WTJX Local News

An illustration depicts the schooner Vigilant capturing a Spanish pirate vessel. The Baltimore-built schooner later served as a mail packet between St. Croix and St. Thomas and carried word of the July 3, 1848, emancipation proclamation from St. Croix to St. Thomas after Governor-General Peter von Scholten declared enslaved people in the Danish West Indies free.

St. John Celebration culminates on July 4, marking the day the Vigilant brought news of emancipation

Tom Eader

St. John Celebration parade falls on July 4, but does it commemorate Independence Day or Emancipation Day. Residents and historians reflect on what the date really means.

Brett “Mac” McClafferty drives away from the Elections System of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas on May 19.

Board of Elections upholds Brett McClafferty, Ida Smith disqualifications during contentious meeting

Tom Eader

Board members clash over evidence, authority, and procedure before split votes; two members briefly step away from table during debate.

Former Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, right, and former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez at the swearing-in ceremony of a Bryan/Roach Cabinet member on February 14, 2024.

Judge denies O’Neal’s renewed request to remain free pending appeal, expected to surrender Wednesday

Tom Eader

District Court judge denies ex-OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal’s renewed motion to remain free pending appeal, noting her attorney conceded key issues during oral argument.

Tanya-Marie Singh, WTJX chief executive officer, left, and Keisha Richards, chief executive officer of the St. Thomas Federal Credit Union, pose for a photo with a ceremonial check commemorating the credit union’s $10,000 grant donation to WTJX.

St. Thomas Federal Credit Union donates $10K to WTJX, distributes $50K in grants to seven nonprofits

Tom Eader

A $10,000 grant from St. Thomas Federal Credit Union comes as the station adjusts to the loss of federal public broadcasting support.

Former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal speaks during a Government House press briefing on May 29, 2024.

O’Neal seeks bail, asks not to surrender pending consideration; judge denies on procedural issues

Tom Eader

Convicted former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal’s motion for bail pending appeal argues four legal issues warrant release while the Third Circuit reviews her case.

Stephen “Smokey” Frett asks Superior Court to reverse gubernatorial disqualification

Tom Eader

Stephen Frett argues he was denied due process after elections officials disqualified his gubernatorial ticket over prospective running mate’s voter registration status.

Community members and officials attend the Inaugural Alexander Hamilton Distinguished Lecture Series on June 18 at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Medical Research and Training Center on St. Thomas.

Virgin Islands America250 Commission a bust; consultant now charged with organizing commemoration

Tom Eader

After plans for a 17-member commission to organize local events for the nation’s 250th birthday fizzled, government consultant Teri Helenese was asked to lead the effort.

Jed JohnHope alleges constitutional violations in federal lawsuit against election officials

Tom Eader

Independent delegate aspirant Jed JohnHope claims Elections System denied him a statutory opportunity to cure petition deficiencies while granting it to other aspirants.

Jenifer O’Neal enters the Ron De Lugo Federal Building United States Courthouse for sentencing.

Judge denies O’Neal’s request for 8-week delay, allows one week to secure new counsel before surrender

Isabelle Teare

Judge orders O'Neal to self-surrender on July 1, after rejecting her request for a two-month delay to allow her time to secure appellate counsel.

Former Senator James Weber III turns in his nomination petition to run for delegate to Congress Tuesday at the Elections System of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix.

James Weber III disqualified from delegate to Congress race after petition signature shortfall

Tom Eader

Ex-Senator James Weber III fails to submit enough valid signatures to qualify for delegate race after Board of Elections granted time to correct filing deficiencies.