RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s cabinet officials are hitting the road as part of an annual effort to increase their visibility around the state. This year’s “Cabinet on the Road” takes place this week in the Hampton Roads area. The governor, his wife and several of his top aides will take part in various … Continue reading
Author Archives: johnniemaplesblog
Military officials: Budget gridlock could hurt sailors
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — Federal budget gridlock could negatively impact Navy personnel in the Hampton Roads region. The Daily Press in Newport News reports (http://bit.ly/2o7y54w) that Congress faces an April 28 deadline to approve new spending. Even if lawmakers agree to keep funding at 2016 levels, the military would still come up short. Military officials … Continue reading
Feds: 10 convictions so far after illegal gun and drug bust
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Authorities say they’ve netted 10 convictions of people arrested in a recent sweep of people who sell illegal guns or drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in eastern Virginia said in a statement Tuesday that the defendants are among more than 30 nabbed during Operation Riptide in Hampton Roads. Last fall’s sweep recovered … Continue reading
Fiat Chrysler opens parts distribution center in Winchester
WINCHESTER, Va. (AP) — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has opened a new parts distribution center in Winchester. An event marking the opening of the more than 400,000-square-foot Mopar Parts Distribution Center was held Tuesday. Mopar is Fiat Chrysler’s parts and accessories brand. FCA US says the facility adds more than 70 jobs over two shifts. The … Continue reading
New ODU glass art museum set to open in fall of 2018
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Old Dominion University says its new Barry Art Museum will open in the fall of 2018. The school said in a press release that the museum’s groundbreaking took place on Tuesday. The 24,000-square-fooot facility will primarily focus on the American glass art movement. It will display more than 100 pieces from … Continue reading
University of Virginia getting new solar-panel system
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The University of Virginia is getting its first large solar project. Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Tuesday that the school will put a 324-panel system at the school’s Clemons Library. The solar panels will produce enough energy to power about 15 homes. McAuliffe praised the school for pursuing a solar project. The … Continue reading
World War veterans honored in rolling museum in Newport News
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — A 36-foot military museum on wheels that is filled with artifacts from dozen of Virginians who served in both world wars will roll into Newport News. Daily Press reports (http://bit.ly/2oMO8mY) the display is part of an annual convention that will bring distinguished combat veterans to the town for a series … Continue reading
Sheriff’s office: 2 inmates hurt while trying to escape jail
BARHAMSVILLE, Va. (AP) — Authorities say two inmates were severely injured when they tried to break out of a Virginia jail. Media outlets report that the inmates are being treated at a hospital after they were cut by razor wire at Henrico Jail East on Tuesday night. The Henrico Sheriff’s Office said the two inmates … Continue reading
Virginia gov., who opposes death penalty, urged to spare man
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s Democratic governor is facing mounting pressure to halt next week’s scheduled execution of an inmate whose case has seen two witnesses recant, years after he was convicted of ordering his ex-girlfriend’s killing. Ivan Teleguz, 38, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection April 25 unless he’s granted clemency by Gov. … Continue reading
Officials promise to expand Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
HAMPTON, Va. (AP) — State transportation officials have reiterated their promise to expand the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. The Daily Press reports (http://bit.ly/2o30dq0) that officials met with more than 300 interested contractors and developers in Hampton on Monday. Virginia Department of Transportation commissioner Charlie Fitzpatrick said calls for proposals will be accepted next year. Contracts will … Continue reading
Official: Shots fired report on Navy base was false alarm
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A navy base in Virginia was briefly placed on lock down while officials investigated what appears to be a false report of shots fired. Kelly Wirfel is a spokeswoman for Naval Station Norfolk. She says the base was locked down around 1:55 p.m. on Tuesday after someone reported that they heard … Continue reading
Experts to discuss climate change’s impact on bay region
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Experts plan to discuss the impact of climate change on the Chesapeake Bay region. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation says it’s sponsoring an April 25 forum in Norfolk along with Old Dominion University. The discussion will focus on the environmental impact as well as lessons learned from flooding and sea level rise. … Continue reading
Man pleads guilty to trafficking illegally harvested eels
NORFOLK, Virginia (AP) — A New York seafood dealer has pleaded guilty to federal charges of trafficking more than $150,000 worth of baby eels. Federal prosecutors say Tommy Water Zhou, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of illegally selling or purchasing baby eels, called elvers, in interstate commerce after they had been illegally harvested … Continue reading
New Virginia Medicaid benefit aims to help addicts
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A new benefit in Virginia’s Medicaid program aims to help people with substance abuse disorders get treatment. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that (http://bit.ly/2oI8UTs) the state is increasing provider rates for things like substance use intensive outpatient and medication assisted treatment for opioid addicts. Provider rates are also going up for partial … Continue reading
McAuliffe praises solar job growth in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A new study has found Virginia’s solar job market grew 65 percent in 2016. The Solar Foundation’s report said Virginia is tied for ninth in country for fastest solar job growth last year and there were more than 3,200 solar jobs in the state last year. Gov. Terry McAuliffe praised the … Continue reading