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As AI booms and the grid strains, Virginia grapples with competing energy visions
A new report from the Department of Energy warns that, without increased energy production, the nation’s power grid could face a sharp rise in blackouts by 2030. In Virginia, Republicans are sounding the alarm, arguing that Democratic-led efforts to expand renewable energy and combat climate change are hindering the state’s ability to meet growing demands.
Henry County to demolish dozens of blighted properties
An abandoned property sticks out among the row of modest houses in the Greyson Street neighborhood in Henry County’s Collinsville district. For years, the home has been vacant, with overgrowth almost completely covering its street-facing exterior, to the dismay of some neighbors. “It’s about time,” said Aesha Mitchell upon learning about plans to demolish the house and similar structures throughout the county. . . . At their June 5 meeting, county supervisors voted unanimously to demolish 39 properties deemed unsafe.
Chesapeake Bay is stagnating. Here’s what could help.
First, a filthy Chesapeake Bay represented all that wasn’t working with America’s stewardship of its natural environment. Then, the bay became a success story. The sloughs of poorly treated sewage at the bottom of slime-green lagoons disappeared, and oyster populations, once nearly wiped out, made a near-miraculous comeback. The turnaround seemed to show that even big environmental problems could be managed. In recent years, however, progress has stalled.
Yancey: Where does Earle-Sears stand? Nobody really knows because she won’t make herself available for serious questioning.
The pro-business group Virginia FREE sent out a seemingly routine announcement earlier this week: Its board of directors had met with Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor, to discuss business-related issues. What wasn’t said, and what made this announcement newsworthy: Virginia FREE has been trying for three months to secure a similar meeting with Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate for governor, and still doesn’t have a commitment, according to the group’s executive director, Chris Saxman.
Kaine and Warner: Virginia must resist Trump's attacks on higher ed – before it's too late
Last month, the Trump Department of Justice crossed a dangerous line when it interfered in the governance of the University of Virginia to oust president Jim Ryan, not for misconduct or mismanagement, but for reasons of personal and political grievance. Under Ryan’s leadership, UVa expanded access to first-generation and low-income students, navigated complex challenges around free speech and campus safety, and strengthened UVa’s standing as one of the world’s premier public research institutions. But instead of being recognized for those accomplishments, he was targeted — the latest casualty in a calculated campaign by the Trump administration to politicize higher education and undermine local governance of public education.
National Republican group with ties to Trump is attacking Jay Jones
A PAC based in Texas with ties to a top Donald Trump donor is attacking Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones with over $100,000 in radio ads in Norfolk and Richmond. America’s PAC describes itself as a group that “specializes in expanding the free market conservative coalition by spreading the message to demographics that rarely vote conservative, including Hispanics and African-Americans.” Tom Donelson, a Texas Republican, runs the PAC. The ad attacking Jones focuses on illegal immigrants and accuses Democrats of supporting criminals, not victims.
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.