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National ranking shows despite hike, Virginia teachers’ pay is stagnant compared to other states
From last year to now, Virginia raised teacher pay by an average of $3,000. Still, the commonwealth’s average pay rate for educators remains stagnant compared to other states, according to the latest salary report published by the National Education Association. The commonwealth dropped by one spot to 26th, paying teachers an average of $66,327, an increase from a year ago. Virginia’s average teacher pay is $5,703 below the national average of $72,030, the NEA report states. Education leaders and lawmakers in the commonwealth said inflation and investments are some of the factors contributing to mixed results in the national salary report.
Rappahannock Area United Way to Close
Shock. Remorse. Respect. Well wishes. These were just some of the responses from local community leaders to the Rappahannock United Way’s announcement on Wednesday that it would cease operations on June 30. Several local leaders said that they were stunned by the news and shared reactions similar to that of Brisben Center CEO David Cooper. “I was shocked by the news that the Rappahannock United Way was closing at the end of June,” Cooper told the Advance over the phone. The organization’s “impact on the Brisben Center has been significant over the years ..."
‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge fertilizer resisted in Va., Md.
The glass of water that Jennifer Campagne draws from her kitchen faucet looks clear and clean. But ever since she had her household well tested and found “forever chemicals” in it, she’s leery of using it, even to make coffee. Campagne lives in a small cinderblock cottage in Hague, Va., on the overwhelmingly rural Northern Neck between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. There are no nearby military bases, fire houses, factories or other likely sources of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, detected in her well. There is, though, a farm field about 30 yards from her home where “biosolids,” or treated sewage sludge, has been spread as fertilizer for corn and soybeans.
West Virginia moves to complete Corridor H to state border; Virginia plans for impacts
A half-century-old highway battle is resurfacing at the West Virginia–Virginia border, as the Mountain State moves to extend Corridor H to the state line, creating pressure for Virginia to respond. Local officials, conservationists and residents are warning that a major influx of truck traffic, environmental damage and potential economic disruption could follow — even if Virginia refuses to extend the highway.
Reid rallies supporters amid controversy, calls for GOP unity
In a scene reminiscent of Glenn Youngkin’s 2021 gubernatorial campaign, Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid addressed hundreds of supporters in Western Henrico on Wednesday night, delivering a defiant, high-energy speech as he faces a swirl of controversy. Reid, the first openly gay statewide candidate in Virginia history, stood before a cheering crowd at Atlas 42 just days after being accused of operating a Tumblr account that shared nude images of men — an allegation that has roiled Republican politics across the commonwealth.
Henrico EDA sues GreenCity developers amid debt dispute
Recent legal filings from the would-be arena operator for the stalled GreenCity development in Henrico have thrown a wrench into the agreed-to transfer of the project site, prompting a lawsuit from the county’s Economic Development Authority against the project’s former developers. The EDA on Tuesday filed a lawsuit asking a Henrico Circuit judge to force the developers, Green City Partners, to convey back to the authority the former Best Products property at Interstate 95 and Parham Road, as the parties had reportedly agreed to do through a repurchase option in their development agreement.
Virginia Beach, a planned offshore wind energy hub, hosts international conference
Offshore wind professionals from across the world have gathered in Virginia Beach to discuss the current status of the renewable power industry. As part of the 2025 International Partnering Forum, or IPF, the conference brings together developers, elected leaders, public utility officials and others in the offshore wind supply chain for a week of panel discussions. On Tuesday, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer welcomed guests to the city, which hosts the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project about 27 miles away from the beach.
‘Lagging’ forecast for Virginia’s economy as feds point to shrinking GDP
More economic data from the federal government and local economists indicates Virginia may be part of a slowing economy. The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday in an advance estimate that the gross domestic product decreased by 0.3%, mostly driven by an increase in imports and a decrease in government spending. The numbers are for the national economy at large and not Virginia specifically, which has recently seen mixed economic indicators. But the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center said earlier this week in a forecast that it saw the commonwealth’s economy “lagging” in 2025.
Chesley: Meals on Wheels in Virginia doesn’t deserve federal funding uncertainty
Some sad – and also hopeful – truths emerge every time Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver nutritious food to disabled residents and senior citizens around Virginia, as my wife and I have done in Chesapeake over the past two years. The national program is now under a pointless attack in Washington, putting thousands in the commonwealth at risk of missing the meals and social connections they rely on. Plenty of Meals on Wheels recipients have so many mobility and other health-related problems that just reaching the front door is a hurdle. A sizable number would strain or exhaust their budgets without the sustenance from these low-cost or free meals.
Richmond mayor slashes city credit card use after scandals
Mayor Avula announced Wednesday that he's cracking down on how government employees use city-issued credit cards following some questionable purchases. Avula has previously acknowledged wanting to rebuild the fractured public trust in City Hall, which has stemmed partly from how taxpayer dollars are spent. In a release, Avula said the number of city-issued credit cards (known as p-cards) will drop from 320 to about 60 by next Friday. The only allowable purchases, per Avula, are those needed for public health and safety reasons.