WTJX NEWSFEED

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Public Works officials are exploring the possibility of constructing a new pedestrian bridge at the site of the now demolished Addelita Cancryn bridge on St. Thomas.   A boil-water advisory remains in effect as WAPA rebuilds depleted reserves and gradually restores pressure across St. Croix, despite potable water production resuming following a weekend of separate water and wastewater emergencies.   Former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal has been transferred to FCI Marianna, in Marianna, Florida as she serves her seven-year public corruption sentence while her appeal remains pending.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: A worker with DPW contractor, Rumina Construction, cuts through the steel framework of the former Addelita Cancryn Pedestrian Bridge on St. Thomas during demolition work Friday evening. Source: WTJX/Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Our contributing reporter Isabelle Teare was in a federal courtroom in Puerto Rico for the status conference for Carlton Dowe’s federal bank fraud case. Dowe is the former executive director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority.   Former Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez has been transferred from FCI Tallahassee to FCI Atlanta as he serves his 10-year prison sentence for his federal public corruption convictions.   Superior Court Judge Venetia Velazquez declined to hear the merits of Stephen “Smokey” Frett’s challenge to his gubernatorial disqualification after finding he had not provided proof that Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes was properly served.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Former VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe testifies during a Senate Budget hearing on February 27. Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Southland Gaming says it will not promote the September 6 Labor Day races on St. Thomas, after Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said “I cannot reasonably consider moving forward with a temporary arrangement that would be inconsistent with the position the Legislature has now taken on the broader agreement,” after lawmakers voted to send a sweeping horse racing and gaming agreement to its Finance Committee for further review.   Police are investigating the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Gerell Reed on St. Thomas, marking the territory’s 33rd homicide of 2026 and the island’s 15th.   Demolition of the deteriorating Addelita Cancryn pedestrian bridge begins Friday after lawmakers unanimously approved $300,000 toward removing the St. Thomas structure, which officials have described as an ongoing public safety threat.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Jockeys race toward the finish during a previous horse racing event at the Clinton Phipps racetrack. Southland Gaming now says it will not promote the September 6 Labor Day races after lawmakers sent a proposed horse racing and gaming agreement to the Senate Finance Committee for further review. Source: Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: OMB Director Julio Rhymer is setting the record straight, stating that he lawfully transferred $3 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund and cautions that allegations or insinuations of impropriety can have serious consequences for the reputation and integrity of public servants, particularly in today's environment, where public confidence in government institutions is already under significant strain.   Contributing reporter Isabelle Teare was in the courtroom today as a federal judge heard testimony in the complaint filed by Brett “Mac” McClafferty, seeking a preliminary injunction to place him on the ballot in the delegate to Congress race.   Certain Virgin Islands SNAP recipients have until tomorrow to provide documentation showing they meet or are exempt from new federal work requirements taking effect September 1 or risk losing benefits.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: OMB Director Julio Rhymer testifies during a June 8 Legislature budget hearing. Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Ahead of Wednesday’s legislative session, senators heard testimony during a Committee of the Whole meeting on a proposal that would grant Southland Gaming exclusive gaming rights in exchange for developing the Randall 'Doc' James Racetrack on St. Croix.​​   Former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez has been moved from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico to FCI Tallahassee, a low-security federal prison in Florida, to serve his 10-year sentence while his corruption convictions remain on appeal.   Attorney General Gordon Rhea released his office's opinion in response to Governor Albert Bryan's request for a legal opinion addressing questions of election law, candidate disqualification, and the Election System of the Virgin Islands.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Representatives of Southland Gaming and the Bryan administration testify before the 36th Legislature during Monday’s Committee of the Whole hearing on a proposed agreement that granting Southland Gaming exclusive gaming rights in exchange for developing the Randall 'Doc' James Racetrack on St. Croix.​​ Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: WAPA says water service is gradually recovering in western St. Croix after multiple leaks and increased drought-related demand strained the potable water system and left some customers with little or no pressure.   VITEMA is monitoring a tropical wave moving across the Atlantic that could approach the region this weekend, as the Virgin Islands also contends with dangerous heat and another surge of Saharan dust.   Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has ordered flags at public buildings across the Virgin Islands lowered to half-staff through Thursday in remembrance of Lead Dignitary Security Officer Eustace Charles.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: WAPA's Director of Corporate Communications Shanell Spencer Source: Government House of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: VIPA has put a proposed $31.5 million airport fire station contract with J. Benton Construction on hold while legal counsel examines whether the company's involvement in the airport redevelopment P3 creates a conflict of interest.   The V.I. Justice Department has filed a motion seeking to dismiss charges against four defendants in an alleged half-million-dollar government fraud scheme, following discovery disputes and what prosecutors now describe as witness issues.   The Department of Property and Procurement is warning vendors and government agencies about fraudulent emails impersonating procurement employees, including messages using an unauthorized @vi-gov.us domain.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: The Isaiah “Timmie” Phillips Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Facility at Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, which VIPA plans to replace under a proposed $31.5 million contract that was put on hold while legal counsel reviews potential conflict-of-interest concerns involving J. Benton Construction and the airport redevelopment P3. Source: WTJX/Dante Morón

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Attorney Rhea Lawrence, attorney for former VIHFA COO Stephanie Berry, will be allowed to continue contacting former agency employees as they gather evidence in Berry’s whistleblower retaliation lawsuit.   A nationwide recall is underway for certain Outshine Fruit Bars after consumers reported finding glass in the products.   A traffic stop conducted under VIPD’s Operation Rapid Response has led to firearm and ammunition charges against a St. Croix man, who has since been released on modified bail.   Listen to these stories and more.   Caption: Attorney Rhea Lawrence, of Lee J. Rohn and Associates LLC, exits Superior Court on Thursday. Source: WTJX/Tom Eader

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Roland Richardson III, the father of 4-year-old Jeziah Richardson, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges filed after investigators concluded the child's death resulted from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Judge Evan Rikhye has denied the Government of the Virgin Islands' motion to dismiss the Justice Department's lawsuit over the territory’s firearms licensing practices. Public Works says planning is underway to demolish the Addelita Cancryn pedestrian bridge following public concern over the deteriorating structure. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Jeziah Azir Richardson walks into the Juanita Gardine Pre-K-8 auditorium during a May ceremony celebrating his promotion from pre-kindergarten to kindergarten. Source: DEAR Productions

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: A man on St. Croix is facing charges after investigators say he sent private intimate photographs of a woman to a member of her family without her authorization.   The prosecution of 11 people accused of defrauding the Virgin Islands Medicaid program will unfold over five trials stretching from November through April 2027.   The Department of Human Services is urging SNAP recipients to complete required paperwork and prepare for new federal work requirements that could affect approximately 5,000 Virgin Islanders beginning September 1.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Edward Sankitts was arrested after a woman reported that intimate photographs of her, which she alleges Sankitts took without her permission, had been sent to her mother. Source: Virgin Islands Police Department

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Three brush fires kept VIFEMS crews busy over the weekend, including a St. Croix blaze that began as a vehicle fire before spreading into nearby vegetation and one on St. Thomas near the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital and Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute.   A St. Thomas man has been arrested after police say they discovered him naked inside a ransacked Estate Fortuna residence.   The USVI Nike RBI 18U girls softball team returned home as World Series champions after making history with the program's first national title in a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: A brush fire burns across the western coastline of St. Croix over the weekend as firefighters worked for hours to contain one of three brush fires reported across the Virgin Islands. The fires come as the territory remains under extreme drought conditions, a burn ban, and elevated fire danger warnings. Source: Virgin Islands Consortium

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Police are investigating a fire that destroyed the Williams Delight residence of slain Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles.   Following suggestion by Senator Kenneth Gittens during a July budget hearing, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. says he does not support dissolving the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance, arguing that the real problem is chronic underfunding of school maintenance.   Southwest Airlines is adding a new nonstop route between Nashville and St. Thomas in March 2027.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed the Williams Delight home of slain Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles late Thursday night. Source: WTJX/Dany Challenger

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Construction is underway on a nearly $9.2 million replacement for the flood-prone Sister Emma Cottage at the Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix.   A federal judge has rejected the Charlemagnes’ attempt to file their dismissal motion under seal, leaving room to refile by complying with court procedures, while also requiring the defense to address whether jury selection or contempt proceedings could remedy allegations of government misconduct.   Residents are being invited to help shape plans for a $22.4 million modernization of St. Croix's container port during a 6:00 p.m. public meeting tomorrow being held at the VIPA conference room on the second floor of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured from left to right: VIHFA Interim Executive Director Valdez Shelford, ODR Director Adrian Williams-Octalien, Lutheran Social Services CEO Junia John-Straker, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and LT Governor Tregenza Roach Source: Government House of the US Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The University of the Virgin Islands’ Board of Trustees discussed next steps in the school's response to a non-compliance show cause action, which requires the university to prove it is meeting accreditation standards.   Police have announced another homicide – the fourth this week – after a man was found shot in the hospital ground area on St. Thomas, marking the territory’s 32nd homicide this year.   And students in kindergarten through third grade at Lockhart K-8 have still not started the school year, with education officials providing no timeline for when classes will begin.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: The University of the Virgin Islands’ Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. Photo Credit: WTJX

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Defense attorneys for Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne are seeking permission to file a motion to dismiss the couple’s federal fraud charges under seal, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and excessive pretrial publicity has deprived them of a fair trial before jury selection begins.   Utility problems disrupted the start of the school day across the St. Thomas/St. John District, and WAPA says additional overnight work at the propane terminal is planned for this evening.   Attorneys for convicted former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal are challenging the government’s opposition to her release, arguing prosecutors are applying the wrong legal standard and that her appeal presents substantial questions for the Third Circuit.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Davidson Charlemagne, left, and his wife, Sasha, walk together outside the Almeric L. Christian Federal Building and U.S. courthouse on St. Croix. The couples defense attorneys are seeking permission to file a motion to dismiss their federal fraud charges under seal, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and excessive pretrial publicity. Source: WTJX/Tom Eader

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Attorney Clive C. Rivers Sr. is publicly reprimanded after admitting to professional conduct violations tied to a wrongful termination case that remained inactive for nearly 10 years.   Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel is selected to lead the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority as the agency works to accelerate disaster recovery and affordable housing initiatives.   Police are searching for 27-year-old Eryk Simon, who is considered armed and dangerous and wanted in connection with the fatal shooting this weekend of brothers Yordani and Delli Eduardo.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Attorney Clive C. Rivers Sr., walks into the Ron de Lugo Federal Building on July 23, 2025. Source: WTJX/Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett says President Donald Trump's executive orders signed Thursday regarding birthright citizenship do not apply to people born in the Virgin Islands, however, the orders do raise serious concerns regarding precedent.   Authorities cut the ribbon for the Arthur A. Richards Pre-K through 8th grade School — the territory's first newly constructed public school in more than three decades.    With classes set to begin Monday, we speak with Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance Executive Director Craig Benjamin, who says Virgin Islands public schools are 90% ready to welcome students while crews work through the weekend to complete maintenance and repair projects.   Click the image to listen to these stories and more.    Pictured: Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Arthur A. Richards Pre-K through 8th grade School.  Source: Government House of the US Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Roughly 5,000 Virgin Islanders could lose food assistance under new federal SNAP work requirements, as the department of Human Services asks lawmakers for more local funding to keep up with administrative demands.    More than 5,500 customers on the western side of St. Croix on Feeder 8B will be without electricity from 10 p.m. until midnight as WAPA shuts off power to safely repair a leaking water main and restore full water service to the area.   The government of the Virgin Islands is disputing claims that officials ignored warning signs about former Charlotte Amalie High School coach Alfredo Bruce Smith, filing a response to a federal lawsuit brought by one of his alleged victims.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George, second from left, appears before lawmakers during a budget hearing, warning that new federal SNAP work requirements could cause thousands of Virgin Islanders to lose food assistance while increasing the territory’s financial responsibility for administering the program. Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Lawmakers approve a 99-year lease for a proposed $400 million resort on Water Island, despite public concerns and protest over public land, affordable housing, and protections for veterans.   A Florida man has been charged by federal authorities after investigators say he arrived on St. Croix with more than 10 kilograms of marijuana concealed in his luggage along with two AK-47 magazines.   Forbes ranks the University of the Virgin Islands among the nation's top 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the fifth-best public HBCU in its inaugural rankings.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Water Island residents and supporters gather outside the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas on Tuesday, urging senators to reject a proposed 99-year lease for a $400 million resort development. Despite opposition, lawmakers approved the amended lease in an 11-3 vote. Source: WTJX/Dante Morón

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Federal prosecutors are urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to deny former OMB Director Jenifer O'Neal's latest request for release from prison while she appeals her federal public corruption convictions.   U.S. District Judge Mark Kearney granted the government's motion for forfeiture, requiring former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez to forfeit nearly $128,000 as part of his public corruption sentence.   More than 1,400 St. Croix customers will experience a planned overnight power outage on Thursday as WAPA replaces damaged electrical equipment.     Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal leaves the Ron de Lugo Federal Building December 5, 2025 on day 3 of her federal corruption trial. Source: WTJX/Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: VIPD is asking residents and business owners to become partners in fighting crime by registering their security cameras with a new Community Connect program.       Virgin Islands university athletes earn international honors with a basketball silver medal, a track and field bronze medal, and qualification for the 2027 World University Games.    The U.S. Virgin Islands posted a net gain of 445 private-sector jobs during the fourth quarter of 2025, reversing losses from the previous quarter.  Listen to these stories and more.    Pictured: The Virgin Islands Police Department is encouraging residents and businesses to register privately owned security cameras through its new Community Connect program, giving investigators a way to quickly identify available video footage during criminal investigations. Source: WTJX/Roshan Sookram 

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: St. Croix Police Chief Uston Cornelius is addressing public concerns, saying the swift progress in the investigation into Officer Eustace Charles' killing was driven by evidence and community cooperation, not preferential treatment.   Election officials have relocated the voting center at the Central High School Modular Gymnasium, to the St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge as voters prepare to cast ballots in Saturday's Democratic Primary Election.   A St. Thomas couple faces domestic violence charges after police arrested both following a violent dispute in which each claimed to be the victim.     Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: St. Croix Police Chief Uston Cornelius testifies during a February 13 Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Senate hearing Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Banco Popular asks a federal judge to dismiss Brett "Mac" McClafferty's lawsuit against them, arguing independent decisions by police, prosecutors and the courts—not the bank—led to his February arrest on felony fraud charges.   We speak with Attorney General Gordon Rhea, who says the Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute gun crimes under the territory's new firearms law.   Early voting for the 2026 Democratic Primary concluded with more than 7,100 ballots cast as election officials prepare for Primary Election Day on Saturday.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Banco Popular's Altona branch on St. Thomas Source: Dante Morón

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Yesterday, 30 acres were lost to a brush fire on St. Croix's South Shore Road. We speak with Fire and Emergency Medical Services Director Antonio Stevens for details.   ICE says it is not currently seeking proposals to build a secure housing facility on St. Thomas, after a federal procurement document sparked news reports of a possible new immigration detention center on the island.   And Fly The Whale is now offering daily flights between St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.   Listen to these stories and more.     Pictured: A brush fire caused land to be burned alongside St. Croix’s South Shore Road. Photo Credit: WTJX/Glenroy Roberts, Sr.

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: A new court filing alleges the Virgin Islands prison remains out of compliance with a federal consent decree, citing continued deficiencies in inmate safety, staffing, supervision, and access to legal resources.   The Virgin Islands has entered extreme drought conditions as emergency officials warn that prolonged dry weather is threatening farmers, increasing wildfire risk, and heightening concerns ahead of the peak of hurricane season.   Attorney General Gordon Rhea has joined a bipartisan coalition urging the FCC to strengthen customer verification requirements aimed at preventing illegal robocalls.   Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: An inmate reviews paperwork inside the Virgin Islands prison.  Source: WTJX file photo 

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Police have identified the man fatally shot at Moe’s Service Station on Friday as 23-year-old Joshawn Ayala, who was one of two cousins charged in 2022 with the murders of Stacie Schjang and Arnold Jarvis Jr.           Public hearings are underway this week as the Virgin Islands Port Authority considers a new FAA-compliant methodology for airport rates and charges. Residents who wish to participate virtually can access the Zoom meeting here.           Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is calling for community cooperation following the fatal ambush of executive security Officer Eustace Charles, as investigators make an arrest while investigating the case.           Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: A January 2026 mugshot of Joshawn Ayala who was fatally shot Friday at a St. Croix Service Station. Source: VIPD

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Police are investigating a daytime shooting that left a man in critical condition, and a woman with non-life-threatening injuries this afternoon at Moe's Service Station on St. Croix.           The Florence Williams Public Library in Christiansted will reopen tomorrow after a temporary closure this week to address operational issues.           Governor Albert Bryan Jr. says existing disaster recovery programs remain operational while the administration works to overturn HUD's suspension of the Housing Finance Authority from future federal housing programs.           Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: VIPD investigates a shooting Friday afternoon along Northside Road near the Midland Road intersection in front of Moe’s Service Station. Police said responding officers found a man and woman with gunshot wounds inside the black Acura RDX. Both victims were transported to the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center. Source: WTJX/Tom Eader

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The Territorial Hospital System’s CEO Darlene Baptiste, says workforce reductions remain under review as senators demanded more details on an austerity plan designed to reduce payroll costs and improve the hospitals' financial stability.             After nine burglaries were reported in a single day, police are stepping up patrols and warning St. Croix residents and businesses to strengthen security and report suspicious activity.           Lawmakers advanced legislation aimed at protecting seniors from financial exploitation while weighing changes to strengthen enforcement and expand protections.           Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Darlene Baptiste, CEO for the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Schneider Regional Medical Center Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands  

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O'Neal is asking the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to release her from federal custody while she challenges her public corruption convictions.             The Florence Williams Public Library on St. Croix is temporarily closed until further notice while DPNR works to address operational issues affecting the facility.           The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating a reported shots-fired incident near the Vegetable Market in Frederiksted after multiple 911 calls and ShotSpotter alerts, though no victims were found.           Listen to these stories and more. Pictured:  On July 1 former OMB Director Jenifer O'Neal arrived at the Ron de Lugo Federal Building to surrender to U.S. Marshals and begin serving her seven-year prison sentence. Source: WTJX/Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Lawmakers voted to postpone action on a revised horse racing agreement with Southland Gaming, sending the proposal to a Committee of the Whole for public testimony August 19 on St. Croix before taking a final vote during a legislative session planned for August 21.           Police are investigating the territory's 26th homicide for the year following the death of a 61-year-old Anthony DeLugo who was found shot inside a Wintberg residence.           The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority says it is strengthening internal controls and preparing its response following the news of HUD's suspension on Monday. We also speak with Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett and Senator Marvin Blyden, Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications.             Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Senators gather on the floor of the Earl B. Ottley Legislative Hall during today's special session where lawmakers voted to send the revised Southland Gaming agreement to a Committee of the Whole for public testimony before taking a final vote next month. Source: Legislature of the US Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. says the territory will appeal the decision of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, who suspended the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority from future federal funding programs, citing years of alleged financial mismanagement, weak fraud controls, and slow disaster recovery.            Residents living near the Charlotte Amalie High School construction site should expect months of increased construction activity as crews continue rock removal and other major site work through the end of the year.            Governor Bryan says no witnesses have been invited to testify ahead of Tuesday's special session on the revised horse racing agreement. Senate President Milton Potter says senators will caucus this evening before the meeting while indicating he supports sending the measure through the Legislature's regular committee process for public testimony and review before a final vote.            Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. speaks at today's Government House Press Briefing Source: Government House of the US Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The Bureau of Corrections has pledged to secure the condemned Alva A. Swan Correctional Annex after Senator Franklin Johnson raised concerns that the abandoned facility remained accessible and contained sensitive inmate records. Detectives are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death of a four-year-old boy who died after suffering a gunshot wound on St. Croix. Attorney General Gordon Rhea says it's too early to say whether ongoing government corruption investigations will result in criminal charges or whether those cases will involve public officials, private contractors, or both. Three U.S. Virgin Islands beaches have been ranked among the World's 50 Best Beaches for 2026, with Trunk Bay on St. John earning the title of the world's top beach. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Alva A. Swan Correctional Annex Source: WTJX/Richard Sturdivant

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: A routine question about a scholarship program during a budget hearing has sparked a back-and-forth between the Virgin Islands Board of Education and the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority: VIBE told lawmakers VIEDA didn’t provide a report needed to manage a territorial scholarship while VIEDA says it did provide the report, calling VIBE's comments inaccurate and unnecessary. But with a closer look, VIEDA’s story isn’t exactly lining up.                  Senators float legislation that would create a Virgin Islands Gaming Control Commission, ahead of the governor calling a special session to discuss the much-debated revised horse racing agreement with Southland Gaming.                  And the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General has issued a report that details the mishandling of money in an adult mental health facility run by the Department of Health. Listen to these stories and more. Caption: Dr. Kyza Callwood, chairman of the Virgin Islands Board of Education, left, and Celina Morris, marketing director for the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority.   Credit: U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature / Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: As residents deal with the latest streak of water and power disruptions, Senator Ray Fonseca says he is introducing legislation that would allow the court to temporarily appoint an independent outside manager to run WAPA.   The Virgin Islands Supreme Court is undergoing a rapid and unprecedented change in leadership, as Chief Justice Rhys Hodge and two other justices retire from the bench this year.   And the Virgin Islands Track and Field team has returned home from a championship event in Mexico where it set three national records. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Senator Ray Fonseca speaks during a meeting of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance on July 13, 2026. Photo Credit:  U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: After a piece of the deteriorating bridge near the old Addelita Cancryn School on St. Thomas fell and struck a passing vehicle, officials have sent mixed signals over whether the long-unused structure should be repaired or demolished.          Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital leadership says no layoffs have been approved or executed and that they have only begun workforce planning discussions and have not come to a final decision, after reports of a Workforce Reduction Plan affecting bargaining unit employees circulated yesterday.          And police are urging residents to remain vigilant following reports of a phone scam in which criminals impersonate telephone provider representatives to gain unauthorized access to customer accounts. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: The deteriorating pedestrian bridge near the old Addelita Cancryn School on St. Thomas. Photo Credit: WTJX/Dante Morón

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: A robotic BGC-Argo float has been deployed in the waters south of St. Thomas, diving more than a mile below the surface and resurfacing every 10 days to collect data never before gathered in Virgin Islands waters.       After receiving reports of impending layoffs at the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center on St. Croix, Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens is calling on leadership to move affected workers into funded vacancies elsewhere.       And residents on the west end of St. Croix are experiencing water service disruptions, with some reporting they have gone days without running water. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Members of UVI’s Ocean Glider Lab, CMES and NOAA prepare a BGC-Argo float for deployment in USVI waters. Photo Credit: University of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The Virgin Islands Department of Health's EMS for Children Program has received a national award for its work preparing the Territory for emergencies involving children, after coordinating a first-of-its-kind full scale pediatric disaster simulated exercise involving numerous agencies.           The Central Labor Council issued a statement that neither the Council nor its AFL-CIO affiliated unions have endorsed any candidate this election cycle, clarifying that they had no part in the polling process that led to the Area Labor Federation’s endorsement of Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett for governor in the Democratic primary.           And Attorney General Gordon Rhea says criminal charges connected to government corruption are expected within a few weeks.           Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Emergency responders participate in a full-scale pediatric disaster simulated exercise organized by the Virgin Islands Department of Health's EMS for Children Program.   Photo Credit: Virgin Islands Department of Health

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: As the territory celebrates French Heritage Week, Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. has signed a proclamation declaring July 9 “Virgin Islands St. Barths Friendship Day.”                  Nearly a year after police fatally shot 48-year-old Alejandro “Alex” Tores III in LBJ Gardens on St. Croix, his mother says she is still waiting for answers.                  And the Area Labor Federation has thrown its support behind delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett in the upcoming Democratic gubernatorial primary.                  Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. shakes hands with St. Barths President Xavier Ledee after signing a twinning agreement to promote cultural, social, and economic ties between the islands on March 10, 2026. Photo Credit: Government House

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure told lawmakers it's running on what its Executive Director Carmen Vanterpool-Romney called a "skeletal budget, while fielding questions about new data that shows the territory has lost roughly 400 active nursing licenses, most of them registered nurses.       We speak with Danica David, whose book “Creative Callaloo: Art, Poems, and Recipes Inspired by the Virgin Islands” was one of two books selected to represent the territory at the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival this summer.       Jenifer O’Neal is now in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Guaynabo MDC in Puerto Rico.        Listen to these stories and more.  Photo description:  Carmen Vanterpool-Romney, the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure, testifies before lawmakers during a budget hearing on June 22, 2026.  Photo credit: US Virgin Islands Legislature

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Legislation sponsored by Senator Marise James and brought by the Office of Veterans Affairs to create a women veterans coordinator for the territory has advanced to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary.            WAPA says rotational outages in the St. Thomas/St. John District has ended after repairs to Unit 27, but customers should expect scheduled overnight outages next week as crews complete projects aimed at improving grid reliability.            VIPD made several arrests in cases involving extraditions, alleged vehicle thefts, assaults, and domestic violence across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.            Listen to these stories and more.    Pictured: Senator Marise James  Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The department of Property and Procurement will host a virtual public hearing on the proposed Water Island hotel and marina development on Wednesday, the hearing follows legislative testimony from residents who called for greater transparency, stronger safeguards, and additional public input before the project moves forward.     Kahiyla Charles, 21, has been arrested in connection with the violent assault captured on video outside the Red Hook ferry terminal following St. John Celebration festivities.     FEMA has approved more than $1.3 million to repair Friedensfeld Moravian Church in Kingshill, St. Croix, through its Public Assistance Program.     Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Property and Procurement Assistant Commissioner Vincent Richards. Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: We speak with University of the Virgin Islands President Safiya George and Board Chair Henry Smock as the threat to accreditation looms. Following a series of violent incidents during the St. John Celebration and at the Urman V. Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook, St. Thomas, on Tuesday, Senator Kenneth Gittens is calling for tougher enforcement, stronger prosecution, and increased police visibility. Emancipation Day will be marked across the Virgin Islands with a series of events honoring the territory's history and culture, including St. John's annual Cry for Freedom historical play, St. Croix's Fort to Fort Walk to Freedom, and the Ten Sleepless Knights Folklife Festival's Quelbe Tramp and Grand Quadrille Dance. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: University of the Virgin Islands President Safiya George and Board of Trustees Chairman Henry Smock are pictured during UVI's 2026 commencement ceremony at the Orville Kean campus on St. Thomas. Source: WTJX/Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Former OMB Director Jenifer O'Neal self-surrendered to U.S. Marshals today to begin serving her seven-year federal prison sentence after District Judge Mark Kearney denied her request to remain free while appealing her public corruption convictions. Sources tell WTJX that O'Neal is currently in the custody of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections and is booked at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix. After Senator Marvin Blyden called for equal early voting days on St. John, Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes defended the schedule, saying it balances voter access with turnout data and responsible use of public resources. The St. Thomas-St. John district is on a rotational power schedule today as WAPA's unreliability continues. Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Former OMB Director Jenifer O'Neal (center) arrives at the Ron de Lugo Federal Building to surrender to U.S. Marshals and begin serving her seven-year prison sentence. She is flanked by her son, Jafari Daniel (left), and her friend Emmet Prevost.   Source: WTJX/Roshan Sookram  

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed:  Defense attorneys for Carlton Dowe, the former Virgin Islands Port Authority executive director charged with bank fraud, asked a federal judge for additional time to review the voluminous discovery material to determine whether they will pursue a plea deal. Police apprehended 22-year-old Jahnigh Gonsalves who was wanted in connection to a shooting that occurred on St. Croix yesterday that left two people wounded. And Senator Marvin Blyden is calling on the Elections System of the Virgin Islands to address what he says is an unequal early voting schedule for the island of St. John. Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Carlton Dowe speaks at a ceremony at the Austin “babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal on December 17, 2025. Photo Credit: U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Court filings tied to the arrest of 48-year-old Brian Schooler provide more information on the homicide that occurred at WMJR Service Station Friday evening. Lawmakers express concern over more than a million dollars set aside for youth sports nonprofits that is sitting unclaimed, noting the importance of youth programming in combating rising crime. And the Virgin Islands Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance after two jewelry store robberies occurred on St. Thomas over the weekend. Listen to these stories and more.     Pictured: 48-year-old Brian Schooler, arrested for first-degree murder following a shooting at a St. Croix gas station on June 26.   Photo Credit: Virgin Islands Police Department

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Demolition is now underway at the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School as the first phase of preparations for the long-awaited Charlotte Amalie Harbor dredging project. Police have identified the man found fatally shot along a roadway in Mahogany Run as 34-year-old Michiah Morton as investigators continue searching for leads in the St. Thomas homicide. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is rejecting airline criticism of the territory's airport redevelopment plan, insisting the project has already been scaled back and will move forward despite continued opposition from major carriers. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Aerial view of the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School on St. Thomas, where demolition is underway as part of the first phase of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor dredging project. Once cleared, the site will be used to store and transport dredged material from the harbor redevelopment. Source: Virgin Islands Port Authority

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: VIFEMS Director Antonio Stevens says the department has reached out to the Justice Department to strengthen communication with the courts and agencies after lawmakers questioned why a former firefighter continued receiving paychecks months after being sentenced to prison. Police are investigating the discovery of a deceased man found early this morning beside a vehicle in the Mahogany Run Villas area of St. Thomas. Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens is proposing emergency legislation to temporarily consolidate territorial law enforcement personnel under VIPD command in response to the recent surge in violent crime across the Virgin Islands. Listen to these stories and more.    Pictured: VIFEMS Director Antonio Stevens testifies on St. Croix before the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance during consideration of the department's proposed $34 million Fiscal Year 2027 budget.   Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: As Governor Albert Bryan renews calls for a healthcare funding referendum, community health centers are reporting nearly $13 million annually in uncompensated care and asking lawmakers for additional budget support. A man on St. Croix accused of operating without a valid contractor's license and misusing more than $181,000 in renovation payments is facing multiple fraud-related charges. Emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare for elevated heat, Saharan dust, and intermittent showers this week while reminding the public that a territory-wide burn ban remains in effect due to dry conditions. Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: Masserae Sprauve Webster, CEO of Frederiksted Health Care Inc. and Dr. Tess G. Richards, Executive Director of St. Thomas East End Medical Center Cooperation testified before lawmakers that growing losses in Medicaid coverage are driving more patients into self-pay status, increasing the financial burden on clinics that provide care regardless of a patient's ability to pay.   Source: Legislature of the Virgin Islands

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: We speak with WAPA CEO Karl Knight following concerns raised by PSC consultants about the Authority’s dual-fuel Wärtsilä generators, rejecting claims the units were an experimental or ill-advised purchase, arguing that fuel-efficiency gains have come with reliability tradeoffs. A local healthcare provider and three individuals are facing allegations of Medicaid fraud after the Virgin Islands Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit claiming false Medicaid billing practices and violations of territorial law. Police are thanking community members who helped stop an alleged drunk driver accused of causing a fatal chain-reaction crash on Veterans Drive that claimed the life of a visiting tourist and injured another pedestrian. Listen to these stories and more.   Pictured: WAPA CEO Karl Knight at WTJX’s St. Croix studio. Source: WTJX/Tom Eader

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Police are searching for several armed suspects following a daytime robbery at Cardow Jewelers on Main Street in St. Thomas. Police are also investigating the death of 69-year-old Philomen Winston, whose body was discovered this morning in the Historic Danish Cemetery in Hospital Ground on St. Thomas. Former CAHS principal Alcede Edwards is asking a federal judge to dismiss claims against him in a lawsuit alleging he failed to prevent sexual abuse by former track coach Alfredo Bruce Smith, arguing that a Virgin Islands law reviving expired childhood sexual abuse claims is unconstitutional. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Crime scene technicians secure evidence following a daytime robbery where masked individuals entered Cardow Jewelers on Main Street, threatened employees with weapons, smashed display cases, and fled with merchandise on motorbikes. Source: WTJX/Dante Morón