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Virginia's distracted-driving crackdown is coming to DC-area commuters

Virginia's distracted-driving crackdown is coming to DC-area commuters

Virginia's distracted-driving rules apply to all drivers, including DC-area commuters. Here's what drivers need to know about restrictions and fines.

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.

Blacksburg Man Arrested at Augusta Health Following Stalking Report and Outstanding Warrants

Blacksburg Man Arrested at Augusta Health Following Stalking Report and Outstanding Warrants

A man from the Blacksburg area was arrested on Friday after an interagency investigation into a report of a stalker at Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) received a call at 7:55 a.m. regarding a male allegedly stalking an individual inside the hospital. Due to the nature of the reported threat and information indicating the suspect had outstanding warrants, a significant law enforcement response was initiated. During the search, officers initially located a man inside the hospital matching the suspect's description, but he was later identified as a vendor with no connection to the incident. Augusta Health's campus and adjacent buildings were secured as a precaution. Investigators determined the suspect was from the Blacksburg area, and the ACSO coordinated with law enforcement authorities in Montgomery County to locate and apprehend him. The Staunton Police Department, Waynesboro Police Department, and Augusta Health personnel assisted in the investigation.

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

Wake Forest Women's Volleyball to Host Virginia and Virginia Tech This Weekend

Wake Forest Women's Volleyball to Host Virginia and Virginia Tech This Weekend

Wake Forest Women's Volleyball to Host Virginia and Virginia Tech This Weekend

Virginia Extends Little Wicomico River Shellfish Harvesting Ban Due to Persistent Salmonella Contamination

Virginia Extends Little Wicomico River Shellfish Harvesting Ban Due to Persistent Salmonella Contamination

Virginia has indefinitely closed the Little Wicomico River to shellfish harvesting after continued testing revealed Salmonella contamination in oysters. This formal shellfish area condemnation, effective November 8, follows an emergency closure. The recall specifically targets whole, in-shell oysters harvested by Little Wicomico Oyster Company (VA-1421-SP) from September 18 through October 8, 2026, from the Little Wicomico River or Little Wicomico River Lower, VA. While these recalled oysters are past their fresh shelf life, federal officials emphasize that freezing does not eliminate the Salmonella risk, making frozen oysters from these dates a significant concern, especially with the upcoming holiday season. The FDA has identified distribution to 16 states and Washington, D.C., including major markets like New York City, Chicago, and Dallas. As of October 30, the CDC reported 28 illnesses across 13 states, with five hospitalizations, linked to this outbreak. Investigations into the source of the Salmonel...

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.

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?

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.

Village at Leesburg Announces Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Celebration on November 14

Village at Leesburg Announces Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Celebration on November 14

Village at Leesburg Announces Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Celebration on November 14

Virginia Department of Health to Overhaul Oversight of Non-Skilled In-Home Care Services Following JLARC Report

Virginia Department of Health to Overhaul Oversight of Non-Skilled In-Home Care Services Following JLARC Report

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is implementing significant changes to its oversight of non-skilled home care organizations (HCOs) in response to a report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC). Dr. Cameron Webb, State Health Commissioner, stated that the VDH agrees with JLARC's central finding that the current system requires substantial improvement to ensure safe and high-quality care for Virginians. The VDH acknowledges issues such as lengthy delays in inspections and initial licensure, staffing and capacity constraints, and gaps in enforcement. To address these deficiencies, the VDH plans to restore timely oversight by organizing inspections into two regions—Northern Virginia and the rest of the state—to reduce travel and improve efficiency. They will also modernize initial licensure by separating application review from field inspections, strengthen enforcement and accountability through standardized procedures, and build sustainable operating capacity by requesting 18 ad...

Virginia Braces for Snow as Nor'easter Looms

Virginia Braces for Snow as Nor'easter Looms

A developing storm system along the East Coast could bring Virginia its first measurable snowfall of the season this weekend. However, forecasters have reduced snowfall estimates, indicating the storm is unlikely to deliver significant nor'easter impacts across the state. According to AccuWeather, the system will primarily track inland, limiting the potential for sustained coastal winds and flooding typically associated with nor'easters. Snowfall is expected to be concentrated in Virginia's higher elevations, with 1 to 2 inches forecasted in the Allegheny Mountains. The National Weather Service (NWS) has identified late Thursday night through Friday evening as the primary window for snow accumulation, with snow showers tapering off by Saturday. Additionally, the storm will usher in some of the coldest temperatures of the season, running 5 to 10 degrees below historical averages.