WTJX Local News

Stephanie Berry testifies during a Senate Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications meeting on October 24, 2023, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.

Judge to deny VIHFA request to restrict Stephanie Berry’s attorneys from contacting ex-workers

Tom Eader

Judge rules that ex-VI Housing Finance Authority COO Stephanie Berry’s attorneys can interview former agency staff, denying a protective order requested by the defense.

Assistant Attorney General Ariel Smith testifies before the Legislature of the Virgin Islands in May 2023.

Judge denies VI motion to dismiss gun rights lawsuit, allows U.S. DOJ to amend complaint

Isabelle Teare

U.S. District Judge Evan Rikhye denied the Virgin Islands' bid to dismiss a U.S. DOJ lawsuit over VIPD's gun licensing practices, ruling the case is not moot.

Mary Moorhead, a member of the Virgin Islands Board of Education, speaks during a Board meeting February 27 at the VIBE office on St. Croix.

Mary Moorhead asks Superior Court to require separate ballot for federal delegate to Congress race

Tom Eader

Mary Moorhead argues federal and territorial law require the delegate to Congress race to appear on a ballot separate from local contests.

Roland Richardson III was arrested Tuesday and charged with involuntary manslaughter, child neglect, child abuse, and aggravated child abuse and neglect following an investigation into the death of his 4-year-old son, Jeziah Azir Richardson, who died on July 16 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment on Wednesday.

Roland Richardson III pleads not guilty in connection to accidental fatal shooting of 4-year-old son

Tom Eader

Roland Richardson III, 27, pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child abuse charges connected to the July 16 accidental shooting death of his 4-year-old son.

Lisa Minelli Montanez, one of 11 defendants accused in a $309,000 Medicaid fraud scheme, arrives at Superior Court Tuesday on St. Croix for a status conference.

11 defendants in $309,000 Medicaid fraud case to face 5 separate trials

Tom Eader

The 11 defendants accused in a $309,000 Medicaid fraud scheme will face five separate trials beginning in November, with the final trial set for April 2027.

Lorin Carr, American Airlines senior manager of corporate real estate and airport affairs and chair of the Virgin Islands Airlines Airport Affairs Committee

VIPA’s proposed tariff increases could push airlines out; airline group submits proposal to Senate

Tom Eader

Airline rep says proposed fee increase tied to airport expansion threatens airline service to territory, while VIPA Board chair says the airports can’t afford to fall further behind.

Members of the Virgin Islands Board of Education attend an emergency meeting Wednesday at the board’s office on St. Thomas. (Left to right) Judy Gomez, Arah Lockhart, secretary, and Mary Moorhead.

VIDE drops appeal to governor after Education Board votes to file injunction over parent complaint

Tom Eader

Virgin Islands Department of Education withdraws request for governor’s review of board order, allowing two students to return to Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School.

St. Thomas native Alex McFarlane pitches the ninth inning for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 22, making his major league debut.

St. Thomian Alex McFarlane’s parents react as he pitches a 9th inning shutdown in his MLB debut

Tom Eader

Tami Noel watched from the stands in Philadelphia while Roy McFarlane followed from St. Thomas as their son pitched a scoreless inning against the Dodgers.

Police investigate outside the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands Monday on St. Croix, after 21-year-old Angel Rodriguez III was fatally shot while exiting the courthouse parking lot following a sentencing hearing.

Angel Rodriguez III killed while leaving Superior Court on STX after receiving suspended sentence

Tom Eader

A 21-year-old man was fatally shot outside Superior Court Monday afternoon on St. Croix, shortly after appearing in the same courthouse for sentencing in a firearms case.

CAT5 Builders was contracted to fabricate custom panels to infill an existing patio overhang on the rear porch of this house in Estate LaVallee on St. Croix.

Tiny homes, modular build plans, creative financing featured at upcoming housing construction summit

Tom Eader

Free summits will connect residents with industry professionals and highlight tiny homes, modular builds, and creative financing to make local homeownership attainable.