🌱 Tracking A New Omicron Variant + Plaskett Wants A Ferry

Good morning and good weekend! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in the territory.

First, four stories worth reading:

1. Island Green Living Association, which recycles aluminum cans s on St. John, announced this week that they are now accepting plastic for recycling at their Gifft Hill Facility. The non-profit organization crushed one million aluminum cans since their recylcin program started three years ago. They've been eyeing a way to accept plastic for a while, and the time has finally come. Find out more in News of St. John.
2. Officials are tracking a new kind of Omicron variant that has been spreading around the world. The new strain, called BA.2, seems to behave similarly to Omicron. More details in the VI Consortium.
3. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett is calling for a ferry service to run between St. Croix and St. Thomas. The ferry would be subsidized with funds from the $220 million allotted to the USVI from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Via the VI Consortium.
4. The GERS board of trustees voted on Friday to support legislation that would save the system from insolvency. The proposed bill will go before the Senate’s Committee of the Whole on Monday. Full details on how the legislation works via The Source.

Today's weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 82 Low: 72.

Today's Events:

• St. Thomas Run Club Saturday Group Run, meet at Shed 2 at Magens (6:30 a.m.)
• Summer Vibe Fitness Bootcamp (9:15 a.m.)
• Teens Love: Moko Jumbies & Painting (9:30 a.m.)
• Soul Taxi Live in Charlotte Amalie (2:00 p.m.)
• Roots Embassy at the Pie Whole (6:00 p.m.)
• Lobsta Night featuring the After Irma Band! (6:00 p.m.)
• Lobsta Night featuring the After Irma Band! (6:00 p.m.)
• Rhyme & Lime Poetry Event (7:00 p.m.)
• Mystery in Paradise (7:00 p.m.)
• Secret Saturdays (8:00 p.m.)
• Rep your flag SOCA Bus Ride (9:30 p.m.)

Social Highlights:

• "The Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation is offering a trio of sports programs for children to seniors..." (Facebook)
• "As of 01/28/2022, here is the latest VIDOH information on COVID-19 cases, demographics, and testing numbers...." (Facebook)
• "⚠️ TRAVEL ADVISORY: Some flights to north eastern airports are reporting cancellations due to inclement weather. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for flight information prior to arriving at the airport." (Facebook)

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— 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.