Activate Virginia
@activateva.bsky.social
📤 1154
📥 233
📝 2808
activatevirginia.org
"In a flagrant display of nepotism, Orange County supervisors Coleman, Marshall and Van Hoven all have relatives serving on county committees"
loading . . .
Supervisor Crystal Coleman joins Club Nepo
In a flagrant display of nepotism, Orange County supervisors Coleman, Marshall and Van Hoven all have relatives serving on county committees
https://byrdstreet.substack.com/p/supervisor-crystal-coleman-joins
about 13 hours ago
1
0
0
"Prince William County’s growing data center industry is attempting to migrate further east along the Va. 234 corridor... including one that could bring as many as four, 100-foot-tall buildings to the edge of Prince William Forest Park."
loading . . .
Developers pitch 4 data centers at the edge of Prince William Forest Park
Prince William County’s growing data center industry is attempting to migrate further east along the Va. 234 corridor with three proposed projects – including one that could bring as many as four, 100...
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/localnews/developers-pitch-4-data-centers-at-the-edge-of-prince-william-forest-park/article_f2d0c146-e6ba-4293-887a-553836b0f54a.html
1 day ago
1
5
4
"Despite the setback in Virginia, and the growing number of states redistricting in favor of Republicans, Coleman still forecasts Democrats gaining a majority in the House of Representatives."
loading . . .
Despite Virginia Supreme Court scrapping new map, Dems still favored to take the House - C-VILLE Weekly
In a 4-3 ruling, the Supreme Court of Virginia sided with the Tazewell County Circuit Court on May 8, tossing out voter-approved maps ahead of the 2026 midterm election. With the decision, Charlottesv...
https://c-ville.com/despite-virginia-supreme-court-scrapping-new-map-dems-still-favored-to-take-the-house/
1 day ago
0
6
1
"WHRO analyzed ICE arrest data obtained by The Deportation Data Project. The analysis showed that Hampton Roads saw 16 times more ICE arrests in 2025 than in 2024."
loading . . .
Hampton Roads saw 16 times more ICE arrests last year as dread ripples through the community
About three-quarters of those detained in the region last year had no prior criminal convictions.
https://www.whro.org/business-growth/2026-05-08/hampton-roads-saw-16-times-more-ice-arrests-last-year-as-dread-ripples-through-the-community#
1 day ago
0
4
4
"Substitute Judge Marcus Brinks, after ruling in Jones’ favor, awarded $40,000 in attorneys’ fees to Jones’ lawyers and to the special prosecutor, Colonial Heights Commonwealth’s Attorney Alfred Gray Collins III. The city is liable for those fees."
loading . . .
Judge dismisses case to remove Martinsville mayor from office
The civil recall petition was filed in January.
https://cardinalnews.org/2026/05/15/judge-dismisses-case-to-remove-martinsville-mayor-from-office/
1 day ago
0
0
1
"The most breathtaking cost, however, is the obscene sum — $83 million as of April 10, according to the Virginia Public Access Project — spent mostly by opaque dark-money groups electioneering for and against the ballot initiative."
loading . . .
The sheer waste of Virginia’s redistricting referendum staggers the conscience • Virginia Mercury
The costs — reflecting the desperately high stakes for partisan control of Congress in November’s federal midterm elections — are insane, columnist Bob Lewis writes.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/12/the-sheer-waste-of-virginias-redistricting-referendum-staggers-the-conscience/
1 day ago
0
5
0
reposted by
Activate Virginia
Matthew Gillikin
2 days ago
Beadsley’s public statements consistently land in a space triangulated by public relation training, pseudo intellectualism, and platitudes. No real substance, stance, or vision. Just a corporate higher ed live/laugh/love.
2
33
7
"But license plate readers aren’t the only tool Flock wants to deploy on our streets. Now, Roanoke is considering expanding its contract with Flock for a system of acoustic sensors that will record human voices."
loading . . .
Rasoul: Mass surveillance is bad for Roanoke
Just like cameras that track residents’ cars, microphones that constantly record sound are ripe for abuse.
https://cardinalnews.org/2026/05/13/rasoul-mass-surveillance-is-bad-for-roanoke/
3 days ago
1
12
10
"Experts believe the bodies were stolen from their graves in the mid-1800s, used by medical students as cadavers and then thrown out. Only in the past 15 years has VCU made an effort to treat the remains with greater dignity."
loading . . .
VCU plans $4M memorial for human remains discarded in well
Experts believe the bodies were stolen from their graves in the mid-1800s, used by medical students as cadavers and then thrown out.
https://richmond.com/news/local/education/higher-education/article_4d2fdb95-a27d-4e68-9c7f-8aa346b6cf9f.html#tracking-source=article-related-bottom
3 days ago
0
0
0
"Only a few employees were still on site when Charlottesville Tomorrow visited the Zamma Corporation facility on Litchfield Drive in Orange on March 11, 2026. Nine days earlier, the company abruptly let go of approximately 130 employees."
loading . . .
More than a month after Zamma Corporation's sudden closure, many former employees are still without jobs — or answers
The Orange-based vinyl and laminate molding plant shut down without warning on March 2, leaving workers struggling to adapt to the abrupt transition in a difficult job market.
https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/more-than-a-month-after-zamma-corporations-sudden-closure-many-former-employees-are-still-without-jobs-or-answers/
3 days ago
0
0
0
"This summer, many people with criminal convictions will be able to seal their records."
loading . . .
Virginia's new "clean slate" law to go into effect this summer
This summer, many people with criminal convictions will be able to seal their records.
https://www.wvtf.org/news/2026-05-11/virginias-new-clean-slate-law-to-go-into-effect-this-summer
3 days ago
0
2
1
"Kurt Detrick, the new incoming president of the union association, called the governor’s actions “an absolute betrayal” after the conversations and advocacy the association has been part of with other unions throughout the legislative session."
loading . . .
Spanberger vetoes bills allowing public employees to collectively bargain working conditions, wages • Virginia Mercury
The proposal, backed by the Virginia Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and various labor groups, would expand on a 2020 law that permits local government employees in Virginia to opt-in to...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/15/spanberger-vetoes-bills-allowing-public-employees-to-collectively-bargain-working-condition-wages/
3 days ago
0
0
0
“Why do you think they voted it in? Because they see those dollar signs,” said 14-year Hanover resident Kathy Sklarek, who lives just a quarter-of-a-mile from the proposed data center site.
loading . . .
‘The data centers are coming’ – but some Hanover and Henrico residents are fighting to stop them
Grassy roadsides in Hanover County are still littered with “Vote No” signs leftover from Virginia’s redistricting election. But little by little, those billboards are being replaced by smaller signs s...
https://www.henricocitizen.com/the-data-centers-are-coming-but-some-hanover-and-henrico-residents-are-fighting-to-stop-them/
3 days ago
0
0
0
Living for Coal, Dying for Breath
loading . . .
Living for Coal, Dying for Breath
As coal production in Southwest Virginia wins White House support, miner protections stall under the Trump Administration.
https://dataviz.whro.org/black-lung/index.html
3 days ago
0
2
2
"Anti-Flock advocates were not able to convince the Council to join other Virginia cities in prohibiting public money from being spent on the surveillance technology."
loading . . .
7 takeaways from Richmond’s FY27 budget process
The new budget — which avoids layoffs and major service cuts but has few major new initiatives or programs — will take effect July 1.
https://www.richmonder.org/7-takeaways-from-richmonds-fy27-budget-process/
3 days ago
0
3
0
"Columbia Gas of Virginia is asking state regulators for a revenue increase that would raise the average residential customer’s monthly bill by about $14 in two phases."
loading . . .
Columbia Gas seeks 2-part rate increase
The company wants to raise the average residential customer’s monthly bill by a total of about $14.
https://cardinalnews.org/2026/05/12/columbia-gas-seeks-2-part-rate-increase/
3 days ago
0
0
0
"Virginia has long been known for its high levels of imported landfilled trash and for the disproportionate location of many landfills in marginalized communities."
loading . . .
Methane, federalism and Earth's fragile moment: Va. must take legislative action on climate change • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Spanberger has until May 23 to approve or reject a bill that could help reduce landfill methane pollution.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/15/methane-federalism-and-earths-fragile-moment-va-must-take-legislative-action-on-climate-change/
3 days ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Activate Virginia
Blue Virginia
5 days ago
The VA AFL-CIO calls Gov. Spanberger's veto of collective bargaining legislation "a devastating betrayal," "shameful"; vows "this fight is not over" and "Virginia workers will not forget it."
bluevirginia.us/2026/05/va-g...
3
22
11
reposted by
Activate Virginia
Richmond Times-Dispatch
5 days ago
Authorities are planning to tranquilize and relocate a black bear found in Richmond's Oregon Hill neighborhood on Thursday morning.
loading . . .
Authorities plan to tranquilize, relocate bear found in Oregon Hill
Authorities are planning to tranquilize and relocate a black bear found in Richmond's Oregon Hill neighborhood on Thursday morning.
https://richmond.com/news/local/article_ed0d7ee6-4465-4485-b45a-e91f7cdb7c32.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky_
0
0
1
reposted by
Activate Virginia
WTVR CBS 6 News Richmond, Virginia
5 days ago
Virginia health officials declared a measles outbreak in Buckingham County, identifying 12 cases as of May 13, 2026.
loading . . .
Measles outbreak declared in Virginia's Buckingham County: 'Likely more measles cases'
Virginia health officials declared a measles outbreak in Buckingham County, identifying 12 cases as of May 13, 2026.
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/measles-outbreak-buckingham-county-virginia-may-14-2026
0
5
4
reposted by
Activate Virginia
The Virginian-Pilot
7 days ago
Deal reached with hackers to delete data stolen from the Canvas educational platform:
loading . . .
Deal reached with hackers to delete data stolen from the Canvas educational platform
https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/05/12/canvas-hack-stolen-data/?utm_campaign=mrf-bluesky-pilotonline.com&mrfcid=202605126a0073414c77262e8809b708
0
2
2
"Chesterfield Judge Edward Robbins sentenced a former Henrico County police officer to 20 years on Thursday for abusing his two elementary-age sons and allowing his fiancée to abuse them as well."
loading . . .
Former Henrico officer sobs in court, sentenced to 20 years for abusing his children
Chesterfield Judge Edward Robbins sentenced a former Henrico County police officer to 20 years on Thursday for abusing his two elementary-age sons and allowing his fiancée to abuse them as well. Bhal...
https://www.henricocitizen.com/former-henrico-officer-sobs-in-court-sentenced-to-20-years-for-abusing-his-children/
8 days ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Activate Virginia
Mark Joseph Stern
8 days ago
Virginia Democrats want SCOTUS to restore the 10-1 congressional map that voters approved in April. I think the VA Supreme Court decision was atrociously wrong, but it was clearly rooted in state law. SCOTUS doesn't have strong grounds to intervene in this dispute—there's no federal question.
5
210
29
"The arrest in Henrico which culminated in Alam’s sentencing on Thursday was believed to the be first post-clemency incidence of charges in connection with a new crime for a pardoned US Capitol attacker."
loading . . .
Pardoned January 6 rioter sentenced to seven years for Virginia burglary
Zachary Alam spent four years in jail for his role in the Capitol attack before Trump pardoned him in 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/10/pardoned-january-6-rioter-sentenced-virginia-burglary
8 days ago
0
1
2
reposted by
Activate Virginia
"Curtis Whateley used his license plate that read “FTP&ATF,” an acronym for “Fuck the police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,” for over a year before the Department of Motor Vehicles received an anonymous complaint."
loading . . .
Virginia driver defends anti-cop license plate at Fourth Circuit
Curtis Whateley argues the First Amendment protects his “FTP&ATF” license plate.
https://www.courthousenews.com/virginia-driver-defends-anti-cop-license-plate-at-fourth-circuit/
10 days ago
0
1
3
reposted by
Activate Virginia
"Given the dire economic situation facing small farms in Virginia today, “cattle-voltaics” could offer a lifeline for rural communities, columnist Ivy Main writes."
loading . . .
Move over, sheep. Cattle are grazing solar sites, too, and that’s good news for Virginia. • Virginia Mercury
Given the dire economic situation facing small farms in Virginia today, “cattle-voltaics” could offer a lifeline for rural communities, columnist Ivy Main writes.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/08/move-over-sheep-cattle-are-grazing-solar-sites-too-and-thats-good-news-for-virginia/
10 days ago
0
7
7
reposted by
Activate Virginia
"Secrecy on this issue, unfortunately, makes this already complex question even more difficult to answer."
loading . . .
How will data center boom impact Va.’s waters? Secrecy on this topic doesn’t bode well | Guest column
New legislation introduced to the General Assembly by Elizabeth Guzman, H.B. 496, would require data center developers to publicly disclose estimated water use when applying for zoning changes or a
https://richmond.com/opinion/column/article_a4230351-731c-4a76-bb6c-06f4a9a909f6.html
8 days ago
0
5
4
"Richmond officials have yet to comply with a local law requiring financial data to be posted online — and when The Richmonder requested the records, the city quoted a $5,732.40 fee to provide them."
loading . . .
FOIA Friday: Richmond demands $5.7K for records it’s required to make public • Virginia Mercury
In this feature, we aim to highlight the frequency with which officials around Virginia are resisting public access to records on issues large and small — and note instances when the release of inform...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/03/foia-friday-richmond-demands-5-7k-for-records-its-required-to-make-public/
8 days ago
0
4
2
"Secrecy on this issue, unfortunately, makes this already complex question even more difficult to answer."
loading . . .
How will data center boom impact Va.’s waters? Secrecy on this topic doesn’t bode well | Guest column
New legislation introduced to the General Assembly by Elizabeth Guzman, H.B. 496, would require data center developers to publicly disclose estimated water use when applying for zoning changes or a
https://richmond.com/opinion/column/article_a4230351-731c-4a76-bb6c-06f4a9a909f6.html
8 days ago
0
5
4
"This is one I'm glad to get off my plate," said Kevin Huennekens, a federal judge who oversaw the case from the beginning. "It's been a long, strange journey."
loading . . .
10 years after Richmond super startup failed, creditors recoup $100 million
In 2014, Health Diagnostic Laboratory was one of Richmond's hottest businesses. By 2015, after federal officials accused the company of offering illegal kickbacks to doctors, the company was gone.
https://richmond.com/news/local/business/article_d89bcb90-b4c0-4f17-b6d3-70283db3d048.html
8 days ago
0
2
0
"Now, there may be as many as 90,000 skill games across the state. Big profits are at issue."
loading . . .
Spanberger vetoed a bill to legalize skill games, yet thousands remain in operation
Officially, they’re banned, but there are thousands of skill games across Virginia.
https://richmond.com/article_ecd36926-da4b-4271-b0e6-b026a9e3ced3.html
9 days ago
0
4
1
"The top five salaries at VCU round out to over 3.6 million dollars. The top ten, 6.3 million. The top twenty, just over 11 million — more than the bottom 423 earners on the payroll."
loading . . .
VCU’s $720 million payroll reveals wide wage gaps
Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News EditorAndrew Kerley, Executive EditorVCU’s payroll shows a substantial gap between the salaries of administrators and other staff. Data shows that gap has increased nationw...
https://commonwealthtimes.org/2026/04/29/does-vcus-720-million-payroll-add-up/
9 days ago
1
1
2
"I voted against it initially. I wish I had stuck with my guns," he told the Richmond Times-Dispatch last month.
loading . . .
Is King George court case a bellwether for data center fight?
King George County was first in line for billions of investment by Amazon Web Services in data centers under a deal with Virginia three years ago that promised at least $35 billion in capital spending...
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_7dc7a496-8cdc-498d-a334-eb5d186863e5.html
9 days ago
0
1
1
"Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether to sign or veto legislation that would, for the first time, allow Virginians to file class action lawsuits in state courts..."
loading . . .
Spanberger weighs legislation to allow class action lawsuits in Virginia courts • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether to sign or veto legislation that would, for the first time, allow Virginians to file class action lawsuits in state courts.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/04/spanberger-weighs-legislation-to-allow-class-action-lawsuits-in-virginia-courts/
9 days ago
0
3
2
"As Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden wraps up its two-year expansion project, the union that represents its workers is ramping up its push for better pay."
loading . . .
Lewis Ginter union pushes pay fight before expansion debut
Union workers say contract talks have stalled as Lewis Ginter prepares to unveil its $31M expansion.
https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/lewis-ginter-union-pay-negotiations-thrive-expansion-opening
9 days ago
0
1
1
"On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, these newspaper boxes will host their last issues. For many readers, this is somewhat of a bittersweet moment as the print issue of Collegiate Times takes its final journey around campus."
loading . . .
The end of an era: Students and staff reflect on the school newspaper's final print issue
Hidden among Hokie Stone buildings, the Collegiate Times newspaper boxes play their game of hide-and-seek around Virginia Tech’s campus. Every Tuesday, students are able to find the newest editions of
https://www.collegiatetimes.com/lifestyles/the-end-of-an-era-students-and-staff-reflect-on-the-school-newspapers-final-print/article_bbec9f48-8c25-4340-a04a-f23a60da6631.html
9 days ago
0
2
0
"Our research doesn't say anything about intent. We don't know why these cameras were put up in predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods,” Keener said. “But no matter the intent, the impacts are the same.
loading . . .
Community groups question Richmond police’s use of Flock Safety cameras
The city is expected to renew its Flock contract, but has not yet done so.
https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-05-06/richmond-police-flock-dsa-avula-keener-edwards
9 days ago
0
1
0
"Dominion Energy is aiming to expand their portfolio of energy sources in Virginia with a massive 3,000 megawatt (3 gigawatts) combined cycle natural gas plant in Cumberland County."
loading . . .
Dominion announces plans for new 3-gigawatt gas plant in Cumberland County • Virginia Mercury
Dominion Energy is aiming to expand their portfolio of energy sources in Virginia with a massive 3,000 megawatt (3 gigawatts) combined cycle natural gas plant in Cumberland County.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/07/dominion-announces-plans-for-new-3-gigawatt-gas-plant-in-cumberland-county/
10 days ago
0
1
1
"Given the dire economic situation facing small farms in Virginia today, “cattle-voltaics” could offer a lifeline for rural communities, columnist Ivy Main writes."
loading . . .
Move over, sheep. Cattle are grazing solar sites, too, and that’s good news for Virginia. • Virginia Mercury
Given the dire economic situation facing small farms in Virginia today, “cattle-voltaics” could offer a lifeline for rural communities, columnist Ivy Main writes.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/08/move-over-sheep-cattle-are-grazing-solar-sites-too-and-thats-good-news-for-virginia/
10 days ago
0
7
7
"A Blacksburg-based nonprofit has eliminated more than $51 million of medical debt for 35,007 residents in Southwest Virginia, according to a press release."
loading . . .
Blacksburg nonprofit helps abolish $51 million in medical debt in Southwest Virginia
The Secular Society partnered with a New York-based corporation, Undue Medical Debt, to eliminate medical bills for Southwest Virginians.
https://cardinalnews.org/2026/05/08/blacksburg-nonprofit-helps-abolish-51-million-in-medical-debt-in-southwest-virginia/
10 days ago
0
7
1
"Here’s the dilemma for Jones: If he acts, he’s got to be prepared to go to court to enforce his opinion. If he doesn’t act, he creates a precedent that critics will say disenfranchises some voters — a bad look for a Democratic attorney general."
loading . . .
The curious silence of Jay Jones and the Lynchburg Republican firehouse primary
Lynchburg Republicans want to test state law and create a mechanism to nominate candidates without using a state-run primary. Will the attorney general let that go forward?
https://cardinalnews.org/2026/05/05/the-curious-silence-of-jay-jones-and-the-lynchburg-republican-firehouse-primary/
10 days ago
0
2
0
Virginia Department of Corrections planned terminations to avoid ‘negative impact on the agency’s image’
loading . . .
Virginia Department of Corrections planned terminations to avoid ‘negative impact on the agency’s image’
Despite the division's vacancies, about 10% of hourly community corrections employees were let go, raising questions about probation and parole supervision.
https://redonionva.substack.com/p/virginia-doc-fire-vacancies-community-corrections
10 days ago
0
0
0
"Curtis Whateley used his license plate that read “FTP&ATF,” an acronym for “Fuck the police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,” for over a year before the Department of Motor Vehicles received an anonymous complaint."
loading . . .
Virginia driver defends anti-cop license plate at Fourth Circuit
Curtis Whateley argues the First Amendment protects his “FTP&ATF” license plate.
https://www.courthousenews.com/virginia-driver-defends-anti-cop-license-plate-at-fourth-circuit/
10 days ago
0
1
3
"The Richmond Free Press donated its 34-year archive to the Richmond Public Library, transferring hundreds of boxes of files, photographs and back issues ahead of the sale of its downtown building this week."
loading . . .
Richmond Free Press donates 34-year archive to city library ahead of building sale
“For me personally, this has been like going through my dad’s death again.”
https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-free-press-donates-34-year-archive-to-city-library-ahead-of-building-sale/
10 days ago
0
6
2
"Nearly every car driving onto or leaving Norfolk State University passes by a solar-powered camera mounted near campus entry and exit points."
loading . . .
Norfolk State’s campus is encircled by license plate readers at the center of a federal lawsuit
Read more below
https://spartanecho.org/2026/05/06/norfolk-states-campus-is-encircled-by-license-plate-readers-at-the-center-of-a-federal-lawsuit/
10 days ago
0
3
2
"A malicious actor may have gotten access to the personal data of Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) students and staff during an attempted ransomware attack in March."
loading . . .
Malicious actor may have Hanover Public Schools student, staff data after attempted ransomware attack
A malicious actor may have gotten access to the personal data of Hanover County Public Schools students and staff during an attempted ransomware attack in March.
https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/hanover-county/hcps-data-breach-attempted-ransomware-attack/
10 days ago
0
0
0
"All Richmond Circuit Court judges have recused themselves from presiding over the case, leaving it to the Supreme Court of Virginia to appoint an outside judge to hear the matter. The judge has not yet been identified..."
loading . . .
City asks court to throw out water crisis lawsuit filed by former DPU director
If anything, the city contends, Avula’s post-crisis comments about Bingham were “complimentary.”
https://www.richmonder.org/city-asks-court-to-throw-out-water-crisis-lawsuit-filed-by-former-dpu-director/
10 days ago
0
0
1
"Let’s put this another way: A petition mostly signed by voters in Martinsville’s only majority-white precinct managed to temporarily oust the city’s Black mayor — and could still lead to his permanent removal."
loading . . .
More than 3/4s of the signatures that led to mayor’s suspension came from just one part of Martinsville. It’s a neighborhood unlike the rest of the city.
Virginia’s removal law has created a situation where petition-signers have alleged a felony, but there’s no criminal indictment. What does this tell us about the law?
https://cardinalnews.org/2026/05/04/more-than-3-4s-of-the-signatures-that-led-to-mayors-suspension-came-from-just-one-part-of-martinsville-its-a-neighborhood-unlike-the-rest-of-the-city/
10 days ago
0
2
1
"A judge sentenced a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter to seven years in prison on Wednesday for a May 2025 burglary in Henrico County."
loading . . .
Va. man pardoned for Jan. 6 crimes sentenced to 7 years for Henrico burglary
In October, a Henrico jury found Zachary Jordan Alam, 34, guilty of grand larceny and breaking and entering, both felonies.
https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_9f227183-3a3b-4f88-91a2-e81de280080c.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
10 days ago
0
3
0
Load more
feeds!
log in