
Government/Politics

Virginia Department of Corrections encourages inmates to take COVID-19 vaccine
The Virginia Department of Corrections is trying to incentivize inmates to get their COVID-19 vaccine – offering free email stamps and telephone credits as well as a care package filled with commissary items, including snacks.

New Virginia unemployment claims appear to be leveling off
New unemployment claims filed with the Virginia Employment Commission were down 25.3 percent last week, according to data released on Thursday.

USDA, dairy farmers work together to mitigate risk for 2021
USDA staff and dairy producers across the country worked together to protect dairy operations for the 2021 production year under USDA’s risk management program options.

McEachin on Biden-Harris inauguration, Day 1 executive orders
Fourth District Congressman A. Donald McEachin released a statement regarding the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and the slate of Day 1 executive orders announced by the Biden-Harris administration.

Virginia DMV offering more convenient service options
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is now offering more convenient service options for customers.

Morgan Griffith statement on Biden-Harris inauguration: ‘I will work with the new administration’
Ninth District Congressman Morgan Griffith issued a statement after attending the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris.

Ben Cline statement on Biden, Harris inauguration
Sixth District Congressman Ben Cline released a statement following the Inauguration of President Joe Biden.

Mark Herring statement on inauguration of Biden, Harris
Attorney General Mark Herring released a statement following the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jennifer Carroll Foy statement on inauguration: ‘America is looking forward to a brighter future’
Jennifer Carroll Foy released a statement on the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jennifer McClellan on Biden inauguration: ‘A turning point for our nation’
State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, released a statement on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Democracy prevails
Today might be the most important inauguration day since the first one, back in 1789. It’s a credit to those folks that the Frankenstein creation that got us to that day worked to get us to this one. The states certified their elections, Congress, eventually, resoundingly, followed suit. The system … worked. Barely, sure, but it worked.

Spanberger on Biden inauguration: ‘Today is a moment of optimism’
Seventh District Democrat Abigail Spanberger today released a statement ahead of the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden.

John W. Whitehead: The Deep State’s stealthy, subversive, silent coup to ensure nothing changes
It took no time at all for the switch to be thrown and the nation’s capital to be placed under a military lockdown, online speech forums restricted, and individuals with subversive or controversial viewpoints ferreted out, investigated, shamed or shunned.

Ken Plum: An inauguration to remember
We have been through four years that have been tragic for our democracy. I believe we are all better informed about threats to our system of government.

Intertape Polymer Group to expand, create 50 new jobs in Pittsylvania County
Intertape Polymer Group Inc. will expand its manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County to increase production for its e-retail packaging, coatings, and films.

McEachin announces second Black History Month Essay Contest
Congressman A. Donald McEachin today announced his second Black History Month Essay Contest for middle and high school students (grades 6-12) residing in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

Appeals court overturns Trump EPA’s ‘Dirty Power’ rule
The Trump administration EPA gave its rollback of the Clean Power Plan the name Affordable Clean Energy. Detractors had another name for it – the “Dirty Power” rule.

Legislation to protect Virginia wildlife corridors introduced in State Senate
More than 60,000 deer-related crashes occur in Virginia each year, costing approximately $533 million in damages annually.

Carroll Foy announces proposals for stronger communication with Latinx community
“The vaccine is not required” was mistakenly translated as “the vaccine is not necessary” on the Spanish-language version of the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine FAQ page for nearly a month.

Resolution emphasizes the right to water as a justice issue
A coalition is backing an effort to get the Commonwealth to prioritize the protection of safe, clean, equitable and affordable drinking water access for all Virginians.

Susan Platt endorses Andria McClellan for Democratic Party lieutenant governor nomination
Susan Platt has announced her endorsement of Norfolk Councilmember Andria McClellan for the Democratic Party nomination for lieutenant governor.

Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor endorses Mark Herring for attorney general
Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor endorsed Mark Herring for re-election as attorney general in a digital video released on Monday.

How is the local COVID-19 vaccination effort stacking up?
As of the end of the day on Monday, Augusta Health had administered 4,461 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, including 426 on Monday.

Morgan Griffith: Strides in closing the digital divide
Closing the digital divide is a challenge for American society in the 21st century that must be met.

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence MLK Day event includes calls for gun, criminal justice reforms
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence and Virginia Center for Public Safety gathered today for an online vigil to honor the memory and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.