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Billboards popping up across Richmond slam national park cuts
A pro-labor news outlet is putting up seven billboards across Richmond this week to protest the Trump administration's cuts to national parks. More Perfect Union launched a multimillion-dollar national ad blitz in more than 40 cities decrying the gutting of "one of our nation's most treasured assets." The billboards warn of the potential consequences of National Park Service layoffs, like longer waits, more trash and dirty bathrooms. Shenandoah National Park was among the hardest-hit in the nation by the Trump administration's purge of federal employees at national parks.
Va. schools assure compliance with parental rights laws
Under the looming threat of federal consequences for inaction, all 136 local education agencies in the commonwealth — including public schools, the Virginia Juvenile Justice Center and Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind — have officially assured the Virginia Department of Education that they’re complying with parental rights laws. On March 28, the U.S. Department of Education directed states to provide evidence that schools are complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) by April 30. These laws ensure parents have the right to inspect and review education records and student safety standards, and to be notified annually about their rights, military recruiter access to their child, and the school’s overall compliance record.
Supervisors Defer Vote on Leesburg Area Data Center
A rezoning application by JK Land Holdings to permit up to 742,000 square feet of data center use on a tract south of Leesburg was deferred Tuesday night after a motion to approve the plan failed to garner majority support from the Board of Supervisors. The application would also alternatively permit up to 416,000 square feet of warehouse or distribution uses, or up to 218,000 square feet of industrial uses. . . . The project was supported by members of the public who said data centers would be a better fit than homes, which would be negatively impacted by airplane noise, and provide more benefits to the community.
Lawsuit claims 140 layoffs at Buchanan County mine violated federal law
Four coal miners have sued their former employer, alleging that their termination from a Buchanan County mine last month violated a federal law that requires companies to provide advance notice of plant closings and mass layoffs. The suit was filed April 30 against Buchanan Minerals LLC in U.S. District Court in Abingdon by Joshua McCoy, Joey Hill, Timothy Vance and William Stiltner. Buchanan Minerals is a subsidiary of Coronado Coal, which owns the Buchanan mining complex near Oakwood and is headquartered in Beckley, West Virginia.
Favola: Gutting health care funding will only cost us more
Budgets tell the stark truth about a society’s sense of fairness, justice and economic opportunities. Sixty years ago, Congress enacted the federal-state Medicaid program because too many Americans could not afford to see a doctor when they were sick. This basic need still exists today, but is overshadowed by the desire of the Republican majorities in Congress to provide tax cuts to billionaires and corporations. Make no mistake, there are enormous human and societal costs associated with denying individuals essential health care.
Virginia Republicans reel from party infighting over nominee for lieutenant governor
Virginia Republicans are reeling from an intraparty fight over a disputed social media account that has pitted lieutenant governor nominee John Reid against Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s political operation, imperiling the party’s chances of holding on to power in this year’s general election. The controversy comes as Republicans look to buck historic trends that favor the party out of power in Washington to hold on to the top three statewide offices — governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general — and make gains in the House of Delegates, where all 100 seats are up for reelection in November and where Democrats hold a narrow majority.
Virginia to rein in medical debt collectors after Youngkin signature
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is working with Democrats who control the General Assembly to put new restrictions on debt collectors seeking money for hospitals and doctors. Debt collectors seeking to cash in on patients who owe money to hospitals and doctors often engage in behavior critics call predatory. That's why Jay Speer at the Virginia Poverty Law Center worked with lawmakers to create new restrictions on debt collectors.
Youngkin signs bills to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter if drugs they sell cause overdose
Starting July 1, fentanyl dealers could face even more time in prison. That’s because Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed bills to hold dealers accountable if the drugs they sell kill. The new law would allow prosecutors to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter if the drugs they sell lead to an overdose death.
Youngkin: Virginia experiencing ‘exciting moment’ for investment
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said Tuesday that the state is experiencing an “exciting moment” for investment as businesses continue to put money into it. “Companies are expanding in America, and Virginia has been rated one of the top states, if not the top state, for business in America, and a lot of them are investing in Virginia,” Youngkin said during an appearance on Fox Business’s Mornings With Maria. “So, it’s an exciting moment for us.”
Audit dispute triggers bitter feud between Virginia Beach Republicans and district leaders
What started as a call for financial transparency has exploded into bitter infighting within the Republican Party of Virginia Beach, pitting local GOP chair Laura Hughes and her conservative grassroots allies against the leadership of the 2nd Congressional District GOP Committee — and, by extension, the party’s entrenched establishment wing. With accusations of stonewalling, sabotage, and political retribution flying, the dispute has deepened long-standing tensions and raised concerns about how party unity will hold heading into key statewide elections in November.