Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Social Media Legislation Shelved, Taxing the Confederacy, and a Rare Skunk

Virginia House lawmakers shelved two bills intended to make it more difficult for children in the Commonwealth to access social media sites. 
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Top Stories

Article Icon 1Social Media Regulation Shelved

Virginia House lawmakers shelved two bills intended to make it more difficult for children in the Commonwealth to access social media sites.

One proposal, from Democratic Del. Josh Thomas, aimed to force social media platforms to obtain parental consent before children could access what he called “addictive feeds,” which he noted are designed to keep users online as long as possible.

Meta lobbied against the parental consent measure. The company’s North American Head of Public Safety said, “We think it’s going to be a lot of work for parents to give that personal information to every single app their kids are using and consent to each feed that they want their kid to be able to use or not use on an app.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 43 last year to focus state resources on finding ways to combat “the negative effects of excessive social media use” on youngsters.

Article Icon 1Regulating Data Centers

State lawmakers advanced a measure to increase transparency about the siting and building of data centers. House Bill 1601 would require planners to assess the possible sound pollution a new facility might emit.

Democratic Del. Josh Thomas said that new construction, which his bill aims to regulate, is more intrusive. “If you were building a new facility far away from existing infrastructure, you can certainly bet a lot of neighborhoods are going to be disrupted.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership opposed the bill. “The new mandates could cast doubts in the marketplace as to our ability to go get projects online in a timely manner,” spokesperson Vince Barnett said.

Lawmakers are considering other bills that would give the state more control over the growth of data centers.

Article Icon 1Flu Kills Two Youths in Commonwealth

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) said two children have died in Virginia this year from the flu. The Commonwealth saw three children die of influenza during the 2023-2024 flu season.

Both of the deceased were students. One was an elementary school-aged child in the Hampton Roads region, while the other was a teenager in the Richmond area.

VDH reminded everyone to be aware of the danger of the disease. “These losses are a sad reminder that while flu is common, it can lead to serious illness and even death,” Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton said.

Experts recommend getting an annual flu shot, washing hands often, covering coughs, and staying home when ailing.  


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Around Virginia

Richmond: The House of Delegates passed legislation to remove the tax-exempt status for organizations tied to the Confederacy. If it becomes law, organizations such as the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Confederate Memorial Literary Society will be required to pay taxes on their properties. (Details)

➤ Statewide: Richmond radio host John Reid announced he is leaving the radio business to become a candidate in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor. (More)

➤ Danville: The city’s population increased for the first time in 30 years. Census data show Virginians are moving away from Fairfax County and Virginia Beach and heading to more rural communities. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: City officials canceled the Something in the Water festival. Organizers of the event, which had been scheduled for April, repeatedly missed deadlines to announce a lineup and begin selling tickets. (More)

➤ Richmond: Advocates plan to gather at the capital today for the fourth annual Virginia Pro-Life Day. (Details)

➤ Statewide: The Virginia Outdoors Plan outlines the state’s intention to expand access to public lands while protecting the Commonwealth’s natural resources. (More)

Virginia Sports

➤ The UVA and VT men's basketball teams are both in the Sunshine State for games tonight. The Cavs (9-11) visit Miami (4-16), while the Hokies (8-12) are at Florida State (13-7). (See Schedule)

➤ George Mason (15-5) hosts Loyola Chicago (12-7) in an Atlantic 10 men’s basketball matchup tonight. George Mason is 6-1 in conference play. (More)

➤ The Washington Nationals haven’t made the MLB playoffs since they won the World Series in 2019. The team will have many questions to answer when it opens Spring Training next month. (Details)

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

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Virginia Business

Haleon, the international drug manufacturing company, said it will spend $54 million to upgrade its Richmond research facility. (Details)

➤ Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport handled more passengers than ever in 2024. Over 756,000 travelers passed through, an increase of 2.8% compared to 2000, when the previous mark was set. (Details)

➤ The Sentara Community Care Center opened in Newport News. The facility provides physical therapy, chiropractic care, primary and prenatal care, and food services. (More)

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The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke County took in an Eastern Spotted Skunk, an endangered animal so rare only six have been documented this century. This one was discovered inside a dryer vent. (See Photos

➤ Luke Bryan is scheduled to perform in Virginia Beach on Aug. 16. Tickets are set to go on sale Friday.  (Details

➤ The Virginia Film Festival received a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The event will be held in Charlottesville this fall. (More)

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The Poll

Should Virginia remove tax-exempt status from Confederate groups?

  1. Yes
  2. No



Tuesday's Results:

Should Dulles Airport be renamed for President Trump? 

  1. No: 39%
  2. Yes: 31%
  3. Maybe after he leaves office: 30%
Virginia Trivia

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Show me the answer

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