Politics

The woman who has accused Fariss of purposely striking her with his SUV in March said in court that she was “terrified.” The two of them had been in a romantic relationship for at least a year, his attorney told the court.

In her lawsuit, Tambra Blankenship claims the delegate had her do work for March’s personal restaurant businesses while she was employed as a legislative aide. Another portion of the lawsuit seeking overtime pay in her role as a legislative aide was dismissed.

Del. Jeff Campbell, R-Smyth County, resigned earlier this summer to take a judgeship.

The policy recommended by the chair of the board of supervisors would prohibit most people under 18 from visiting a library branch without an adult. The move stems from a campaign pledge as a heated monthslong debate about LGBTQ+ books continues.

A proposed policy change, which now goes to the Library Board of Trustees for consideration, would require anyone under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian while visiting a county library branch.

County supervisors considered cutting funding for the arts nonprofit, then voted to provide the money after all. Here’s a look at some of what was going on behind the scenes.

Revenues from RGGI, a carbon cap-and-trade program, have funded weatherization and flood resiliency projects across the state. Here’s a look at where that funding has gone in Southwest and Southside Virginia.

Some structural changes have improved delays, but officials are waiting to see if they will last. They’ve asked for help from U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, who says mail problems aren’t unique to Southwest Virginia and is pressing for answers.

The Black Lung Benefits Act provides compensation to relatives of coal miners whose deaths are attributable to the disease. The senator said current requirements call for “unnecessarily strict burdens of proof” for families to get benefits.

Roanoke has a Democratic council, Lynchburg a Republican one, but both have taken the same action to curb crime.