Today’s Topics
Technology
Lawmakers warn against changes in VITA contract | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
Lawmakers are warning the state’s computer chief and Northrop Grumman against ramming through potentially pricey changes in a disputed contract ahead of a looming shakeup in Virginia’s information-technology bureaucracy.
First white space broadband deployment in small Virginia town | Ars Technica
The nation’s first wireless broadband network operating in unused TV channel “white spaces” is now live in an unlikely spot—Claudville, Virginia.
Transportation
Dulles Toll Road rate increases advance | The Washington Post
A proposal to increase rates on the Dulles Toll Road cleared another hurdle Wednesday.
Express bus to serve Tysons, Pr. William | The Washington Post
An express bus service between the Prince William area and Tysons Corner will begin next month as local and state transportation officials look to alleviate congestion during construction on the Capital Beltway.
Metro to test its bus emissions, cost effectiveness | The Washington Examiner
Metro will team with West Virginia University to settle once and for all which of its bus types, compressed natural gas, clean diesel or hybrid, runs cleaner and is more cost effective.
Toll lanes could come to many area highways | Inside Nova
AAA Mid-Atlantic is railing against a proposal that calls for the transformation of multiple lanes on the area’s major highways to toll lanes.
Interchange plans under review | The Daily Progress
Less than a month after the Virginia Department of Transportation unveiled its plans for the U.S. 29 corridor, a local solution to the traffic congestion at U.S. 29 and Hydraulic Road has resurfaced before planners in Albemarle County.
Regional group proposes road projects criteria | The Virginia Pilot
Regional leaders took a step closer to prioritizing transportation needs Wednesday when they agreed on a set of criteria to evaluate and rate several dozen projects.
Regional airport authority still possible | Tidewater News
FRANKLIN–Discussions about establishing a regional authority to operate Franklin’s airport started over a year ago and haven’t progressed much since then, but local officials say the idea is still on the table.
Crime
Jump in heroin use brings rise in prosecutions | The Washington Post
The crackdown on a surge of heroin use in Northern Virginia and across the state is intensifying, with a series of convictions and sentencings over the past month at federal courthouses in Alexandria and Richmond.
Education
What should Fairfax do about Jefferson grades? | The Washington Post
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has the highest SAT scores in the country and probably is the best high school in many other ways. But is it too good for the rules that govern the other high schools in Fairfax County?
Critics: Borrowing stimulus will lead to problems | The Virginia Pilot
The people who watch over school finances in South Hampton Roads don’t yet know how this year’s money troubles will affect education down the road. But they’re worried.
Virginia Tech sends warning to campus about YouTube threat | The Roanoke Times
Virginia Tech police, with help from Virginia State Police and the FBI, are investigating a case of “cyber graffiti” discovered late Wednesday night on the popular online video site YouTube.
Health
Flulike illnesses at Va. colleges show no pattern | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
At the Virginia Military Institute, where three to six cadets share rooms “so small they put their bunks up during the day so they can get around,” officials had expected roommates also would share the swine-flu virus.
Health officials work on priorities for swine flu vaccinations | The Virginia Pilot
The narrow pipeline of swine flu vaccine and the large number of people who want the shots created a conundrum this week for health care providers.
Sen. Webb calls for investigation of vets hospital | The Virginia Pilot
Sen. Jim Webb is asking the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to examine the quality of health care services being provided veterans at the Hampton VA Medical Center.
Economy
State business leaders defend free market at chamber forum | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
The free-enterprise system is under attack as government gets bigger and more intrusive, and the stakes never have been higher, speakers and panelists said yesterday at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce 2009 Conference on Virginia’s Future.
Legal
Lawsuit over Culpeper inmate’s death settled for $150,000 | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
CHARLOTTESVILLE — A former Culpeper County sheriff and three deputies have reached a $150,000 settlement with the family of a woman who died while incarcerated.
Kaine denies clemency for Carpitcher | The Roanoke Times
Gov. Tim Kaine has denied a clemency request from Aleck J. Carpitcher, who is serving a 38-year prison term for molesting a young girl who later recanted her testimony.
Military
Ship built with 9-11 steel due in Norfolk | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
NORFOLK — A Navy assault ship built with tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center is sailing to Virginia waters.
Local
Major roadblocks to ‘Fairfax City’ | The Washington Post
Fairfax County officials created a stir when they announced recently that they were considering changing to a city form of government for its 1 million citizens–an idea motivated almost entirely by frustration over their inability to improve roads in a sprawling suburb that now has several urban pockets.
Arlington Makes Grade in ‘Intelligent Communities’ Ranking | The Sun Gazette
Arlington has made the first cut in an international competition, being named one of the “Smart 21” finalist communities by the Intelligent Community Forum.
1,100 to lose jobs as Franklin paper mill closes | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
International Paper will close its paper mill and other operations in Franklin, putting 1,100 employees out of work.
Virginia Beach draws national conference for 2012 | The Virginia Pilot
A large national black organization has selected Virginia Beach for its annual conference in 2012, a decision organizers hailed as a major milestone in a city that historically has had trouble attracting minority groups.
SPSA spent $3.4 million for advice on how to save money | The Virginia Pilot
Not everyone is suffering from the financial meltdown at SPSA, the troubled garbage authority serving much of South Hampton Roads.
- The Most Progressive Budget in Virginia’s History - December 21, 2019
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- Should U.S. Consider Modern Monetary Theory to Improve Economy? - December 21, 2019