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The ongoing rise in antisemitism should rally Virginians to action
Religious freedom and tolerance for others’ beliefs are foundational principles in the United States, and stem from a philosophy enshrined in Virginia law 238 years ago. The Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, states “all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion.” Ensuring that right has never been easy, and it’s especially difficult lately as a virulent strain of antisemitism afflicts the nation and our commonwealth. In a week that people around the world remember victims of the Holocaust, it’s more important than ever for Hampton Roads to stand up to hate and defend our Jewish family, friends and neighbors from attacks.
From VPAP Early Voting in June Primaries
VPAP has updated its early voting dashboard to include ballots for the June 18th primaries. Republican primaries are occurring for the U.S. Senate and three U.S. House districts. Toggle to see the Democratic primaries for six U.S. House districts, or choose a locality for more details.
Virginia Dept. of Ed removes private university’s lab school application before committee review
The Virginia Department Of Education on Monday removed from committee review a lab school application from Ferrum College, a religious and private university, asking the commonwealth to pay $10.6 million for the initial four years of its initiative. The committee did recommend three lab school applications to the Board of Education for final approval: Richard Bland College in Petersburg; Old Dominion University in Norfolk; and George Mason University in Fairfax. “The lab school committee had several questions regarding the [Ferrum College lab school] application,” said Todd Reid, a spokesperson for VDOE ...
UAE plans diplomatic compound in McLean after paying $55M for 3 lots
The United Arab Emirates paid a staggering $55 million for 18 acres overlooking the Potomac River in McLean, where the government now plans to build three diplomatic residences and a nearly 11,500-square-foot “exercise structure.” The UAE acquired 1019, 1049 and 1079 Crest Lane in September 2022 in a single off-market transaction that was never recorded with the area’s listing service, but does appear in public records.
Federal, State Agencies Quiet About Mountain Valley Pipeline Failure
The state and federal regulatory agencies that oversee the Mountain Valley Pipeline have said little about a rupture last week during a pressure test. Groups that oppose the Mountain Valley Pipeline say last week’s failure in Roanoke County, Virginia, shows the risks the project poses to communities and property. Because it is undergoing testing now, Wednesday’s rupture only released water. But the pipeline’s builder, Equitrans Midstream, has asked federal regulators for permission to begin operations at the end of this month.
Dominion: Nuclear plant upgrades on budget and schedule
Dominion Energy‘s push to extend the life of its two half-century old nuclear power stations is on target with its $1.2 billion phase 1 budget and schedule, although one critical step, replacing the giant heat exchangers around each reactor, has been more complicated than first thought. The aim is to extend the life of its Surry and North Anna power stations, in Surry County and Louisa counties respectively, for another three decades.
Loudoun Supervisors Ratify County’s First Collective Bargaining Agreement with Firefighters
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday ratified a tentative collective bargaining agreement between the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3756 and the county government. The 8-0-1 vote of approval came nine days after the agreement was ratified by union members.
Youngkin holds event in Richmond on National Fentanyl Awareness Day
Preliminary data from the Virginia Department of Health shows more than 1,900 Virginians died from fentanyl overdoses in 2023. That’s why Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin held an event at City Stadium in Richmond on May 7, which is National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
Del. Rasoul seeks cease-fire for Gaza
Roanoke citizens and a state lawmaker responded to heightened conflict in Gaza this week, urging people to speak out against Israeli-Palestinian violence. Israeli troops seized control of a border crossing in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, according to news reports on Tuesday. The latest military action follows months of Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, retaliating for a terrorist attack conducted by Hamas last October. As reports about an incursion into Rafah spread, state Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, on Monday sent an email asking people to call their congressperson and demand President Joe Biden enact a cease-fire.
Hemp market collapses, frustrating network of Southwest Virginia growers
Since its height in 2020, the “green rush” to grow hemp in Southwest Virginia has slowed to a standstill as falling prices eventually made harvesting pointless, but that hasn’t stopped local growers from seeking to stake their claim in what they hope will eventually be Virginia’s new legal cash crop: cannabis. With bipartisan efforts in the state legislature making to the governor’s desk, it looked possible that the 100-plus members of the farming and small business network Purely Appalachia might be growing and selling cannabis in Southwest Virginia very soon. But Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of HB 698 and SB 448 means the group’s hopes will be stalled, at least until his term ends.