Today’s Topics
Health
Swine flu may be peaking in Va. | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
State health officials say the H1N1 flu may be peaking in Virginia and could now start to decline.
Rates of flu in Va. twice that of previous seasons | The Virginia Pilot
Doctors tracking flu in Virginia are reporting rates at twice the level as a regular season, which could mean the state is in the thickest part of the battle.
After delay, PCs headed to health agency for swine-flu effort | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
Extra computers are headed to health offices as part of Virginia’s response to swine flu after the company providing IT services to the state initially resisted supplying the gear because it was uncertain it would be paid.
Technology
VITA accepts parts of Northrop Grumman fix | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
While acknowledging parts of a Northrop Grumman fix-it plan for the government’s troubled IT network could work, Virginia is not retreating from its claim that the giant company has violated its contract with the state.
Economy
Home sales drop 11.7 percent in the Richmond area | The Richmond Times-Dispatch
The housing market in Virginia, including the Richmond area, has steadily improved this year and prices are stabilizing in some areas — but not yet here, the Virginia Association of Realtors reported yesterday.
Nearly seven months after its grand opening, the central “main street” area of Westchester Commons in Chesterfield County remains empty with little hope of finding tenants anytime soon.
Businesses feel sting of paper mill closure | The Daily Press
ISLE OF WIGHT — The paper mill has been the bread and butter for generations of Darryl Butler’s family.
Education
‘Big Brother’ to continue watching Fairfax high school cafeterias | The Washington Post
Surveillance cameras installed to keep hungry high school students from stealing sandwiches and snacks will keep rolling for at least one more year, the Fairfax School Board voted Thursday night.
Weeks after vote, NSU president faces scrutiny | The Virginia Pilot
Seven weeks ago, Norfolk State University President Carolyn Meyers received a unanimous vote of confidence from the university’s Board of Visitors.
Environment
Kaine’s plan for Mill Mountain easement comes as a surprise | The Roanoke Times
Gov. Tim Kaine’s announcement Thursday that a conservation easement for Roanoke’s iconic Mill Mountain is imminent caught some of those who will be most deeply involved with the project by surprise.
Morning bells to ring for climate change event | The Daily Progress
Neighbors of St. Paul’s Memorial Episcopal Church will be hearing a lot of bell ringing Sunday morning as the church participates in a worldwide effort to bring attention to the climate change issue.
Elections
Deadline for mailed absentee ballots approaches | The Star Exponent
Virginia voters choosing to cast an absentee ballot by mail for the Nov. 3 election must submit their application by Tuesday.
Transportation
Group wants new route for high-speed rail | The Virginia Pilot
Before plans for bringing higher-speed trains to Hampton Roads get too far down the track, Future Hampton Roads members want political leaders to consider new routes.
James City advised not to sponsor search for new airport | The Daily Press
JAMES CITY – County staff has recommended that James City County supervisors not get into the aviation business.
Military
Army, Navy investigating deadly copter crash on ship | The Virginia Pilot
Military investigators are examining what caused an Army helicopter to crash into a Navy supply ship during a training exercise off the Virginia coast, killing one service member and injuring eight others.
Wittman to aid Marine landing | The Virginia Gazette
YORK — Momentum is building to shift 800 counter-terrorist Marines to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.
Legal
Court gets appeal on legal fees | The Daily Press
GLOUCESTER – The 40 citizens ordered by a judge to pay $2,000 apiece for trying to oust four county supervisors have appealed their sanctions to the Virginia Supreme Court.
Kaine’s decision in Carpitcher clemency petition rests on changing testimony | The Roanoke Times
Aleck J. Carpitcher may well serve the rest of his life in prison based on the shifting words of a young girl who first said he molested her, then maintained for years that he didn’t, and now says that he did.
Local
Law firm to help with tax collection | The News Leader
STAUNTON — City Council authorized a Virginia law firm Thursday to help with the city’s delinquent tax collection efforts.
Financial outlook for next year ‘not good’ | NV Daily
WINCHESTER — Frederick County’s financial future doesn’t look promising, officials said Friday.
D-Day memorial study moves to president in defense bill | The News & Advance
A bill authorizing the Department of the Interior to study the National D-Day Memorial’s potential to join the National Park Service now is headed to President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature.
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