A Caribbean Cruise In A Fairfax Sheriff's Office Contract; More Va., Headlines

Staff Report, Virginia Mercury

October 18, 2022

• Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger pulled out of a planned debate Friday with Republican challenger Yesli Yega, citing logistical concerns like the choice of moderator and security plans. Vega had declined to participate in a separate debate last month.—Prince William Times

• Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he’ll ask the General Assembly to approve $30 million to help recruit more police officers and fund other anti-crime initiatives. “We must get more badges on the street — full stop.”—Washington Post

• In a lawsuit, former Portsmouth city manager Angel Jones accused several city council members of taking bribes in connection to public business. The city’s vice mayor called the suit “a book of fairy tales.”—Virginian-Pilot

• A contract between the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office and its jail communications vendor includes an offer for free tickets to training sessions on a Caribbean cruise. The sheriff’s office said none of its employees have participated in the cruises. “It may be legal but it’s a loophole in the law that should be closed,” said Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington.—The Appeal

• Fairfax school officials are considering recruiting teachers from Barbados to help with their teacher shortage.—WTOP

• The family of a Roanoke County man who was shot and killed by police during a mental health crisis is suing a variety of county officials, claiming police didn’t receive proper training and improperly obtained search warrants for the man’s home after his death.—Roanoke Times

• Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made a $13 million donation to the Danville Regional Foundation.—Cardinal News

• “Profit, pain and puppies: Inside the rescue of nearly 4,000 beagles.”—Washington Post

• Hip-hop legend and Portsmouth native Missy Elliott told a joyous crowd she “always took Virginia with her” during a dedication ceremony for “Missy Elliott Boulevard” in her hometown.—Virginian-Pilot

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