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.
Politics
Judge allows former legislative aide’s unpaid wages case against Del. March to proceed
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.
Youngkin sets special election for House seat in Southwest Virginia for Aug. 29
Del. Jeff Campbell, R-Smyth County, resigned earlier this summer to take a judgeship.
Proposed Botetourt library policy for kids and teens could be the most restrictive in Virginia
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.
Botetourt supervisors offer concession to residents claiming library peddles pornography
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.
A debate over a drag show and Juneteenth event threatened the June Bug Center’s funding. Supporters came to its defense.
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.
Youngkin is trying to take Virginia out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Here are some projects it’s funded in Southwest and Southside.
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.
Recent mail delays in Chilhowie cause late bills for hundreds of residents
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.
Sen. Warner pushes bill to make it easier for miners’ survivors to claim black lung benefits
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 and Lynchburg have youth curfews. Studies say they have little effect.
Roanoke has a Democratic council, Lynchburg a Republican one, but both have taken the same action to curb crime.