🌱 Gittens Improving, Remains Hospitalized + Alfredo Bruce Smith

Good morning, good morning. Check out the latest headlines, events and more.

And if you're into these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon shower in spots. High: 84 Low: 75.

Patch USVI has the full forecast for the week ahead.

Top Headlines:

• Senator Gittens' condition is improving, but he remains hospitalized on St. Croix, according to a statement released by his office. Find out more in the Daily News (Virgin Islands Daily News)
• Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation (CORE) has issued a plea: don't feed lionfish to sharks! (St. Croix Source)
• The ongoing inquiry into whether other employees at the Education Department knew that Alfredo Bruce Smith was sexually assaulting students continues, but it is being taken over by the Human Services Department. The Education Department launched the investigation after Smith was jailed on Sept. 1. He was employed at Charlotte Amalie High School for 15 years. (Virgin Islands Daily News)
• A St. Thomas man accused of stealing $303,000 from his father's business was sentenced to serve 21 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. He must also pay restitution of $169,000, representing his ill-gotten gains from his commission of bank fraud. According to public documents, Lenroy Ravalier Jr. forged checks in his father’s name. (Virgin Islands Free Press)

Today's US Virgin Islands Daily is brought to you by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in US Virgin Islands:

• Power Yoga with Billie at Nicci's Boutique, Yacht Haven Grand (5:30 p.m.)
• Whine & Fit Dance with Natalie at Nicci's Boutique, Yacht Haven Grand (6:30 p.m.)

As seen on social:

• Government House - US Virgin Islands: "Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and VI Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe welcomed the Celebrity Apex on its inaugural call to St. Thomas..." (Facebook)
• November 15 deadline for Environmental Leadership Award. (Twitter)
• Nicci's Boutique is launching new workout classes in front of its shop in Yacht Haven Grand. Check out the full weekly schedule. (Facebook)

You can get your local business featured right here for just $79 a month. Click here to learn more.

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.