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Va. mail delivery no longer the worst, but still pretty bad
Virginia’s postal service is no longer the worst in the country, according to the agency’s main watchdog. From October to December in 2023, Virginia’s on-time delivery of first-class mail was at its lowest level in years, with a 66% on-time delivery rate. January to March of this year saw the state jump to 77%, shedding last place to Georgia. Despite the improvement, the state is still in the bottom ten of nationwide U.S. Postal Service regions for on-time delivery. Only Georgia and Wisconsin are worse.
How Massive Resistance delayed school desegregation in Virginia
Friday may mark 70 years since the Supreme Court’s landmark 1954 Brown v. Board decision, but Virginia schools wouldn’t see desegregation in any meaningful sense for nearly two decades. The architect of Massive Resistance — the concerted political effort to thwart racial integration of schools by any means necessary — was Sen. Harry Byrd Sr., the powerful Virginia politician whose influence stretched into state and local governments. A former state senator and Virginia governor, Byrd and his family essentially controlled state and local politics for more than half of the 20th century through what was dubbed the “Byrd Machine.”
Large industrial proposal could feature data centers on Ashland-Hanover line
A Reston-based developer is seeking zoning approval for a project that could take the form of either an industrial park or data center campus on Ashland’s eastern boundary with Hanover County. The WestDulles Properties project, dubbed Iron Horse Business Park, would take shape on a 230-acre site split about 60-40 between Ashland and Hanover.
Free Clinic looks to raise $1 million in one day
The Moss Free Clinic is asking the community to support its efforts by donating $1 million on Tuesday, May 28, during its inaugural Day of Giving. Donations will enable the clinic to continue to provide medical and dental care, screenings and treatments and free medications to uninsured and underinsured individuals. The clinic was established more than 30 years ago, but has faced the possible threat of closure as the long-term relationship between Moss and Mary Washington Healthcare has changed.
Hanover County School Board adopts new policy for parental involvement regarding library books in schools
The Hanover County School Board voted to approve a revised policy regarding school libraries and media centers in schools across the county. … Of the multiple additions, a new section called “Parental Involvement” was added. Parents and guardians will now have the option to decide whether or not their children access instructional materials in both classroom and school libraries.
Congress clears major aviation policy bill adding flights to Reagan airport
The House voted Wednesday to send the biggest aviation bill in five years to President Joe Biden’s desk. The bill, H.R. 3935, cleared on a 387-26 vote, would inject $105 billion into the Federal Aviation Administration over five years and guide policy for everything from drones and air taxis to technology intended to help planes avoid runway collisions. It will also add five long-haul, round-trip flights a day to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, despite objections from D.C.-area lawmakers.
Speakers show up to debate solar in Mecklenburg
Speakers for and against solar development showed up for the monthly meeting of the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors Monday in Boydton despite there being no public discussion of any solar projects. The agenda for the meeting included a closed session discussion on a siting agreement for 7 Bridges, a proposed 80-MW facility that Longroad Energy wants to build on 499 acres northeast of Chase City near Scotts Crossroads, Courthouse Road and the Meherrin River. ... On Monday, company officials asked neighbors of the project to share their views with the supervisors.
Ambitious vision has the Port of Virginia positioned for success
The Port of Virginia has big plans for the future — and that’s great news for Hampton Roads and the larger commonwealth. Friday’s State of the Port event saw officials outline an ambitious timeline for growth, including becoming the deepest and widest East Coast port by next year. Success in those efforts should ensure that the billions in economic activity generated by the port — the revenue it produces and the jobs it creates and maintains — continue to serve our communities.
Richmond inspector general investigating city’s elections office
The Richmond Electoral Board met with the city’s inspector general in a closed session Wednesday following allegations of nepotism and financial improprieties in the election office led by Registrar Keith Balmer. Inspector General James Osuna and members of the electoral board declined to comment when they emerged from the closed-door meeting, saying an investigation opened by the inspector general’s office is not yet complete.
Henrico to dedicate data center revenue to affordable housing fund
The Henrico County Board of Supervisors has expanded its reach in the tech industry with the approved rezoning of a new data center campus located near East Williamsburg Road at the intersection of Technology Boulevard. The board held a public hearing on May 14, as supervisors burrowed through every detail of the plan submitted by Hourigan, a construction and development firm based in Richmond. . . . On May 16, Nelson along with County Manager John Vithoulkas announced that Henrico will establish its first Affordable Housing Trust Fund with money sourced solely from revenue generated by Henrico’s data centers.