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Richmond receives AAA bond rating for first time
For the first time in its history, Richmond has received a AAA bond rating — the highest possible mark of financial success. Fitch, one of three municipal credit agencies, upgraded the city’s rating this week from its previous general obligation debt rating of AA+. As a result, the city will now be able to borrow more funds at the lowest possible interest rate — saving the city millions in interest on capital projects.
Last city approves sale of Hampton Roads Regional Jail to Portsmouth
Hampton City Council unanimously approved selling the Hampton Roads Regional Jail to Portsmouth Wednesday. It was the final of the five member cities to sign off on the deal. Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News and Portsmouth approved the sale a week prior. Hampton will receive about $8 million of the $31.5 million sale. City officials plan on using that sum to buy into the Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk at a cost of $5.7 million. That facility has already been housing Hampton inmates amid its downtown jail renovations.
Biden administration retreats, allows Knights of Columbus to hold Memorial Day Mass
A local Knights of Columbus council will once again be able to hold its Memorial Day Mass at Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia, after an about-face by the National Park Service. The First Liberty Institute said Thursday that the Petersburg National Battlefield has granted a permit for the Knights of Columbus Council 694 to hold its annual service, a tradition that dates back at least 60 years, after previously rejecting the group’s request.
Facial recognition takes off at Richmond airport
All of Richmond Airport’s security checkpoints now have facial recognition technology as part of a TSA program slated for over 400 airports nationwide. It’s designed to boost security and in some cases, speed things up — which might help as airports brace for a record-breaking travel season this summer. Facial recognition tech is already a part of a pilot TSAPreCheck program in which participating travelers can go through security without presenting physical IDs or boarding passes.
Brookneal company wins potential $442M FEMA contract
Brookneal-based fuel delivery provider Foster Fuels has won an up to $442 million contract to provide emergency services to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Under the five-year Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA) contract, which the Defense Department announced May 15 and Foster Fuels announced Tuesday, Foster Fuels will be the prime contractor for emergency fuel delivery services via truck, rail and/or transportation barge. The contract covers locations throughout the continental U.S. and its territories, according to the Defense Department.
Sen. Tim Kaine says he still has concerns about Mountain Valley Pipeline
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine says he hopes government agencies ensure the Mountain Valley Pipeline is safe before granting authorization to begin running gas. On a call with reporters Thursday, Kaine said he’s frustrated Congress fast-tracked MVP last summer. “Congress choosing to weigh in on this one, I think was a big, big mistake,” Kaine said. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin inserted a section into the Fiscal Responsibility Act which put MVP on the fast track to completion, and ordered agencies to grant approval.
A dozen Dems seek a chance to run for Rep. Wexton’s seat
In 2018, Jennifer Wexton was a state senator from Loudoun County when she unseated Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-10th, as a trio of Virginia elections sent three Democratic women to Congress and flipped the Republican majority in Virginia's congressional delegation. But before Wexton defeated Comstock by 12 percentage points, she won a six-way Democratic primary that included Dan Helmer, who finished a distant fourth. Helmer won a seat in the House of Delegates the next year in the third successive Democratic electoral wave during the term of then-President Donald Trump.
Governor Youngkin rips Biden after illegal immigrants tried to breach military base
A Republican governor is demanding the Biden administration provide further details on how two illegal immigrants were nearly able to breach a Marine Corps base, citing “grave concerns” for safety in his state as migrants continue to pour through the southern border. In the May 22 letter addressed to President Biden, Virginia Gov. Youngkin detailed being “deeply concerned” over a recent attempt by illegal immigrants to breach a U.S. military site.
With a year in the books, Danville’s casino prepares for 2024 opening of full resort
When the temporary Danville Casino opened its doors a year ago, the city was introduced to an entirely new industry. Over the last 12 months more table games and slots have been added, investment levels have increased, partnerships have been formed with local organizations, and most obviously, significant progress has been made on construction of the permanent resort. The structure of the permanent casino’s hotel tower has been built, complete with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. And steel framing is going up for the anticipated restaurants, meeting space and gaming floor.
Youngkin signs overdose prevention, Xylazine penalty bills at Abingdon High School
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin was joined by Abingdon High School students Thursday as he signed three bills related to overdose prevention and drug education. Youngkin was joined on stage by students as he signed SB 614, SB 726 and SB 725. SB 614 combats the manufacturing of Xylazine, and SB 726 requires Virginia school boards to create policies and procedures for opioid overdose prevention and treatment in schools. … SB 614 combats the manufacturing of Xylazine by allowing law enforcement to charge dealers with a Class 5 felony.