A monopile installed at the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind site in 2024. The Orion work vessel is seen in the background. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)Here’s what’s happening with the federal pause on Dominion Energy’s offshore wind farmThe Trump administration last month paused construction on Dominion’s $11 billion wind farm off the Virginia Beach coast citing “national security risks.”
The nearly-complete project was expected to begin delivering electricity within months. Dominion is suing the federal government to lift the stop-work order, with a hearing set for this Friday in Norfolk.READ MORE
More headlinesFederal lawmakers try to protect Virginia forests as Trump administration moves to repeal Roadless Rule Read more-Virginia senator hopeful this is the year for Equal Pay Act Read more-Trump administration tells states to end ‘orphan tax’ on foster kids Read more-The EPA is changing how it considers the costs and benefits of air pollution rules Read more
Avalon Avenue in Virginia Beach now has signs warning speeders as part of a traffic calming program. (photo by John-Henry Doucette)A civics academy in Virginia Beach gives citizens the basics on how to engage local governmentThe new Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations Academy grew out of gaps in civic knowledge and aims to help citizens communicate with city leaders and get things done.
Led by former city council member Chris Taylor, the sessions cover local government basics and practical engagement tools. Attendance has been strong, with more than 50 people at the first meeting and nearly full registration for the next session.READ MORE Local journalism is made possible only because of generous WHRO donorsDONATE NOW Elias Zerhouni will speak about rising health care costs, workforce shortages and the need to depoliticize health policy at the Norfolk Forum on Jan. 27. (Photo courtesy of the National Institutes of Health)’Disease knows no politics’: Former NIH director calls for depoliticizing health careWHRO News recently sat down with Elias Zerhouni, the former director of the National Institutes of Health, to talk about what he sees as the most pressing health issues facing Americans — and what he believes health officials should do next.
Zerhouni says rising insurance costs, expiring subsidies, and growing shortages of doctors and nurses are driving frustration with the U.S. health care system. He argues the system has become dysfunctional and captive to special interests, making reform politically difficult.READ MORE
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