Redistricting Bill Passes House

The House of Delegates passed HJ6007 yesterday, the constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature to redistrict the state if “any other state conducts a redistricting of the state’s congressional districts outside of the standard decennial redistricting cycle.” The Senate will consider it today.

Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is running for reelection, issued a legal opinion saying the measure was proposed too late in this cycle.

“Allowing an amendment to be proposed and approved while a general election is underway undermines the voice of Virginia voters and violates foundational principles of Virginia constitutional law,” Miyares wrote.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell disagrees. “The language is clear that we’re allowed to do this,” he said, adding that the amendment would be brought back up in January if Democrats retain control of the House after next week’s vote.

The measure must pass both the House and the Senate twice, with an election in between. The language and the process are already being challenged in court.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Spreading

The Virginia Department of Health reported that rates of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are higher in the Commonwealth than in years past. The department writes that, “HFMD is usually not serious, but it’s very contagious.”

The viral disease is common in children because it typically spreads through the exchange of saliva and bodily fluids, and youngsters often have poor hygiene. The symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and skin rashes.

More than 60 outbreaks were recorded in September. Most people who get the virus recover within a week.

Dogs Seized in Edinburg 

Authorities seized 20 dogs from a property in Edinburg this week. 

Shenandoah County Animal Control joined the county sheriff’s office on a welfare check at the property and ultimately took the dogs away. 

A spokesman for the sheriff said the dogs were living with a family packed into an RV on the property. Neighbors had apparently told authorities that there were children living in unsuitable conditions.

There were “no life-threatening injuries to the dogs or any life-threatening illnesses,” the spokesman added. The dogs will be cared for by local animal control officers until new homes can be found for them.

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➤ Danville: A grand jury indicted Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes on charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. The 29-year-old is accused of setting Lee Vogler, a city council member, on fire in July. (Details)

➤ Fairfax: Authorities arrested Robert Brockington, who was wanted on 94 counts of breaking into lockers at gyms in the county. He allegedly had a number of stolen credit cards with him when he was detained. (More)

➤ Gloucester County Public Schools emerged from lockdown on Tuesday to finish the day in “secure mode.” The measures were implemented after threatening email messages were sent to several schools. (Details)

➤ Statewide: Several colleges across the Commonwealth reported that enrollment numbers remained the same or increased this semester. A full tally from all Virginia schools is expected next month. (More)

➤ Portsmouth: At least three couples from Virginia were unable to evacuate Jamaica and were forced to ride out the storm when Hurricane Melissa swept across the island. (More)

➤ Statewide: With less than a week to Election Day, registrars shared how they ensure that the Commonwealth’s elections are free and fair. Saturday is the final day for early voting. (Details)

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➤ UVA running back Xavier Brown tore his ACL during the team’s matchup against Washington State on October 18, Coach Tony Elliott confirmed this week. The senior is expected to miss the rest of the year. (More)

➤ James Madison’s 52-20 win over Texas State on Tuesday kept the Dukes at the top of the Sun Belt Conference East with a 5-0 league record. The game included a 76-yard touchdown throw from Alonza Barnett III to Nick DeGennaro. (See Highlight)

➤ William & Mary women’s tennis hosts the W&M Hidden Dual beginning tomorrow. VCU, Norfolk State, and Morgan State will also compete. (Details)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Savills Research & Data Services reported that office vacancies in Northern Virginia dipped in the third quarter to their lowest level since 2020. It’s “the third consecutive quarterly decline,” the report said, “driven by office conversions and fewer new listings hitting the market.” (Details)

➤ PARK Roanoke and city leaders hosted an open house to discuss parking conditions downtown. (More)

➤ Shipyard Flats, a mixed-use property in Newport News, opened after a $24.5 million construction project. The development pairs commercial space with 91 new housing units. (Details)

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➤ The Department of Veterans Affairs recently sent letters to veterans in Pulaski County saying their eligibility for adult day care programs will be cut from five days a week to two starting next year. (Details)

➤ Virginia Humanities honored the MilesFiles, an online record that traces the genealogy of more than 125,000 Eastern Shore families. (More)

➤ Manassas City Public Schools earned a grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to provide school-based mental telehealth services for students. (Details)

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Is your house decorated for Halloween?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not this year

Wednesday’s Results:

Do you use reusable grocery bags? 

1. Yes: 36%
2. No: 32%
3. When I remember: 32%

What was George Washington’s first elected office?

Show me the answer