WTJX NEWSFEED

Friday, October 10, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and other territorial leaders are urging President Trump to exempt U.S. territories from new customs duties on small packages, warning the policy unfairly burdens island residents and businesses. A Senate Rules and Judiciary hearing saw sharp disagreements between lawmakers over procedural conduct and the handling of community input. A 36-year-old St. Croix man has been arrested and charged with first-degree rape and unlawful sexual contact in connection with a 2023 sexual assault case. Ahead of VIPR Friendship Day, government officials, community leaders, and residents gathered at Government House on St. Croix to celebrate the territories' heritage and honor four individuals for their dedication to culture, service, and mentorship. Listen to these stories and more.

Thursday, October 9, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Last November lawmakers stalled legislation submitted by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. that provided for a judicial process that grants gender marker and name change on government-issued identification. Almost a year later, the governor took matters into his own hands, signing Executive Order no. 543-2025, establishing the formal process by which individuals in the VI may request a change to the gender marker on their official government-issued documents. The Department of Public Works reports that two VITRAN buses are back in service on St. Croix with a third expected this week. The agency is working to modernize its aging fleet as it prepares for the arrival of six new fixed-route and six paratransit buses. A St. Thomas woman has been rearrested and faces new charges for fleeing the scene of a crash that seriously injured a pedestrian in Smith Bay. Listen to these stories and more.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Lawmakers advanced a bill reallocating $5 million to jumpstart restoration work at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix. A 19-year-old woman was arrested on St. Thomas after allegedly taking a friend’s car without permission and crashing it, leaving a pedestrian injured and prompting a brief police search. A federal judge has denied a request from defense attorneys for former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez to cover travel costs or pause proceedings in his criminal case. The Virgin Islands Port Authority’s proposed fee increases drew strong public reaction at last night's hearing on St. Thomas as residents and business owners voiced their concerns.  Listen to these stories and more.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: St. John residents packed the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Annex during VI Port Authority's public hearing, voicing strong opposition to new and proposed increases relative to marine and operational fees. The federal trial of Enock Cole and Jiovoni Smith, who were charged in the 2018 robbery and killing of contractor Derrick Crib at Castaways Bar on St. Croix, ended in a mistrial after jurors told the court they could not reach a unanimous verdict. A legal opinion from VI Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea states that the Summers End Marina project permit remains valid. Listen to these stories and more.

Monday, October 6, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The VI Department of Agriculture broke ground on the first of two 100,000-gallon cisterns in Estate Bordeaux on St. Thomas. The Virgin Islands Horseracing Commission is seeking guidance from the Attorney General’s Office on whether it can authorize off-track betting operations without a current racetrack franchise holder. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the 2021 conviction and sentence of former Casino Control Commission contractor Stephanie Barnes. St. Croix is under a high surf advisory and rip current risk from an incoming wave, meanwhile officials are monitoring a tropical wave in the Central Atlantic that is currently forecasted to pass safely north-northeast of the Virgin Islands. Listen to these stories and more.

Friday, October 3, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima docked this morning at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas. VI Port Authority Executive Director and Senator At-Large Angel Bolques clash on proposed marine tariff amendments and new fees ahead of Monday's public hearing on St. John. Bolques calls the proposals regressive and disproportionately burdensome to St. Johnians while Dowe points to Bolques's bill to double fees on container ships bringing imports. During its recent meeting, the Public Services Commission criticized the VI Waste Management Authority regarding delays of a proposed Waste-to-Energy project for St. John. We speak with VIWMA's new Executive Director Hannibal 'Mike' Ware who provides us with an update. VIPD is seeking the public’s assistance after a man was robbed at gunpoint in Anna’s Retreat on St. Thomas. Listen to these stories and more.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and VIPA Director Carlton Dowe met with Royal Caribbean and Cruise Terminals International to discuss the redevelopment of Crown Bay Center. Dowe also discusses the Charlotte Amalie Harbor dredging project with WTJX. The Public Services Commission raised concerns once again about the Water and Power Authority’s procurement process for liquefied propane gas, questioning whether the utility’s bidding requirements are discouraging competition and raising costs. Governor Bryan has vetoed two judiciary-related bills while approving the bulk of the 2026 budget measures. Listen to these stories and more.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Virgin Islanders commemorate the 147th anniversary of Contract Day and the Fireburn revolt of 1878. Vincent L. Roberts has been sworn in as Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation. Superior Court Judge Yvette Ross-Edwards recused herself from post-trial motions in the involuntary manslaughter case of Daryl Jean-Baptiste due to a potential conflict of interest involving her former law firm. A Florida judge ruled that certain evidence of prior sexual misconduct may be introduced in the upcoming trial of former Senator Steven Payne, who faces charges of sexual battery. Listen to these stories and more.