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Richmond civilian police review board delayed again
After nearly three years, a civilian review board meant to give oversight to the Richmond Police Department still hasn’t gotten off the ground. Now, it faces yet another delay after city councilors agreed to again push back a vote on the board’s policies. The initial push for a CRB started in 2017 with the Richmond Transparency and Accountability Project, but it didn’t gain momentum until widespread protests over George Floyd’s murder and police violence in 2020. Council voted to create the review board two years later. . . . Many involved in the effort blamed the slow wheels of bureaucracy for the delays, with some raising questions about the process and voicing worries that the holdup has already impacted Richmonders.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin says his family escaped Texas floods
Virginia first lady Suzanne Youngkin and other members of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s family were stranded at property they own on the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday, but they were unharmed by the devastating flash floods that have killed more than 100 people. The governor was in Virginia at the time. . . . Youngkin detailed how his family was in touch with him during the flood as he attended July 4 events in Virginia. He said Texas officials offered to airlift them out, but when it was clear they were no longer in danger he told authorities to see to other nearby life-threatening situations first.
White: Ranked choice voting improves democracy. Will Va. embrace it?
This year, Virginia voters have been going to the polls for critical elections across the commonwealth, and in many cases, they've seen a lot of names on their ballots. From the recent Democratic lieutenant governor primary to the 11th Congressional District special election primaries, Virginia has two real-time examples of how ranked choice voting (RCV) could benefit voters in crowded races. Both demonstrate why it's time for Virginia's political parties to further embrace RCV.
Yancey: Will Republicans in Virginia pay a price for the One Big Beautiful Bill? Here’s what the math shows.
To hear Republicans tell it, the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill heralds the onset of a new golden age through tax code changes that will spur more investment in manufacturing and energy production. To hear Democrats tell it, the law will set in motion a health care crisis for those who lose Medicaid coverage, the closure of many rural hospitals that depend on Medicaid payments and higher energy prices because the bill eliminates the tax incentives behind 90% of new energy being added to the grid.
Virginia agencies assist Texas flood recovery, share how state prepares for dangerous weather events
After tragic flooding in Texas claimed dozens of lives and wreaked havoc in several communities, Virginia weather and emergency officials are pitching in to the Lone Star State’s recovery efforts and sharing how they prepare for major weather events here at home.. Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Sunday announced two of the state’s swift water rescue teams have been deployed to assist with rescue operations in Texas, as the state braces for more rain after flash flooding devastated its central region. The rescue teams are equipped with gear that is meant for traversing treacherous waters.
Price and VanValkenburg: Virginia's housing market is worse than you think
No one is disputing that Virginia needs more housing. The signs are all around us, the data is staggering, and — ultimately — the lack of housing impacts us all. But while there is consensus that the problem is big, most Virginians aren’t aware of just how ominous and far-reaching the issue is today. A few simple statistics help set the bleak scene: ... • In the Richmond metro area, affording a median-priced home requires a household income of about $125,000. However, 25- to 44-year-olds earn a median of $91,000.
New fund aims to create jobs and opportunity on the Peninsula
Running a small business is a daunting enterprise, and it’s all the more challenging when local lenders won’t assist with funding for startup or expansion. A praiseworthy new initiative in Hampton and Newport News is about to change that dynamic for budding entrepreneurs. With support from officials in both cities, two civic-minded organizations — City First Bank and the Greater Peninsula CARES Foundation — have partnered to establish the Peninsula Cooperative Fund, a pool of $50 million available for loans to small businesses. ... on the Peninsula, which has been deemed a Community Development Financial Institution lending “desert” by CDFI Friendly America ...
Emails show school board splits and dysfunction led to Norfolk superintendent’s firing
When the Norfolk School Board abruptly fired Superintendent Sharon I. Byrdsong last month, it was the final act in a years-long campaign against her by a faction of the board that opposed her even before she was considered for the position. In February 2020, the board voted 4-3 to hire Byrdsong after scrapping the search process to consider her. At the time, she was serving as interim superintendent. . . . The board divisions continued over the years, reaching a conclusion on June 11 when a last-minute resolution to the agenda was added during a meeting to terminate Byrdsong without cause.
Trump administration's freeze of education money could cost Loudoun schools $700K
The Trump administration is withholding nearly $7 billion in education money allocated by Congress, including about $700,000 slated for Loudoun County Public Schools. The money is for the Title III program, a U.S. Department of Education initiative to help low-income students. At LCPS, the money is primarily used to assist English Learner students. Of the approximately 82,000 LCPS students, nearly 12,000 — about 14% — are EL students. LCPS has an approximately $2 billion annual budget, and school division spokesman Dan Adams said in an email that if the money remains frozen, the costs would be paid through the division's operating fund.
Former Hopewell city manager sues city over firing
Former Hopewell City Manager Dr. Concetta Manker has filed a multi-million-dollar federal lawsuit against the city and four councilors for wrongful termination, saying she was let go May 1 over deliberate acts of racial discrimination and conflicts of interest by the White majority on council. The lawsuit, filed July 3 in U.S. District Court in Richmond, specifically calls out Mayor Johnny Partin Jr., Vice Mayor Rita Joyner, Ward 4 Councilor Ronnie Ellis and Ward 5 Councilor Susan Daye.