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Metro’s new bus system proposal could eliminate more than 600 stops, rename routes
On Tuesday, the Metro’s board of directors approved a resolution to hold a series of public meetings next month so riders can weigh in on a major proposed overhaul of Metro’s bus routes. For well over a year, Metro leaders have been working on a plan to make major changes to the bus system. This week, Metro has finally put out concrete plans for the changes they are proposing.
General Assembly budget leaders, Youngkin reach compromise
General Assembly budget leaders and Gov. Glenn Youngkin have reached a compromise on the next two-year state budget that would use an additional $525 million in state revenues to pay for Democratic spending priorities — including raises of 3% each year for state employees and teachers — without raising taxes and crossing the Republican governor’s red line for a potential veto. House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian, D-Prince William, confirmed on Thursday afternoon that assembly budget negotiators had reached a deal with Youngkin that they hope to approve on Monday in a special session that would last one day instead of three.
Yancey: Should Virginia abandon its one-term governor rule?
Today’s controversial opinion: Gov. Glenn Youngkin is making the case for why Virginia governors should be allowed to run for a second term. Mind you, I’m not saying Youngkin deserves a second term. I’m not saying he doesn’t, either. I’m not even saying Virginia should allow governors to seek reelection. However, I am saying that we should think about all this. Regular readers know that I like to explore ideas, so here’s the one for today: Should Virginia governors be allowed to run for a second term? Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single term. More technically, Virginia doesn’t allow consecutive terms.
Shenandoah County Fair pig scramble called ‘unfair and unjust’
The Shenandoah County Fair pig scramble was scrutinized during Woodstock’s Town Council’s meeting Tuesday night after a Lorton resident made the 90-minute drive to speak against the popular event. The pig scramble is held annually, with over 300 local children participating in last summer’s rendition. Children from 3 to 8 years old, their hands covered in lard, are tasked to catch one of a group of running pigs. If a child manages to capture one of the 3-month-old pigs up for grabs, it is theirs to take home.
Louisa Co. supervisors reverse decision to cut Piedmont Virginia Community College funding over Jewish film
What exactly Piedmont Virginia Community College President Jean Runyon said to convince the Louisa County Board of Supervisors that a documentary called “Israelism” by two Jewish filmmakers wasn’t antisemitic remains unclear. Though it must have done the trick, as the board unanimously voted Monday night to overturn the resolution it had passed just one week prior that cut off the county’s funding to the school, a sum of $6,000 this year.
Judge to decide whether to delay construction of Dominion’s offshore wind project
A federal judge will soon decide whether Dominion Energy obtained necessary federal approvals for its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, a 176-turbine wind farm environmental groups are backing as a critical source of renewable energy needed to combat climate change. Judge Loren L. AliKhan is expected to make a decision on a request for a preliminary injunction as part of a lawsuit against Dominion and U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration officials, who are overseeing construction of the offshore wind project. The $9.8 billion CVOW project is expected to be completed in 2026 with the ability to generate enough power for up to 660,000 homes.
Texas man gets a year for role in 2017 torch-wielding mob at UVa
A frequently convicted White supremacist who once dared adversaries to shoot him and launch a race war has pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from his participation in the torch-wielding mob that marched across University of Virginia Grounds in 2017. William Henry Fears IV of Pasadena, Texas, made his plea Tuesday in Albemarle County Circuit Court, where he received a one-year term, the longest of any of the men who have been charged for their involvement in the 2017 episode.
Virginia lawmakers ask federal government to block Mountain Valley Pipeline operation, citing safety concerns
Eighteen lawmakers from the Virginia General Assembly submitted a letter Tuesday to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, asking the agency to deny the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s request to start running gas by June 1. In their letter, lawmakers cited the failure of a section of pipe in Roanoke County last week, as it was undergoing hydrostatic testing. “If gas was going through the pipeline it would have been devastating,” said Sam Rasoul, one of the delegates who signed the letter. “This failure confirms our concerns and it’s premature for it to go in service now.”
Youngkin, Virginia lawmakers hope to have budget deal for special session
Virginia lawmakers in state budget talks met with Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday to discuss each other’s priorities as they try to reach a deal by the time the General Assembly is set to vote on it next week. Divisions between state Democrats who control both chambers of the legislature and the Republican governor, particularly over proposed tax policy changes, drove both sides to agree to extend negotiations and rework a new spending plan for the next two fiscal years.
Richmond City Council approves baseball stadium financial plan
Richmond City Council voted 6-0 Wednesday afternoon to approve a new financial structure to build a minor-league baseball stadium at the Diamond District. The approval is a significant step forward in what city officials are calling the largest development deal in Richmond’s history. And it is a change in strategy just weeks before site work is set to begin. Under the plan, Richmond will issue $170 million worth of general obligation bonds, and revenue from the stadium and the surrounding development will pay off the debt.