Thursday, March 6, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1882, Virginia State University was founded. Originally named the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, it had 126 students and seven faculty, all black, in one building on 33 acres and a budget of $20,000. The Higher Education Act of 1965 designated VSU a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

After the storm, spring returns. In our Top Stories, The Virginia Flyover has some ideas for outdoor fun this season.

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Virginia Beach Adding Speed Zone Cameras

The Virginia Beach City Council passed a motion to allow the city to install speed cameras in school zones later this year. Nearby localities, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Portsmouth, and York County, are already using cameras.

Deputy Chief William Zelms told lawmakers, “We know this technology can be valuable to address speeding in vulnerable areas such as school zones.” Police believe the presence of cameras reduces the possibility of a deadly crash by almost 20%.

Other localities are also using the technology. Arlington County, for example, has 18 cameras operating near schools. The registered owner of vehicles flagged for speeding in those areas receives a ticket with a civil fine of $100.

According to Virginia State Police, more than half a million drivers statewide have been ticketed by speed zone cameras, which include those in construction zones and near schools, generating more than $34 million in fines.

ICE Raids Nets Dozens

FBI Director Kash Patel announced that federal agents arrested more than 30 people during raids this week that targeted illegal immigrants in the Commonwealth.

Information about the planned raids leaked two days before officers carried them out. A group calling itself Migrant Insider reported on Sunday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had obtained between 75 and 100 arrest warrants.

Protesters rallied in Arlington on Tuesday, calling on the county to do more to advocate for immigrants. The uptick in law enforcement activity follows Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s decision last week to deputize Virginia State Police and state corrections officers to work with ICE to arrest dangerous criminals.

“If you come to this country and break our laws, we will hunt you down,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a warning to illegal immigrants. She was on site for raids in Virginia on Tuesday.

Get Outside for Spring Fun

Wednesday’s storm is now behind us. Virginia offers an abundance of spring activities for those looking to get outside.

In March, Virginia bluebells turn from pink to blue. You can spot these beauties and dozens of other flowers and plants all over the Commonwealth. Plan a hike to catch the flowers blooming.

If you’d rather drive than walk, try the Blue Ridge Parkway or connecting Skyline Drive. Check ahead, though, as sections of the roadway may still be closed for repairs.

It’s probably too early to plant, but it isn’t too soon to plan for your garden. Whether you hope to grow your own veggies or just to plant something beautiful and watch it grow, Virginia Cooperative Extension can help.

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➤ Statewide: Virginia Works, the state workforce development agency, hosted an online hiring event featuring 300 employers who were looking to fill almost 10,000 open positions. (More)

➤ Richmond: Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera sent a letter warning leaders of Virginia’s universities and colleges to end any activities that violate federal policy, particularly racial preferences in admissions and hiring. UVA’s Board of Visitors may discuss the letter and university DEI policies when it meets tomorrow. (Details)

➤ Campbell County: The sheriff’s office launched “Operation Hide and Seek,” detaining seven people wanted on outstanding warrants. Officers also seized dozens of guns, illegal drugs, and stolen property. (More)

➤ Woodbridge: Eighth-grader Vincent Chu is going to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. The George Hampton Middle School student out-spelled 50 other students at the Prince William Regional Spelling Bee. He closed out his victory by spelling the words “niveau” and “Eris.” (Details)

➤ Richmond: The Office of the State Inspector General reported that the division that maintains 73 state facilities near the capitol is lagging on more than 1,500 projects, some dating back a decade. Auditors indicated that some delays pose significant risks if left unaddressed. (More)

➤ Eastern Shore: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge was listed among the 20 best wildlife refuges in the country by USA Today. Readers can boost the refuge’s profile into the top 10 by voting for it through March 10. (Vote Here)

➤ Major League Baseball announced that the Washington Nationals’ agreement with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) will conclude after the 2025 season. This settlement resolves all disputes related to past media rights between the Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, and MASN. (Details)

➤ George Mason’s baseball team scored an NCAA record-setting 23 runs in a single inning on its way to crushing Holy Cross 26-6. The Patriots have won six straight games. (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech, No. 18 in softball, hosts No. 23 Virginia this weekend for three games in the Commonwealth Clash series. (More)

➤ Liberty’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, both second in Conference USA, face Middle Tennessee State tonight, with the men visiting Murfreesboro and the women at home. (Women’s Preview)

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➤ The cost of several types of long-term care services in Virginia dropped year-over-year, according to the newly released 2024 Cost of Care Survey. Nationally, costs increased in all the categories measured. (Details)

➤ The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce will host a town hall for business owners, federal contractors, and federal employees affected by federal cost reductions. The gathering is scheduled for March 11 in Manassas. (More)

➤ Professional Park in Roanoke County is being demolished to make way for retail outlets and a 120-room hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar. (Details)

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➤ The Virginia Department of Forestry’s Throwing Shade VA initiative encourages residents to plant native species. The department has partnered with local nurseries to offer a $25 discount through April on particular trees and shrubs valued at $50 or more. (Details)

➤ The Arrive Alive project encourages teenagers to drive safely. It is sponsored by Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety in cooperation with the state police. (More)

➤ Highland County invites visitors to experience “Virginia’s sweet spot” at its 65th annual Maple Festival. Events are scheduled around the county over the next two weekends. (Details)

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