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Video visitation costs now decreased at state prisons

By TANNOCK BLAIR, WRIC-TV

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) announced that, as of this month, the cost of video visitation has now reduced from 15 cents per minute to 12 cents per minute. Video visitation allows families and friends to meet with incarcerated people remotely. This includes at-home video visitation — using a computer, tablet or smartphone — and video visitation from visitor centers.

VaNews July 9, 2025


Kaine named to board at U.S. Military Academy at West Point

By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Subscription Required)

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has joined the board of visitors at the United States Military Academy at West Point as a congressional appointee. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services committee in his third Senate term, is one of 10 members of Congress — and five senators — appointed to the board. He was named to the board by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY. The board also includes five members of the House of Representatives and six presidential appointees.

VaNews July 9, 2025


Report says Virginia leads nation in coastal flooding events

By LAUREN MARTINEZ, WAVY-TV

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.

VaNews July 9, 2025


Are Hampton Roads beaches 'safe for swimming?' Environmental group highlights summertime pollution

By KATHERINE HAFNER, WHRO

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.

VaNews July 9, 2025


City school board debate over professional development policy is a real trip

By JOEY LOMONACO, Fredericksburg Free Press

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, . . . "

VaNews July 9, 2025


Martinsville deputy misses response window in ongoing civil rights suit

By DEAN-PAUL STEPHENS, Cardinal News

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.

VaNews July 9, 2025


National seashore lacks lifeguards as Chincoteague fumes

By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Subscription Required)

Visitors are flocking to Assateague Island National Seashore in record numbers. The annual Chincoteague pony swim and auction — and the peak of the summer tourism season — is three weeks away. But Chincoteague Mayor Denise Bowden is worried, as the Eastern Shore town faces new responsibilities because President Donald Trump‘s administration never hired lifeguards to protect people thronging the 37-mile-long barrier island in Virginia and Maryland. As in zero lifeguards, with 13 positions unfilled, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.

VaNews July 8, 2025


Virginia agencies assist Texas flood recovery, share how state prepares for dangerous weather events

By SHANNON HECKT, Virginia Mercury

After tragic flooding in Texas claimed dozens of lives and wreaked havoc in several communities, Virginia weather and emergency officials are pitching in to the Lone Star State’s recovery efforts and sharing how they prepare for major weather events here at home.. Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Sunday announced two of the state’s swift water rescue teams have been deployed to assist with rescue operations in Texas, as the state braces for more rain after flash flooding devastated its central region. The rescue teams are equipped with gear that is meant for traversing treacherous waters.

VaNews July 8, 2025


Price and VanValkenburg: Virginia's housing market is worse than you think

By RYAN PRICE AND SCHUYLER VANVALKENBURG, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Subscription Required)

No one is disputing that Virginia needs more housing. The signs are all around us, the data is staggering, and — ultimately — the lack of housing impacts us all. But while there is consensus that the problem is big, most Virginians aren’t aware of just how ominous and far-reaching the issue is today. A few simple statistics help set the bleak scene: ... • In the Richmond metro area, affording a median-priced home requires a household income of about $125,000. However, 25- to 44-year-olds earn a median of $91,000.

Price is chief economist for Virginia Realtors. Sen. VanValkenburg, a Democrat, represents Henrico County.

VaNews July 8, 2025


New fund aims to create jobs and opportunity on the Peninsula

Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Running a small business is a daunting enterprise, and it’s all the more challenging when local lenders won’t assist with funding for startup or expansion. A praiseworthy new initiative in Hampton and Newport News is about to change that dynamic for budding entrepreneurs. With support from officials in both cities, two civic-minded organizations — City First Bank and the Greater Peninsula CARES Foundation — have partnered to establish the Peninsula Cooperative Fund, a pool of $50 million available for loans to small businesses. ... on the Peninsula, which has been deemed a Community Development Financial Institution lending “desert” by CDFI Friendly America ...

VaNews July 8, 2025