From elsewhere: Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney declares candidacy for governor. Reported final pro-Palestinian cause rally of the year held at Virginia Tech. Former Bristol Tigers skipper Jim Leyland gets Hall call.
Roanoke City Council OKs steps to aid Amazon-Deschutes negotiations
Amazon is in talks with the brewery to buy a 49-acre piece of land in the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology with an eye toward constructing and operating a distribution center.
Del. Rasoul to chair House Education Committee
Rasoul will be the chamber’s only Democrat west of Charlottesville.
Disabled woman files federal discrimination suit against Del. March, her former landlord
In a federal suit, Debra Long alleges that March engaged in “intentional and unabated discrimination against an elderly woman” and that she took no action to prevent the “severe sexual harassment” by one of the property’s employees.
High hopes for a recreational cannabis market after Democratic election win
Under current law, it’s legal in Virginia to possess small amounts of marijuana but you can’t buy it or sell it.
Virginia’s marijuana laws explained
Marijuana is legal in Virginia, but there is no legal retail market for it – and since the passage of a new law cracking down on hemp products like delta-8, there’s been extra confusion about what’s allowed. Here’s a breakdown.
In key races, Republican turnout exceeded Democratic turnout
Democrats could have won more seats but in many competitive districts, Republican voters were more enthusiastic than Democratic ones.
Liberty gets invite to New Year’s Day bowl game; more . . .
From elsewhere: Salem hosts its 100th and 101st NCAA championships. Lynchburg City Council discusses what to do with surplus. Settlement reached in case of “forever chemicals” in Roanoke River.
College Lake dam in Lynchburg set for removal; more . . .
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors seeks applicants to fill Vinton District vacancy. Ferrum College to hold virtual information sessions for three graduate programs.
Amazon plans to buy Deschutes-owned property in Roanoke
The Fortune 50 company seeks to build a distribution center on a site formerly considered for a Deschutes brewery, according to city documents. The city council will consider whether to approve a plan to repay a related federal grant, which would free the property from current restrictions on how it can be used.