Today’s Topics
Elections
Your voting history could end up in the neighbor’s mailbox | The Virginia Pilot
Hundreds of thousands of Virginians will discover this week, perhaps to their surprise, that someone is tracking their voting records.
16 Va. localities fail to meet absentee-ballot deadline | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
Despite court prodding and changes in state election laws, 16 Virginia localities have failed to meet a deadline to allow absentee ballots of military personnel serving overseas to be counted on time.
Education
SCHEV seeks $58.7 million more for student aid | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia will urge the General Assembly to appropriate an additional $58.7 million in undergraduate financial aid over the next two years to offset the decrease in state support that has resulted in higher tuition.
Students plan to appeal penalty for racist symbols | The Washington Post
Four of six Stonewall Jackson High School students accused of arranging pieces of sod into racist symbols will appeal the Prince William County school district’s recommended punishment at a disciplinary hearing Wednesday night, said Rae Roach, mother of two of the students.
Planning Commission endorses Places29 | The Daily Progress
After an investment of four years and $1.6 million, the Albemarle County Planning Commission voted 4-2 on Tuesday to endorse Places29, a master plan for future development and transportation projects along the U.S. 29 corridor north of Charlottesville.
Caching in on SOLs | The Roanoke Times
The clues are: Ice and snow cover 98 percent of it, it is used mostly for scientific research and it is home to seals, penguins and whales.
Crime
Alexandria gets $250K grant for anti-gang efforts | The Washington Post
Alexandria has received a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department to continue and expand anti-gang efforts in the community.
Energy
NOVEC gets $5M for upgrade | Inside Nova
Rep. Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly, D-11th, asked U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu for $5 million for the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, and got it.
Legal
Proposal to keep jurors anonymous withdrawn | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
A proposal under consideration by the Virginia Supreme Court to keep juries anonymous in all criminal trials has been withdrawn.
- Proposed jury secrecy rule revised | The Virginia Lawyers Weekly Blog
- Anonymous jurors, part IV | FOI Blog
Decision still pending in police termination case | The Star Exponent
A court ruling is still pending in the civil case of a former police officer seeking the right to appeal his termination.
New U.S. attorney plans to put focus on crime prevention | The Roanoke Times
The new top federal prosecutor for Western Virginia said Tuesday that his goals include working to prevent crime before the perpetrators reach the district’s courtrooms.
New head prosecutor hopes to keep his hand in | The Virginia Lawyers Weekly Blog
The newly sworn U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia says he hopes to still handle a few cases, despite his administrative role as the top federal lawyer west of the Blue Ridge.
Slip-and-fall case decided by order | Virginia Lawyers Weekly Blog
The Supreme Court of Virginia probably thinks it has written enough on slip and fall cases that Garlick v. Safeway, Record No. 082469, doesn’t merit more than an unpublished order reinstating a case that had been dismissed on a motion to strike.
‘Right result, wrong reason’ ruling stands | Virginia Lawyers Weekly Blog
The Supreme Court of Virginia has revised Whitehead v. Commonwealth but hardly in a way that addresses concerns raised by the attorney general’s office.
Economy
Hampton Roads unemployment rate inches up to 6.7 percent | The Daily Press
Hampton Roads’ jobless rate inched up to 6.7 percent in September as high school and college students struggled to find after-school work, the Virginia Employment Commission said Wednesday.
Paper mill closure to cost region $27M | The Daily Press
ISLE OF WIGHT — The region is projected to lose an additional 2,400 jobs and $27 million in tax revenue when International Paper Corp. shuts down its operation in southern Isle of Wight County next spring.
International Paper’s 3Q profit soars on tax item | The Virginia Pilot
International Paper, the world’s biggest wood products company, said Wednesday that its third-quarter profit more than doubled as a huge federal tax credit more than offset falling sales of cardboard box materials.
Crime
Marine gets 8 years for $10 Richmond robberies | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
A U.S. Marine corporal will spend eight years in prison for his role in two robberies that netted $10.
Transportation
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has told a Richmond woman it’s taking her land, but she says the department refuses to pay her what it’s worth.
Va. transportation secretary in Chesapeake discussing projects | The Virginia Pilot
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer will be in town today to discuss three improvement projects.
Stimulus funds come through for bridge work | SWVA Today
Two bridges carrying motorists across Bear Creek on Route 617, or Flowing Springs Road, and Route 622, or Bear Creek Road, are among the five in Smyth County set for repairs paid for with stimulus dollars.
Health
Three school divisions suspend clinics for swine flu vaccine | The Virginia Pilot
Several cities have suspended school-based clinics for the swine flu vaccine this week because they have run out of the vaccine and are awaiting more doses.
Local
Council hears less-expensive courts options | The Freelance Star
A new plan for court space in Fredericksburg would cost more than $15 million less than the plan City Council members were looking at this time last year.
Controversial dredging study gets go-ahead | The Daily Progress
A controversial dredging feasibility study for the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir will go forward.
Beach council renews city manager’s contract | The Virginia Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH The City Council voted 9-1 on Tuesday to renew City Manager Jim Spore’s contract for two more years.
Ex-Augusta County IT head Vernier indicted | The News Leader
VERONA — The grand jury directly indicted the former Augusta County information technology director Monday after county property was reportedly found inside his home, according to information provided by the sheriff’s office.
Groups sue to block changes at Chesapeake training center | The Virginia Pilot
Two advocacy groups for the disabled filed suit this week asking the court to stop the state’s plan to rebuild Southeastern Virginia Training Center in Chesapeake.
Newport News City Council considers capital spending plan and retirement savings | The Daily Press
The City Council considered ways to spend and to save money during Tuesday’s work session at City Hall.
Poquoson manager fears toughest budget cycle yet could be coming | The Daily Press
POQUOSON – Despite growing indications that the economic recession may be easing, Poquoson’s city manager has suggested a “train wreck analogy” may be apt in describing his concerns over the next fiscal year’s budget.
Roanoke Valley turns a page on library systems | The Roanoke Times
Tuesday marked a new chapter for the Roanoke Valley’s libraries.
Belmont Baptist gets $25,000 to provide poor with laundry services | The Daily Progress
An infusion of grant money is allowing one local church to let the area’s neediest residents come in for a visit and leave with batches of freshly cleaned clothes.
- The Most Progressive Budget in Virginia’s History - December 21, 2019
- When is a Clean Water Act Permit Needed? - December 21, 2019
- Should U.S. Consider Modern Monetary Theory to Improve Economy? - December 21, 2019