Search
No fooling the public about federal spending bill’s ugly effects
For years, Republican officials such as U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans shouted themselves hoarse about the mounting national debt, worrying it would saddle future generations with the decisions of today. Elect us, they said, and we’ll get it under control. More recently, Wittman and Kiggans were among those GOP lawmakers who stood against legislation that made cuts to Medicaid. Kiggans was also among a handful who argued against the folly of ending clean energy tax credits that would directly affect jobs and opportunity here in Hampton Roads. Now the public knows better. Last week, both Wittman and Kiggans joined with all but two Republicans to pass the embarrassingly named One Big Beautiful Bill Act ...
Martinsville deputy misses response window in ongoing civil rights suit
The window for Martinsville Sheriff’s Deputy Reva Keen to respond to a federal civil rights suit filed by city council member Aaron Rawls has closed, according to recently filed court documents. A clerk’s entry of default, a document signifying that the defendant has failed to defend or otherwise respond to the suit, was filed July 1 in federal court in Danville. The suit stems from Rawls’ removal from a March city council meeting. In the complaint, he says that his constitutional rights and his privileges as a locally elected official were violated.
City school board debate over professional development policy is a real trip
The only location specified in a new policy concerning professional development considered at Monday’s Fredericksburg City School Board meeting was Virginia. But school board member Jarvis Bailey (at-large) asserted that the proposed policy, which would require approval for school board members prior to attending conferences and other events, was motivated by his attendance at out-of-state conferences, including one such trip to Hawaii. “Much of this was precipitated, in my opinion, by back-office conversations about me going to Hawaii, . . . "
Are Hampton Roads beaches 'safe for swimming?' Environmental group highlights summertime pollution
At Buckroe Beach in Hampton, health officials found contamination in the water 16 times last year. That means beachgoers were advised not to swim for a total of more than two weeks during the summer, or risk coming into contact with bacteria that can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illness. Environmental advocates gathered at Buckroe Tuesday to highlight a new report called “Safe for Swimming?,” which outlines issues with pollution at local beaches.
Report says Virginia leads nation in coastal flooding events
The devastation left behind in Texas and North Carolina has left many flooded with emotions as that, too, could be a reality for thousands of coastal homeowners this hurricane season. Viewing those parts of the country underwater are an important reminder about the critical need for flood insurance, but many homeowners don’t have a policy to protect their property. Just 4% of U.S. homeowners have insurance, and only about 3% in Virginia. That’s a cause for concern as the Commonwealth leads the U.S. in coastal flooding events, and by a landslide, according to a Lending Tree report.
Kaine named to board at U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has joined the board of visitors at the United States Military Academy at West Point as a congressional appointee. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services committee in his third Senate term, is one of 10 members of Congress — and five senators — appointed to the board. He was named to the board by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY. The board also includes five members of the House of Representatives and six presidential appointees.
Video visitation costs now decreased at state prisons
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) announced that, as of this month, the cost of video visitation has now reduced from 15 cents per minute to 12 cents per minute. Video visitation allows families and friends to meet with incarcerated people remotely. This includes at-home video visitation — using a computer, tablet or smartphone — and video visitation from visitor centers.
Report outlines challenges of Va.’s special education compliance system, recommends improvements
After years of inconsistencies and complaints, Virginia has moved closer to revising its process for reporting issues with special education services, aiming to improve the structure and ensure that families receive the necessary services for their students with disabilities. The issues with the state’s dispute resolution system — an impartial procedure for parents and schools to resolve disagreements over issues with special education services — have created a divide among parents and public school leaders for at least the past five years. . . . Last year, Virginia recorded over 185,000 students receiving special education services during the 2024-25 school year.
Virginia advances plans for nuclear reactor in southwest region
Southwest Virginia may soon be home to one of the nation’s first advanced nuclear reactors, as state leaders accelerate efforts to bring the technology to the region. Backed by nearly $200,000 in state funding, the initiative represents a cornerstone of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s broader strategy for a more resilient and innovative energy future in the Commonwealth, according to a news release. The project has received a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) and a $97,500 GO Virginia grant.
Youngkin: Family is safe in Texas flooding
It was an emotionally overwhelming Fourth of July for Gov. Glenn Youngkin as floodwaters roared down the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. Family and friends were vacationing there on Friday, and while they are now safe, “I have to say there were moments when they weren’t,” Youngkin told reporters Tuesday, after speaking at an event at 84 Lumber in Chesterfield County. Youngkin recalled that he hastened down to the little community of Hunt, Texas, after his morning speech July 4 at a naturalization ceremony at Fort Monroe, by the Chesapeake Bay.