Redistricting Confusion Continues

Several localities announced they will delay early voting for a potential constitutional referendum to comply with a Virginia law that requires amendments not to appear on a ballot until at least 90 days after final legislative approval.

Patrick, Pittsylvania, and Campbell Counties are among those that said they won’t begin voting next week.

The referendum would allow Democrats to redraw the Commonwealth’s 11 congressional districts ahead of this year’s elections. Democrats have presented a map that would give their party an advantage in 10 of those districts.

The Lynchburg City Council met Monday night to decide whether to appeal to the courts for answers. “What can we do? What can we not do? How does this work?” Lynchburg council member Jacqueline Timmer asked.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill last week to schedule the vote for April 21, with early voting starting March 6. However, a number of open lawsuits could delay or prevent the vote, including an appeal pending at the state Supreme Court.

Teacher Arrested

A teacher at Warhill High School in Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting three female students when he worked at a middle school in the district.

Andre Scione, 34, is facing two counts of sexual assault and three counts of assault and battery of a minor. He is in jail, pending a possible release on bond.

Police said they opened an investigation in October after one of the alleged victims came forward. The teacher has been on administrative leave during the investigation.

Authorities said more charges may be filed.

Pittsylvania Factory Planned

Defense contractor Avio USA, a subsidiary of global aerospace company Avio S.p.A, announced it will build a $500 million manufacturing plant in Pittsylvania County, which will eventually create more than 1,000 jobs.

The 860,000-square-foot facility will produce solid rocket motors for military defense and missile systems, as well as for the commercial space sector.

The state Economic Development Partnership worked with local boards and governments to secure project approvals. The facility may be eligible to receive nearly $100 million from the state’s Major Employment and Investment Commission.

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➤ Richmond: Attorney General Jay Jones announced that the Commonwealth will join several other states suing the federal government over the suspension of Solar for All grants. Virginia had been promised more than $150 million from the program, and Jones said Virginia Energy had invested more than $730,000 preparing for implementation. (Details)

➤ Charlottesville: Becker’s Hospital Review named UVA Health University Medical Center as one of its 100 great hospitals in America. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Virginia Department of Health reported that 73% of 5-year-olds have received two doses of measles vaccine, well below the state’s recommended 95% rate to prevent the spread of the disease. Ten measles cases have been reported so far this year, twice the total reported in all of 2025. (Details)

➤ Statewide: The Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority said it will not extend the state’s happy hour and will continue to require the sale of reduced-priced alcoholic drinks to end at 9 p.m. (More)

➤ Fairfax County Police shot and killed a suspect who had allegedly stabbed three members of his family, killing two of them. (Details)

➤ Richmond: A single pothole on I-95 caused 12 flat tires on Tuesday morning. Crews have since repaired the roadway. (More) 

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➤ The Old Dominion Athletic Conference women’s basketball tournament begins tonight. Top-seeded Washington and Lee, undefeated in the regular season, hosts Roanoke. (Details)

➤ Virginia State won the CIAA Northern Division men’s regular basketball season title, while Virginia Union head coach Jay Butler was named CIAA Coach of the Year. (More)

➤ Former Virginia Tech defensive back Ronyell Whitaker died this week at 46. A Lake Taylor native, he was a key contributor during the Michael Vick era. (More)

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

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➤ Victor Hoskins, the president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, will step down later this year. “I am confident that the spirit, talent, and commitment that define this organization will carry it to even greater heights,” Hoskins said. (Details)

➤ Home sales in Virginia jumped 2.1% year-over-year in January, according to a real estate research organization. Prices were essentially flat, and there were 9.4% more homes listed. (More)

➤ Dominion Energy warned that its annual profits this year will be lower than investors had expected, but said it will spend nearly 30% more than planned over the next five years to meet soaring electricity demand. (Details)

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➤ The city of Richmond approved a $14.7 million loan to purchase Sports Backers Stadium from VCU as part of the Diamond District’s redevelopment project. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech researchers studied the ways people who use cannabis behave while driving. Among their conclusions: Impaired drivers are more likely to be on the roads around lunch and in the evening, and impaired drivers tend to take less direct routes. (Details)

➤ Liam and Charlotte remained the most popular baby names in the Commonwealth last year, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Noah and Oliver were next for boys, while Emma and Sophia rounded out the top three names for girls. (More)

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Can you drive a manual transmission vehicle?

1. Yes
2. No
3. It’s been years

Tuesday’s Results:

Have you hit a pothole this winter? 

1. Yes: 50%
2. No: 25%
3. Not yet: 25%

When was the first ship launched by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co.?

Show me the answer