News

Watch Now: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's decision to freeze the future use of $1.9 billion of VIHFA's federal disaster recovery funds tops headlines this week, with host Adisha Penn breaking down the local response, from Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. to housing officials. Take a minute to catch up with the latest in local elections news, plus a look at what our UVI Youth Moviemaking Workshop students have been up to this summer.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said Sunday that VIPD Officer Eustace Charles was ambushed by several gunmen as he left his St. Croix home to report for duty early Sunday morning, revealing that investigators have since tracked vehicles believed to have been used by those involved, taken several people into custody as persons of interest, recovered multiple firearms and executed search warrants.

Community leaders and political candidates weigh in as the National Park Service's revised redevelopment plan for Caneel Bay sparks new questions about transparency, public access and preservation.

From bold paintings and abstract photography to fiber art and sculpture, "Bridges 2026" transforms Cane Roots Art Gallery into a meeting place where artistic voices from the Caribbean and the United States converge.

The Children's Museum of St. Croix celebrated National Ice Cream Day, part of National Ice Cream Month, with its first-ever ice cream-themed event, bringing families together for a day of frozen treats, hands-on learning and community fun Sunday at the museum's headquarters. The official day for National Ice Cream Day is July 19. 

A 51-year-old Virgin Islands Police Department officer assigned to the government's Executive Security Unit was shot multiple times and killed early Sunday morning on St. Croix, prompting a joint investigation by local police and the FBI and an appeal from Police Commissioner Mario Brooks for the person responsible to surrender.

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, Aug. 1. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

As island communities continue grappling with rising food costs, climate change, and an overwhelming dependence on imported food, regional leaders will gather in St. Thomas in September to explore what a stronger Caribbean food system could look like.

The United States Virgin Islands University Sports Federation Men’s Basketball Team slew a giant as they defeated Argentina in the semifinals of the International University Sports Federation America Games in Lima, Peru, Friday.

Community members looking to give back this fall are invited to volunteer at the Virgin Islands Justice Initiative’s fifth annual Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. at Magens Bay on St. Thomas. 

Families who find themselves living in homes and on land passed down from elder relatives sometimes find themselves facing financial and legal obligations they did not expect. Representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons recently held workshops on St. Croix and St. Thomas to discuss ways to make the probate process manageable for the average Virgin Islander.

The project, initially anticipated to begin in May, has completed the necessary coordination and preparations and is now ready to move into the construction phase.

Former U.S. Attorney and Delegate to Congress candidate Delia L. Smith argues the Virgin Islands must respond to HUD's suspension of disaster recovery funding with accountability, not politics, saying the territory's ability to restore federal confidence and protect $1.3 billion in remaining recovery funds will depend on demonstrating meaningful reforms and credible oversight.

Canada's top diplomat for Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands says the territory has an opportunity to strengthen economic ties with Canadian businesses. During her first official visit, Consul General Sylvia Cesaratto met with government officials and business leaders to discuss investment, infrastructure and the importance of promoting Virgin Islands opportunities to an international audience.

More than 4,000 Virgin Islanders have already cast ballots in the 2026 Democratic primary election, putting early voting on pace to challenge the record participation set during the last gubernatorial primary.

Legal Services of the Virgin Islands told senators that more than a year of delayed funding and a proposed $1 million budget jeopardize its ability to maintain civil legal services.

The Office of the Territorial Public Defender is seeking nearly $6 million for fiscal year 2027, citing heavy caseloads, staffing shortages, retention challenges and facilities upgrades at a Friday budget hearing.

Speaking from the podium at Government House on St. Thomas, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said he and his team have spent the week meeting with federal officials to gain clarity regarding the extent of the funding freeze’s impact and that “this morning, our friends in the White House are working to coordinate a meeting with our team… the Housing Finance Authority, and HUD.” VIHFA has already appealed the suspension, he added before asking that Virgin Islanders and candidates in particular stop talking about the issue and the deficiencies which led to it.

Former Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal has filed a motion for release pending appeal of her conviction on public corruption charges, noting that she is not a flight risk or a danger to the community, and that the court recently granted release pending appeal to another former Virgin Islands official.

Angela Javier Carmona, who was 15 at the time of the crime, will plead guilty to second-degree murder and serve up to 15 years behind bars, according to the agreement filed in V.I. Superior Court.