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VA

-title-request Heater Alarm Saves Historic Petersburg Church from Fire

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor December 3, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Petersburg⁣ Church Avoids Major damage in Heater Fire

PETERSBURG – A fast⁣ response from the petersburg Fire & EMS Department adn a functioning alarm system prevented meaningful damage to St. Joseph Catholic Church after a heater in ‌the sanctuary caught fire on Dec. 2.

Firefighters arriving at‍ the church on West Washington Street encountered heavy smoke but no visible ⁢exterior damage. Upon entering,⁤ crews quickly located and extinguished the burning heater.⁤ No injuries were reported.

“Thankfully, the church’s alarm system did ⁢exactly what it was‌ designed to do … alert early and give us a fighting chance,” the department stated ‌in a Facebook post.the proximity of the first responding station on South Market Street -⁣ just a block away – also contributed to the swift response.

Built in phases begining in 1887 and completed in 1916, St. Joseph is a Victorian Gothic-style building and part of ⁣the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.⁤

The fire ⁤department credited early detection and teamwork for preventing a‍ more serious incident.

December 3, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Prix Femina: “Night in the Heart” and “S’Adapter” – A Literary Triumph

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor November 29, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Award-Winning Novel “S’adapter” Offers Profoundly Moving Exploration ⁤of Disability and ⁢Family Bonds

PARIS, FRANCE – Clara Dupont-Monod’s acclaimed‍ novel, S’adapter (roughly translated as “To‌ Adapt”), is captivating readers and ‌critics alike with its⁤ emotionally resonant portrayal‍ of a family navigating life with a child with severe disabilities. ⁣The novel recently garnered the prestigious Femina Prize, alongside the landerneau ‌Prize and ‌the Goncourt des Lycéens, solidifying its place as ⁣a meaningful ⁢literary achievement. The book’s power stems ‍from ⁤its deeply personal roots – Dupont-Monod herself grew up with a brother facing significant disabilities.

S’adapter ‌centers⁤ on a family in ‌the Cévennes region of France whose “ordinarily happy” life is transformed by the birth of a child unable to⁤ see, ⁤walk, or communicate beyond‌ faint sounds. The narrative uniquely ⁢unfolds through the perspective of the stones in the family courtyard, acting as silent, observant witnesses to the family’s evolving dynamics.

The novel’s strength lies in its‌ nuanced depiction‌ of how the three siblings react to their ⁤brother’s condition. The ⁣eldest, named Wool, forges an intensely devoted‍ “fusion bond,” ‍creating a sensory world for his brother through whispered ‌sounds and tactile ‍experiences. The youngest sibling, however, grapples with feelings of injustice, anger,⁤ and ⁤a sense of being overshadowed by the family’s⁤ focus on her ‌brother. ⁢A third child⁤ is born years after the brother’s death, and ultimately ‌becomes the one who pieces ‌together the family’s fragmented memories.

Readers have responded with “remarkable enthusiasm,” describing the book as‍ “dazzling” and capable of “thrilling the senses,”‌ praising its “poetic, airy,⁢ subtle” language. Many have ‌noted the author’s ability to portray reactions to⁣ disability with “rare humanity,” avoiding ‍pity while maintaining unflinching honesty.

Critics echo this sentiment, highlighting ‌the‌ novel’s “singularity of‌ the narrative device” and “psychological finesse.” ⁢One reviewer called it “a frankly touching⁤ novel of global significance,” while another stated it “opens your⁣ eyes to the real wealth of misfits.”⁣ Ultimately, S’adapter is being celebrated for its⁢ ability ‍to ⁣transform pain into a powerful message of hope, earning it the‍ description: “A gem of a book, a ⁣gem of humanity and sensitivity…”

November 29, 2025 0 comments

Business

Virginia Attorney General Election: Jay Jones Wins Despite Shocking Texts

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 5, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

richmond, VA – Democrat Jay Jones has won the race for Virginia Attorney General, ⁤despite recent controversy surrounding previously published text messages containing violent⁤ rhetoric. Jones defeated Republican Jason Miyares in⁢ Tuesday’s election.

The ‌outcome marks a ‌significant moment in Virginia politics, as jones will become the first African American Attorney General in the state’s history. However, the victory comes after The national Review published texts from 2022‍ in which Jones made disturbing comments about former Virginia House Speaker Todd ⁢Gilbert,⁣ stating, “three people two bullets…Gilbert, Hitler, and Polpot…Gilbert gets two bullets too the head.” Jones subsequently apologized, stating, “I ⁤take full responsibility for ⁢my actions, and I want to issue my deepest apology to Speaker Gilbert and his family. Reading ‍back those words made me sick ⁤to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry.”

Throughout his campaign,Jones,36,focused on economic issues,telling FOX 5’s Jim Lokay in june that ⁣he was focused on “Virginians’ pocketbooks.” He pledged to target ”the price gougers, we’re ⁢going after the corporate ‌polluters, we’re going after the folks who are making us all less safe and less ‌secure, and⁢ that we are⁤ protecting civil rights and civil liberties, as that’s what’s at stake in this election.”

Jones, a Norfolk native and graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, previously served two terms in the Virginia ‌House of Delegates ⁢from 2018 to 2022. As leaving the house, he has worked in the private sector, litigating cases related to voting rights on behalf of organizations ⁣like the Virginia State ⁣conference of the NAACP. He previously ran for Attorney General in 2020,losing the Democratic primary to Mark Herring.

November 5, 2025 0 comments

Health

Mobile Eye Clinic Provides Vision Care to Staunton Students

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 16, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Mobile Eye Clinic Brings⁢ Critical Vision Care‌ to Staunton Students

STAUNTON, VA – A mobile eye clinic operated by the nonprofit ‍Conexus⁣ is providing‌ free ⁣vision screenings, exams, and glasses to students in Staunton City Schools, addressing a important barrier to learning. The initiative, which ‍visited Bessie Weller Elementary on September 3 and Ware Elementary on September 10,⁤ aims to ‍ensure all students ‌have⁣ the vision they need to succeed academically.

Research indicates that children with vision problems are more than three times more likely to⁢ fail a grade in school. Recognizing this connection, Conexus ⁢is working to proactively identify and correct vision issues within the‌ school system.

Del. Ellen Campbell, representing Virginia’s 36th ‌District, observed the mobile clinic at Ware Elementary.”Students today have a lot of⁢ obstacles when it comes to learning,” she said. “Helping them see better removes one of those obstacles.” She highlighted the importance of the service for families facing logistical challenges. “Not everybody has the same ‍resources… Think ⁤about ⁢these kids right here. Their parents are at work today,⁤ so if they had to figure out a way‍ to take off from work to take them to the doctor… it’s a great⁢ resource.”

During the visit to Bessie‌ Weller, Conexus provided 36 ‍eye exams and prescribed⁢ 27 pairs⁢ of glasses. Notably, ⁤75%‍ of the students examined had never received an eye exam before, and 78% of those ⁢prescribed glasses will be receiving their first pair.

“We come in and screen, get an eye exam and⁤ get a pair of glasses within a month,” explained Jeff Baldwin, communications director with Conexus. “Not a⁣ lot of people can say that we find a problem and fix a problem that quickly.”

All students in grades mandated by the state ⁤are being screened, with teachers able to refer additional ⁤students if they suspect‍ a vision problem. The program aims to swiftly address vision issues and positively ‌impact students’ academic trajectories.

September 16, 2025 0 comments

Health

Tricare Ending Weight-Loss Meds for Veterans: A Fight for Fairness

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 11, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Pentagon Policy Strips Weight-Loss ⁤Drug Coverage from Longest-Serving Veterans, Lawsuit Alleges

WASHINGTON – A ⁤policy enacted by the Department of Defense (DOD) is unlawfully denying weight-loss medication coverage to military retirees enrolled in Tricare for Life (TFL), a program⁣ for ⁣beneficiaries who⁤ are ‌also eligible for Medicare, according to a recent ⁣opinion piece authored by a concerned veteran. The dispute centers on access to obesity treatments ‍authorized ‌under the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization‌ Act.

While⁣ the law authorized programs for “covered beneficiaries” across all Tricare plans, the Pentagon implemented the authority narrowly, excluding TFL enrollees. This resulted in a ⁤tiered⁤ system ⁤where a 64-year-old retiree on Tricare Select pays a $35 co-pay for the same medication,⁣ while a TFL‍ beneficiary faces costs ranging from $499 to $1,349 monthly.The veteran argues this selective implementation contradicts the intent of a uniform formulary⁢ mandated by‍ law. The DOD, they contend, is misinterpreting ⁤regulations, specifically utilizing one that‍ “expressly excludes Tricare‍ for⁤ life” to justify the benefit ⁣reduction.

The financial burden is especially acute for retirees on fixed incomes, ⁢many of whom suffer from service-connected injuries that limit mobility and make ‍weight loss through exercise‍ difficult.The author asserts the ⁢policy forces veterans to choose between essential⁢ medications⁢ and basic ⁤necessities.The‍ veteran ⁤calls on Congress to take immediate action, including:‍ suspending the policy pending ‍review; ⁤investigating⁣ the DOD’s⁤ justification; clarifying through statute that‍ TFL beneficiaries should‍ have the same drug access as other Tricare enrollees; and requiring public accountability from the DOD regarding its decision-making ‍process. ⁢

“‘Tricare⁢ for Life’ was meant to be‌ just that – for life,” the author writes. “Not ‘for‌ life‍ with exceptions,’ not‍ ‘for life untill you’re too ⁢old.'” They further state⁢ that if the Pentagon deems the medications too costly, ‌it should seek additional funding authorization from⁣ Congress rather than restricting ⁣access through regulatory maneuvering.

September 11, 2025 0 comments

News

Trump’s Executive Order Sparks Concerns Over VA’s West L.A. Veterans Center Plan

by Emma Walker – News Editor September 5, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Veterans Voice Diverse Needs for West LA VA⁣ Campus⁣ Redevelopment

A recent roundtable discussion with veterans highlighted a ‌complex set of needs and concerns surrounding the planned redevelopment of the West Los Angeles ⁣VA campus. While the⁢ VA aims⁢ to utilize the campus to address veteran homelessness nationwide, opinions diverge on the scale ‌and type of housing required, and also the crucial ⁣support services needed⁣ for triumphant reintegration into civilian life.

The proposed⁣ “National ‍Center for Warrior Independence” has sparked debate, notably regarding the potential⁢ influx of veterans from across the⁢ country. Some, like ‌Army veteran Rob Begland, expressed concern over the idea of concentrating 6,000 veterans in‌ Los Angeles, ⁤while concurrently emphasizing ⁢the importance of serving veterans beyond the local area.⁤ Begland ⁣underscored the fundamental duty to facilitate veterans’ reintegration into society,⁣ advocating for robust vocational training programs.

A key⁣ issue raised by veterans was the unintended consequences ‌of current VA housing policies. Air Force⁣ veteran Robert Canas ⁣described a frustrating dilemma: accessing educational or ⁣employment⁣ opportunities risks‌ eviction from VA-provided housing. This creates a barrier to self-sufficiency, effectively penalizing veterans for striving to rebuild ‌their‌ lives.

Several proposals were⁢ offered to address these ⁢challenges. Anthony Allman, of Vets Advisory, suggested a‌ collaborative effort between the VA ‍and community ‍colleges to create housing specifically for ⁣student veterans. Sal Grammatico, ⁤a long-time advocate for‍ the campus, stressed the need to allocate housing for patients⁤ undergoing treatment at the VA hospital, differentiating between transitional,⁤ permanent, and treatment-related housing needs.

the importance‌ of ⁣tailored ‌housing options was a recurring theme. Reynolds⁢ highlighted the success ‍of the campus’s ‍”harm reduction” tiny home village in assisting veterans struggling with substance abuse, but also emphasized the need for⁤ sober living environments and dedicated support for those with⁣ severe mental illness.Though, existing housing on the campus⁤ faces meaningful challenges. veterans ‌described serious safety‌ concerns, with ⁤Canas detailing instances of drug activity and even fatalities within buildings due to a lack of ‌adequate support ⁤services. ⁣

Following the roundtable, Congressmen Takano and Sherman pledged to introduce legislation⁤ aimed at‍ increasing openness and addressing the issues raised. Sherman acknowledged ⁤the inherent tension between incentivizing self-sufficiency and fostering a supportive veteran community,‌ but ultimately prioritized the⁢ immediate need to “get people indoors.”

The discussion underscored that successful redevelopment ‍of the‌ West LA VA ‌campus requires a nuanced approach, prioritizing not ‌just housing, ‌but ⁣also comprehensive support services, individualized housing options, and a commitment to removing barriers to veterans’ ⁢long-term well-being and reintegration.

September 5, 2025 0 comments

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