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Aspiring CPAs Consider Ditching Grad-School Plans as States Revamp Laws
Recent changes to CPA licensing laws in many U.S. states mean one thing for some prospective accountants: School’s out early. . . . Nearly 20 U.S. states have amended CPA licensing laws since January, in what may become a precursor for the entire country. Several professional groups say they expect close to or all 50 U.S. states to offer alternatives to the 150-hour rule by 2027. The changes permit CPA candidates like Flannery to use an additional year of work experience instead of schoolwork to qualify as a certified public accountant. . . . Virginia, like Ohio and several other states, will implement its new law at the start of 2026. Kameron Samuel, a rising senior at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., is setting aside plans to try to reach the 150-credit threshold in favor of applying for jobs once he graduates next May.
Norfolk school board fires Superintendent Sharon Byrdsong
The Norfolk school board voted to fire Superintendent Sharon Byrdsong Wednesday night. The board discussed their decision in a closed session and cast a 4-3 vote after coming out of the closed meeting. Members didn’t include a reason for the termination during the meeting. Board members also voted to appoint Chief Academic Officer James Pohl as interim superintendent. Byrdsong’s contract was up for reconsideration next year.
Tobacco at risk in GOP’s big tax bill, industry reps say
The Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors took aim Monday at an obscure provision of President Donald Trump’s signature tax cut and spending bill that will hurt domestic tobacco growers, according to tobacco industry representatives. The provision, the elimination of the “tobacco duty drawback,” is wrapped up in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in May. Industry advocates say changes contained in Section 112032 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will discourage domestic production of tobacco products and push cigarette companies into using cheaper foreign tobacco
Former Chesterfield and state superintendent Billy Cannaday dies
Billy Cannaday, who served as superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools from 2000 to 2006, died Sunday at age 75. A Roanoke native, Cannaday became CCPS superintendent after holding the same role at Hampton Public Schools from 1994 to 2000. ... In 2006, Gov. Tim Kaine appointed Cannaday as state superintendent of public instruction. Two years later, Cannaday was named dean at the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies ...
Ex-Richmond worker spent over $2M at businesses registered to his and friend's homes
A former city employee spent more than $2 million of city funds at three businesses — one registered to his own home and two others registered to the Prince William County home of a woman he met while serving in the U.S. Navy. Officials are investigating all three businesses, which are associated with Reginald Thomas, a former management analyst with the city’s fire department.
Virginia Beach’s newest economic development director has resigned
Christian Green, the city’s newest economic development director, resigned after less than five months on the job. “Christian Green put in his notice of resignation on June 11; specific details are not available to the public as this is a personnel matter in accordance with HR policy,” a city statement said. “We can confirm, in collaboration with Mr. Green, that he elected to resign from his position due to pressing family matters. Christian is leaving on good terms with the City, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population falls to ‘distressing low’
Blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay have dropped to a “distressing low” number, experts say, marking several years of repeated declines and raising concern about their long-term health. The estimated number of crabs was 238 million, the second-lowest point since an annual blue crab dredge survey to measure their population started in the 1990s and coming shortly after 2022’s record low of 226 million crabs, according to experts. The survey found that the decline hit all of the crustaceans, regardless of maturity or gender.
Advocates fear FCPD policy change could lead to more contact with ICE
Facing funding threats at both the state and federal levels, Fairfax County leaders have publicly maintained confidence in their policies banning voluntary cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As President Donald Trump’s administration began ramping up ICE activities to support his campaign threats of mass deportations, however, the Fairfax County Police Department quietly revised its policy governing officer interactions with immigrants. As of Feb. 21, the department’s General Order 604 no longer explicitly prohibits employees from assisting and sharing information with ICE, directing them instead to comply with the broader Trust Policy adopted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2021. Removing those guardrails could open the door for police officers to essentially serve as informants for federal immigration authorities, immigrant rights advocates say.
Lynchburg vice mayor apologizes to Peacemakers leader for past defamatory comments
Some Lynchburg City Council members are apologizing for something that happened during a meeting a few years ago. During Tuesday's Lynchburg City Council work session, Vice Mayor Curt Diemer spoke out against personal attacks in their meetings. It happened during a 2023 meeting. During public comment, a speaker said something defamatory about Shawn Hunter, the leader of the Peacemakers in Lynchburg. Hunter sued her and won. Hunter was just awarded $50,000 in damages in a Lynchburg Circuit Court on June 6.
Feds release delayed infrastructure grants, sending $8.6 million to Virginia
After years of bureaucratic limbo, Virginia is set to receive $8.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a slate of infrastructure projects that were first announced three years ago. The funding comes as part of a national effort by the administration of former President Joe Biden to clear a backlog of 3,200 unobligated grants that had stalled “critical investments” in communities nationwide, according to the agency. The department said Tuesday it has now cleared 1,065 of those projects but did not explain why the grants were delayed in the first place.