AGP Executive Report

Queen Conch Protection Lawsuit: The Center for Biological Diversity filed in federal court to force the National Marine Fisheries Service to finalize critical habitat protections for threatened queen conch off Florida, including areas tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, arguing delays leave the species exposed to overharvesting, pollution, habitat loss and climate change. WAPA Grid Strain: The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority announced back-to-back overnight blackouts for St. Thomas-St. John on July 13 and 14, with multiple feeders affected and darkness expected for thousands of customers. Local Governance & Debt: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is setting up a financial solutions task force aimed at reducing WAPA debt and improving finances for hospitals and health care centers, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer and Sen. Novelle Francis Jr. expected to lead. Ocean Science Milestone: UVI’s VICAR program partnered with NOAA and the University of Miami to deploy the first biogeochemical-Argo ocean float in USVI waters near Grammanik Bank south of St. Thomas. Public Safety Outcry: A St. Croix editorial sparked widespread anger over what residents call a systemic judicial and mental-health infrastructure gap that leaves violent offenders back on the streets. Powerball Update: No one won the July 8 Powerball jackpot; next drawing is July 11 with an estimated $457 million.

Territory Power Strain: WAPA says St. Thomas–St. John will face back-to-back overnight blackouts July 13 and 14, with multi-feeder outages scheduled from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., while St. Croix continues dealing with feeder instability. Ocean Science in USVI: UVI’s VICAR partnered with NOAA to deploy the first biogeochemical-Argo ocean float in Virgin Islands offshore waters, collecting multi-sensor water-column data for years. Public Safety Pressure: A St. Croix editorial sparked widespread outrage over what residents call a systemic judicial and mental-health “loophole” that they say puts violent offenders back on the streets. Regional Sports: Antigua and Barbuda opens Davis Cup Group B against the USVI in Paraguay after a late-June showing that included a women’s win over Suriname. Lottery Buzz: Powerball jackpot climbed after the July 8 drawing; winning numbers were 12, 29, 37, 43, 55 with Powerball 18.

Territory Power Strain: WAPA says St. Thomas-St. John will face back-to-back overnight blackouts next week, with multi-feeder outages scheduled Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14 from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., while St. Croix continues dealing with feeder 8B fluctuations. NOAA/VI Science Push: UVI’s VICAR partnered with NOAA to deploy the first biogeochemical-Argo ocean float in USVI waters south of St. Thomas, collecting offshore water-column data for years. Tariff Cost Pass-Through: New York Fed research says many Mid-Atlantic firms, including those in Puerto Rico and the USVI, still plan additional price hikes to recover tariff costs. Public Safety Accountability: A St. Croix Sun News editorial sparked outrage over what residents call judicial and mental-health system gaps that leave violent offenders back on the streets. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed above $600 million, with the latest jackpot reported at $604 million for Friday’s drawing. Local Politics & Labor: The USVI Area Labor Federation held a debate with gubernatorial candidates, with IAM union members urging communication and accountability.

Local Public Safety: St. Thomas and St. John saw a holiday surge in violence and arrests, including a Red Hook Dock brawl that ended with a 21-year-old woman charged after viral video helped identify her, plus multiple Independence Day weekend incidents tied to assault and gunfire. Courts & Crime: Police also reported a St. Thomas man jailed after an alleged domestic assault at a gas station, and another case where a waterfront traffic stop led to a loaded handgun seizure. Labor & Politics: The U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation held a debate with gubernatorial candidates, with union leaders pressing for communication and accountability. Travel & Trade: Antigua and Barbuda will open its Davis Cup campaign against the USVI, while Holland America announced its 2027–2028 Caribbean season with more longer voyages and frequent calls at Half Moon Cay. Money & Travel Tips: Mega Millions climbed to $576M for July 7, and U.S. Customs warned travelers a single undeclared fruit can trigger a $300 fine. DOJ/Epstein Files: New reporting and released documents keep spotlighting Epstein-related activity tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mega Millions: The jackpot climbed to $576M (cash value $253.9M) for the July 7 drawing, with no winner reported for Friday’s drawing; next Mega Millions draw is July 10. Powerball: No one matched all numbers in the July 6 drawing (17, 44, 63, 66, 67; Powerball 4; Power Play 2x), pushing the next jackpot to an estimated $434M (cash $194.7M) for July 8. VI Public Safety: A St. Thomas man, Akeem Forbes, was arrested after an Independence Day weekend domestic assault at a gas station; separately, a 21-year-old woman was arrested after a Red Hook ferry-dock brawl caught on video. Holiday Violence: St. John’s Celebration J’ouvert weekend spilled into serious violence, including an assault on a uniformed officer. Local Business/Procurement: WWTS LLC issued a Virgin Islands supplier procurement notice for goods and services, urging eligible local vendors to apply. Tourism/Cruises: Holland America announced its 2027–2028 Caribbean season with more longer itineraries and calls at RelaxAway/ Half Moon Cay. Regional/Policy: USDA announced new Farm to School grant funding, and a mutual recognition deal expands professional registration pathways for architects.

Local Crime: A St. Thomas man, 37-year-old Akeem Forbes, was arrested after a Independence Day weekend domestic assault at a Three Sons Gas Station, where police say he assaulted a woman and fled before being tracked down; he faces simple assault (domestic violence) and disturbance of the peace (domestic violence). Red Hook Violence: A 21-year-old woman, Kahiyla Charles, was arrested after a viral 3 a.m. ferry dock ambush at the Red Hook terminal left a victim with head and facial injuries; she faces third-degree assault and disturbance of the peace. Gunfire Charges: A holiday dispute on St. Thomas escalated into gunfire, leading to attempted murder charges against a man after ShotSpotter flagged multiple rounds near Contant Street. Public Safety Alert: VIPD is asking the public to help locate Ke’Andre Charles, a person of interest in a July 1 Red Hook assault. Business Notice: WWTS LLC issued a procurement notice seeking Virgin Islands suppliers for goods and services under the VI Economic Development Incentive Program. Community & Travel: Holland America announced its 2027–2028 Caribbean season, with 29 itineraries and more longer sailings plus calls at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

Independence Day violence and arrests: A St. Thomas man, 37-year-old Akeem Forbes, was jailed after an alleged domestic assault at Three Sons Gas Station on July 4, while police also arrested 21-year-old Kahiyla Charles after a Red Hook Dock ambush captured on viral video left a woman with head and facial injuries. More St. Thomas-St. John trouble: A holiday dispute on St. Thomas escalated to gunfire, with attempted murder charges filed against a suspect after ShotSpotter alerts, and VIPD is seeking a person of interest, Ke’Andre Charles, in a July 1 Red Hook assault. Weapons stop: Charlotte Amalie officers made a waterfront traffic stop that led to a loaded 9mm handgun seizure. Lottery buzz: Powerball rolled to a $416 million jackpot for Monday after no top-prize winner on July 4. Tourism and travel: A hospitality veteran urged Caribbean businesses to make cancellation and service policies clearer to build traveler trust, as cruise and regional travel planning ramps up.

Police & Courts: VIPD says 19-year-old Ra’jahni Hendrickson was arrested after a three-hour St. Thomas auto theft spree caught on surveillance, facing multiple felony charges including grand larceny. On St. Thomas, VIPD is also asking the public to help locate Ke’Andre Charles, a person of interest in a Red Hook assault. On St. Croix, Jomar Sanes was returned after an interstate extradition tied to Castle Burke shooting-related weapons charges. Public Safety: A dense Saharan Air Layer is blanketing the USVI, bringing hazy skies, reduced visibility, poor air quality, and elevated fire risk over the holiday weekend. Local Economy/Business: AM Best placed Topa Insurance Company’s ratings under review; the review includes a USVI subsidiary tied to the Topa Insurance Group’s pending acquisition. Sports & Racing: With two feature horses scratched, Neural Network won the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas. Governance/Industry: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. submitted a revised horse racing agreement to the Legislature, including a five-year promoter requirement for SGVI, quarterly gaming reporting, and doubling the St. Thomas-St. John horsemen’s share to 6%. Community & Travel: A new report highlights Caribbean tourism momentum, with Anguilla among the fastest-growing destinations in early 2026.

Horse Racing & Racino Policy: Gov. Albert A. Bryan Jr. submitted a revised St. Thomas-St. John horse racing deal requiring SGVI to stay promoter for at least five years, adding quarterly gaming revenue reporting, doubling the horsemen’s share to 6%, and dropping a proposed full gross receipts tax exemption for track entertainment. Local Sports Update: With Ghostinyou and Fighting Back scratched, Neural Network won the July 5 feature at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, ridden by Winston Hurst Jr. Public Safety: A July 2 afternoon barrage of gunfire at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead; investigators are working to identify the shooter. Courts & Sentencing: Former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal surrendered to federal custody July 1 after a judge denied further delay while her appeal proceeds. Weather & Health: A Saharan Air Layer brought hazy skies, reduced visibility, and poor air quality across the territory for the holiday weekend. Community & Service: Sixteen soldiers from the 512th Movement Control Company returned to the USVI after an 11-month CENTCOM deployment, welcomed by family and local ambassadors. Tourism & Travel: American Airlines is expanding its winter Miami–St. Thomas schedule to as many as four daily nonstop flights during peak season. Independence Day: The territory marked Emancipation Day as part of the July 4 holiday period. Lottery: Powerball climbed to $396M for July 4; Mega Millions topped $542M for July 3 with no jackpot winner.

Local Sports: Ghostinyou of Tortola and Fighting Back of Anegada will headline the July 5 feature race at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St Thomas, with post time for Race 1 at 1:00 p.m. and the feature set for 5:00 p.m. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbs to about $396 million for Saturday, July 4, with numbers 17-38-46-50-69 and Powerball 20 (Powerplay 2x); Mega Millions is at $542 million for Friday, July 3, after no jackpot winner, with 5-9-29-47-57 and Mega Ball 16. Public Safety/Weather: A Saharan Air Layer is blanketing the USVI, bringing hazy skies, reduced visibility, and poor air quality—especially for kids, seniors, and anyone with breathing issues—over the holiday weekend. Crime Update: St. Croix homicide detectives are investigating a daylight shooting at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted that left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead. Community & Service: Sixteen soldiers from the 512th Movement Control Company returned home to the USVI after an 11-month CENTCOM deployment, greeted by family and local airport ambassadors. Legal/Local Courts: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal is expected to surrender to federal custody after a judge denied further delay while her appeal proceeds.

Weather & Health: A Saharan Air Layer dust plume is blanketing the U.S. Virgin Islands, bringing hazy skies, reduced visibility, and poor air quality—especially for children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory issues—through the holiday weekend. Crime & Courts: On St. Croix, a mid-week barrage of gunfire at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead, with VIPD homicide detectives investigating amid a sharp rise in local violence. Justice Update: Former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal surrendered to federal custody on July 1 after a judge denied further delay while her appeal continues. Military Homecoming: Sixteen Soldiers of the 512th Movement Control Company returned to the USVI on July 3 after an 11-month CENTCOM deployment, welcomed by family and local ambassadors. Immigration Policy: USCIS published proposed EB-5 regulations implementing the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, including a tentative plan to curb EB-5 capital used for bridge financing. Travel/Community: American Airlines is adding more winter nonstop flights between Miami and St. Thomas, up to four daily during peak season. Holiday Numbers: Mega Millions climbs again after no jackpot winner on July 3; next drawing is Tuesday, July 7. Environment (Opinion): A local ban on oxybenzone is highlighted as research points to sunscreen chemicals harming coral-algae health and worsening bleaching.

Mega Millions: No one matched all numbers in Friday’s July 3 drawing, so the jackpot climbed to about $542 million (cash value $242 million). Winning numbers were 5, 9, 29, 47, 57 with Mega Ball 16. Next drawing is Tuesday, July 7 at 11 p.m., with an estimated jackpot of at least $576 million. USVI Homecoming: Sixteen soldiers from the 512th Movement Control Company returned to the U.S. Virgin Islands July 3 after an 11-month CENTCOM deployment, including a special welcome for Sgt. Chantwan Turnbull and Sgt. D-Ganric Callwood. Immigration Policy: USCIS published proposed regulations for the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, including a tentative plan to reduce EB-5 capital being used for bridge financing; DHS is accepting public comments through Aug. 31, 2026. Court Update (St. Thomas): Former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal is expected to surrender to federal custody July 1 after a judge denied further delay while her appeal proceeds. Public Safety (St. Croix): A daylight shooting at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left a 34-year-old man dead; homicide detectives are investigating.

Local Crime: A daylight shooting at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead, the 13th homicide on St. Croix this year, as detectives processed the scene and searched for witnesses. Court Watch: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal is set to surrender to federal custody after a judge denied her latest bid to delay incarceration while her appeal proceeds. Territorial Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship limits, a ruling advocates say strengthens citizenship arguments for U.S. territories like Guam. Community & Aging in Place: AARP’s Community Challenge continues funding accessibility and mobility projects nationwide, with the program again highlighting ramps, safer walkways, and senior-focused improvements that also reach the U.S. Virgin Islands. Caribbean Travel Momentum: New tourism data points to continued growth across the region, including Anguilla’s standout visitor gains, while travel experts warn some destinations may be riskier this summer. Environment & Health: An opinion piece argues sunscreen chemicals can harm coral life, noting bans on oxybenzone in places including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Citizenship Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Trump executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of temporary or unauthorized immigrants, a ruling territorial rights advocates say strengthens the argument for constitutional citizenship for people born in places like Guam and could affect similar cases involving U.S. territories. St. Croix Violence: A 34-year-old man, Anthony Hazelwood, was killed in midday gunfire at the Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted on July 2, prompting a homicide investigation as St. Croix continues to see a sharp rise in killings this year. Court Watch—St. Thomas: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal is expected to surrender to federal custody after a judge denied further delay while her appeal proceeds. Local Justice—BVI to USVI: A 19-year-old BVI resident, Bruce Wheatley, faces federal charges in the U.S. Virgin Islands after authorities allegedly found child sexual exploitation material on his cellphone following an illegal re-entry arrest. Community & Travel: AARP announced Community Challenge grants across the U.S., including projects tied to accessibility and mobility that also reach the U.S. Virgin Islands, while American Airlines expands winter service between Miami and St. Thomas with up to four daily nonstop flights.

Court Watch: Former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal is expected to surrender to federal custody July 1 after a judge denied her latest bid to delay incarceration while her appeal proceeds, ending weeks of attempts to stay on home detention. Local Crime & Justice: A St. Croix docket update highlights a surge of serious violence, including a reported “execution” at a gas station and a separate family dispute that escalated into attempted murder charges. Immigration Enforcement: A BVI man, Bruce Wheatley, was arrested in the U.S. Virgin Islands for illegal re-entry and faces federal charges after authorities allegedly found child sexual exploitation material on his cellphone. Environment & Health: An opinion piece warns that sunscreen chemicals can harm coral life, noting that UV filters have been found in marine areas and that some alternatives may also pose risks. Travel & Tourism: A travel feature says American Airlines is expanding its winter schedule between Miami and St. Thomas, adding up to four daily nonstop flights during peak season. 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 rather than major air-quality impacts.

USVI Court Watch: St. Croix’s Superior Court docket highlights a surge in violent crime, including a fatal gas station shooting tied to Brian Schooler and a separate family dispute that escalated into attempted murder charges against Jahnigh Gonsalves. Federal Custody Update: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal is expected to surrender to federal custody Wednesday, July 1, after a judge denied her latest bid to delay reporting while she pursues an appeal. Immigration & Sex Exploitation Case: Bruce F. Wheatley, deported to Tortola and barred for five years, was charged after agents allegedly found child sexual exploitation material on a seized cellphone following his identification in Havensight. Citizenship Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Trump effort to limit birthright citizenship, a decision Right to Democracy says carries major implications for people born in U.S. territories. AARP Livability Grants: AARP’s Community Challenge continues funding quick-action projects nationwide, with Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands included among grant recipients. Travel & Access: American Airlines is expanding winter service between Miami and St. Thomas to as many as four daily nonstop flights, adding more options for island travelers.