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Virginias Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will exclude sweetened beverages, including soda, diet soda, and energy drinks, starting April 1, 2026. The USDA approved Virginias request, aligning with Governor Glenn Youngkins goal to promote healthier eating and improve state well-being.

Shamin Hotels breaks ground on The Mondelle, an eleven-story hotel and conference center in Chesterfield County, featuring 270 rooms, three restaurants, a rooftop pool, and 1,400 conference attendees capacity. The $100 million project, set to open in summer 2023, is part of the $1 billion Springline at District sixty redevelopment, initially planned for the former Best Products showroom site.

The Virginia State Crime Commission is conducting a comprehensive review of over three hundred criminal cases linked to former forensic analyst Mary Jane Burton, with a focus on her testing, analysis, and testimony. The panel of legal experts will determine if a pattern of misconduct existed, potentially impacting hundreds of individuals, including one hundred twenty-four currently incarcerated. The review, expected to commence next year, is complex and lengthy, with challenges in obtaining case files and determining remedies for those whose innocence cannot be proven due to the passage of time.

Delegate Candi Mundon King, a Democrat from Prince William, is poised to become Virginias next Secretary of the Commonwealth, a role that involves managing clemency petitions, restoring rights to felons, and overseeing various crucial tasks such as board and commission appointments, extradition requests, notary public commissions, and relations with Native American tribes. The position has gained prominence in recent years due to its role in restoring voting rights to individuals who have served their time, a task that saw a significant drop under former Governor Glenn Youngkins case-by-case approach. Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has praised Mundon King for her dedication and commitment to serving Virginians.

Joe Casey, Chesterfield Countys long-serving administrator, announces retirement in 2026 after a decade of leading the regions largest locality. Casey, with a 37-year public service career, has overseen Chesterfields growth, managing a $2.4 billion budget and 4,000 employees. Hes attracted $12 billion in economic development projects, including Legos $1 billion factory and Googles new data centers. Chesterfield achieved quad-AAA bond ratings earlier this year, reducing borrowing costs. Casey expresses desire to connect more with rank-and-file employees, marking a significant leadership transition.

Local developer Waukeshaw buys former Bank of America branch for $1.8M, plans unknown but potential high for transformation.

Eaton, a global power management company, is investing $50 million to expand its Richmond-area operations, doubling its local manufacturing footprint with a new 350,000 square foot facility at the Sauer Industrial Center. This expansion, set to begin in Q2 2026 and produce essential components for data centers and industrial clients, will create 200 new jobs and is a testament to Virginias appeal for industrial development.

Local jewelry designer Vana Chupp unveils new showroom, offering personalized gold jewelry and custom consultations. Originally from Albania, Vana transitioned from paper silhouettes to fine jewelry, specializing in fourteen-karat gold and gemstones. Her new Patterson Avenue space, designed for intimate client meetings, encourages touching and feeling the pieces, fostering custom work and heirloom repurposing.