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Last city approves sale of Hampton Roads Regional Jail to Portsmouth
Hampton City Council unanimously approved selling the Hampton Roads Regional Jail to Portsmouth Wednesday. It was the final of the five member cities to sign off on the deal. Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News and Portsmouth approved the sale a week prior. Hampton will receive about $8 million of the $31.5 million sale. City officials plan on using that sum to buy into the Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk at a cost of $5.7 million. That facility has already been housing Hampton inmates amid its downtown jail renovations.
Biden administration retreats, allows Knights of Columbus to hold Memorial Day Mass
A local Knights of Columbus council will once again be able to hold its Memorial Day Mass at Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia, after an about-face by the National Park Service. The First Liberty Institute said Thursday that the Petersburg National Battlefield has granted a permit for the Knights of Columbus Council 694 to hold its annual service, a tradition that dates back at least 60 years, after previously rejecting the group’s request.
Facial recognition takes off at Richmond airport
All of Richmond Airport’s security checkpoints now have facial recognition technology as part of a TSA program slated for over 400 airports nationwide. It’s designed to boost security and in some cases, speed things up — which might help as airports brace for a record-breaking travel season this summer. Facial recognition tech is already a part of a pilot TSAPreCheck program in which participating travelers can go through security without presenting physical IDs or boarding passes.
Sen. Tim Kaine says he still has concerns about Mountain Valley Pipeline
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine says he hopes government agencies ensure the Mountain Valley Pipeline is safe before granting authorization to begin running gas. On a call with reporters Thursday, Kaine said he’s frustrated Congress fast-tracked MVP last summer. “Congress choosing to weigh in on this one, I think was a big, big mistake,” Kaine said. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin inserted a section into the Fiscal Responsibility Act which put MVP on the fast track to completion, and ordered agencies to grant approval.
A dozen Dems seek a chance to run for Rep. Wexton’s seat
In 2018, Jennifer Wexton was a state senator from Loudoun County when she unseated Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-10th, as a trio of Virginia elections sent three Democratic women to Congress and flipped the Republican majority in Virginia's congressional delegation. But before Wexton defeated Comstock by 12 percentage points, she won a six-way Democratic primary that included Dan Helmer, who finished a distant fourth. Helmer won a seat in the House of Delegates the next year in the third successive Democratic electoral wave during the term of then-President Donald Trump.
With a year in the books, Danville’s casino prepares for 2024 opening of full resort
When the temporary Danville Casino opened its doors a year ago, the city was introduced to an entirely new industry. Over the last 12 months more table games and slots have been added, investment levels have increased, partnerships have been formed with local organizations, and most obviously, significant progress has been made on construction of the permanent resort. The structure of the permanent casino’s hotel tower has been built, complete with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. And steel framing is going up for the anticipated restaurants, meeting space and gaming floor.
Youngkin signs overdose prevention, Xylazine penalty bills at Abingdon High School
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin was joined by Abingdon High School students Thursday as he signed three bills related to overdose prevention and drug education. Youngkin was joined on stage by students as he signed SB 614, SB 726 and SB 725. SB 614 combats the manufacturing of Xylazine, and SB 726 requires Virginia school boards to create policies and procedures for opioid overdose prevention and treatment in schools. … SB 614 combats the manufacturing of Xylazine by allowing law enforcement to charge dealers with a Class 5 felony.
Nexus Services Inc. continues to be bludgeoned by courts, accused of playing ‘shell game’
The hits just keep on coming for Nexus Services Inc. as the company continues to be bludgeoned by the courts. Last week, a federal judge ordered the former Verona company be placed into receivership in an ongoing six-year legal battle with an Illinois Insurance company, forcing Nexus to finally open up its books in an effort to scrutinize its finances. In another gut punch, a United States Supreme Court decision last week could deeply impact a recent federal lawsuit where Nexus and its defendants were ordered to pay hundreds of millions of dollars.
Va. Attorney General Miyares challenging heavy truck emissions rule and other federal proposals
Joining 23 conservative-led states’ efforts, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has signed on to legal challenges to new federal rules designed to advance emission reductions and address what scientists say is causing extreme weather events. Miyares has challenged several rules, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations for tractor trailer and passenger vehicle tailpipes, power plants and meat and poultry processors.
How Much Traffic Will the Stafford Buc-ees Generate?
Both the Virginia Department of Transportation and an independent transportation planning firm have raised concerns with Stafford County staff about how construction of a 74,000-square-foot Buc-ees travel center will affect traffic in the area of Courthouse Road in Stafford. The Texas-based chain has submitted an application for a conditional use permit to build a store and fueling stations at the intersection of Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive in the Garrisonville district.