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Metro’s board approves budget, averts big service cuts
Metro’s Board of Directors approved a budget Thursday that will enable the agency to close its deficit for the next fiscal year and avert service cuts that would have been disastrous to the region. That’s due to a $463 million combined contribution from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Those funds are in addition to annual subsidies the jurisdictions are already legislatively required to contribute.
More lab schools approved, but not without some controversy
Governor Glenn Youngkin is still looking to spend $100 million on new lab schools across Virginia, and a handful of applications were approved Thursday. But there were concerns about the viability of at least one of the programs. Lab schools were authorized by the legislature in 2022. They aim to partner with colleges to provide real world experience to students so they can enter the job field more quickly upon graduation. And while the spirit of the program is supported by many, the funding— directly from the state and given to public and private colleges— has been a source of budget fights.
Girl Scout who created banned book nooks thanks Hanover for ‘censored’ Gold Award
The Girl Scout who created “book nooks,” little libraries carrying the titles that were removed from Hanover County Public Schools over the past year, spoke to the County Board of Supervisors this week. Kate Lindley said that supervisors had “bestowed” an honor upon her greater than any proclamation when it “censored” a proclamation for her winning a Girl Scout Gold Award. A supervisor during the meeting Wednesday told the crowd supporting Lindley that proclamations are ultimately issued by the board and while requests can be made, board members have the right to vote on the wording for an award.
Va. Beach dredging project promises big economic boost
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, along with state and local officials, broke ground on a major dredging project Thursday morning that is expected to boost the region’s economy while replenishing resort beaches. They celebrated the start of phase two of the Atlantic Ocean Channel deepening project, a part of the wider, deeper, safer dredging project which will deepen the Norfolk Harbor to an average of 55 feet. Virginia Beach Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson highlighted the significance, saying the project will bring billions to our economy.
Hampton, Newport News take aim at climate change and wealth inequality
With help from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Hampton and Newport News are embarking on an ambitious strategy to use newly available federal funds to tackle the related problems of climate change and wealth inequality. The neighboring Peninsula communities are the only two in Virginia among 25 cities nationwide selected for the $200 million Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative. The initiative, to last three years, aims to help cities make the most of federal funds to develop projects that combat climate change, increase resilience and improve economic conditions in disadvantaged neighborhoods ...
2 more lab schools will open in Southwest Virginia after latest round of state approvals
Six new college partnership lab schools have been approved to launch in Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office announced Thursday, including two in Southwest Virginia. The six schools, each sponsored by a higher education institution, aim to provide new learning opportunities for students around the commonwealth. “These schools are establishing innovative pathways for students to explore potential careers and be better prepared for the future, with a specific focus on addressing the needs and demands of their regions,” Youngkin said in a statement Thursday. “These Lab Schools are not just shaping the future of our students, they’re also shaping the future of Virginia.”
VPAP Visual 2024 Conflict of Interest Disclosures
General Assembly members are required each year to disclose personal financial holdings that could create a potential conflict of interest with their public duties. VPAP has created a quick, convenient way to access these documents, which include salaries paid, board seats held, debts, securities holdings and business interests.