin Islands tied to why Jeffrey Epstein was not prosecuted, while lawmakers continue pressing figures connected to Epstein, including former Bill Clinton adviser Doug Band. Mail-In Voting Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five days, preserving late-mail grace periods in places including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to $511 million for Tuesday’s drawing (cash value $231 million), and Powerball rose to $360 million ahead of the June 29 drawing.

USVI & Caribbean Legal/Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive afterward, a ruling that preserves late-ballot “grace periods” in places including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Local Governance/Community: AARP announced 2026 Community Challenge grants totaling $194,000 for 18 Georgia organizations, funding quick projects that improve public spaces, transportation, housing, digital access, disaster preparedness, and social connection for older adults. Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to a $360M jackpot for Monday’s June 29 drawing (cash value $163.8M), while a Oneida, Wisconsin couple won more than $300M from an earlier Powerball jackpot. USVI Public Safety: Coast Guard units rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas; the survivor was taken to Charlotte Amalie for medical care. Epstein Fallout: New reporting continues to revisit Jeffrey Epstein’s fortune and the role of U.S. Virgin Islands-linked structures, as well as related lawsuits and subpoenas tied to Epstein associates.

Lottery Buzz: Powerball keeps climbing with Saturday’s $348 million jackpot (cash $158.3M) and the June 27 winning numbers reported as 3-16-28-30-59, Powerball 11. Local Access & Community Support: Liberty VI is offering free international long-distance calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help residents check on family and coordinate aid after recent earthquakes. Elections Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within five business days, a major blow to efforts to tighten mail-in voting. Federal Facilities: A federal repair backlog is leaving some government buildings with leaks, broken elevators and other safety problems, with oversight estimating maintenance needs at up to $50 billion. USVI Law Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Virgin Islands arrested three Venezuelan nationals in Christiansted during an enforcement operation. Travel & Tourism: Hilton says it will open a new Hampton by Hilton in San Juan this September, adding to its growing Caribbean footprint.

Epstein Files Watch: New court filings and estate reports keep narrowing Jeffrey Epstein’s real fortune to about $577 million–$600 million at death, challenging the “billionaire myth” while reigniting debate over how much money was actually paid out and where it came from. USVI Legal Fallout: First BanCorp/FirstBank says it “categorically” denies a lawsuit alleging it helped finance Epstein-linked banking after a U.S. Virgin Islands acquisition. Epstein Island in the Spotlight: “Epstein Island” continues to trend as streaming releases and fresh footage keep Little St. James in the public eye, even as local officials reviewed the 2023 sale for zoning and environmental compliance. Local Public Safety: Coast Guard units rescued a lone boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas; the survivor was taken to Charlotte Amalie. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol arrested three Venezuelan nationals in Christiansted during a targeted operation. Community Support: Liberty VI is offering free calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 after recent earthquakes. Travel & Tourism: Hilton announced a new Hampton by Hilton in San Juan this September, noting it follows the brand’s St. Thomas opening last year.

Federal Facilities Backlog: A new report says decades of maintenance delays are leaving federal buildings with serious health and safety problems, including leaks, mold, and broken elevators—made worse by recent pushes to get workers back in offices. USVI & Caribbean Travel: Hilton plans to open another Hampton by Hilton in San Juan this September, adding to its growing footprint in the American Caribbean after launching a Hampton in St. Thomas last year. Local Public Safety: Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire south of St. Thomas; the survivor was taken to Charlotte Amalie for medical care. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested three Venezuelan nationals in Christiansted on June 23 for being illegally present, citing an intelligence-driven operation. Community Support: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 to help customers check on family and coordinate aid after recent earthquakes. Tourism Spotlight: The Great American State Fair at the National Mall has drawn complaints over power outages and empty or minimal booths from some states and territories, including the USVI. Lottery Buzz: Powerball’s jackpot is up to $348 million for Saturday’s drawing (numbers: 3-16-28-30-59, Powerball 11).

Lottery Buzz: Powerball rolls on with no winner for nearly two months, sending Saturday’s jackpot to $348 million (cash option $158.3 million) and listing numbers 3-16-28-30-59 with Powerball 11. Local Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire south of St. Thomas; the sole passenger was pulled from an overturned dinghy and taken to Charlotte Amalie for care. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested three Venezuelan nationals in Christiansted, saying they were illegally present and were taken for removal proceedings. USVI Community Support: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the territory to Venezuela through June 28, aimed at helping customers check on relatives after recent earthquakes. Major Legal Fallout: House Oversight issued subpoenas to billionaire Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements tied to Jeffrey Epstein, setting up more sworn testimony. Sports (Regionwide): The Marshall Islands national soccer team says the 2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup helped spark interest and led to its first 2026 training camp for men and women. Travel Watch: The Great American State Fair at the National Mall is underway for the U.S. 250th birthday, but some visitors are pointing to power outages and empty or minimal booths, including ones for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check, with officials reporting no tsunami threat for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbs to $348M for Saturday, June 27, with a $158.3M cash option; the game is open to anyone 18+ at licensed retailers, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mega Millions Watch: Mega Millions is nearing $500M ahead of Friday, June 26, estimated at $489M ($220.9M cash), with the latest drawn set listed as 5-13-30-33-52 and Megaball 6. USVI Safety: Coast Guard units rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas; the lone passenger was taken to Charlotte Amalie for medical care. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol arrested three Venezuelan nationals in Christiansted, St. Croix, during a targeted operation. Local Telecom Relief: Liberty VI is offering free calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 after recent earthquakes. Epstein Probe Fallout: House Oversight issued subpoenas to billionaire Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about NDAs tied to Epstein, setting up more sworn testimony. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check—no threat for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Local Safety: U.S. Coast Guard units and St. Thomas/St. John Rescue responded to a vessel fire near St. Thomas, rescuing a sole boater from an overturned dinghy and transferring him to emergency care. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested three Venezuelan nationals in Christiansted on June 23 during a targeted operation, citing illegal presence and moving them into removal proceedings. USVI Community Support: Liberty VI is offering free international long-distance calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help customers contact family and coordinate aid after recent earthquakes. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions is near $500M ahead of Friday’s June 26 draw; the estimated jackpot was $489M with a $220.9M cash option, and the winning numbers were 5-13-30-33-52 with Megaball 6. Politics & Epstein Probe: House Oversight issued subpoenas to billionaire Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements tied to Jeffrey Epstein, with Black calling it a “political stunt.” Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check, and officials said there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Lottery Watch: Mega Millions climbs to an estimated $489 million for Friday’s June 26 drawing, with a $220.9 million cash option and the next draw set for Tuesday, June 30. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol agents in St. Croix arrested three Venezuelan nationals during a targeted operation in Christiansted; the men were found illegally present and taken into custody for removal proceedings. Local Health Funding: Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte announced it received an AARP Community Challenge grant to support an age-friendly “wellness route” with benches, sunshades, and outdoor “Wellness Moments.” USVI Support for Venezuela: Liberty VI is offering free international long-distance calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 for mobile customers, aimed at helping people check on relatives and coordinate aid after recent earthquakes. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted no tsunami threat for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to tsunami center guidance. Tourism/Travel: A Fourth of July travel surge is expected nationwide, with added pressure on air travel tied to the holiday, summer vacation demand, and major U.S. events.