Governor Glenn Youngkin and Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) announced today, Aug. 1, that Virginia’s tourism industry generated $83 million a day, for a total of $30.3 billion in visitor spending in 2022, an increase of 20.3 percent from 2021, exceeding 2019 levels by 4.4 percent.

Through the passage of this legislation, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the historical and cultural significance of the Chincoteague pony, safeguarding this legacy for future generations. This momentous step demonstrates the commitment of Governor Youngkin and the state legislature in preserving Virginia's natural wonders.

As part of the group's 2023 Conservation Scorecard release, the organization said in a news release tha it decided this year to hold a series of town hall events with lawmakers who prioritized environmental protection during the 2023 legislative session, where there were a number of attempts to walk back the progress the Va. League of Conservation Voters says it made on climate action in Virginia.

The VCU x CodeRVA Lab School will provide an innovative computer-science focused comprehensive high school education to a diverse student body, will serve as a training site for teacher residents, and will afford professional learning opportunities for educators across the state.

VDOT will be assessing existing traffic, safety and multimodal conditions in the corridor, including driver weaving issues at the Dale Boulevard/I-95 interchange and accommodations for people walking and biking. This is known as a STARS study. Within the study limits, Dale Boulevard averages about 42,000 vehicles a day and Rippon Boulevard averages about 12,000. No statistics were given for numbers of walkers and bikers.

The deed establishing the Commonwealth of Virginia as the owner of the natural wonder and 1,530 acres surrounding it was recorded June 15, 2023 in the Rockbridge County courthouse in Lexington, VA (home of Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University). The deed’s recordation date coincided with the 87th anniversary of the Virginia State Park System, which opened in 1936 with just six parks — Douthat, First Landing, Fairy Stone, Staunton River, Hungry Mother and Westmoreland.

Via resolution, the League affirmed the belief that all branches of Virginia government must respect the public’s right to know by conducting public business in public. "We see a need for transparency in the budget process and state agency meetings that seem to make decisions without regard to public input and offer no public scrutiny," the LWV said in a news release. The League will formulate an internal group charged with monitoring legislation and advocating for more transparency. It will also review government behavior for openness.

Grucci, the famous fireworks manufacturer and designer plans to create 45 new jobs and to nvest $5.5 million to expand its assembly, storage, and distribution operations to Pulaski County.