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By CHARLIE PAULLIN,
Virginia Mercury
Another attempt to impose tighter regulations on the menhaden fishery in Virginia was defeated Tuesday and interested parties again called for the state to study the menhaden population.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted 5-3 to deny a petition from the Chesapeake Legal Alliance that sought to limit the catch of Omega Protein, the lone menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay.
Recreational fishing groups and other supporters of a cap have argued that overfishing menhaden, a tiny, yet nutrient rich fish, is causing the decline of the Bay’s striped bass population.
VaNews April 25, 2024
Virginian-Pilot
Editorial
(Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)
When the commonwealth enters into an agreement on a large-scale, multi-year economic development project, it’s essential any agreement be structured in a way that protects taxpayers. The nature of such initiatives means that plenty can change over time and Virginia shouldn’t be obligated to pay if things don’t pan out.
The Amazon headquarters in Northern Virginia is one such example. The online retailer has slowed hiring there amid an economic landscape roiled by the pandemic, and it’s a credit to lawmakers that the deal they struck didn’t commit the commonwealth to pay for empty offices if the company misses its job-creation targets.
VaNews April 25, 2024
By MATT BUSSE,
Cardinal News
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered that a $1 billion federal lawsuit filed by West Virginia’s governor, his family and their companies against a Martinsville-based bank and its board be transferred from a court in West Virginia to Virginia.
Gov. Jim Justice; his wife, Cathy; their son, Jay; and more than a dozen of their family companies filed the suit in November. They allege that Carter Bank & Trust and its directors have violated banking laws and prevented the Justices from working with other lenders so that the bank can continue collecting interest on the family’s loan portfolio.
VaNews April 25, 2024
By NATHANIEL CLINE,
Virginia Mercury
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday new rules that will put refunds quickly back into air travelers’ pockets for canceled or delayed flights.
The agency estimated that the new regulations will save consumers over a half billion dollars every year in airline fees.
Under the new rules, which will go into effect beginning in late October, airlines must issue full refunds including imposed taxes and fees within seven business days for credit card purchases, and within three weeks for other payment methods.
Virginia has nine major airports commonly used by consumers including Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Richmond International Airport.
VaNews April 25, 2024
By TREVOR METCALFE,
Virginian-Pilot
(Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)
Thousands of containers, dozens of construction vehicles and tons of coal are moving through Hampton Roads terminals as the port helps Baltimore with diverted shipments due to a recent bridge collapse. “To me, it’s an example of how our industry needs to be nimble and responsive to the situation at hand,” said David White, executive director of the Virginia Maritime Association. ... The Port of Virginia’s state-run terminals could process anywhere from 18,000 to 20,000 rerouted containers this month, Virginia Port Authority spokesperson Joe Harris said.
VaNews April 25, 2024
By BILL ATKINSON,
Progress Index
(Metered paywall - 10 articles a month)
City Council unanimously chose a familiar face as its preferred casino vendor Wednesday night, but the choice took a back seat to what happened once the special meeting was adjourned. Instead of sticking around to talk about the economic potential of that decision or the next steps in the process of pushing the idea to Petersburg’s voters, councilors quickly dashed to their cars in the Petersburg Public Library parking lot. Some of them declined to comment while others walked stone-faced without saying a word as they approached reporters waiting outside for reaction.
VaNews April 25, 2024
By DAVE RESS,
Richmond Times-Dispatch
(Metered Paywall - 7 articles a month)
Gov. Glenn Youngkin is headed to Europe next week on his third international trade mission. He is scheduled to meet with President Alexander Stubb of Finland as well as with business executives, trade associations and officials there and in Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Zurich, Switzerland. … The aim is to further strengthen Virginia’s economic and cultural connections, which already include the 119 German firms operating here, 30 from Switzerland, 13 from Denmark, and eight from Finland.
VaNews April 25, 2024
By LISA ROWAN,
Cardinal News
The New College Institute in Martinsville appears to be starting a mediation process with its estranged philanthropic arm, but the details remain unclear.
In a meeting Wednesday, the state-run higher education center’s executive committee voted to name board vice chair Richard Hall as sole spokesperson for the board in mediation with its foundation.
Adam Kane from the state attorney general’s office attended the meeting, including the closed session that preceded the vote. The office serves as legal counsel for NCI.
VaNews April 25, 2024
By CHER MUZYK,
Prince William Times
The race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District is shaping up to be very competitive — and very expensive.
In the Democratic primary race, retired Army Col. Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, 48, of Woodbridge, has a solid financial edge, raising more money than all the Republican and Democratic candidates in both primary races combined — by far.
Since launching his campaign late last year, Vindman has raised nearly $3.8 million. That’s more than four times the amount raised by his Democratic rivals, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
VaNews April 25, 2024
Associated Press
Glenn Youngkin will visit Germany, Denmark, Finland and Switzerland next week for his third international trade mission as Virginia governor.
Youngkin, a Republican, will meet with Finland’s president, government officials, strategic business associations, company executives and global industry leaders “to further strengthen Virginia’s economic and cultural connections,” his press office said Wednesday as it announced his itinerary.
VaNews April 25, 2024
