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$12 million agricultural campus set to rise between Bristol and Abingdon
Rolling green pastures between Bristol and Abingdon are set to evolve over the next few years into an expansive $12 million agriculture campus for Appalachian Sustainable Development. On Thursday afternoon, officials with the nonprofit unveiled their plans for the more than 17 acres of land, which they plan to use as a regional hub that will champion agriculture by teaching people how to grow in more innovative, efficient and profitable ways. The goal is to create new agriculture and food businesses, more efficient and successful farms, a stronger regional workforce, and better access to nutritious food and positive health outcomes, according to ASD officials.
Virginia Senate to convene Tuesday to discuss military tuition program
The Virginia Senate will reconvene Tuesday to address recent changes to a state program that covers higher education costs for some military families, Senate Democrats announced in a release. In the recently approved budget, lawmakers scaled back the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program to lighten the cost burden on state colleges and universities after program participation increased exponentially over the last four years.
Virginia House and Senate will take up military tuition benefit on different days
For much of the past week, some Virginia political leaders have been conveying a message that the General Assembly will undo a recent policy change that angered military families. But it became clear Thursday that the state Senate and House of Delegates haven’t agreed yet on a way out of the controversy surrounding the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. The program waives college tuition expenses for spouses and children of military members who were killed or severely disabled as a result of their service. Senate leaders announced their chamber will return to Richmond on June 18, which is 10 days before the June 28 date the House had already selected. That schedule raises numerous logistical questions about what might happen if the two legislative chambers meet on different days to try to pass different bills on the same topic.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin visits Suffolk, touts signing of 31 mental health-related bills
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin paid a visit to Hampton Roads Thursday, promoting 31 bills recently signed into law, all with the goal of improving mental health care. He touted the 31 bipartisan bills during a ceremony at the Western Tidewater Community Services Board facility in Suffolk. Among them is the newly-signed “Irvo’s Law,” named after Irvo Otieno, 28, who died in custody last March after a mental health crisis. Otieno’s mother, Caroline Ouko joined the ceremony Thursday, saying Gov. Youngkin “kept his promise” in establishing legislation after her son’s death.
Spotsylvania supervisors elect to opt out of Regional Transportation Authority
The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday night to approve a resolution allowing the county to opt out of a Regional Transportation Authority. The supervisors voted 5-1 to approve the resolution with only Battlefield District representative Chris Yakabouski voting against it. “I think we need to move something forward, and I would challenge my board in the most respectful way of, it not this, then what?” Yakabouski said. “How are we going to do these things?” An RTA would involve Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, and Stafford counties and the city of Fredericksburg.
Decision to ditch the Virginia School Boards Association sparks public protest
On May 20th, the Orange County Board of Education met, and without notifying the public or allowing the community to comment, voted to leave the Virginia School Boards Association. Member Darlene Dawson said she had attended a VSBA event and was not happy. “They lobby for many things that I, on principle, stand against,” she explains. “If you try to disagree with them they will shut you down. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve listened to recordings where they mock our governor and anyone who holds a conservative viewpoint, which I’ve been very clear that I do.”
Richmond registrar violated city policies on nepotism, internal investigation finds
Richmond Registrar Keith Balmer and Deputy Registrar Jerry Richardson violated city policies on ethics and employing family members, an internal investigation by the city’s Department of Human Resources has concluded. The violations require “immediate departmental restructuring” within the Richmond Office of Elections, investigators said in the probe’s findings, which were submitted Tuesday to the Richmond Electoral Board and the Virginia Department of Elections.
Trump backs Hogan in Md., teases Va. Gov. Youngkin as potential running mate
Donald Trump said he will support longtime critic Republican Larry Hogan in the Maryland Senate race, putting to rest speculation that the former president would attack Hogan — and delighting Democrats eager to keep the must-win seat in their hands. When asked about Hogan, Trump told Fox News on Thursday that Republicans have “got to take the majority” and that he would “like to see him win. … When asked in the same Fox interview with Aishah Hasnie about Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), Trump said he “could consider” making Youngkin his running mate — though it was in breezy comments that he contradicted ...
Loudoun approves first all-affordable multifamily via fast-track pilot
Loudoun County on Wednesday approved rezoning for a 100% affordable multifamily project, part of a pilot program aimed at fast-tracking review of applications that promise attainable homes. The project calls for 80 below-market rate attached units on 3.1-acres in Sterling. The property is near the intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Magnolia Road adjacent to Northrop Grumman’s campus.
Warren County Democrats Host Sen. Kaine, 6th District Candidate at Pre-Primary Event
You may be a minority in your home community, but in statewide and national elections every vote is very important. That was one of the messages conveyed by Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine during a luncheon gathering ...