Across Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Friday set a special election to fill the few remaining months in the term of a southwest Virginia lawmaker who recently resigned to become a judge.
Voters will choose former Republican Del. Jeff Campbell’s successor in the 6th House District on Aug. 29, according to the writ of election signed by Youngkin.
Campbell resigned July 14 effective immediately after being appointed the same day to fill a judicial vacancy. He had represented the 6th District, made up of Carroll and Wythe counties and part of Smyth county, since 2014.
The new delegate chosen by voters will serve out the remainder of Campbell’s term, which ends in January. They may not see much action this year as the Legislature isn’t currently meeting, though lawmakers could be called back to Richmond if a deal to end the long-running budget stalemate is reached.
Every seat in the General Assembly is on the general election ballot in November, and candidates will be running under new maps overhauled during the redistricting process.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Jed Arnold, the GOP nominee running unopposed for the newly created 46th District, which includes some of the localities in the existing 6th District, would also run in the special election. His campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arnold practiced law with Campbell and was his legislative aide.
The last day for candidates to file is Wednesday at 5 p.m., according to Youngkin’s office.
The new maps generated by the redistricting process have triggered a flurry of legislator retirement announcements. While there are other current legislative vacancies that are expected to go unfilled until the November general election, a new law that took effect July 1 set a deadline by which Youngkin was required to set the special election for Campbell’s seat.
On July 30, 2023 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Roanoke Police were notified of a person with a gunshot wound in the 600 block of King George Avenue SW. Responding officers located an adult male victim inside a vehicle with what appeared to be a critical gunshot wound. Roanoke Fire-EMS personnel arrived and pronounced the victim deceased on scene.
Details about what led to this shooting are limited. No suspects were located on scene and no arrests have been made at this time. This is an ongoing homicide investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text us at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.
Two people were arrested after disruptions during a Roanoke County School Board meeting that featured discussion regarding new rules about “curricular and noncurricular school and classroom displays.” WFIR’s Clark Palmer has details from last night’s meeting.
Roanoke County Public Schools issued the following statement following last night’s school board meeting:
One of the core values of Roanoke County Public Schools that we teach our students is respect. This includes respect for other’s opinions, even if we do not agree with that opinion. At every school board meeting, the public has the opportunity to exercise their first amendment right to express their opinions. At tonight’s school board meeting, we heard from 27 students, staff, parents and Roanoke County residents who expressed their views and opinions and we thank each of these individuals for sharing their thoughts. Unfortunately, after the opportunity for public comment had ended, a handful of individuals chose to be disruptive and disrespectful during an informational presentation with outbursts using vulgar language. After two warnings, the school board chairman asked all visitors to leave. Sadly, some chose not to do so and had to be escorted out by police. This is not the kind of behavior we tolerate and these actions in no way are reflective of the many outstanding parents, students and staff that are part of the Roanoke County Public Schools community.
Meta’s answer to Twitter has a policy that’s giving some potential users pause. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details:
Photo: From Margaret R. Baker Charitable Foundation, Inc. Facebook page
The legacy foundation of a local businesswoman announces a scholarship opportunity. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has more on the Margaret R. Baker Foundation’s open scholarship:
A recent study finds VA to be one of the nation’s most financially independent states. WFIR’s Emma Thomas reports on how the Commonwealth made the top five:
Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation announces changes to its annual cost share program. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details on what makes this year’s program even more beneficial to the Commonwealth’s farmers and its waterways: