Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1943, the construction of the Pentagon was completed. Built in Arlington during World War II as the country fought on two fronts, the Pentagon was the largest office building in the United States at that time and once housed up to 33,000 daily workers.

The state legislature is back in Richmond this month. The Virginia Flyover will cover some proposals lawmakers will consider in our Top Stories section. Also, some people think we need a higher minimum wage. Already. More on that in Around Virginia.

If you have confusing medical bills or have been denied a claim, it helps to have someone advocate for you. Today's sponsor, Healthlock, is here to do that for you.

Investigating Richmond's Water Woes

The state health department's Office of Drinking Water is conducting an investigation into the failure of Richmond's water system. "When we know the facts, then we will chart a course to make sure it doesn't happen again," Gov. Glenn Youngkin assured lawmakers.

Currently, three of the city's eight water pumps are broken, with the remaining five pumps supplying enough pressure to deliver water throughout the system. Operators are assessing whether the broken pumps can be brought back online.

Mayor Danny Avula said the city would conduct its own investigation into the breakdown. City officials are also under scrutiny for potentially failing to replace aging infrastructure, even after an EPA report in 2022 noted corroded and outdated equipment.

A spokesman said the city is exploring ways to help people who lost income during the water shortage, including restaurant owners and employees. Richmond may ask FEMA for support.

A Divided Legislature

Democrats hold narrow majorities in both houses of the state legislature. As the 2025 session moves forward, the parties plan to take very different paths.

Democrats say they want to focus on constitutional amendments to address issues ranging from voting rights to marriage equality and reproductive rights. Amending the constitution is a lengthy process requiring approval by two consecutive legislatures before the measure can be placed on the ballot for voters.

Republicans are expected to focus on passing laws that address tax reduction, immigration, and LGBTQ+ issues.

The state enjoys a $3.2 billion surplus. Lawmakers from both parties hope to find ways to return some of those funds to voters through tax relief. The legislative session is expected to last about 45 days.

UVA Basketball's Downward Spiral

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has grown bigger than ever this season, with schools now competing from coast to coast. The University of Virginia men's basketball program feels smaller by comparison than it has in many years.

The Cavaliers are struggling under Interim Coach Ron Sanchez, who took over in October when Tony Bennett announced his immediate retirement. Once noted for defense, the team ranks 66th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and is the worst rebounding squad in the conference.

Bennett's sudden departure just before the season started fueled speculation that he intended to anoint his long-time assistant as his successor. Sanchez rejoined the Cavs in 2023 after five years as head coach at Charlotte.

If UVA decides to part ways with Sanchez after the year, qualified candidates for the top job abound.

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➤ Statewide: Virginia's minimum wage jumped to $12.41 per hour this year, but some experts say it should be boosted again. "It's only a 3.4% increase. That's slightly above the inflation rate," economist Peter Shaw said, noting that many entry-level jobs already pay more than the new minimum wage. (Details)

➤ Petersburg: USDA inspection reports showed unsanitary conditions at three Boar's Head plants nationwide, with violations including "unidentified slime" and "an abundance of insects" inside plants. The company permanently closed a facility in Jarratt last year after it was found to be the source of tainted meat. (More)

➤ Richmond: Gov. Glenn Youngkin reminded lawmakers he opposes steps to legalize pot, even as some in the legislature consider setting up an exchange. "Everyone knows where I stand on establishing a retail marijuana market," Youngkin said. (Details)

➤ Chesterfield: Police identified Tyrik A. Burchette as the man killed last week when he was struck by a vehicle and tossed from the electric unicycle he was riding. The driver is cooperating with the investigation. (More)

➤ Washington, D.C.: Rep. Bobby Scott said he won't rule out the possibility of entering a Democratic gubernatorial primary against former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger. (Details)

➤ Statewide: State police have partnered with the Human Trafficking Institute and the Department of Homeland Security to launch "Operation Silence Shattered," an anti-human trafficking initiative that will run until March. (More)

➤ Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is a leading candidate for NFL Rookie of the Year. He will be looking for a second playoff win when the team visits Detroit on Saturday night. (Preview)

➤ The Virginia Derby horse race is set for March 15 at Colonial Downs Racetrack. General admission tickets are available starting at $5. (Details)

➤ The LIV Golf Tour will stop in Gainesville from June 6-8 for a tournament event at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. (More)

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➤ Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake is up for sale. The property will be auctioned off on February 24, with the bidding set to start at $6 million. (Details)

➤ The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has announced the leaders of its 2025 board of directors. Lisa Lawson will serve as chair, with Halsey Cook as deputy chair. (More)

➤ An Ellington Wood Products facility in Amherst County was totaled by a fire over the weekend. (Details)

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➤ Virginians voted to name her. Now we can watch her frolic online. The Metro Richmond Zoo has launched "Poppy Cam," a daily live stream of the baby pygmy hippo's habitat. (Details)

➤ The Downtown Ashland Association invited artists to create original songs inspired by Ashland's history and culture. A release party will be held on Jan. 24 for an album titled Songs from the Center of the Universe, featuring the winning compositions. (More)

➤ Fairfax County resident Stacy Huston discussed her new job running SixDegrees.org, the nonprofit started by actor Kevin Bacon to support youth empowerment and sustainable living. (Details)

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