Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1918, Woodrow Wilson, the last president born in Virginia, delivered his Fourteen Points speech to Congress, outlining proposals for international peace following World War I.

The state legislature returns to Richmond today, and lawmakers will be able to drink the water. The Virginia Flyover has details in Top Stories, plus a recap of yesterday's special elections in Around Virginia.

If you suffer from joint pain, be sure to check out today's sponsor NativePath.

Water Problems Follow Storm

Richmond residents were ordered to boil water for at least three minutes before drinking, cooking, or brushing their teeth after the city lost production pressure during the winter storm on Monday.

Water service was restored on Tuesday afternoon, but officials warned it would take several hours for pressure to return to normal levels. Some residents had limited pressure during the outage, while others reported only a trickle.

The lack of water forced the state to close government buildings on Tuesday, including the Capitol and the General Assembly Building. Lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene at noon today.

Henrico County experienced similar issues. Efforts to deliver more water to certain customers caused a significant drop in system pressure, prompting the county to declare a State of Local Emergency.

Henrico officials anticipated water service would return to normal by late Tuesday.

Micron Investing Billions in NoVa

Chip maker Micron will spend more than $2.1 billion to expand its factory in Manassas, which is expected to create more than 340 new jobs at the site.

"This expansion strengthens America's supply chain security while bringing hundreds of new jobs in one of the world's most critical industries," Gov. Glenn Youngkin said.

The expanded facility will produce chips for domestic automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial needs.

If the General Assembly approves, the company may be able to access as much as $70 million from Virginia's Major Employment and Investment Commission.

How the Richmond Fed Sees 2025

Tom Barkin, president of the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank, said the national economy seems to be healthy as we head into 2025.

Barkin credited several factors for driving strong economic growth last year, including labor market resilience, increased price sensitivity, and a surge in productivity. He particularly highlighted the power of consumer behavior.

"Consumer pressure on price-setters should continue to push inflation down," Barkin said during a recent speech. "Overall, that would be a good outcome for the U.S. economy."

Barkin acknowledged concerns that inflation may ratchet up, but he emphasized that the Fed is well-positioned to respond if it does. The Richmond Fed's district includes the states of Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas.

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Think your joint pain is just something you have to live with? Think again.

Scientists have uncovered something remarkable in the pristine waters of the Antarctic Ocean - a unique form of omega-3 that's showing unprecedented results for joint comfort.

Unlike typical fish oils, this rare marine source contains a specialized form of fatty acids that work differently in your body.

What's really turning heads? How quickly people are reporting differences in their joint mobility and comfort.

Even more fascinating? This powerful compound works with your body's natural systems in ways that ordinary supplements can't match.

While most joint solutions just mask the discomfort, this Antarctic discovery gets to the root cause of inflammation.

Ready to discover why the coldest waters on Earth might hold the key to your joint comfort?

What you're about to learn could change everything about how you move.

➤ Statewide: In Tuesday's special elections, Democrats retained control of both houses of the legislature as JJ Singh won a House seat and Kannan Srinivasan won a Senate seat that had been held by Democrats. Republican Luther H. Cifers retained a Senate seat that had been vacated by a Republican. (Details)

➤ Richmond: The 2025 legislative session begins at noon today. Lawmakers are scheduled to meet for 30 days but may extend the session if they need more time. (Details)

➤ Statewide: How much snow did your area get from Winter Storm Blair? (Snow Totals)

➤ Bristol: The city is tearing down buildings destroyed during last month's fire on the former campus of Intermont College. Officials are working to recover around $400,000 in back property taxes that are still owed by the Chinese company that owns the site. (Details)

➤ Fairfax: State police are searching for 38-year-old Victor Caneza, who they say fled the scene of a car accident on the Beltway during the snowstorm. Caneza allegedly took refuge in a storm drain at one point before escaping. (Details)

➤ Gwangju, South Korea: A Virginia state flag sent by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to thank city leaders for hosting him on an official visit was displayed outside city hall as a protest against South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol. (Details)

➤ Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn said that the team's series of last-second victories has prepared it for the upcoming NFL playoffs. "There's not a panic about it. There's a real belief that we're going to go make the next play." The team visits Tampa Bay on Sunday night. (More)

➤ The Richmond Spiders visit George Mason in Atlantic 10 men's basketball tonight. (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech and UVA both play late ACC men's basketball games. The Hokies visit Stanford at 9 p.m. while the Cavs play at UC Berkeley at 11 p.m. (Details)

➤ Yesterday's results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Booz Allen, a contractor headquartered in McLean, will pay $15.8 million to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the federal False Claims Act. (Details)

➤ Property owner Link Logistics announced plans to redevelop a Merrifield office park into a "walkable urban neighborhood" featuring residential and mixed-use development. (More)

➤ Winchester native Kinsey Fabrizio is the new president of the Consumer Technology Association. She assumes leadership just in time to oversee CES during its annual technology conference this week in Las Vegas. (Details)

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Tired of Swollen Ankles? This Antarctic Discovery Changes Everything

Think those swollen ankles and tight shoes are just part of getting older? Think again.

Deep in the pristine waters of the Antarctic Ocean, scientists have discovered a unique marine nutrient that's changing everything we thought we knew about fluid balance and swelling.

Unlike typical supplements, this rare compound works differently - helping your body maintain healthy circulation and fluid levels in ways that ordinary solutions can't match.

What's really catching researchers' attention? How quickly people are reporting they can wear their favorite shoes again and stay comfortable all day long.

Ready to discover why the world's coldest ocean might hold the key to ending your daily struggle with swollen feet and ankles?

What you're about to learn could change everything about swelling and joint pain.

➤ Portsmouth will join the state's Mobilizing Main Street Program. The two-year initiative will pair the Portsmouth Partnership with state officials to promote economic development in the city. (Details)

➤ More than 1,400 providers have been named to Virginia's Top Doctors for 2025 list, as selected by Virginia Business magazine. This year's list features 18 new specialties. (The List)

➤ Poppy the Hippo isn't the only animal to need naming this month. A North American Porcupine has joined the community at the Virginia Living Museum, and zookeepers are accepting name suggestions until Jan. 11. (Details)

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