Referendum on the Docket

The Virginia Supreme Court denied a request by Attorney General Jay Jones to allow the state to certify the results of last week’s constitutional referendum. The justices, however, did not rule on the merits of the cases challenging the legality of the process.

A Tazewell County circuit court judge blocked certification last week, just a day after voters narrowly approved a constitutional change allowing redistricting this year. Democrats have prepared new maps that would give their party an edge in 10 of the Commonwealth’s 11 districts.

A Richmond circuit court judge blocked a third lawsuit seeking to overturn the referendum. Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland held that the process was constitutional.

On Monday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a pair of cases that mostly revolved around the timing of the amendment process. It isn’t known when the court will issue a ruling.

Spanberger Signs Laws

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a dozen education- and workforce-related bills during a visit to the Roanoke Higher Education Center.

The bills passed the General Assembly earlier this year with bipartisan support. They aim to make it easier to certify teachers and to expand apprenticeship opportunities for students.

Another bill directs the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to find ways to improve low-performing schools.

“This is work that has been built over administrations,” Spanberger noted. “Because of cooperation, we are able to announce these successes.”

Mayor’s Law License Suspended

The mayor of Rocky Mount, Clyde Holland Perdue III, had his law license suspended for three years by the Virginia State Bar.

The decision springs from a case that Perdue handled in private practice two years ago. It did not reflect on his actions as mayor.

“I respect the process and the role of the Bar in holding attorneys to a high standard,” Perdue said. “I take this matter seriously and will continue to address it through the appropriate channels.”

Perdue’s private practice involves criminal defense and real estate law.

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➤ Fort Belvoir: A U.S. Army nurse was charged with conspiring to provide financial and tactical support to separatist fighters in Cameroon, his native land. The suspect, Maj. Kenneth Chungag, works at the base. (Details)

➤ Henrico: The county will launch its $300 million water project this summer, two years earlier than planned. The goal is to construct a pipeline connecting the county’s West End plant to eastern Henrico and to reduce its reliance on the city of Richmond’s aging waterworks. (More)

➤ Statewide: The state’s proposed congressional redistricting map hasn’t been approved yet, but many candidates aren’t waiting to toss their hats into the ring in the potential new districts. (See Who’s Running)

➤ Richmond: Virginia Commonwealth University announced a 3.9% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students next year. In-state students will pay $17,963 in tuition and mandatory fees, while out-of-state students will pay $41,127. (More)

➤ Statewide: Car owners have contributed more than $115,000 to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation by purchasing specialty license plates. (More)

➤ Statewide: A state law that takes effect on July 1 will prevent counties from banning large solar farms. Local governments that want to stop solar projects will first need to provide a reason to state regulators. (Details)

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➤ UVA baseball, ranked No. 24, hosts Norfolk State today after a 5-1 home win against George Mason yesterday. (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech baseball crushed James Madison 14-1 yesterday in a game shortened by the run rule. (Box Score)

➤ Liberty women’s tennis earned an NCAA tournament bid and will face Washington at the Charlottesville regional. Host UVA will take on Saint Francis. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Booz Allen Hamilton, a contractor based in McLean, named Troy Lahr as executive vice president and chief financial officer. (Details)

➤ The Richmond School Board may sell naming rights at its educational facilities to raise money. (More)

➤ The owner of Mr Fix, a chain of cell phone and computer repair stores in the Tidewater region, said he’s lost $20,000 due to theft in the last two years. (Details)

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➤ Local governments are taking steps to attract more data centers to the Commonwealth, in spite of the concerns of local residents in some cases. (Details)

➤ The VA250 Mobile Museum will be parked at the Grayson County Courthouse through tomorrow. The traveling exhibit brings Revolutionary War history to all corners of the Commonwealth. (More)

➤ Sky Meadows State Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains is “a hidden gem” for visitors during the day, and twinkles by starlight as an International Dark Sky Park overnight. (Details)

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Have you visited Sky Meadows State Park?

1. Yes, during the day
2. Yes, at night
3. Both
4. Not yet!

Tuesday’s Results:

Have you ever considered taking paid family leave? 

1. Yes: 28%
2. No: 72%

Who invented the folding ladder?

Show me the answer