News

A federal judge sentenced former V.I. Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal to seven years in prison Thursday, closing a chapter in the corruption and bribery scandal that first came to light two years ago and that has seen three high-ranking government officials and others convicted and incarcerated. 

The Senate Health, Hospitals and Human Services Committee on Thursday reviewed the territory’s mental and behavioral health system, hearing testimony on staffing shortages, facility delays and gaps in services. 

The Senate Health, Hospitals and Human Services Committee on Thursday advanced a bill that would tighten the tracking of school vaccinations in the Virgin Islands and spell out in law which students must be immunized to attend class.

The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources is inviting the public to help shape the future of exhibits at Fort Frederik Museum on St. Croix as officials move forward with plans to reimagine the historic landmark as a center for Virgin Islands history, culture and community storytelling. 

A Virgin Islands man pleaded guilty to smuggling 88.67 grams of fentanyl into St. Croix by mail, enough to potentially kill every resident of the island, officials said Wednesday.

A federal judge granted a brief continuance Thursday morning, until 1 p.m., during a sentencing hearing for Jenifer O’Neal, the former Management and Budget director who in December was convicted on charges of wire fraud, bribery and money laundering conspiracy.

A federal judge Wednesday sentenced convicted felon, cybersecurity contractor and star witness David Whitaker to 22 months in prison for his role in a bribery scheme that roiled the territory and led to multiple high-profile resignations and convictions.

Jenifer O’Neal’s motion to seal her sentencing request and accompanying 24 letters of support was denied by a federal judge Wednesday, the day before the former V.I. Management and Budget director is due to be sentenced for wire fraud, bribery and money laundering conspiracy. 

Social media fans got a preview of the highlights to come from the 2026 St. John Celebration on Wednesday. Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull and St. John Administrator Shikima Jones-Sprauve hosted a livestream presentation around noon, hoping to entice residents and visitors to join the fete. 

On Tuesday evening, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums hosted a Microsoft Teams virtual town hall to gather community input on the design for the future of exhibits and visitor experiences at Fort Christian Museum on St. Thomas, marking an early step in a larger effort to reimagine the historic site. About 15 people were present.

Colorado State University has lowered its forecast numbers for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, now calling for slightly fewer named storms and hurricanes, as confidence grows that a potentially strong El Niño could help suppress activity across the Atlantic basin.

The King of the Wing Festival is celebrating a major milestone as it returns for its 15th anniversary weekend, bringing together the best in food, culture, music, arts, and entertainment to Magens Bay and downtown St. Thomas Friday through Sunday.

The woman found in Salt Pond Bay Thursday morning likely drowned, police said Wednesday, contrary to nearly a week of widespread public speculation about the nature of her death.

Coach Quinlan's appointment is effective immediately. She will continue to oversee the U-17 Women's National Team while leading preparations for upcoming Senior Women's National Team activities and competitions.

Former Sen. Ronald E. Russell, a respected attorney, legislator, Olympian and musician whose contributions helped shape the Virgin Islands for decades, lay in state Tuesday at the Legislature Building on St. Croix as family, friends, lawmakers and members of the public gathered to pay their final respects.

A federal judge Tuesday sentenced former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez to 120 months in prison for his part in a kickback scheme involving a convicted felon-turned cybersecurity contractor, federal assistance funds and an attempted cover-up. 

The U.S. Virgin Islands has made progress in several key measures affecting children and families over the past five years, but significant challenges remain in education, economic opportunity, and housing, according to new KIDS COUNT data released Tuesday.

The four new generators at the heart of the St. Thomas-St. John district electrical grid aren’t just cutting-edge technology, they’re unique experiments that the long-troubled Water and Power Authority might have been better served avoiding, the Public Services Commission chair said Tuesday.

The Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, and the Atlantic basin remains quiet, while the Eastern Pacific is already active. However, forecasters are closely watching part of the Gulf for possible tropical development later this month, although dry air and wind shear continue to limit most tropical activity.

Virgin Islands ferries between St. Thomas and St. John will be allowed to charge $0.66 more per ticket for the next three months to help alleviate costs from the spike in fuel prices, the Public Services Commission voted Tuesday.