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By ERIC KOLENICH,
Richmond Times-Dispatch
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The city of Richmond’s plan to build a new minor-league baseball stadium has gained a groundswell of support from more than just baseball fans. The plan has found favor with union workers.
The Diamond District project calls for the developers to hire a minimum number of union workers, small businesses and minority-owned businesses to build the $110 million stadium, the infrastructure and the development around it.
VaNews April 29, 2024
By DAVE RESS,
Richmond Times-Dispatch
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Google plans a $1 billion investment in Northern Virginia data centers, and in welcoming the move, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said it underscores the need for his “all of the above” energy plan, citing a controversial proposal for a gas-fired power plant in Chesterfield County as an example. Google’s investment will include expanding its two Loudoun County data centers and building a third facility in Prince William County, said Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Google and its parent firm Alphabet.
VaNews April 29, 2024
By TREVOR METCALFE,
Virginian-Pilot
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A movie musical based on Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams’ childhood could earn more than $12 million in state incentives to film in Richmond and Hampton Roads, according to state film office documents obtained by The Virginian-Pilot. In return, the film’s production could bring a total estimated statewide economic impact of about $84 million, Virginia Film Office Director Andy Edmunds said. The production will be based in Richmond with some photography in Virginia Beach, according to the project’s application for the incentives.
VaNews April 29, 2024
By MICHAEL MARTZ,
Richmond Times-Dispatch
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Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney may have spared Virginia Democrats a costly primary fight, but his quick exit from the governor's race raises the temperature in the escalating competition for the lieutenant governor's nomination next year. Stoney's departure clears the field for Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, who had raised too much money and developed too high a political profile for the two-term mayor to overcome, even 14 months before a party primary that would have forced him to defeat the three-term congresswoman in a likely one-on-one matchup.
VaNews April 29, 2024
By JACOB KERR,
WTOP
Metro fares will soon be going up as part of the $4.8 billion budget approved Thursday by the WMATA Board of Directors.
This budget, which goes into effect July 1, avoids drastic service cuts the transit agency proposed in December when it said it faced a $750 million deficit. But to help bring in more revenue, fares will increase by 12.5%. That means the base fare will go up from $2 to $2.25, while the maximum fare jumps up from $6 to $6.75. Metro Access fares will also rise to $4.50.
VaNews April 29, 2024
By JAHD KHALIL,
VPM News
Two bills passed by the General Assembly this year will affect the commonwealth’s relationship with Native American tribes, after yearslong policy delays.
As a result of the legislation, Virginia will consult with federally-recognized tribes on projects with environmental, cultural or historical impact, after the General Assembly accepted amendments from Gov. Glenn Youngkin on legislation. State lawmakers will also have more time to explore how to update Virginia law in light of federal recognition.
VaNews April 26, 2024
By SEAN JONES,
Richmond Times-Dispatch
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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.
VaNews April 26, 2024
By STACY PARKER,
Virginian-Pilot
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Bruce Smith rolled the dice — and won. The pro football Hall of Famer and Virginia Beach developer was selected with partner The Cordish Companies to build a casino in Petersburg. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” Smith said by phone Thursday afternoon. “I’m so excited about this opportunity.” Petersburg residents will still have to vote on whether to allow gaming through a referendum on the November ballot. If approved, the casino project will be the largest economic development and tourism project in Petersburg history.
VaNews April 26, 2024
By DEAN MIRSHAHI,
WRIC-TV
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia sent a letter to the head of the state’s corrections department demanding that the agency apply a recent court decision ordering a man’s release from prison to others with similar cases so they might be let out too.
The Supreme Court of Virginia ordered the release of Jose Garcia Vasquez, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and a count of criminal gang participation, siding with him over the state in finding that the Department of Corrections wrongfully denied him earned sentence credits to be released early.
VaNews April 26, 2024
By NOUR HABIB,
Virginian-Pilot
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Some Hampton Roads school divisions will scale back virtual programs next school year because of declining enrollment, limited funding and options they believe are better for students. When the pandemic hit four years ago, schools across the country were thrown into virtual learning. The concept was not new, though: Several area schools had outside vendors offering courses. But the learning landscape changed in the aftermath. Most students and teachers happily returned to in-person learning, while some preferred online.
VaNews April 26, 2024
