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Youngkin holds event in Richmond on National Fentanyl Awareness Day
Preliminary data from the Virginia Department of Health shows more than 1,900 Virginians died from fentanyl overdoses in 2023. That’s why Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin held an event at City Stadium in Richmond on May 7, which is National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
Loudoun Supervisors Ratify County’s First Collective Bargaining Agreement with Firefighters
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday ratified a tentative collective bargaining agreement between the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3756 and the county government. The 8-0-1 vote of approval came nine days after the agreement was ratified by union members.
Russell County votes to close 2 schools to afford raises for teachers
Russell County School Board members said they voted Tuesday night to close two small elementary schools because they felt it came down to a difficult choice between keeping the buildings open or giving teachers much-needed raises. The school system’s teacher salaries are the lowest in this region and at or near the bottom across the state. Over two years, the system has lost 51 teachers to other school systems that pay more, according to Superintendent Kimberly Hooker. As a cost-savings move, she recommended the closings of Swords Creek and Copper Creek elementary schools after this school year.
Labor protections worth delay of Arlington Career Center construction, unions and lawmakers say
Arlington unions and state representatives are doubling down on calls for more labor protections in the construction of the new Arlington Career Center. A $132 million construction contract is up for consideration at an Arlington School Board meeting on Thursday. At least a year of delays would likely result if the School Board seeks a prevailing wage agreement for the project, guaranteeing that workers get paid wages comparable to market rates, Arlington Public Schools staff said at a meeting last month.
Dominion: Nuclear plant upgrades on budget and schedule
Dominion Energy‘s push to extend the life of its two half-century old nuclear power stations is on target with its $1.2 billion phase 1 budget and schedule, although one critical step, replacing the giant heat exchangers around each reactor, has been more complicated than first thought. The aim is to extend the life of its Surry and North Anna power stations, in Surry County and Louisa counties respectively, for another three decades.
UAE plans diplomatic compound in McLean after paying $55M for 3 lots
The United Arab Emirates paid a staggering $55 million for 18 acres overlooking the Potomac River in McLean, where the government now plans to build three diplomatic residences and a nearly 11,500-square-foot “exercise structure.” The UAE acquired 1019, 1049 and 1079 Crest Lane in September 2022 in a single off-market transaction that was never recorded with the area’s listing service, but does appear in public records.
Loudoun Schools to Launch New Pathways Lab with George Mason, NOVA
George Mason University is partnering with Loudoun County Public Schools and the Northern Virginia Community College to launch a lab school to increase help for at-risk students as they transition from high school to college and on to high-demand careers. The Accelerated College and Employability Skills Academy, to be known as ACCESS, will be inside some Loudoun high schools with funding provided by the Virginia Board of Education. Chief Academic Officer Ashely Ellis said the partnership happened quickly, with GMU reaching out to the division about partnering with them.
As new Roanoke recovery house opens, advocates say many more are needed
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has flooded the United States and driven a surge in deadly drug overdoses. It’s also ballooned the demand for treatment and recovery services. Roanoke marked National Fentanyl Awareness Day Tuesday by dedicating a new recovery house. Before organizers and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin cut the ribbon on the Four Truths Recovery house on Staunton Avenue they laid out the troubling facts—Roanoke has one of the highest fatal overdose rates in the state, according to the Virginia Department of Health. And a recent study found the region needs more than 900 recovery program beds.
Chesterfield County Jail first institution to implement new device aiding opioid recovery
The Chesterfield County Jail has become the first institution in the nation to adopt a new FDA-approved device aimed at alleviating withdrawal symptoms among inmates struggling with opioid addiction. The Masimo Bridge device utilizes neuromodulation technology to significantly reduce the discomfort associated with drug withdrawal. The device sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the brain that contribute to withdrawal symptoms.
From VPAP Early Voting in June Primaries
VPAP has updated its early voting dashboard to include ballots for the June 18th primaries. Republican primaries are occurring for the U.S. Senate and three U.S. House districts. Toggle to see the Democratic primaries for six U.S. House districts, or choose a locality for more details.