Search
Democratic field makes closing arguments in crowded Virginia LG race
With the June 17 Democratic primary days away, six candidates locked in a quiet-but-crowded race for lieutenant governor are making their final push to stand out — and to convince voters they’re the best bet to take on Republicans this fall. The contenders include state Sens. Ghazala Hashmi and Aaron Rouse, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef, former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado, and attorney Alex Bastani. The six candidates have done little to differentiate themselves from one another and only a few personal attacks have been made.
Big bet: Can a $130M conservation deal in Virginia’s coal country curb climate change and lift Appalachia?
Waiting around isn’t Debbi Hale’s forte. So nobody in this depleted coalfield town of barely 850 near the Kentucky border was shocked four years ago when the retired gym teacher orchestrated a $10,000 makeover of a neglected patch of grass across from a trailer court. From there, it’s just a short hike down to a paddler’s bliss, where Bad Creek flows into eight undisturbed miles of the Pound River. Then, just days before the July 2022 ribbon-cutting, a ferocious flood ripped through Appalachia. . . . It’s an all-too-familiar pattern for the Wise County native. Such exhausting episodes of one step forward, two steps back are common in this place, which has foundered as King Coal’s century-plus reign plays out. That demise has government agencies and entrepreneurs alike casting about to “fix Appalachia” . . .
Alpha-gal syndrome is gaining recognition in Virginia
Just days before Christmas 2021, Nicole Cooper was struggling to breathe. Her husband called 911, and moments before the ambulance arrived, Cooper jabbed herself with an epinephrine shot. She could tell she was having an allergic reaction, but she didn’t know what she was reacting to. She remembers the panic, the medical questions and treatments in the emergency room. What she doesn’t remember is the tick bite that triggered it all. . . . A bill that passed unanimously during the 2024 General Assembly session added alpha-gal syndrome to Virginia’s list of reportable diseases. Starting July 1, health care professionals must report cases to the Virginia Department of Health.
Henrico board OKs new rules to limit rapid data center growth
Henrico officially scrapped its plans for a technology overlay district around the White Oak Technology Park for new, stricter regulations. The decision was made at a Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday night. Any developer seeking to build a data center in Henrico will now have to get a stamp of approval from the board. The idea is that board members can reject any project that doesn’t have adequate protections for residents, such as the distance between a data center and residential homes, excess light pollution or noise in the evenings.
Virginia Beach’s newest economic development director has resigned
Christian Green, the city’s newest economic development director, resigned after less than five months on the job. “Christian Green put in his notice of resignation on June 11; specific details are not available to the public as this is a personnel matter in accordance with HR policy,” a city statement said. “We can confirm, in collaboration with Mr. Green, that he elected to resign from his position due to pressing family matters. Christian is leaving on good terms with the City, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Tribal leaders discuss land loss, environmental challenges in coastal Virginia
Indigenous communities have navigated Virginia’s land and waters for thousands of years, weathering countless wars, storms and growing development. Local tribal leaders say they’re now facing several environmental challenges, such as flooding and shoreline erosion, that threaten some of the land and resources they’ve worked hard to protect.
Feds release delayed infrastructure grants, sending $8.6 million to Virginia
After years of bureaucratic limbo, Virginia is set to receive $8.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a slate of infrastructure projects that were first announced three years ago. The funding comes as part of a national effort by the administration of former President Joe Biden to clear a backlog of 3,200 unobligated grants that had stalled “critical investments” in communities nationwide, according to the agency. The department said Tuesday it has now cleared 1,065 of those projects but did not explain why the grants were delayed in the first place.
Norfolk school board fires Superintendent Sharon Byrdsong
The Norfolk school board voted to fire Superintendent Sharon Byrdsong Wednesday night. The board discussed their decision in a closed session and cast a 4-3 vote after coming out of the closed meeting. Members didn’t include a reason for the termination during the meeting. Board members also voted to appoint Chief Academic Officer James Pohl as interim superintendent. Byrdsong’s contract was up for reconsideration next year.
Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population falls to ‘distressing low’
Blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay have dropped to a “distressing low” number, experts say, marking several years of repeated declines and raising concern about their long-term health. The estimated number of crabs was 238 million, the second-lowest point since an annual blue crab dredge survey to measure their population started in the 1990s and coming shortly after 2022’s record low of 226 million crabs, according to experts. The survey found that the decline hit all of the crustaceans, regardless of maturity or gender.
Ex-Richmond worker spent over $2M at businesses registered to his and friend's homes
A former city employee spent more than $2 million of city funds at three businesses — one registered to his own home and two others registered to the Prince William County home of a woman he met while serving in the U.S. Navy. Officials are investigating all three businesses, which are associated with Reginald Thomas, a former management analyst with the city’s fire department.