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Can AI identify safety threats in schools? Loudoun County wants to try.
Loudoun County schools will use an artificial intelligence system to help identity fights, bullying or other potential safety threats on campuses. The system, from local tech company VOLT AI, will use AI to monitor video footage from the school district’s existing security cameras to spot incidents that might require staff intervention, such as the presence of weapons or other safety threats or medical emergencies. The cameras are used only in common areas, not bathrooms or locker rooms.
Chesapeake Bay is on a rebound, but Trump’s proposed budget could set it back
The sun is barely up when Bill Scerbo unties the lines on his aging crabber and turns its bow toward open water. He and his deckhand are heading out to check crab traps in the shallows where the Rhode and West rivers flow into the Chesapeake Bay. It's something that Scerbo, who is 65, has been doing since the 1980s. It was then, just out of high school and attending community college, that he had an epiphany about his future. "It was a beautiful day and I was sitting in an economics class and I just said, 'To hell with this. I'm done.'"
VPAP Visual Statewide Democratic Primary Turnout
Preliminary turnout numbers from the June 17 Democratic primary show the highest turnout since the 1990s for a Democratic primary without a gubernatorial nomination. This excludes presidential primaries, which are held separately in March and generally have a much higher turnout than state primaries.
Virginia will consider regulation to protect turtles from getting caught in crab pots
When diamondback terrapins spy bait sitting in a crab pot, they often push their way inside to feast, only to get stuck. Terrapins, a small and vulnerable species, use lungs to breathe and can drown while trapped in cages underwater. Conservation groups are asking Virginia regulators to require a solution: adding small gadgets to crab traps that keep terrapins out while still allowing crabs to enter.
From VPAP Extra! Extra! Special Election Edition of The Virginia Press Room!
In this special primary episode of the podcast from VaNews and VPM, Michael Pope is joined by Sam Shirazi of the Federal Fallout podcast. They discuss the close contests for the Democratic statewide ticket and results of Republican and Democratic primaries for the House of Delegates as well as some interesting local elections. Tune in for insights and analysis on Virginia politics. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
ResetUVA, Wahoos4UVA express polar views on UVa leadership
Two conflicting initiatives led by University [of Virginia] alumni, faculty, parents and students have launched within a month of each other at the University. They each express opposing views — ResetUVA, launched first, calls for the removal of University President Jim Ryan, and Wahoos4UVA, launched in response, is in support of Ryan. The groups emerged after a tumultuous year for both higher education more broadly and the University community.
VPAP Visual Turnout by Locality: 2025 Democratic Primary
What was voter turnout like in Virginia localities during Tuesday's statewide Democratic primary elections? Check the map and sorted list to compare turnout from counties and cities across the state.
HRBT’s 2nd tunnel nears completion as project remains on schedule, within budget
Since moving its completion date back significantly last spring, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project has remained on schedule and its total budget has not changed. The project’s contractor, Hampton Roads Connector Partners, asked for an 18-month extension in March 2024, citing unforeseen cost and schedule effects. The project is still slated to reach substantial completion — the point when motorists will be able to use the new infrastructure — by February 2027 and final completion by August 2027, according to Ryan Banas, director of the expansion project.
Hashmi declares victory in Democratic primary for Virginia lieutenant governor
State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi declared victory in the Democratic primary for Virginia lieutenant governor, leading the six-person race with 27.5% of the vote Tuesday night. The next closest candidates were former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who had 26.7% of the vote, and state Sen. Aaron Rouse, who had 26.2% of the vote, with 96% of the votes counted. The Associated Press has not called the race.
Virginia Beach approves filling of borrow-pit despite residents’ concerns
In a 9-0 vote Tuesday, the City Council approved a permit modification that will allow the city to fill a human-made lake with dredged material. ... The Department of Public Works plans to dump dredged material from navigation channels and stormwater projects into the lake. The approval came after nearly a dozen people including neighboring residents spoke against the plan citing concerns about water contamination, flooding and impact on wildlife.