Category: County Watch
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Joint Custody, Criminal Charges, and a System Under Strain
The Suffolk parental abduction case underscores the complexities arising from vague custody orders, which can lead to conflicts and enforcement issues. Breone’a Haskett Lee faced charges after taking her daughters to Texas without permission. This highlights the need for precise custody terms to prevent escalations that turn civil disputes into criminal matters.
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Staunton Opens New Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court — A Needed Upgrade With Real Costs for Taxpayers
Staunton has inaugurated its own Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, a significant step following the closure of a shared, non-compliant facility. While the $20-$25 million project enhances security and dignity for legal cases, concerns arise over taxpayer burdens and Virginia’s practice of unfunded local mandates.
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Fairfax County Schools Settle Jane Doe Lawsuit: What the $50 Judgment Really Means
A lawsuit challenging Fairfax County Public Schools’ transgender-related policies ended with a modest settlement accepting $50 in damages and covering attorney’s fees. The case highlighted tensions between gender-identity policies and religious freedoms, indicating ongoing legal uncertainty as courts navigate diverging federal and state rulings on such issues.
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Fairfax County’s Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny After Deadly Release
A deadly Reston shooting has placed Fairfax County’s justice and immigration policies under intense scrutiny after an illegal immigrant with a lengthy local criminal record was released from custody—despite an ICE detainer—only to be charged with homicide the next day. Federal officials say the tragedy was preventable, while county leaders defend their decisions as lawful…
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Henrico’s Data Center Boom Meets Growing Pressure for Affordable Housing: Can Both Be Achieved?
Henrico County is witnessing significant economic transformation due to data centers, driven by cloud computing and AI, resulting in substantial tax revenues. However, this growth raises concerns about housing affordability as land becomes more valuable for industrial use. County leaders emphasize strategic planning to balance tech growth and housing needs, aiming for sustainable development.
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Henrico County Approves Animal Cruelty Registry — What It Means for Public Safety and Why Citizens Should Pay Attention
Henrico County has become the first county in Central Virginia to launch a public animal cruelty registry, giving shelters and citizens a new tool to prevent convicted abusers from obtaining pets. Approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on December 2, the registry will list individuals convicted of felony-level animal cruelty offenses after July 1,…
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Virginia Considers Relaxing Emissions Rules for Data Center Backup Generators Amid Rapid Industry Expansion
Virginia regulators are considering a proposal to ease air-quality limits on diesel generators at data centers to support industry growth. Supporters argue it’s essential for grid reliability, while critics raise health concerns about increased emissions. Public comments are being collected, with potential implications for future data center development and environmental regulations.
Virginia Bay News 