Author: Markus Schmidt
Federal judge effectively blocks new state law limiting Virginia’s cooperation with ICE
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Virginia from enforcing most provisions of a new law restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, allowing existing partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement to continue while the legal challenge plays out. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Robert Payne in
Cumberland panel backs Dominion gas plant
(The Center Square) – Dominion Energy’s proposed 3,000-megawatt power plant moved a step closer to local approval Monday after Cumberland County planning commissioners backed the project. The Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for the Cumberland Energy Center and voted 6-0 to find the project substantially in accord with…
A summer of recalls exposes holes in the nation’s food safety net
Jalapenos. Frozen berries. Beef. Alfalfa sprouts. A summer of food recalls, including the record-shattering cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce that has sickened thousands, has raised many Americans’ fears of contracting a foodborne illness. The recalls have focused attention on the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding and staff at
Inside Virginia’s city halls, concerns, confusion rise with Flock surveillance protests
By Kunle Falayi/Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO A Williamsburg resident in March asked the police department at the College of William & Mary how data collected by the school’s Flock Safety surveillance system is shared. Police Chief Don Butler asked Flock for the answer, according to records obtained
Virginia education board updates graduation requirements, expands course options for students
The Virginia Board of Education has approved updates to its list of approved courses, clarifying expanded graduation requirements for schools. The measure spells out graduation rules that schools must understand and follow, building on legislative efforts to expand how students can earn a standard or advanced studies diploma by meeting
Education leaders react to $17B Meta settlement
(The Center Square) – Education leaders and lawmakers are weighing in after a bipartisan coalition of 47 state attorneys general announced a $17 billion settlement with Meta Platforms Inc., over allegations that the company harmed children and teens through its social media platforms. The lawsuit was filed in 2023. The state attorneys general argued that…
Amazon’s drone delivery is coming to Richmond and more Virginia headlines
• “Amazon’s drone delivery is coming to Richmond. Here’s what to know.” — Richmond Times-Dispatch • “What’s at stake in Virginia elections, including a key Senate race.” — Staunton News Leader • “Virginia Tech gears up to fight enemy drones.” — Cardinal News • “5 Loudoun County hikers among hundreds
Virginia panel moves toward self-driving vehicle rule
(The Center Square) – Virginia is moving closer to setting rules for commercial self-driving vehicles after a work group wrapped up its final meeting Friday. Members of the Autonomous Driving Work Group agreed to move forward with draft legislation for the 2027 General Assembly session after two years and two administrations. The group has been…
Virginia targets grid costs holding up public solar projects
(The Center Square) – Virginia is launching a new grant program aimed at helping local governments and school divisions cover grid connection costs that can delay or derail public solar projects. Lawmakers set aside $2 million for the Solar Interconnection Grant Program, which opened for applications Monday through the Virginia Department of Energy. The program…
The Appalachian memoir author running as a Democratic contrast to JD Vance and more headlines
• “This Appalachian memoir author is running as a Democratic contrast to JD Vance.” — The Washington Post • “Residents gathered in Norfolk Saturday to voice concerns about the growing use of surveillance technology.” — 13 News Now • “Virginia removes three Confederate memorials.” — The Associated Press • “Adoptee
