Virginia Archives - Page 14 of 24

Published October 18, 2023 at 2:18PM

Press release: “[Eileen Filler-Corn, a Democrat] Virginia’s first woman and first Jewish person to serve as Speaker of the House of Delegates today made the following statement announcing her intentions to run in Virginia’s open 10th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Jennifer Wexton.”

“First and foremost, I was truly devastated to learn of my friend Jennifer Wexton’s recent diagnosis. Jennifer has served Virginia selflessly both in Richmond and Washington. She is an incredible person and a stalwart representative for her constituents. Her work is improving the lives of so many in our commonwealth and our country. Bob and I are continuing to pray for her and her family.

U.S. Postal Service won’t charge extra for Christmas delivery

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 20, 2023 at 8:33AM

Photo by Joe Han on Unsplash

U.S. Postal Service: “The Postal Service also announced it will not levy any additional surcharges for customers this holiday season, offering increased predictability in pricing for customers. There will be no additional fees for residential area delivery, for Saturday delivery or for minimum volumes. USPS will continue to be the most affordable way to mail and ship this holiday season.”

“Key Investments Ahead of 2023 Peak Season…Specifically, key Delivering for America investments in the Postal Service’s workforce, package processing, and delivery operations ahead of the 2023 peak holiday season include:”

139th generation of new state troopers graduation

By Amelia Breeden

Published September 20, 2023 at 8:18AM

Press Release: “On Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, the Commonwealth graduated its 139th generation of Virginia State Troopers. The 31 new state troopers were presented their diplomas during commencement exercises at the State Police Training Academy in Chesterfield County. ”

“The new troopers have received more than 1,300 hours of classroom and field instruction in more than 100 different subjects, including de-escalation techniques, strategies to assist people in mental health crisis, ethics and leadership, fair and impartial policing, constitutional law, emergency medical trauma care, and public and community relations. The members of the 139th Basic Session began their 28 weeks of academic, physical and practical training at the Academy Feb. 27, 2023.”

Traffic

VDOT lifts lane closures to ease Labor Day travel

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:49AM

Drivers see purple signs ahead of E-ZPass Express Lanes entrances. [Photo: VDOT]

“While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Weekly Lane Closures and Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.”

“Additionally, VDOT offers several resources to help plan travel ahead of time. VDOT’s online, interactive travel trends map shows peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the upcoming Labor Day holiday period. While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists avoid travel when roads have historically been busiest.”

Virginia Mortgage Relief Program to close applications

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 3, 2023 at 9:31AM

Virginia Housing: “Today, the Virginia Mortgage Relief Program (VMRP), administered by Virginia Housing, announced that the program is closing to new applicants effective October 1, 2023.”

“The Commonwealth’s federal funding is limited, but VMRP will continue to operate until the program reaches full disbursement of the funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act and the U.S Department of Treasury.”

Gas prices up 15 cents in last week, 30 cents in a month

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 2, 2023 at 6:26AM

Photo: Erik McLean, Unsplash

The Center Square: “Virginia’s price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline has risen nearly 30 cents in a month, half of that in just the last week. The American Automobile Association’s daily tracking put the state average at $3.59 on Monday, up from $3.42 a week ago and $3.30 a month ago.”

“The national average is $3.75, AAA says.”

Spanberger to ban airlines extra fees to seat families together

By Amelia Breeden

Published July 24, 2023 at 10:30AM

Spanberger

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger: “U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger is leading bipartisan legislation to make sure children can be seated next to their parents on flights for no extra fees.”

“Congress passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill in 2016. This law included language that required the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to establish a policy — if appropriate — requiring airlines to seat young children with their family members on flights without charging them additional fees. However, families across the country continue to be separated from their children during air travel.”

Traffic

I-66 Express Lanes one of largest rubblized concrete projects in U.S.

By Madina Habib

Published July 21, 2023 at 10:00AM

I-66 E-ZPass Express Lanes at Haymarket [Photo: I-66 Mobility Partners]

“The nation’s oldest transportation-related construction group recognized the innovative partnership between I-66 Express Mobility Partners, FAM Construction, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The announcement was made at ARTBA’s 35^th annual P3s In Transportation conference, held at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Washington, D.C.”

Schools

Virginia Department of Education ‘restores parental rights’

By Amelia Breeden

Published July 20, 2023 at 3:05PM

[Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

“The guidance, Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools, provides clearer input for school boards regarding the role of parents in decisions relating to their child’s gender identity, as well as restricting transgender students from participating in sex segregated extra-curricular activities that don’t align with their biological sex.”

“In addition, the new directive requires students to use bathrooms or locker rooms that correspond with their biological sex; while recognizing federal law may override such policy, it provides parents the right to opt their children out from using those facilities and must provide private, alternative facilities.”

New FBI headquarters delayed by GSA as Virginia, Maryland wait

By Amelia Breeden

Published July 19, 2023 at 8:24AM

The FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington serves as the agency’s national headquarters. [Photo: FBI]

“The U.S. General Services Administration said Friday it has updated the site selection plan for the new FBI headquarters site to increase the consideration of cost to taxpayers and to reflect the Biden administration’s commitment to sustainability and equity.”

“In its announcement on Friday, the GSA said it revised its site selection plan process for the new FBI headquarters after meeting with officials from Virginia and Maryland. The three final sites under review — in Greenbelt, Maryland, Landover, Maryland and Springfield, Virginia — were selected in 2014 by the GSA.”