Juneteenth in the VI: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. ordered all Government of the Virgin Islands offices closed Friday, June 19, to mark the federal holiday ending slavery in the U.S., urging residents to reflect and keep pushing for equality. Youth violence focus: V.I. National Guard Major General Kodjo Knox-Limbacker told lawmakers that youth violence is tied to early emotion control, home support, and stronger intervention, as the territory grapples with multiple recent murders. ARPA spending scrutiny in the VI: Calypso Inc. leaders defended a $272,170 ARPA award, saying it was released over three years and not tied to election campaigning, after lawmakers questioned how the funds were handled. BVI governance and negotiations: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley said the BVI will begin formal talks with the Dominican Republic to strengthen food security and trade, and also reiterated plans to reopen the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex next year. Same-sex relationship policy debate: BVI constitutional talks with the UK are expected to raise same-sex marriage, with local leaders signaling civil partnerships as the likely path for recognition. Sports infrastructure: The VI government signed a contract to resurface the Mondotrack at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, aiming for World Athletics certification and future international events. Powerball: Jackpot climbed after no winner matched all numbers in Wednesday’s draw (3, 26, 49, 53, 61; Power Ball 12; Power Play 2x). Epstein fallout with VI links: New Mexico’s Epstein Truth Commission expanded subpoenas to U.S. prosecutors in multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, probing whether decisions not to prosecute were made after investigations.