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INSIDER

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Virginia, with 2nd-most executions, outlaws death penalty

Republicans argued that the death penalty should remain a sentencing option for especially heinous crimes and to bring justice to victims and their families. In addition to the 23 states that have now abolished the death penalty, three others have moratoriums in place that were imposed by their governors. Jason Miyares, a death penalty supporter, expressed disappointment in the new law. AdRobert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, and a death penalty opponent, said abolishing executions in Virginia could mark the beginning of the end for capital punishment in the South, where the highest number of prisoners are put to death. It is the moral thing to do — to end the death penalty in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” he said.

Gov. Ralph Northam declares March 14 a day of remembrance for Virginians lost to COVID-19

RICHMOND, Va. – It’s been over a year since COVID-19 was first found in Virginia, and nearly 10,000 residents have died from the virus so far. The first positive coronavirus case was confirmed on March 7, 2020, while the first death was recorded on March 14, 2021. Ralph Northam issued a proclamation on Friday declaring March 14, 2021, as a day of prayer and remembrance to honor the Virginians who have lost their lives to COVID-19. “More than 9,900 of our fellow Virginians have lost their lives to this disease, leaving behind families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors of all races, religions, and backgrounds. Ad“As we mourn, the First Lady and I are calling all Virginians to join us in prayer and remembrance of those who have been lost on Sunday,” Northam continued.

Martinsville Speedway, surrounding businesses anticipate eased COVID-19 restrictions

RIDGEWAY, Va – When NASCAR drivers start their engines at the Martinsville Speedway this year, a small number of fans will be there to cheer them on thanks to relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. The rules take effect before a tripleheader of Martinsville races from April 8-10. In a statement to 10 News, Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said:“We are encouraged by today’s announcement on the increase in limited fan capacity for entertainment venues across the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are grateful for Governor Ralph Northam and his administration’s leadership as we follow the state’s pathway to welcome limited fans back to Martinsville Speedway. When a lot of people lose, the economy gets worse and worse.”In addition to the races in April, Martinsville Speedway also has races scheduled during Halloween weekend.

Radford University President Dr. Brian Hemphill leaving for ODU

RADFORD, Va. – Radford University’s president is leaving to be a bit closer to the beach. Dr. Brian Hemphill will become the ninth president of Old Dominion University this summer. Hemphill was named Radford’s president in December 2015 and took office in July 2016. At ODU, Hemphill will succeed President John Broderick, who is retiring after 28 years at Old Dominion and 13 years as its president. “It is both an honor and privilege to be selected as the ninth president of Old Dominion University, a dynamic public research institution that has proudly served the Hampton Roads region and positively impacted the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Hemphill.

Senators from southwest Virginia push for criminal justice reform at General Assembly

RICHMOND, Va – As the General Assembly session enters its second full week, Senators from southwest Virginia are pushing for sweeping changes in the criminal justice system. This week Senator John Edwards of Roanoke sponsored a bill that would abolish minimum sentencing standards for low-level offenders. Republican Bill Stanley of Franklin County has been working for changes of his own. We’ve now have tailored other options for punishment for those driving offenses,” Republican Senator Bill Stanley said. Stanley says the stigma that comes with the title habitual offenders can impact people’s chances of getting a job.

Stripped of state holiday status, Lee-Jackson Day activities continue in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Va – For the first time in more than 100 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia did not observe Lee-Jackson Day. Despite it no longer being a state holiday, the Virginia Flaggers and the Stonewall Brigade of the Sons of Confederate Veterans still gathered in Lexington to celebrate the day. Virginia Military Institute removed its Stonewall Jackson statue and the cemetery formerly named for the Confederate general is now named Oak Grove. Friedman said it’s important that his community continue to have hard discussions about what will be best for the city moving forward. The same groups are expected to gather at the Stonewall Jackson statue on Saturday morning followed by a parade along Main Street.

New VMI superintendent begins tenure following allegations of racism at the school

Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins has started his tenure as VMI’s interim superintendent. Wins graduated from VMI in 1985 and recently retired after more than three decades of service in the Army. VMI will soon be investigated by the Commonwealth of Virginia for allegations of ongoing racism at the school. Wins’ predecessor, General J. H. Binford Peay III, resigned after 17 years when the allegations intensified in October. “You’re going out into a world that’s diverse.

Jordan’s Way social media star hopes to raise $25,000 for Roanoke Valley SPCA during visit

ROANOKE, Va. – A viral star with a passion for rescuing shelter pets visited the Roanoke Valley SPCA Thursday night for a fundraiser. Kris Rotonda of Jordan’s Way grew social media fame after spending 72 hours sleeping in an animal shelter. In his new initiative, Rotonda is visiting every state in the U.S. to raise money and awareness for homeless and unwanted pets, and his first stop in Virginia will be the Roanoke Valley SPCA. “We are thrilled to be chosen as one of only five shelters featured from the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Denise Hayes, chief executive officer of the Roanoke Valley SPCA. He has seven more shelters in Virginia to visit.

Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team releases 2020-2021 ACC schedule

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Atlantic Coast Conference released the 2020-21 men’s basketball schedules on Tuesday (Nov. 10) on ACC Network. 4 Virginia will play 27 regular-season games, including 20 ACC games with 14 contests at John Paul Jones Arena. (Purcell Pavilion) TBA TBAJan. 2 (Sat) Virginia Tech * Charlottesville, Va. (John Paul Jones Arena) TBA TBAJan. 5-6 (Tue-Wed) Wake Forest * Charlottesville, Va. (John Paul Jones Arena) TBA TBAJan. 9 (Sat) at Boston College * Chestnut Hill, Mass. 2-3 (Tue-Wed) Miami * Charlottesville, Va. (John Paul Jones Arena) TBA TBAMar. 10-14 ACC Tournament Washington, D.C. TBA TBA

Virginia Tech men’s basketball releases 2020-2021 ACC schedule

BLACKSBURG, Va. – The long await is over, as the ACC released its men’s basketball slate on Tuesday, with the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team playing 20 conference games, beginning on Dec. 15 in Cassell Coliseum versus Clemson. 4 Virginia on Jan. 30, No, 9 Duke on either Jan. 12-13 and No. 21 Florida State on either Feb. 9-10. They will play both the Cavaliers (Jan. 2) and Seminoles (Jan. 20) on the road, too, as well as No. Capacity at Cassell Coliseum for the upcoming season is currently set at 1,000 based on Commonwealth of Virginia regulations.

This is Virginia’s rule on selfies at polling stations

We understand documenting that you’ve voted is important to a lot of people — especially when you get that “I Voted” sticker. You should be proud of yourself for casting your vote. While there are strict rules in some places when it comes to taking pictures at polling places, Virginia has some of the more lenient rules. Voters should always practice courtesy and common sense, and you can always ask a poll worker to specify what the rules are. When in doubt, just wait until you’re back in your car to snap that “I Voted” sticker selfie.

Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell excited about 2021 NASCAR schedule

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – On Wednesday, NASCAR released its 2021 Cup Series schedule with three new tracks and two new layouts. The two annual races at Martinsville didn’t change too much, but President Clay Campbell was fine with the small tweak to its spring race. “It’s still a Saturday night race, I think it’s the only Saturday night race all year under the lights. Should be a great year.”The schedule also includes back-to-back races in Virginia. It’s a huge month for racing in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ACC schools express concerns over Libertys COVID-19 testing protocols

Despite having loss multiple teams on its schedule due to COVID-19, they were able to keep all 3 ACC opponents in tack- Virginia Tech, Syracuse and North Carolina State. But recent comments from Liberty Head Coach Hugh Freeze, has raised eyebrows and caused concern from a Syracuse and N.C. State. Liberty Responds to Questions about COVID-19 Testing pic.twitter.com/Xiqf5ZTVBD Liberty Flames (@libertyflames) August 15, 2020Liberty University is following CDC, Commonwealth of Virginia, local health district and campus guidelines and protocols. Liberty is contracting with Radeas Labs, located in Wake Forest, N.C., for its in-season testing program. In addition, Liberty conducts daily screening of on campus student-athletes.The Flames are scheduled to play at Syracuse on Oct. 17, at Virginia Tech on Nov. 7 and at N.C. State on Nov. 21.

With rising COVID-19 cases, Gov. Northam says Virginia not ready to reopen

He said Virginia has to meet multiple criteria before state officials can start to look at the possibility of reopening the state. "We have not met that criteria," Northam said. The Governor also said when the time comes to reopen, Virginia will need abundant resources for screening, testing and tracking COVID-19, as well as isolation options. On Friday, President Donald Trump tweeted, “LIBERATE VIRGINIA.”LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020"As the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I, along with this staff, is fighting a biological war," Northam said.

Proposed Botetourt County wind farm needs new approval as plans change to make turbines taller

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – The future of a proposed wind farm in Botetourt County is up in the air after changes to the project. But it said technology has changed in the time since, and that the taller turbines produce 10 percent more electricity. The Rocky Forge wind farm was in a holding pattern until the deal with Dominion was secured. The project would be the first onshore wind farm project in Virginia and has strong support from Governor Ralph Northam. The initial plan was for turbines up to 550 feet tall, the maximum allowed height under the county’s wind ordinance.

Democrats in control: What will pushback on new gun laws look like?

RICHMOND, Va. – With the start to the new legislative session in the General Assembly Wednesday, major changes could be on the way in Virginia, including new gun laws. The fiery debate over stricter gun laws is expected to begin early this session. “More gun control laws will be followed by all of these people because we’re law-abiding citizens, but the very criminals that break the laws now, will not follow these new laws,” said Franklin County resident Steve Huff. “We need to find at least two Democrats who believe the Second Amendment is as important as every other amendment. Democrats will also look at increasing education funding, which may be an issue where both parties can find common ground.

'We had a better than average yield': Local farm finds success growing hemp

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. - At True Harvest Farms in Christiansburg, there are just a handful of the 85 acres of hemp planted that still needed to be harvested Monday. We had a better than average yield," True Harvest Farms general manager John Straw said. On Sept. 30, someone cut a hole in the fence around the fields and stole about 40 hemp plants. She said farmers are very excited about hemp and she doesn't anticipate the thefts deterring farmers from growing the crop. For True Harvest Farms, hemp's revenue potential makes the headaches of theft and learning to grow it worthwhile.

Salem hotel developer speaks out after city announces lawsuit, city responds

SALEM, Va. - As the City of Salem plans to take the developers of a proposed hotel and restaurant near the Civic Center to court to get back that land, those developers are speaking exclusively with 10 News. Developers said the city told them the site was within an opportunity zone, but it turns out the zone is across the street. We identified the ability to incorporate land across the street, within the opportunity zone, in our development ... Council chose to deny the request effectively killing the project." In their statement, developers said, "No one asked if we were even in town. In a statement, a city spokesperson said the developers "have not complied with the contract, in which they agreed to reconvey the land to the city.

Workplace violence, school security, social media part of legislation proposed for special session

RICHMOND, Va. - Ahead of Tuesday's special session called by Gov. Ralph Northam, Sen. Bill Stanley has submitted six pieces of legislation to prevent what happened in Virginia Beach from happening anywhere else. Here's a breakdown of the six bills:Workplace Violence ActAn act of workplace violence and/or threats must be reported. to the employee involved, and must take whatever steps necessary to protect other employees from future harm by the offending employee. The 20th district also includes parts of Carroll, Franklin, Halifax and Pittsylvania counties as well as part of the city of Danville.