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The story of American freedom is often told through 1776, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Juneteenth. But nearly two decades before emancipation reached the mainland, more than 9,000 enslaved laborers on St. Croix forced their own liberation at Fort Frederik.

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.

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.

Flags at Government House and on public buildings to fly at half staff on Friday, May 22.

After two years of development, Crucian-born entrepreneur Brittany Dawson is preparing the launch of Curve Swim, a new swimwear line designed specifically for women with curves. The brand draws directly from her experience growing up on St. Croix and addresses what she identifies as a persistent gap in the swimwear market.

Former Sen. Pedro “Pete” Encarnacion moved through public life in the Virgin Islands with a kind of ease that made him instantly familiar to people across St. Croix long before — and long after — he ever held elected office.

Whether you sat patiently in bumper-to-bumper traffic, opted to get in a few extra steps and walk to the venue, braved the midday heat, or stood in line for your favorite local delicacies, the 2026 St. Thomas Food Fair delivered an experience that made it all worthwhile.

Guests can enjoy live music and cultural performances, carnival-style games and activities for all ages, a variety of local food and refreshments, and community vendors, artisans, and cultural showcase booths.

Representatives from multiple labor unions gathered Monday night as Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. delivered his final State of the Territory Address, citing expired contracts, stalled negotiations, and unresolved workplace safety concerns.

At first glance, the figures in John Obafemi Jones’ work feel celebratory, with masks, movement, and boldly layered color, while also carrying memory, survival, and a deep sense of place that reveals itself the longer you look. His upcoming exhibition at Cane Roots Art Gallery, "I’m Still Here," is a living memoir — one still being written.

Masked suspects robbed a Main Street on St. Thomas jewelry store Wednesday afternoon, taking jewelry valued at several thousand dollars, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

Lawmakers on Tuesday weighed whether to bypass the Coastal Zone Management permitting process for two major solar farms planned on St. Thomas, a decision that set the urgency of meeting federal deadlines against the need for public oversight.

St. Croix Foundation for Community Development is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the territory’s annual publication, the 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book, “When Data Speaks: The Voice of Our Children,” on Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. during a Virtual Community Stakeholder Presentation via Zoom.

More than a quarter of the territory’s residents are affected by the suspension of federal nutrition benefits as the government shutdown continues. Local relief checks are being issued as a temporary measure, and while lawmakers evaluate broader funding needs to keep services operating, Senate testifiers Wednesday stressed that the situation now poses both a household hardship and a wider economic strain.

Patrol officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department arrested 33-year-old Lumoses Donawald early Sunday morning on St. Croix on an outstanding warrant connected to a larceny investigation, the department announced.

Each year, the Diwali Ball highlights the India Association’s commitment to service — a celebration rooted not only in culture, but in tangible acts of care. This year, that purpose remained front and center Saturday night as the association presented $10,000 to the University of the Virgin Islands, $10,000 to the Salvation Army, along with $5,000 each to the Family Resource Center and the Yellow Cedar Group Home.

Students at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School were dismissed early Tuesday after a majority of teachers and staff did not report for duty, citing ongoing concerns about mold, heat, leaks, and other maintenance issues that they say have gone unaddressed for months.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ronald Alphonso Charles aka “ Bro Charley,” “Charlie.” He died peacefully on Sept. 21, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Mr. Charles was known for his big heart, extraordinary kindness and charismatic smile.