Rail-to-Trail Plan Reconsidered

The Commonwealth Transportation Board reversed a decision it made in January to give control of a proposed trail along the Shenandoah River to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. Instead, VDOT will schedule public meetings to discuss the project’s future and will release the results of a community survey conducted last year.

Officials are considering whether to transform an unused, nearly 50-mile stretch of rail line into a pedestrian trail or whether to upgrade the tracks and build a trail alongside them. The abandoned tracks are owned by Norfolk Southern and run through three counties from Front Royal to Broadway.

“The goal we are seeking to achieve is to complete the public engagement process that we told the public we would do with the release of the Phase 3 report,” new Transportation Secretary Nick Donohue said.

The General Assembly earmarked $35 million for the trail project in 2022, but the full project could cost up to $700 million.

Trailer Factory Plans Expansion

Interstate Group, which manufactures cargo and utility trailers, said it will expand its facilities in Giles County. The larger factory will also hire an additional 46 people.

The $8.9 million expansion will include automation, new machinery, and facility upgrades.

“We appreciate the support from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Giles County officials,” Interstate Group COO John Whitman said, “and we look forward to contributing to the region’s long-term economic growth.“

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling recognized March—a month famous for March Madness basketball pools—as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

To raise awareness of the pitfalls of gambling, the Virginia Lottery is running a public service announcement urging bettors to set sensible limits. The Virginia Lottery is currently in charge of licensing and regulating casinos in the Commonwealth.

“As gambling options have become increasingly prevalent in Virginia, we at the Lottery are working hard to promote healthy and informed play for those who choose to play,” Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones said.

Virginians spent almost $688 million on sports wagers in January, while calls to the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline jumped 39% in 2025.

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➤ Newport News: Shipbuilder HII said it has finished cleaning up about 4,700 gallons of jet fuel that spilled into the James River last month. The Virginia Department of Health reported that there is no evidence of any impact on drinking water from the accident. (Details) 

➤ Pittsylvania County residents circulated a petition to remove Supervisor Tim Dudley, who was censured by his peers after he was caught on tape stealing Kratom from an Altavista convenience store last year. (More)

➤ Richmond: Both houses of the General Assembly passed House Bill 6, which establishes a right to obtain contraception and ensures access to birth control methods that are approved by the FDA. The measure will go to Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who is expected to sign it. (Details)

➤ Statewide: State Police reported that 600,000 fines were issued by speed cameras across the Commonwealth last year, costing drivers more than $54 million. (More)

➤ Statewide: A Falcon 9 rocket that took off from Florida was visible as a cone-shaped trail moving across the early morning sky on Wednesday. (Details)

➤ Blacksburg: Virginia Tech will not play Liberty University in football in 2029 or 2030, as scheduled. The teams will still play each other in 2027 and 2028. (More)

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➤ Liberty men’s basketball, which has won the Conference USA regular season title for the second straight season, hosts Louisiana Tech tonight. (Preview)

➤ Virginia High School Hall of Famer Bill Brown retired this week after nearly 50 years of coaching football in the Commonwealth. He spent the last eight years as the defensive coordinator at Colonial Forge, working alongside his son, head coach John Brown. (More)

➤ Several women’s college basketball conference tournaments tip off today, including matchups for UVA and Virginia Tech. (See Schedule)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ The average price of gasoline in the Commonwealth jumped 11 cents in one day. According to AAA, the cost increased from $2.83 per gallon on Monday to $2.94 by Tuesday. (Details)

➤ Barboursville Vineyards, near Charlottesville, was purchased by an unidentified ownership group. (More)

➤ The Fairfax County Planning Commission asked Comstock Companies to reduce the brightness of two signs. It said the permit allowing the signs was issued in error in 2024. (Details)

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➤ The Henrico 4-H Farm Graze event is scheduled for March 21 at Deep Run Park. The annual event gives families an opportunity to interact with animals, including chickens, rabbits, horses, goats, and snakes. (Details)

➤ Military support organizations mobilized to help care for families throughout Hampton Roads as the U.S. military pressed its attacks against sites in Iran. (More)

➤ Ruston Revell, a six-year-old from Prince William County, testified before the General Assembly to encourage lawmakers to take steps to improve the lives of those who are, like him, living with diabetes. (Details)

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Have you been ticketed for speeding by a camera?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I won’t tell

Wednesday’s Results:

Do you support banning gas-powered leaf blowers? 

1. No: 59%
2. Yes: 21%
3. I’m not sure: 20%

What traitorous American burned Richmond for the British in 1781?

Show me the answer