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Richmond’s new top watchdog has ‘deep concerns’ about predecessor’s firing, email shows
Richmond’s interim inspector general says he has “deep concerns” about the firing of the city’s former top watchdog, Jim Osuna, according to correspondence obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In a Tuesday email sent to 8th District Councilwoman Reva Trammell, interim Inspector General Foster Curtiss wrote that he and Osuna “shared a vision about what this office should be.” “I believe we may be headed in a different direction after his departure,” Curtiss wrote in the message to Trammell. “My overarching concern is for the employees of the OIG who are demoralized.”
Harrisonburg declares state of emergency amid water issues
Harrisonburg has declared a state of emergency after heavy rains stirred up sediment in the city’s water supply, leading to decreased output from the city’s water treatment plant and lower water supply. In a unanimous vote during a specially called meeting on Friday, the council voted to declare a state of emergency. City manager Ande Banks said that although Rockingham County was helping to supply the city with its own water supply, the county would no longer be able to assist.
UVa professor defends academic freedom amid Trump attacks at Final Exercises
As nearly 8,000 soon-to-be graduates sat on the University of Virginia Lawn Saturday thinking of their futures, they were asked to consider the past. UVa English professor Michael Suarez delivered an impassioned keynote address Saturday hearkening to the university’s founding 206 years ago and its place in the future of an American republic on the precipice of its 250th birthday next year. . . . “Our ability to pursue the truth and communicate it freely is a national asset,” said Suarez. “The American university must compromise neither its moral provision nor its vision.” Suarez’s words come at a time when many in American academia feel as though they have been asked to compromise their values.
‘We are not broke’: Mount Jackson officials push back on financial concerns amid deficits
Facing questions from concerned residents, Mount Jackson officials defended the town’s financial position Monday night, insisting that despite back-to-back budget deficits and a shrinking reserve fund the town remains in good fiscal health. Mount Jackson’s general fund reserve balance is projected to drop from $2 million to $1.3 million by the end of fiscal year 2025 after covering an unexpected $700,000 shortfall. Another $737,000 gap looms for fiscal year 2026.
Pharrell’s canceled movie about Virginia Beach childhood never sought $12M in state incentives
Shortly after Pharrell Williams began production on a musical biopic about his upbringing in the Atlantis apartment complex in Virginia Beach, Virginia offered the project more than $12 million in state incentives aimed at enticing producers to shoot it in the state. However, Williams’ production team never submitted documentation for the incentives, according to state officials. The project, originally called “Atlantis,” filmed scenes in Richmond and at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. But the project was canceled during post-production, Variety reported in February.
Hampton to consider banning camping on public property
Hampton is considering a ban on camping and storage on public property, a move that would allow the city to remove and clear homeless encampments. But city officials say the proposal is not specifically directed toward people experiencing homelessness. Senior Deputy City Attorney Brandi Law presented a proposed ordinance change during Wednesday’s City Council meeting, which would bar anyone from camping, sleeping or storing items on public property.
Seven Virginia governors celebrate Brown v. Board of Education; Wilder skips event
Virginia governors, past and present, gathered Saturday to mark the 71st anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that was supposed to end school segregation, saying there’s still more work to do. The reason the governors, corralled by former Gov. Bob McDonnell, were there, he said, is in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, “to form a more perfect union.” ... Doug Wilder, the nation’s first elected Black governor, skipped the event. He said in an interview that he is dismayed that Virginia’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is fading under Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Hopewell city attorney on assault claim: Not his job to ‘get crossways’ with councilors
Hopewell’s city attorney says it is not his place “to get crossways” with anyone on City Council because they are all his clients, but he added that he plans to answer a charge of assault being brought against him by a councilor following a brief confrontation at a contentious meeting [last] week. In a telephone interview May 16 with The Progress-Index, Anthony Bessette said it was “on video and in clear view of the public” what transpired at the May 13 meeting between him and Ward 7 Councilor Dominic Holloway.
Columbia Gas will roll back part of October rate hike
Columbia Gas‘ residential customers in Virginia will get a break on their bills as the State Corporation Commission rolls back part of the 11.68% increase the utility began charging in October. A settlement between the company, SCC staff and major customers will still leave residential rates 8.14% above where they were before the interim increase went into effect in October. The full commission formally approved the agreement [last] week.
Prosecutor Taylor, former Del. Jones vie for Democratic attorney general nomination
In a contest that pits prosecutorial vs. legislative experience, former Del. Jay Jones and Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor are vying for the Democratic nomination for attorney general. Both Democrats say they bring compelling résumés and hometown credibility, yet they draw clear contrasts between courtroom gravitas and the hustle of a political trailblazer. The winner in the June 17 primary will face Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican who is seeking reelection in November.