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Ledger Mann, 9, Recognized as TIME's Kid of the Year for Autism Support Initiative

Ledger Mann, 9, Recognized as TIME's Kid of the Year for Autism Support Initiative

Ledger Mann, a 9-year-old from Dinwiddie County, Virginia, who has autism, has been named TIME's Kid of the Year. This recognition stems from his initiative to create 'LGM Bags,' clear bags designed to hold items that can calm a child with autism or any lost child. The idea for these bags originated after his father, a Prince George County police sergeant, responded to a call involving a lost autistic child. Ledger's personal experience with autism inspired him to develop a practical solution to help other children in similar distress. Initially, in February, approximately 50 of these bags were distributed to police, fire crews, paramedics, and hospitals. The program has since expanded significantly, with nearly 500 bags now in circulation across several states, demonstrating the widespread impact and need for such a resource.

Salvation Army Kroc Center Launches After-School Program in Norfolk to Provide Meals and Music Education

Salvation Army Kroc Center Launches After-School Program in Norfolk to Provide Meals and Music Education

The Salvation Army's Kroc Center in Norfolk, Virginia, has initiated the Heartstrings and Valves After School Program. This program aims to offer an affordable solution for children in the community, providing nutritious meals, homework assistance, and music instrument lessons. Josie Showers, Director at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, highlighted the significant community need for such services, particularly for children to have a safe and enriching environment after school hours. The program, made possible through federal funding and community partnerships, is open to children in first through sixth grade, with late registration options currently available. It is designed to bridge gaps in support for local children and families, addressing the challenges many face in securing nutritious meals and after-school care.

Local Zoning Regulations Evolve to Grant Communities Greater Say in Data Center Development

Local Zoning Regulations Evolve to Grant Communities Greater Say in Data Center Development

Local governments across the U.S. are increasingly using zoning regulations to gain more control over the development of data centers within their communities. This trend is highlighted by actions such as Loudoun County, Virginia, requiring a special exception and public hearing for new data centers, a significant shift in a region known for its data center boom. The Environmental Law Institute's Digital Economy & Environment Program (DEEP) and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy have studied these evolving local policy approaches. Zoning provides a formal mechanism for residents to voice concerns and influence decisions on where data centers are located and what conditions apply to their operation. The extent of local authority varies significantly by state, depending on whether a state follows Dillon's Rule or home rule, and the specifics of its zoning enabling act.

Criminals pay restitution. Why doesn't it reach victims? | Opinion

Criminals pay restitution. Why doesn't it reach victims? | Opinion

If governments can search databases to find a criminal's forgotten money, why can't they use the same determination to find the victim?

Roanoke Task Force Proposes Plan to Address Rising Homelessness Crisis

Roanoke Task Force Proposes Plan to Address Rising Homelessness Crisis

A task force in Roanoke, Virginia, has presented a plan to tackle the city's growing homelessness challenge, which has seen a 467% increase in unsheltered homelessness between 2019 and 2025. Roanoke City Public Schools identified over 700 individuals experiencing homelessness during the 2024-25 school year. The 'Hope and Home' task force report highlights a significant housing shortage, with approximately 5,000 fewer housing units than needed, and a 63% increase in fair-market rent for a one-bedroom apartment from 2019 to 2026. Recommendations include establishing a regional access hub for shelter and services, and a pilot small-home village for chronically homeless individuals, estimated to cost between $750,000 and $1 million. Lee Clark, CEO of the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, noted that while the area is 'resource rich,' it is 'connection poor' in terms of navigating available services.

Son of former CIA Director John Brennan arrested on child sexual abuse images charge

Son of former CIA Director John Brennan arrested on child sexual abuse images charge

The son of former CIA Director John Brennan is facing a federal charge related to child sexual abuse images, according to court papers unsealed Friday

Alaska Airlines Expands Seattle Network with Five New Nonstop Routes, Bolstering International Expansion Strategy

Alaska Airlines Expands Seattle Network with Five New Nonstop Routes, Bolstering International Expansion Strategy

Alaska Airlines Expands Seattle Network with Five New Nonstop Routes, Bolstering International Expansion Strategy

Rocket Lab Prepares for Milestone 100th Electron Rocket Launch, Setting New Industry Record

Rocket Lab Prepares for Milestone 100th Electron Rocket Launch, Setting New Industry Record

Rocket Lab Prepares for Milestone 100th Electron Rocket Launch, Setting New Industry Record

Washington Dulles International Airport Opens New Concourse E, Enhancing Passenger Experience

Washington Dulles International Airport Opens New Concourse E, Enhancing Passenger Experience

Washington Dulles International Airport has officially opened its new Concourse E, marking a significant upgrade in its infrastructure. This new concourse stands in stark contrast to the older, temporary C and D Concourses that United Airlines has utilized since the mid-1980s. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Concourse E featured United executives Andrew Nocella and Toby Enqvist, along with Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, and other elected officials. President Trump's Deputy Secretary for Transportation, Steven Bradbury, also spoke at the event. The new concourse is designed to be modern and efficient, offering improved passenger amenities and a more pleasant travel experience.

USPS Hosts Hiring Event in Fredericksburg for Mail Carrier and Logistics Roles

USPS Hosts Hiring Event in Fredericksburg for Mail Carrier and Logistics Roles

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is conducting a hiring event in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to recruit for mail carrier and logistics positions. The event, held at the Virginia Career Works – Fredericksburg Center, aims to fill multiple roles within the organization. USPS is offering competitive pay and federal benefits for these positions. Notably, no prior experience is required for applicants, as paid training will be provided to successful candidates. This initiative is part of USPS's ongoing efforts to staff its operations and ensure efficient mail and package delivery services. Interested individuals are encouraged to register for the event online or contact the Fredericksburg office for more information.

NIOSH Report Reveals Highest Black Lung Disease Rates in Central Appalachia Since 1978

NIOSH Report Reveals Highest Black Lung Disease Rates in Central Appalachia Since 1978

A recent report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicates a significant resurgence of black lung disease among coal miners in central Appalachia, encompassing Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. For miners with at least 25 years underground, the disease rate has reached 1 in 3, a level not seen since 1978. Miners with over 15 years of experience also show higher rates than reported since the 1980s. This data was highlighted in a joint investigation titled 'Coal’s Human Cost,' involving FRONTLINE, NPR, Public Health Watch, and the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom. The investigation builds on previous reporting and focuses on the increasing number of cases, the role of toxic silica dust, and the perceived failures of industry and government to address the issue. Reporter Howard Berkes, who has covered black lung for over a decade, noted that even younger miners are now being diagnosed, leading to severe health and financial challenges for them and their families.

U.S. Tin Supply from Congo Faces Geopolitical Risks Amidst Rwandan Influence

U.S. Tin Supply from Congo Faces Geopolitical Risks Amidst Rwandan Influence

The United States is set to restart large-scale tin refining in Henry County, Virginia, by 2027, marking the first time in decades such operations will occur on American soil. This initiative aims to secure a supply of up to 3,600 metric tons of tin annually from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg has lauded this as a significant achievement for U.S.-DRC strategic partnership and domestic job creation, with the tin destined for critical U.S. industries including circuit boards, automotive manufacturing, and defense systems. However, the primary source of this tin, Alphamin’s Bisie mine in North Kivu, DRC, is located in a region heavily influenced by Rwanda-backed M23 forces and their allies. Rwandan troops are reported to operate alongside these forces, maintaining control over Goma and surrounding areas. This geopolitical reality introduces significant supply chain risks, as Rwanda's President Paul Kagame's proxies control the strategic territory around the mine...