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Loudoun parents, activists question need for SROs in elementary schools
Some parents and liberal groups have pushed back on a panel’s recommendation to place security guards or police officers at each of the county’s 61 public elementary schools. Several activist organizations, including the Loudoun Democratic Committee, endorsed a May 13 statement that said stationing police officers, known in this context as “school resource officers,” in schools does not make students safer.
SCC Hearing Examiner Recommends Denial of Greenway Toll Increases
State Corporation Commission Senior Hearing Examiner Michael Thomas on Wednesday released a report recommending denial of a rate increase submitted by Toll Road Investors Partnership II, the company that owns the Dulles Greenway. He ruled the increase in the maximum tolls charged to most drivers because it would “materially discourage use of the Greenway,” in violation of state law. The request, submitted in July of last year, is to increase rates to $8.10 during peak hours, up from the current $5.80; and to $6.40 during off-peak hours, up from $5.25. A hearing on the application was conducted in February, following a public comment period and public hearings.
Colonial Williamsburg archaeologist uncovers Revolutionary War barracks
A revolutionary discovery has been made at Colonial Williamsburg. Archaeologist have uncovered evidence of a Revolutionary War barracks on foundation property near the regional visitor center. According to 18th-century maps and other documents, a barracks was constructed in 1776-1777 to accommodate up to 2,000 soldiers and 100 horses. The barracks are believed to have been destroyed by fire in 1781 by General Cornwallis’ troops.
Yancey: In agreeing to debate, Biden and Trump cast aside a Virginia school
The presidential debate deal announced Wednesday may be good for the two candidates (they wouldn’t have agreed to it if it weren’t) — and might even be good for voters. It won’t be good for one Virginia school. Virginia State University had been picked by the Commission on Presidential Debates as a site for one of three presidential debates this fall. Instead, the campaigns of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump decided to bypass the commission and agree to two debates, each handled by a major television network. The Republican National Committee voted two years ago to withdraw its support for the debate commission, believing it was biased against the party’s candidates (even though one of the commission’s co-chairs is a former chair of the RNC). What’s new here is that the Democrats have now ditched the commission as well.
Racism, hate speech, harassment evident on baseball team, Virginia Beach school system says
The Kempsville High School boys varsity baseball team is forfeiting the rest of the season due to an investigation into allegations of racism, hate speech, and harassment, according to a message from the school’s principal.
For Luna Innovations, another delay in financial reporting
Luna Innovations Inc., already behind on 2023 financial reports, has reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission that it will not have its 2024 first quarter report ready any time soon. The Roanoke-based publicly traded technology company, which has parted ways with its chief executive officer and chief financial officer this year, had previously determined that its revenue recognition was irregular and that accounting errors affected its 2022 reports, as well.
Va. lawmakers react after Biden announces he won’t participate in debate at VSU
Last November, it was announced that Virginia State University would become the first historically black college and university (HBCU) to host a presidential debate. However, now just six months later, it appears the historic event won’t happen after all. That’s because President Joe Biden’s campaign announced Wednesday that he would not participate in debates hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates, including one scheduled to take place at Virginia State University on Oct. 1.
Craigsville granted $3.8 million by newly passed state budget
Craigsville’s infrastructure debt and incorporation woes are over. Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed Virginia’s 2024-2026 biennial budget just hours after it was passed by the General Assembly Monday. Craigsville has waited through the entire process, with residents and Mayor Richard Fox nervous about the town's incorporation and debt payments.
GOP senators push to use skill games to help pay for schools
A pair of Republican senators are looking ways to legalize electronic skill games and use the state revenues they generate to pay for school construction. Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, and Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, want to take advantage of the General Assembly remaining in session to act on potential revenue bills as a way to overcome a political roadblock from Gov. Glenn Youngkin. (The legislature did not adjourn after it passed the budget on Monday.)
Earned sentence credit expansions, new parole board operations to take effect this year
Eligible incarcerated people in Virginia will be able to further reduce their sentences through an earned sentence credit program beginning this July. While expansions to the program stemmed from a 2020 law, it had a delayed start date in 2022 that was later blocked by Gov. Glenn Youngkin through language in a previous state budget. A renewed attempt by the Youngkin administration to block the expansions this year did not make it through final negotiations in the budget that the governor and lawmakers agreed on this week.