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Virginia could clear up fuzzy line between sports betting and fantasy contests
Virginians now have multiple ways to try to make money wagering on sports. Whether the state treats it as gambling or not depends on which app you use. State lawmakers are expressing growing concern about the fuzzy line between sports betting and fantasy sports contests that have gotten closer and closer to mimicking full-blown gambling. Several states have already clamped down on fantasy apps for getting too close to sports betting, and Virginia could be next. “It’s a compliance nightmare,” said Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, who’s planning to introduce legislation for the 2025 General Assembly session clarifying the state’s approach to sports wagering.
First lady Jill Biden to make Virginia Beach stop Thursday
First lady Jill Biden will visit a campaign organizing event in Virginia Beach on Thursday ahead of that night’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The first lady will greet Virginia volunteers and supporters ahead of the first presidential debate, according to the president’s campaign. Trump will hold a post-debate rally on Friday afternoon in Chesapeake. Gov. Glenn Youngkin plans to attend.
Fairfax’s Woodrow Wilson Library may get renamed following community requests
The Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees is considering changing Woodrow Wilson Library’s name to Culmore Community Library following “significant community input.” Library Board of Trustees Chair Brian Engler said many community members in the Mason District, where the library is located, have testified during public comment periods in recent months that they want the name changed. … Most of the emails cited Wilson’s views on race and segregation as justification for a renaming, arguing that they don’t reflect the values of Fairfax County or the library’s neighborhood.
First lady Jill Biden to visit Virginia Beach on Thursday
First Lady Jill Biden will visit Virginia Beach on Thursday in advance of the first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The Biden campaign sent out an announcement Tuesday that Jill Biden was to “to greet Virginia volunteers and supporters ahead of the first presidential debate.”
Goochland School Board chair’s defamation lawsuit dismissed
A Goochland Circuit Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Goochland School Board member against her colleagues, whom she accused of libel and civil conspiracy after they censured her in 2023 for a Facebook post about the division’s transgender student policies. Judge Timothy K. Sanner’s opinion issued last week says that the plaintiff, Angela Allen, failed to reach the legal standard of defamation. Allen is represented by the Richmond-based Founding Freedoms Law Center, a law firm launched in 2020 by the Family Foundation, a conservative advocacy group. The firm said that Allen is vindicated by the ruling.
Dali arrives: Ship that crashed into Baltimore bridge is in Hampton Roads
The container ship that crashed in March into a Baltimore bridge, killing six construction workers, arrived Tuesday in Hampton Roads. The 984-foot Dali crossed the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and entered Norfolk waters around 5 a.m. The ship was escorted by the U.S. Coast Guard as it entered the Elizabeth River — the Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish, an 87-foot patrol boat, provided a 500-yard safety zone around the Dali, according to a Coast Guard news release. Coast Guard watchstanders also monitored the ship’s progress.
Petition for third-party presidential candidate draws attention in Virginia
There’s an effort in Virginia to put a third-party presidential candidate on the ballot, but some of the signatures may have been collected under false pretenses. A group in Northern Virginia with clipboards and petitions asking people if they wanted to sign to “get Donald Trump off the ballot” told News4 it was actually gathering signatures to get Dr. Cornel West on the ballot. West, a former Harvard professor, is a well-known, left-wing social critic and political activist. He announced earlier this year he formed the Justice for All party and would be running for president.
State OKs large Appalachian Power transmission project
State regulators have authorized Appalachian Power to upgrade electricity transmission infrastructure in four Southside and Southwest Virginia counties. The three-phase, $423.5 million Stuart Area Improvements Project is designed to replace aging equipment with a more reliable system by building 25 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line and upgrading 48 miles of line in Carroll, Floyd, Henry and Patrick counties, as well as retiring 20 miles of line in Franklin County once the upgrades are complete.
Metro rail and bus fares will increase starting Sunday
Metro fares are going up starting Sunday — thanks to a $750 million budget gap that was recently plugged. Metro says most trips will cost about 12.5% more in an effort to keep up with inflation. Metrobus fares will be $2.25 and Express bus will be $4.80. Metrorail fares on weekdays will range from $2.25 to $6.75, depending on the trip distance.
Chesterfield residents against proposed Dominion gas plant file appeal with county
A group of Chesterfield County residents is continuing to fight back against a gas plant proposed by Dominion Energy by filing an appeal with the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals. On Monday June 24, Friends of Chesterfield challenged the county’s actions in response to Dominion Energy’s plans to build its Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center. “County leaders have an obligation to listen to our concerns about this dirty gas plant and the impact it will have on our health and our power bills,” said Glen Besa, chairman of Friends of Chesterfield.