Gov. Ralph Northam was quoted as saying Feb. 5, “This year, the General Assembly is rightly working to change the law to lift a freeze on electric utility rates that was originally devised to help utility providers cope with federal regulations that have since been repealed. The goal of that legislation should be simple: Give Virginians as much of their money back as possible, restore oversight to ensure that utility companies do not overcharge ratepayers for power, and make Virginia a leader in clean energy and electrical grid modernization."

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced additional appointments to his Administration on Jan. 26, 2018.

Senator Mark Obenshain (R - Rockingham) has filed a bill directing the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), along with the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, to study the feasibility of utilizing truck tolls to fund transportation infrastructure projects along Interstate 81.

Governor Ralph Northam today, Jan. 18, announced that Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has selected Northern Virginia as a candidate for its second North American headquarters. Amazon is seeking a location capable of supporting up to 50,000 employees and a facility that will be around 8 million square feet at full capacity, according to the governor.

Senator Richard Black and Delegate Dave LaRock, both of Loudoun County, today, Jan. 18, announced filing of legislation which would provide toll relief in Northern Virginia. If successful, HB 1489 will reduce tolls on Interstate 66 Inside the Beltway (ITB) and the Dulles Toll Road, according to a news release.

Prince William County's Department of Historic Preservation reports that it submitted the "1902 Brentsville Colored and White Poll Books" to the Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Most Endangered Artifacts list, "to bring awareness to these unique and important pieces of history." The poll books were selected as part of the Top 10. There will be public voting for up to $5,000 in funds that would go to preserve the 116-year-old books. Voting is Jan. 15-24 at http://www.vamuseums.org/?page=top10

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced Jan. 16 the estimates for crop production in 2017 and the earlier forecast for high yields for soybeans and peanuts held up. Both crops had the highest yields on record. Corn did not meet farmers’ expectations. Information is based on surveys by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS.

Freedom High School "Soul Squad" Marching Eagle Band participated in the Virginia Governor's Inaugural Parade in Richmond on Saturday, Jan. 13. Only four bands across the commonwealth were selected this year, and Freedom was one of two high school bands participating.