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Northbrook Virginia Hydro LLC License Exemption Application - Pinnacles Hydroelectric Project

FERC has approved Northbrook Virginia Hydro, LLC and the City of Danville, Virginia to use the Traditional Licensing Process for the Pinnacles Hydroelectric Project (No. 10896-027) on the Dan River in Patrick, Henry, and Pittsylvania counties, Virginia. The notice initiates informal consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Northbrook and the City are designated as non-federal representatives for these consultations. All license applications for Project No. 10896 must be filed with FERC by April 30, 2029.

Pinnacles Hydroelectric License Application Filed

FERC announces Northbrook Virginia Hydro, LLC and the City of Danville, Virginia have filed a Notice of Intent to submit a new license application for the Pinnacles Hydroelectric Project (No. 10896-027), located on the Dan River in Patrick, Henry, and Pittsylvania counties, Virginia. The Director of the Division of Hydropower Licensing approved their request to use the Traditional Licensing Process on April 17, 2026. The Commission is initiating informal consultation under the Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act. All license applications for the project must be filed by April 30, 2029.

Beverly Hills Mansion Forfeiture, $30M Defense Fraud Scheme

The DOJ Criminal Division filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California seeking forfeiture of a Beverly Hills mansion purchased with approximately $30 million in proceeds from a scheme to defraud the Defense Logistics Agency, pay bribes to a Kurdish official, and violate U.S. money laundering laws. A Virginia-based defense contractor allegedly obtained over $700 million from DLA for fuel deliveries to U.S. military forces during Operation Inherent Resolve (2016-2020), paying $0.25 per liter in bribes to General Mansour Barzani for exclusive airport access.

Fayette County Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Return, $266,053 Tax Loss

Michael Graves of Charlton Heights, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return, admitting to underreporting income and causing tax losses totaling $266,053.00. For tax year 2016, Graves listed income as $816.00 but corrected income was approximately $427,256.00, resulting in a tax loss of $125,285.00. Graves also admitted to falsely listing annual income as $816.00 for years 2017-2020, underreporting by $608,163.00 and wrongfully withholding $140,768.00. Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2026.

DOL Awards $10.5M Mine Safety Grants to 45 States, Navajo Nation

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration has awarded more than $10.5 million in grants to 48 recipients across 45 states, the Navajo Nation, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The grants support federally mandated training and re-training for miners at surface, underground coal, and metal and nonmetal mines, as well as shell dredging and surface stone, sand, and gravel operations. Recipients include state mine inspectors' offices, state departments of labor, and state-supported universities and colleges that tailor training to local mining conditions and hazards.

AG Frey Joins Coalition Condemning DOJ Coercion Against Minnesota

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in condemning the Department of Justice's use of armed federal agents to coerce Minnesota officials into turning over protected resident data including Medicaid, SNAP, and voter information. The coalition, led by New York AG Letitia James, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 29, 2026, asserting the demands intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing court-ordered protections. The attorneys general warned they will continue to defend state sovereignty and resident rights against unlawful federal interference.

State v. Crowe - Juvenile Transfer Sentencing Affirmed

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of Hancock County's February 15, 2024 sentencing order convicting Connor Crowe of two counts of second-degree murder. Crowe, who was 13 years old at the time of the offenses, was transferred to adult criminal jurisdiction and sentenced to two consecutive terms of 40 years of imprisonment. The Court rejected Crowe's arguments that the circuit court failed to properly address the mitigating circumstances required under West Virginia Code § 61-11-23(c) for transferred juveniles and that his sentence was unconstitutionally disproportionate.

WV Supreme Court Affirms Voter Registration Fraud Conviction

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed Darrell R. Sharp II's conviction for illegal application for registration to vote under W. Va. Code § 3-2-32(b). Sharp, a convicted felon on parole, falsely affirmed on a March 6, 2023 DMV voter registration application that he was not on parole when he was in fact still on parole. The jury convicted him and the circuit court sentenced him to twelve months in jail and a $1,000 fine. On appeal, Sharp argued the circuit court erred in instructing the jury on the required mens rea element. The Court found the instructional error did not affect Sharp's substantial rights because the jury acquitted him on the separate felony charge of illegal voting, demonstrating they carefully evaluated the mental state requirement.

State v. Steele — First-Degree Arson Conviction Affirmed on Appeal

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed Harry Lee Steele's first-degree arson conviction and 20-year prison sentence, rejecting his challenges to the denial of his motion to suppress his confession and the sufficiency of the evidence at trial. The Court found that the partial video recording of the interview did not render the confession inadmissible, and that the circuit court properly denied the motion based on corroborating evidence including matching timestamps, signatures, and the recorded portion confirming the petitioner's affirmation of his written statement. The ruling upholds the admissibility standard for confessions even when law enforcement records only a portion of the interrogation.

Nine Individuals, Three Organizations Receive 2026 NHTSA Public Service Awards

NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison presented 2026 NHTSA Public Service Award plaques to nine individuals and three organizations at the Lifesavers National Conference on Roadway Safety in Baltimore. Awardees were recognized for traffic safety achievements including a 50% reduction in traffic fatalities in Fairfax County, VA, the passage of Virginia House Bill 2475 for stronger seat belt legislation, and implementation of evidentiary oral fluid drug testing in New York State.

Announces Regulation Changes for Licensed Residents – Effective December 18, 2025

The Virginia Board of Counseling publishes news and announcements for licensed counselors, QMHP registrants, and counseling residents. Key upcoming changes include regulatory amendments for Licensed Residents (effective December 18, 2025) and for Qualified Mental Health Professionals under the registration program (effective May 7, 2025). Additional board updates address the Counseling Compact, BOOST supervision-funding program, and laws passed by the 2024 General Assembly effective July 1, 2024. The board's email contact is Coun@dhp.virginia.gov.

Virginia Enacts Counseling Compact, 12th State

Virginia became the 12th state to enact the Interstate Counseling Compact during the 2023 Legislative Session, with HB1433/SB802 becoming effective on January 1, 2024. The Compact allows professional counselors licensed and residing in member states to practice in other compact member states without the need for multiple licenses. The Compact is not yet operational; the Compact Commission is currently developing the infrastructure for member states to begin offering privileges to practice.

BOOST Funds for Clinical Supervision, Virginia Counselors

The Virginia Board of Counseling published an announcement on December 1, 2023, notifying Masters-prepared Counselors and Social Workers that BOOST funds are available to help cover the cost of required clinical supervision with a DHP-approved Supervisor for those pursuing Virginia licensure. The announcement directs interested parties to www.VHCF.org/Boost200 for application details and additional program information.

Virginia Awards $1.53M to Port Communities for Infrastructure Projects

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced $1.53 million through the Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund for infrastructure projects in Portsmouth ($550,000), Norfolk ($500,000), and Newport News ($480,000). The grants will support building renovations for small businesses, industrial facility upgrades for Mil-Spec Abrasives, and pier repairs at the Seafood Industrial Park. The General Assembly allocated $2.4 million total in the Fund for 2026.

Governor Spanberger Awards $14 Million in Homeless Reduction Grants to 61 Virginia Projects

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced $14 million in Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grants to 61 projects across the Commonwealth, with awards supporting 19 permanent supportive housing projects, 29 rapid rehousing projects, and 13 innovation projects for underserved populations. The grants represent 16% of the VHTF appropriation for the current fiscal year, with remaining funds supporting affordable and special needs housing production. The program is administered by DHCD in coordination with local Balance of State Continuum of Care planning groups and community-based organizations.

EIA Launches Voluntary Pilot Surveys on Data Center Energy Use

EIA has launched three voluntary pilot field studies to assess energy consumption in data centers across Texas, Washington state, and the Northern Virginia-DC region. The agency identified 196 companies operating data centers in these targeted areas and will ask each company to report on at least one data center's energy sources, electricity consumption, site characteristics, server metrics, and cooling systems. Participation in the web-based surveys and in-person interviews is voluntary, with Administrator Tristan Abbey noting the effort aims to modernize data collection toward faster cycles and finer detail.

Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program, $350,000 Award

USDA NIFA has posted a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program (ALN 10.516), offering up to $3,000,000 in total program funding with individual awards ranging from $350,000 to $350,000. Applications are accepted from 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Colleges and Universities, including Central State University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State University, as well as Tribal Colleges and Universities designated as 1994 Land-grant Institutions. The program closes June 23, 2026, and requires no cost-sharing or matching funds.

$250K in Brookwood-Sago Grants Awarded to University of Arizona, Penn State, South Dakota Mines

The U.S. Department of Labor announced $250,000 in Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety grants to three universities: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ($120,000), University of Arizona ($80,000), and Penn State ($50,000). MSHA will use the funding to support education and training programs on mine rescue, powered haulage safety, fall safety, and silica dust protection. The grant program was established under the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, honoring 25 miners who died in the Brookwood, Alabama and Sago, West Virginia mine disasters.

Governor Spanberger Signs Momnibus Bills to Improve Maternal Healthcare, Support Virginia Mothers

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the Virginia Momnibus legislative package on April 22, 2026, enacting four bipartisan bills to improve maternal healthcare coverage. The package includes HB1400 expanding maternal mental healthcare screenings, HB1403 directing the Department of Health to develop a Severe Maternal Morbidity reporting system, HB425 authorizing Medicaid reimbursements for remote monitoring of high-risk pregnant women, and HB1353 directing the Commissioner of Health to assess a statewide maternal health safety initiative. The legislation targets Virginia's high maternal mortality rate, particularly for Black women who face elevated risks compared to other demographics.

Governor Spanberger Statement on Redistricting Referendum Outcome

Governor Abigail Spanberger released a statement on April 21, 2026, following Virginia voters' approval of a temporary redistricting measure. The approved measure was designed to push back against claims of entitlement to additional Republican seats in Congress. The statement acknowledges voter rejection of similar demands in other states and reaffirms commitment to Virginia's bipartisan redistricting commission resuming work after the 2030 census.

NOA Celebrates One Year Anniversary October 2025

The West Virginia Real Estate Commission's News page published a one-year anniversary announcement for NOA (New Opportunities for Achievement or similar program) on October 1, 2025. The announcement appears to be a commemorative notice marking one year since the program's launch, with contact information provided for the Charleston office. This is a routine agency communication with no regulatory or compliance implications.

WV Memo Requires Dealer License for HUD Code Homes

The West Virginia Real Estate Commission issued a memo on March 30, 2026, clarifying that a dealer license is required to sell HUD Code homes (manufactured homes) in the state. The Commission referenced guidance issued by the Board of Manufactured Housing Construction & Safety as the source of the licensing requirement. Parties seeking to sell HUD Code homes in West Virginia should confirm they hold the appropriate dealer license prior to listing or selling such properties.

Operational Update on Wyoming County Transformer Mineral Oil Release Response

The West Virginia DEP and Appalachian Power report that containment measures following a transformer mineral oil release at a Wyoming County substation successfully captured escaped material. On February 11, 2026, increased river flow from snowmelt pushed debris and ice downstream, impacting containment structures near the Guyandotte River confluence. Redundant containment systems downstream remain intact and are now serving as primary containment lines. No material has been observed in R.D. Bailey Lake, where multiple containment systems remain active and crews continue monitoring.

2026 Make It Shine Spring Cleanup Applications Open April

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for the 2026 Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup, scheduled for April 4–19, 2026. The REAP program provides cleanup materials, waste hauling, and landfill fees to volunteer community groups removing litter from state streams and public lands; applications must be submitted by March 6, 2026. Last year's effort mobilized 3,800 volunteers from 143 groups who removed 98 tons of litter from 99 acres of public land and 53 miles of streams.

Governor Awards $6.2M GO Virginia Grants for 10 Projects

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced $6.2 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants awarded to 10 projects, leveraging an additional $4 million in investment. The grants support workforce development, small business expansion, career pathways, and regional innovation across Virginia's localities and community colleges. Since 2022, GO Virginia has created 1,100 new businesses, 25,000 jobs, and launched 125 training programs serving 45,000 Virginians.

Bozarth v. Shelton - Trial Court Did Not Err Dismissing Annulment Action

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of Chesterfield County's dismissal of an annulment action brought by Virginia W. Bozarth as administrator of her sister Carol Wood Lantz's estate. The court held that marriages involving a party who lacked mental capacity to consent are voidable, not void ab initio, and that the death of one spouse extinguishes the circuit court's subject matter jurisdiction to terminate the voidable marriage. A third party, such as an estate administrator, cannot collaterally attack the validity of a voidable marriage after a spouse's death under Code § 20-45.1(B).

Lionel Williams Jr v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Firearm Drug Conviction Affirmed

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed Lionel Williams Jr.'s convictions for possessing a firearm while distributing a controlled substance and possessing a firearm as a convicted violent felon, rejecting his argument that the evidence was insufficient to establish constructive possession. The court found that witness testimony, the firearm's proximity to the driver's position, and Williams's behavior after the traffic stop—including his expletive upon learning of the weapon—supported the trial court's findings. Williams also pleaded guilty to three unchallenged charges including distributing controlled substances with intent, resisting arrest, and driving on a suspended license.

Butler v. Commonwealth - VA Court Upholds Robbery, Firearm Convictions

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the York County circuit court conviction of Herbert Jounious Butler, Jr. on April 21, 2026, finding evidence sufficient to support convictions for robbery by use or display of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a non-violent felon, aggravated malicious wounding, and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The court found that DNA evidence from a recovered bandana and the discovery of the weapon in Butler's vehicle were sufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court also remanded for correction of a clerical error in the sentencing order regarding the suspension of sentence.

Rasheed Azali Mells v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Appeal Affirmed

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the circuit court's denial of Rasheed Azali Mells's motion to suppress evidence recovered during a vehicle search executed pursuant to a warrant at a residence in Fluvanna County. The appellate court held that the vehicle was within the curtilage of the dwelling and the warrant expressly authorized the search of any vehicles on the property. The court further affirmed denial of suppression of statements, finding no coercion and that an explicit confession regarding drugs and firearms was given voluntarily after Miranda warnings.

WVDEP Adopt-A-Highway Spring Cleanup Set April 25

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is accepting registrations for the Adopt-A-Highway Spring Statewide Cleanup on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a registration deadline of April 17. The 2025 event drew more than 1,900 volunteers from over 250 groups who removed nearly 79,000 pounds of litter from almost 600 miles of roadway. The program, administered through WVDEP's Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP), provides garbage bags, work gloves, and safety vests to volunteers, and handles disposal of collected trash. Participants must be at least 12 years old; groups can register by calling 1-800-322-5530 or emailing dep.aah@wv.gov.

Capital Murder Death Sentence Affirmed in Toddler Strangulation Case

The Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas affirmed Howard Wayne Lewis's capital murder conviction and death sentence for the July 24, 2013 strangulation death of his sixteen-month-old son. The court rejected Lewis's sufficiency-of-evidence challenges, holding that legally sufficient evidence does not depend on types of evidence offered but on the totality of incriminating circumstances. The jury heard evidence establishing that Lewis drove from Dallas to Huntsville, beat his son's maternal grandmother to death with a hammer, and asphyxiated his toddler son over a bathroom door before returning to Dallas and attempting to cover his tracks.

Commonwealth of Virginia v. John Antonio Fennell - Speedy Trial

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of Henry County's dismissal of five felony indictments against John Antonio Fennell related to a murder-for-hire plot. The appellate court held that the Commonwealth's argument that Fennell's period of seeking counsel tolled his statutory speedy trial rights under Code § 19.2-243 was unpreserved for appeal. The court also rejected the Commonwealth's claim that the approbate-reprobate doctrine barred Fennell from benefiting from delay caused by continuances he requested.

State ex rel. West Virginia v. Young - Statute of Limitations Dissent

Justice Trump issued a dissent arguing the majority erred in granting a writ of prohibition in an election law misdemeanor case, asserting the lower court did not commit clear legal error in applying the one-year statute of limitations under W. Va. Code § 61-11-9. The case involves two defendants indicted on April 7, 2025, for offenses allegedly committed February 3, 2022, under W. Va. Code § 3-9-3(b), with the central dispute being whether the one-year general misdemeanor limitation or the five-year election-law limitation under W. Va. Code § 3-9-24 applies. The dissent examines the 1847-48 Virginia Acts and 1908 West Virginia legislative history to trace the evolution of both statutes of limitations.

Celanese Acetate LLC Virginia Air Pollution Control Law Proposed Consent Order

VA DEQ has proposed a consent order against Celanese Acetate LLC for violations of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and applicable permit regulations at the Celanese Narrows Virginia Plant in Narrows, Virginia. The proposed consent order is open for public comment from March 31, 2026 through April 30, 2026. The full text of the proposed order is available on the VA DEQ website.

Kevin Jeron Bland v. Commonwealth of Virginia - En Banc Rehearing

The Virginia Court of Appeals granted the Commonwealth's petition for rehearing en banc on December 30, 2025, heard oral argument on March 31, 2026, and on April 7, 2026 dismissed the petition as improvidently granted. The stay of the Court's November 12, 2025 mandate is lifted, the panel decision is reinstated, and the circuit court's judgment remains reversed. Three judges (Beales, Callins, and White) dissented. The underlying November 12, 2025 panel decision held that the circuit court imposed the maximum 10-year active sentence for conduct that Code § 19.2-306.1(C) capped at no incarceration for a first technical probation violation. This non-precedential ruling directly affects the defendant and signals judicial scrutiny of probation-revocation sentencing under the cited Virginia statute.

DOJ Lists 13 Environmental Crime Cases in February 2026 Bulletin

The DOJ Environmental Crimes Section published its February 2026 bulletin on March 23, 2026, summarizing 13 criminal cases across 8 federal districts. Cases include charges and resolutions under the Eagle Protection Act, Clean Water Act, Lacey Act, AIM Act, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and Animal Welfare Act. Violations range from wildlife trafficking and animal fighting to illegal HFC refrigerant imports and cyber intrusion into public water systems. Sentencings are scheduled for May 4 and June 17, 2026.

N.T.A. v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Expungement Eligibility for Nolle Prossed and Dismissed Charges

The Court of Appeals of Virginia reversed the Circuit Court of the City of Fredericksburg, which had denied N.T.A.'s petitions to expunge charges that were nolle prossed and dismissed as part of plea agreements in general district and juvenile and domestic relations courts. The appellate court held that dismissed charges qualify as 'otherwise dismissed' and nolle prossed charges are separately eligible for expungement pursuant to Code § 19.2-392.2(A)(2). The case was reversed and remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Boyd-Goode v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Firearm Possession Conviction Affirmed

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the conviction of Nathaniel Junius Boyd-Goode for possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon under Code § 18.2-308.2, upholding the trial court's five-year sentence. The court found the evidence sufficient because Boyd-Goode admitted to officers that he owned the AR-15 style rifle found in his vehicle. Boyd-Goode's appellate argument that the evidence was insufficient to prove the rifle was a firearm was rejected as waived under Rule 5A:18 because it was not raised at trial.

LGI Homes Virginia LLC Proposed Consent Order Prince George County Water Violations

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ) is seeking public comment on a proposed consent order against LGI Homes - Virginia, LLC for alleged violations of State Water Control Board statutes, regulations, and an applicable permit at the Meadows Section 3 development project in Prince George County, Virginia. The 30-day comment period runs from April 6, 2026 through May 6, 2026. The proposed consent order document is available for review through the VA DEQ Piedmont Regional Office.

Virginia SCC v. Tribble - Unregistered Advisory and Material Fraud

The Virginia SCC Division of Securities and Retail Franchising filed a Show Cause order (Case No. SEC-2024-00046) against William Tribble on December 5, 2025, alleging he operated an unregistered investment advisory business from 2020-2021, falsely claiming affiliation with the Han-Allen Hedge Fund that was never formally established. The Division seeks civil penalties, restitution, and a permanent bar from acting as an advisor in Virginia.