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From ‘tariffs’ to hiring freeze, GOP-led Lynchburg council discusses ways to reduce taxes
Lynchburg Republicans on city council are flexing their political muscle as they move toward adopting a budget for fiscal year 2026, with many of their proposals mirroring what President Donald Trump introduced in his first 100 days in office. From local forms of so-called tariffs to attacking the city bureaucracy to taking steps similar to Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, Republicans, who have a 6-1 majority on council, are identifying ways to scale back government in the Hill City and creatively fund the remaining operations.
Allen: I was a GOP governor. I’m supporting a lawsuit against Trump’s tariffs.
Some might be surprised that I, a Republican, am challenging President Donald Trump’s tariffs plan. But my opposition to tax increases is not new. In fact, that conviction is why I strongly disagree, as a matter of constitutional principle, with the president’s “emergency” declaration to impose near universal import taxes on products from allies and adversaries alike. The Constitution is clear that taxes are the purview of Congress, not a tool to be implemented by presidential proclamation.
Prison lieutenant gets 1-year sentence for Petersburg death in custody
Wade Scott Walters died in a suicide watch cell in a Petersburg federal prison. His death, in precisely the type of cell where a prisoner should be keenly observed, caused an inquest within the Bureau of Prisons. According to a video described by prosecutors, Walters, a vulnerable adult who could not speak for himself, banged his body against the walls of his cell at least 23 times. His cause of death was ultimately ruled to be a broken skull. Federal prosecutors pursued criminal charges against a handful of staff involved. On Wednesday, Shronda Covington, a 16-year-veteran of FCI Petersburg, was handed her punishment for her role in Walters' death.
Delegate candidates speak on crime, guns, solar panels
The Three Rivers Republican Women’s Club held its third annual candidate forum on April 30. Candidates running for the House of Delegates in the 84th and 89th districts answered questions posed by the audience about local issues. Felisha Storm (R) is running for Delegate in the 84th district. Mike Lamonea (R) and Kristen Shannon (R) are running for Delegate in the 89th district. The forum was moderated by Kerry Dougherty from WTAR.
‘Nothing is being done’: Record reveals Richmond water plant employee’s report to state about fluoride overflow
When an employee of the Richmond Water Treatment Plant called a state agency to report an overflow of fluoride into the drinking water supply, he said no one was taking action to address the problem. That's according to an incident report that CBS 6 obtained from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).
Subramanyam Hears Concerns Over Potential Medicaid Cuts
U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) on Saturday gave constituents a chance to voice their concerns about potential Medicaid cuts during a town hall meeting at Leesburg Elementary School. Those concerns arose from a resolution by House Republicans that directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to find $880 billion in savings over the course of 10 years—looking for a way to offset lost tax revenues resulting from efforts to retain tax cuts made during President Donald J. Trump’s first term. A Congressional Budget Office study found that Medicaid accounts for 93% of the committee’s spending outside of the mandatory Medicare expenditures.
Helicopters were banned near National Airport. They are disrupting flights anyway.
Police, medical and military helicopters have continued to fly in close proximity to Reagan National Airport in the three months since an Army Black Hawk and regional jetliner collided and killed 67 people, requiring airline pilots to abort landings and sparking pointed disagreements between agencies responsible for flights. The continued need for passenger jet “go-arounds” — as the sudden avoidance maneuvers are called — and finger-pointing by transportation and military officials within the Trump administration reveal the extent to which officials continue to wrestle with coordination and safety around the congested airport.
Fauquier County dump expansion could threaten historic Schoolhouse 18
A planned expansion to a Fauquier County trash collection site in Marshall could threaten the historic schoolhouse next door, advocates are warning. Built in 1887, the one-room school now surrounded by well-tended gardens closed in 1964 and was the last of 31 Fauquier County elementary schools serving African American students. . . . Some advocates say the changes will make the site safer and reduce traffic, but opponents worry the plan will roll back progress that has improved the historic property next door.
King George Firefighters Defend their Right to Speak
Members of the King George chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF Local 4438)—supported by members of Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Orange, and Winchester chapters—spoke in defense of their First Amendment rights at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The membership turned out in response to comments made by some of the supervisors at the April 11 budget work session. The comments hinted at retaliation against the Local 4438 president, Triston Beverly, for writing a letter expressing concern about the proposed budget for the fire, rescue, and emergency services department.
5 former Richmond Public Schools bus drivers say they were fired for advocating for overtime pay
Sonny Randolph said parents are still calling him to tell him their kids won’t get on the bus. Randolph began driving buses for Richmond Public Schools in 2014. Until recently, he was responsible for picking up children with intellectual disabilities and making sure they made it safely to their schools. . . . Randolph is among five former RPS bus drivers — alongside Cynthia Cole, Katina Hickman, Darryl Brinson-Williams and Kimya Williams — who allege they were fired last month in retaliation for attending a Richmond School Board meeting on April 8, where Williams, Brinson-Williams and some of their colleagues spoke in defense of their overtime pay.