NEWS TO KNOW
Our daily roundup of headlines from Virginia and elsewhere.
♦ The U.S. Department of Justice said in a report that the Hampton Roads Regional Jail’s treatment of inmates is cruel and unusual punishment. The report said the jail doesn’t have adequate medical staff, relies on isolation too often and doesn’t keep good medical records, among other issues. – The Virginian-Pilot
♦ The Pamunkey Indian Tribe said it was in discussions with Norfolk to purchase waterfront land to build what would be the state’s first casino. “The tribe’s decision validates Norfolk as an emerging destination for tourism in the mid-Atlantic, and the center for entertainment in Hampton Roads,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander. – The Virginian-Pilot
♦ State regulators approved a $69.5 million raise to electric rates to pay for Dominion Energy to bury lines. The State Corporation Commission said the Grid Transformation Security Act, signed into law earlier this year, gave them no choice but to approve the increase. – Richmond Times-Dispatch
♦ Richmond broke ground on three new schools Wednesday, which will be funded by a controversial meals tax. The buildings will start taking shape in February and open for the 2020 school year. – Richmond Times-Dispatch
♦ Charlottesville’s school system wants $55 million to finally move on 10-year-old plan to reconfigure a middle school and add a centralized preschool. – The Daily Progress
♦ The Rockbridge Regional Tourism Board found that visitors to the county, Lexington and Buena Vista brought in $66 million in revenue and $6.6 million in taxes. – The Roanoke Times
♦ A Navy veteran was indicted Wednesday on charges he abducted 19-year-old Ashanti Billie from a Norfolk military base before she was found dead in North Carolina last year. The U.S. Attorney General has not made a decision if the office will seek the death penalty. – The Virginian-Pilot
♦ A man fired shots outside of the Craig-Botetourt Rural Electric Cooperative in New Castle before leading police on a high-speed chase. The man stopped his car and shot himself. Police have not released the driver’s condition. – Associated Press
♦ An intersection in Danville that’s a known dumping ground for cats has been labeled a hazard because of the number of cats living near the busy intersection. – Associated Press
♦ Mo’ne Davis, known for her performance in the 2014 Little League World Series, committed to play softball at Hampton University. – The Daily Press