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N. Va. business leaders report impacts from federal spending cuts in new survey
Despite continued concerns about inflation, federal worker layoffs and other issues, business leaders in Northern Virginia are feeling more upbeat about their own economic prospects and those of the region than they were this spring, a new survey found. The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (NVC) worked with the marketing firm Pinkston to survey 135 corporate executives and business owners about their experiences with the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the federal government, their expectations for the near-future and their policy priorities.
Newport News, Hampton and Franklin residents no longer qualify for free toll trips
Free trips through the Downtown and Midtown tunnels are no longer available to residents living in three municipalities after changes were made to the state’s toll relief program. Initially, the state’s two-year budget signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin allowed drivers making less than $50,000 a year and living in either Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth or Franklin, to sign up for up to 14 free trips each week with Elizabeth River Crossings, the operators of the tunnels. ... However in May, when Youngkin signed the amendments to the budget, Newport News, Hampton and Franklin were removed.
‘Good Trouble Lives On’ protests across Hampton Roads in honor of John Lewis
Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Congressman and Civil Rights Leader John Lewis. In his honor, across the nation, tens of thousands of people participated in what they are calling "Good Trouble Lives On" protests. "Good trouble is giving somebody a ride to the polls. Good trouble is registering a voter, talking to a young person about why it's important for them to have a voice in the government that is over them. That's good trouble," said Leslie Rinaldi, chairwoman of the Suffolk Democratic Committee.
Indivisible Lynchburg rallies with ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ protest for civil rights
Over a hundred passionate and concerned voters gathered at Lynchburg's Miller Park to march in protest against what they call an attack on civil and human rights from the Trump Administration. Indivisible Lynchburg hosted the 'Good Trouble Lives On' protest and march on Thursday night. According to the group, the Good Trouble Lives On movement pays homage to the late Congressman John Lewis, who fought for the protection of human and civil rights.
Spotsylvania’s recycled water supply at capacity for data center cooling
Any data center developer without an application on file with the Spotsylvania County Planning and Zoning Department, may face water concerns in the future. Spotsylvania Director of Planning and Zoning Kimberly Pomatto said during a planning commission meeting Wednesday night that the county is at capacity for reusable water based on data center projects that are approved or awaiting approval from the county. Scott Phelps, who represents the Lee Hill District, said the county needs to inform developers that the capacity for reusable water reached its limit.
Chesapeake City Council reverses course, approves Virginia Natural Gas project
After denying a natural gas compressor station project that had drawn the ire of many Chesapeake residents, city leaders reversed course Tuesday and approved it. On June 17, Chesapeake City Council denied a request from Virginia Natural Gas to push back a vote on its project, which was a rezoning request of 23 acres on South Military Highway to create a light industrial district for a new compressor station. ... It was on Tuesday’s agenda, and council members ultimately approved the project along partisan and racial lines.
Newport News’ sheriff says his office doesn’t honor ICE detainers
The first time President Donald Trump took office, Gabe Morgan was a decade into his role as Newport News sheriff and leading the Virginia Sheriff’s Association. It was his job to help create a consensus on how 123 sheriffs across the commonwealth would handle a growing desire to crack down on illegal immigration. “Depending on where you may be the sheriff, politically, it was kind of like herding cats,” Morgan said.
2 western Va. counties chosen for flood warning systems
As the death toll continues to climb and questions persist about whether there were adequate warnings of catastrophic flooding in Texas on July 4, pilot flooding emergency warning systems have been deployed in two flood-prone counties in western Virginia. Buchanan County, which is mountainous and has had three major flooding events over four years, and Botetourt County, which has dealt with flash flooding, were chosen for the projects.
Virginia hospitals receive $8.5 million in grants for violence intervention programming
Virginia hospitals that provide wraparound services and care for violently injured people will receive millions in grant funding for the next two years to support their programs, officials announced this week. Hospital-based violence intervention programs bring trauma-informed care and resources to patients in the hospital while they are recovering physically from violence-induced injuries. ... The $8.5 million dollar funding stems from Virginia’s Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Spanberger: ‘Don’t fret’ response to massive job losses in Virginia under Trump won’t cut it for me
Virginians recently learned that our commonwealth has lost our spot as "America’s Top State for Business." One major factor was singled out as leading to the downgrade — the widespread economic impact of DOGE’s attacks on the jobs of thousands of Virginians. I’ve always supported responsible efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse — as well as corruption. In the U.S. House of Representatives, I even led the bipartisan push to ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading individual stocks. I believe that our leaders have a responsibility to restore trust in our government, make sure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, and keep more money in people’s pockets.