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Virginia investment accelerator provides clarity in an uncertain climate
Even as the Trump administration’s schizophrenic tariff policies roil markets and put pressure on American businesses and consumers, concern about their potential effects on the Port of Virginia appear muted. Port officials recently downplayed fears that higher levies on imports, especially from China, will affect the volume of goods processed there. That’s good news for Virginia and Hampton Roads, though still hardly an ideal scenario. The tariffs continue to put commonwealth businesses, both small and large, in peril, and will needlessly inflict pain on consumers — meaning Virginia families — for as long as they are in effect.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
Logistics firm to lay off 54 in Richmond as shipping slows
A Florida-based trucking and logistics company plans to lay off 54 employees at its facility in South Richmond, as freight shipping worldwide slows down because of uncertainty over tariffs and the economy. Saddle Creek Logistics Services notified Virginia workforce officials this week that it will lay off employees at its facility on Commerce Road in July, with no plans to bring them back.
Local leaders say they’ll pay $5.6 billion to automate Metro
A fully automated D.C. Metro in the next two decades is closer to becoming a reality, as local leaders found agreement at a region-wide meeting Friday on adding hundreds of millions of dollars in annual support to the system’s coffers starting in 2027. But the idea of a regional sales tax to raise the funds was quickly rejected by local officials who said they would rather figure out where to find the money on their own. ... Other suggested options included higher vehicle registration fees, fuel and sales taxes as well as higher property taxes and real estate fees.
Fort Eustis’ Army training headquarters to relocate to Texas
The Army Training and Doctrine Command headquarters is set to move to Austin, Texas, after more than a decade at Fort Eustis. The plan is part of a larger reorganization effort by the Defense Department which will see several bases around the country consolidate and combine with the Army Transformation Command — which was created during the first Trump administration and operates in Austin — to create a new Army Transformation and Training Command. . . . Roughly 10,000-13,000 soldiers and civilians live on the Army base. It remains unclear how many soldiers will leave under the transformation plan.
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.
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.