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Black waterman villages in Suffolk among Virginia’s most endangered historic places
For years, Mary Hill has watched her Suffolk community of Hobson slowly disappear. Hill is a seventh-generation descendant of Black freedmen who helped build the community centuries ago. They established a self-sufficient oyster industry that thrived along the Nansemond River until pollution devastated it starting around the 1960s. Since then, historical buildings once crucial to tight-knit community culture have been torn down, Hill said. Many who were alive in the village’s heyday have died, and some other descendants moved away and sold property passed down for generations. In their place, developers are building modern, more expensive homes that edge out historic ones. “You have a slow death” of the area, said Hill, who is in her early 60s. She now hopes a new designation will bring attention and funding to the area.
Kempsville High baseball season ended over ‘racism, hate speech, and harassment’ within team
Kempsville High School’s baseball season is over after “a lengthy investigation” found that “racism, hate speech, and harassment” have been prevalent on the team for multiple years, according to a note principal Melissa George sent to parents in recent weeks. “After our lengthy investigation after we received allegations of racism on the baseball team earlier in April, we have found that racism, hate speech, and harassment have been an ongoing issue for multiple years,” George wrote in the message, first reported by WTKR. “Due to additional information we have through our investigation, at this time we are forfeiting (the May 2) game against (Princess Anne).”
Craigsville granted $3.8 million by newly passed state budget
Craigsville’s infrastructure debt and incorporation woes are over. Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed Virginia’s 2024-2026 biennial budget just hours after it was passed by the General Assembly Monday. Craigsville has waited through the entire process, with residents and Mayor Richard Fox nervous about the town's incorporation and debt payments.
Va. lawmakers react after Biden announces he won’t participate in debate at VSU
Last November, it was announced that Virginia State University would become the first historically black college and university (HBCU) to host a presidential debate. However, now just six months later, it appears the historic event won’t happen after all. That’s because President Joe Biden’s campaign announced Wednesday that he would not participate in debates hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates, including one scheduled to take place at Virginia State University on Oct. 1.
For Luna Innovations, another delay in financial reporting
Luna Innovations Inc., already behind on 2023 financial reports, has reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission that it will not have its 2024 first quarter report ready any time soon. The Roanoke-based publicly traded technology company, which has parted ways with its chief executive officer and chief financial officer this year, had previously determined that its revenue recognition was irregular and that accounting errors affected its 2022 reports, as well.
Stafford County School Board proposes banning student phones during class
At last night’s monthly meeting, the Stafford County School Board announced an update to the division policy regarding student cell phone use. The proposed update to the Code of Student Conduct and Related Policies adds a regulation that “prohibits personal communication devices during the regular school day.” Students will have to turn their phones off or silence them and store them out of sight in a backpack or bag from the start bell until the dismissal bell.
Free Clinic looks to raise $1 million in one day
The Moss Free Clinic is asking the community to support its efforts by donating $1 million on Tuesday, May 28, during its inaugural Day of Giving. Donations will enable the clinic to continue to provide medical and dental care, screenings and treatments and free medications to uninsured and underinsured individuals. The clinic was established more than 30 years ago, but has faced the possible threat of closure as the long-term relationship between Moss and Mary Washington Healthcare has changed.
Large industrial proposal could feature data centers on Ashland-Hanover line
A Reston-based developer is seeking zoning approval for a project that could take the form of either an industrial park or data center campus on Ashland’s eastern boundary with Hanover County. The WestDulles Properties project, dubbed Iron Horse Business Park, would take shape on a 230-acre site split about 60-40 between Ashland and Hanover.
Racism, hate speech, harassment evident on baseball team, Virginia Beach school system says
The Kempsville High School boys varsity baseball team is forfeiting the rest of the season due to an investigation into allegations of racism, hate speech, and harassment, according to a message from the school’s principal.
Virginia State University left out in the cold after candidates determine debate schedule
Virginia State University said Wednesday it was "disappointed" over reports that VSU appears to have been dropped from the upcoming presidential debate schedule, yet hopeful that an arrangement can be worked out. "A presidential debate at VSU is a huge win, not only for our students and campus community but for the greater community in general," university spokesperson Gwen Williams Dandridge said in a statement.