VISUALIZATION: HOW ABSENTEE BALLOTS THIS YEAR COMPARE TO 2015

Four years ago, when Del. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk) was unopposed for re-election, there were 278 absentee votes. With Jones now facing a Democratic challenger in a newly configured district, the number of absentee votes through Wednesday hit 588 -- this biggest change so far. VPAP compares the number of absentee ballots returned in each district so far this year with the number of absentee votes cast four years ago.

TARGETED RACE: SD 8 IN VIRGINIA BEACH

Today, VPAP begins a series that profiles the 15 legislative districts with the most political party money flowing to candidates running in the Nov. 5 election. First up is Senate District 8 in Virginia Beach, where Republican Sen. Bill DeSteph and Democratic challenger Missy Cotter Smasal together have raised more than $600,000 in donations from political parties and other candidates. Coming Tomorrow: Senate District 10

THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TAKES ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Working between different agencies to tackle human trafficking across Virginia can be difficult at times because of access to different resources in different regions. The General Assembly signed off on a new state job this year to evaluate and coordinate efforts to report these crimes and to educate others on how to spot cases to help survivors.

PANEL: TIME TO BANISH ‘SHALL’ FROM VIRGINIA RULES

The call to eliminate use of the word “shall” in Virginia law is growing louder. The Advisory Committee on Rules of Court has joined the Boyd-Graves Conference in unanimously endorsing removal of the term from the Virginia Rules. Legal commentators and scholars have long characterized the word “shall” as inherently ambiguous. Sometimes it means “must".

BAR RATES 2 ‘HIGHLY QUALIFIED’ FOR HAULER SEAT

The Chesterfield Bar Association is recommending two juvenile and domestic relations judges as “highly qualified” for a circuit court vacancy. Six other candidates are deemed “qualified.” The bar’s evaluations are directed to legislators who could fill the seat of retired Judge Timothy J. Hauler.

DEMOCRAT TAKES ON THE VIRGINIA SENATE’S TOP REPUBLICAN

For the incumbent in the state Senate district anchored in the Historic Triangle, Thomas K. Norment Jr., the issue in this year’s election is which party controls the chamber. For his opponent, the issue is Norment himself. The challenger, former New Kent County treasurer Herb Jones, says Norment, R-James City County, is too beholden to special interests and has used his elected position to enrich himself.

VA. SENATE CANDIDATES RAMP UP ATTACK ADS AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY

In attack ads running on television ahead of the Nov. 5 election, Republicans are characterizing their opponents as “radical” and “socialist,” and Democrats are criticizing Republicans for their stances on gun policy and health care. The attack ads and the spending are ratcheting up in the Election Day homestretch.

STURTEVANT AN ‘INDEPENDENT VOICE,’ HASHMI ON THE LEFT

In the race for state Senate District 10, which includes a northern section of the Dale District, incumbent Glen Sturtevant, R-Midlothian, labeled himself an “independent voice” while Democrat challenger Ghazala Hashmi, also of Midlothian, laid out a liberal agenda during a VPM forum Oct. 9. Sturtevant is an attorney who is nearing the end of a four-year term after defeating Dan Gecker by 2.66 percentage points in a 2015 race to succeed longtime state Sen. John Watkins.

DEMOCRATIC DELEGATE IN VIRGINIA BEACH CALLS CHALLENGER’S IMMIGRATION ATTACK MAILER “RACIST”

With the Nov. 5 elections less than two weeks away, a GOP candidate in a Virginia Beach delegate race is depicting her Democratic challenger as being aligned with members of a notorious gang from El Salvador. In the print ad, Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler is Photoshopped next to three heavily tattooed Latino men bearing the letters “MS”, a reference to the MS-13 gang,

CANDIDATES FOR STATE OFFICES

Candidate’s Night afforded the general electorate a rare opportunity to hear from candidates for state office. Each candidate had two minutes to speak and they are presented in order of their appearance. Candidates for the House of Delegate in District 99 are incumbent Republican Del. Margaret Bevans Ransone and Democrat Francis Edwards.

VIRGINIA’S GREEN NEW DEAL, UNVEILED

As sea waters rise, glaciers melt, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires become more frequent and intense, the need for people to adapt to a rapidly warming planet has become increasingly apparent in recent years. The goal of Virginia’s Green New Deal, then, is less to prevent climate change than to mitigate its impacts as much as possible by reforming society so that is more equitable and sustainable in the future, according to a policy platform unveiled on Oct. 13 at a coalition fundraiser

FULLY FUNDING VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL COST $1 BILLION MORE PER YEAR

In some competitive races around the state, Democratic candidates are promising to restore funding for public schools. But it’s not a small — or cheap — task. Last week, the state Board of Education recommended new standards for public schools that would require close to a billion more dollars a year if lawmakers chose to fully fund those standards.

NO TIME OFF FOR VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS IN WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ‘OFF-OFF ELECTION’

Every November brings an election in Virginia. With less than two weeks to Election Day, campaigns are kicking into high gear. But no run for office would be successful without a great team of volunteers. "All politics is local, so I'm starting at the local level to do my best," Gerri Snyder, a Democratic campaign volunteer, said.

INCUMBENTS FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY OUTRAISE, OUTSPEND CHALLENGERS IN SW VA.

General Assembly incumbents from Southwest Virginia have dramatically outraised and outspent challengers in the months leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5. A review of campaign finance contributions on the Virginia state election site and the Virginia Public Access Project shows area Republican candidates command the bulk of contributions in upcoming state Senate and House of Delegate races.

DSS COMMISSIONER THANKED EMPLOYEES FOR FEEDBACK IN JULY, BUT HE DIDN'T HAVE KEY PARTS OF SURVEY

The leader of the Virginia Department of Social Services sent an email to employees July 22 thanking them for participating in an employee engagement survey. The feedback was “extremely valuable” and would help department leaders “benchmark performance in a variety of critical areas including management and supervision,” DSS Commissioner S. Duke Storen wrote in the email.

BLACK STUDENTS BEAR BRUNT OF ENFORCEMENT AS POLICE FILE MORE DISORDERLY CONDUCT CHARGES IN SCHOOLS

Advocates say one student was charged for singing a rap song on a school bus. Another for cutting in line. A third for running and shouting in the cafeteria. The crime: disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor that’s drawing more and more kids in Virginia schools into the criminal justice system.

WARNER DISCUSSES PUSH TO IMPLEMENT ASHANTI ALERT SYSTEM, MAKE VB TRAGEDY FUND TAX-DEDUCTIBLE

Senator Mark Warner is once again expressing his concern when it comes to the delayed implementation of the Ashanti Alert Act. The alert is named after Ashanti Billie, the 19-year-old college student abducted from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. Billie’s body was found days later in North Carolina.

CLINE PARTICIPATES IN IMPEACHMENT PROTEST

Rep. Ben Cline was among the Republican House members who staged a public protest of the impeachment investigations proceedings Wednesday....In a Facebook post Wednesday night, Cline wrote, “I joined my colleagues this morning to insist Speaker Pelosi conduct this impeachment process in the light of day and not in the basement of the Capitol behind closed doors and in secret. While I was not allowed inside the SCIF, I will continue to fight for transparency.

SPANBERGER ADD-ON SHINES LIGHT ON FOREIGN POLITICAL ADS

Trying to secure U.S. elections from foreign interference, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the SHIELD Act, including Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s proposal to boost transparency about online ads. The measure, passed Wednesday evening, would require political campaigns to report contacts with foreigners to the FBI and the Federal Election Commission, outlaw handing private campaign information to foreigners, and bolster ad-reporting requirements. The latter provision is the Central Virginia Democrat’s addition

CLOUDFIT SOFTWARE TO OCCUPY LONG-VACANT DOWNTOWN LANDMARK, ADD 139 NEW JOBS IN LYNCHBURG

After standing vacant for 12 years, the iconic Carter Glass Building at 863 Church St. will have a new business move in next year. CloudFit Software will bring 139 more jobs in the first three years of operation in its new location in the circa-1931 Art Deco building

VIRGINIA NATURAL GAS PART OF FIRST CONTRACT TO REDUCE METHANE EMISSIONS FROM WELLS TO CUSTOMERS

Virginia Natural Gas is partnering with a Pennsylvania-based gas producer and three pipeline transmission companies to reduce the escape of methane — a greenhouse gas linked to climate change — at every link in the chain from the well to homes and businesses.

5G SENSOR RESEARCH COULD BRING SEA CHANGE TO PORT OF VIRGINIA

The next generation of wireless network will be doing a lot more than just enhancing your smartphone’s download speeds. 5G technology could soon help the Port of Virginia improve efficiency, save money and lessen its environment impact. Researchers at several Virginia higher education institutions want to help port employees accurately track how much cargo is in a container at any given moment.

PARTIAL METROBUS STRIKE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA SURPRISED MANY RIDERS

Thousands of commuters woke up Thursday to find their usual route to work shut down without any clear notice. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 announced a partial Metrobus strike late Wednesday at the privatized Cinder Bed Road garage in Lorton, Virginia. But Metro only provided information to riders about the 14 bus lines that were not operating Thursday at 7 a.m.

STRIKE THAT CAUSED METROBUS DELAYS, CLOSURES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA TO CONTINUE FRIDAY

Several Metrobus routes in Northern Virginia are expected to be shut down for a second day Friday as operators at a garage in Lorton picket over contract negotiations. At least 50 striking Metrobus operators, mechanics and utility workers at the Cinder Bed garage forced Metro to temporarily stop service Thursday on about 15 Northern Virginia routes.

THOMAS NELSON TO LAY OFF 45 IN FACE OF BUDGET SHORTFALL

Facing a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, Thomas Nelson Community College announced it will lay off 45 employees at the end of the year. In a college-wide email, President John Dever wrote Thursday that the college needs to cut $1.8 million from its roughly $33-million personnel budget this fiscal year to get a balanced budget. In fiscal year 2021, it needs to cut $3.6 million.

UVA CONTRACTORS TO LIFT WAGES TO $15 AN HOUR MINIMUM

Contract employees working for the University of Virginia will see minimum wages increase to $15 an hour, the same as for most UVa employees, President Jim Ryan announced Thursday. The contractors — including food service, child care, janitorial, valet services and environmental services employees — will begin paying the wage on Jan. 1.

WILDER SAYS PANEL CLEARS HIM OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS. VCU CALLS THAT 'PREMATURE.'

Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder announced Thursday that a Virginia Commonwealth University appeals panel has cleared him of sexual misconduct allegations, but the university called Wilder’s claims “premature.”

WILDER CLAIMS VCU PANEL CLEARS HIM

Former governor L. Douglas Wilder (D) said Thursday that a Virginia Commonwealth University review panel has overturned an earlier finding that he had nonconsensual sexual contact with a 20-year-old student, but the university disputed his assertion that the action resolves the matter. “His comments were premature,” VCU spokesman Mike Porter said.

WILL DUMFRIES VOTERS BET ON HORSE RACING?

The Town of Dumfries is one of two Virginia localities that could be the future home of a “Rosie’s Gaming Emporium,” a pari-mutuel betting parlor, depending on the outcome of a voter referendum Nov. 5. If the ballot question passes, the eastern Prince William County town of about 5,200 residents could be home to a Rosie’s-brand gaming facility with 150 “historical horse-race” betting machines – essentially, electronic slot machines.

AFTER NEPOTISM SCANDAL LED TO HER FIRING, RICHMOND OWED FORMER TOP ADMINISTRATOR A $25,000 PAYOUT

Ousted for her role in a nepotism scandal, Richmond’s former top administrator walked out of City Hall last month entitled to a $25,000 payout. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney fired Chief Administrative Officer Selena Cuffee-Glenn in September after an internal inspector general investigation revealed five of her relatives got jobs in city departments she oversaw.

RICHMOND CONSIDERS ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO DEAL WITH RISING POPULATION

Officials are gathering resident feedback on the city’s 20-year master plan, Richmond 300. It aims to tackle issues like environmental sustainability, housing and transportation — and develop a blueprint for future land use. As the city continues to grow, so will the demand for places to live. The strategies they’ve proposed to address increased housing needs include rezoning the city to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all residential districts.

EX-NORFOLK SHERIFF BOB MCCABE INDICTED ON FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES

Former Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe was indicted Thursday on 11 federal corruption charges, accused of taking bribes over more than two decades in exchange for steering millions of dollars in city contracts to friendly businesses.

NORFOLK’S ANTI-CASINO PETITION DRIVE FALLS SHORT

A petition drive seeking to reverse the Norfolk City Council’s approval of a land deal for a waterfront casino resort fell short Thursday, with backers failing to gather enough signatures to put the issue before the city’s voters.

VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOL BOARD AGREES TO MOVE FORWARD AFTER DISAGREEMENT ON PRIVATE MEETING

After bickering for more than a month about whether a private discussion should have been public, the Virginia Beach School Board on Tuesday agreed to move forward so it could refocus on its priority — students. While they would not acknowledge whether they violated the state’s open meetings law, board members drafted a statement vowing “not to do it again.”

CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEMBER WHO CALLED HOMOSEXUALITY AN “ABOMINATION”

Leaders in Hampton Roads’ LGBT community called for the removal of a member of Virginia Beach’s Human Rights Commission on Thursday following comments he posted on Facebook saying homosexuality was an “abomination” and that transgender people suffer from a mental illness.

ALLEGATIONS BY EX-EMPLOYEE OF FLUVANNA WATER PROJECT CONSULTANT BEING INVESTIGATED

The authority in charge of a water project in Fluvanna County is now investigating a consultant’s archaeological work on the contentious project, after a former employee came forward with allegations of unethical practices by the consultant.

G.C. MORROW FILES SUIT AGAINST MATHEWS BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Mathews County supervisor G.C. Morrow has filed suit against the Mathews County Board of Supervisors asking the courts to declare that actions taken by the board to remove him as chairman were illegal and that the board be required to reinstate him as chair.

RAPP BOS CANDIDATES WEIGH IN ON POSSIBLE MAJOR LAND SALE

Thirty eight Rappahannock County parcels totaling 7,100.41 acres at the Eldon Farms property may soon hit the real estate market according to an audience participant at Tuesday night’s Blue Ridge Independent’s Board of Supervisors Debate. If built out, there could be 258 new by-right housing units based on the county’s 25-acre density rule on the properties known collectively as Eldon Farms, in Woodville.

HENRY COUNTY SUPERVISORS ASK LEGISLATURE TO GIVE THEM A SAY ABOUT REVERSION

Henry County Supervisors want to have a voice and perhaps a choice if the city of Martinsville goes through reversion and votes to fold itself into the county. Supervisors unanimously adopted their new legislative agenda on Tuesday, and they included an item that would endorse requiring a public vote to accept a city that went through the process of surrendering its charter and becoming a town within a county government.

EMAILS REVEAL FRICTION INVOLVING OUSTED TOWN COUNCILWOMAN IN AMHERST

While Amherst Town Council has not divulged what caused the removal of former councilwoman Janice Wheaton, emails weeks and months before her July 10 expulsion show numerous tense exchanges between Wheaton and town officials. An encounter between Wheaton and a Virginia Department of Transportation employee outlined in a string of emails points to a source of conflict during her seven-month tenure on the council.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST COMPLAINT RAISED AGAINST CHRISTIANSBURG COUNCILMAN COLLINS

Town Councilman Harry Collins is facing conflict of interest questions over a rezoning vote as he seeks reelection. The issue: Has Collins overstepped governmental boundaries to benefit his employer, Shelor Motor Mile? Montgomery County’s top prosecutor has forwarded a complaint about Collins to the state Attorney General’s Office.

LAUFER BRINGS ENERGY, IDEAS TO SENATE RACE

It’s no wonder education is at the top of the issues list for state Senate candidate Amy Laufer. As a parent, a former teacher and a former Charlottesville School Board member, she has expertise with this particular topic that is both broad and deep.

FROM THE PAST, A CONDEMNATION OF LYNCHING

More than 4,000 people were lynched in the United States between 1882 and 1968, nearly all of whom were African American men, women and children. Those are the victims which records can confirm; the number is likely quite higher. Stopping that barbaric practice was the determined goal of Louis Isaac Jaffe, who in 1928 was editor of the Norfolk Virginian Pilot.

THE FUTURE WILL ARRIVE THE SAME WAY YOUR PIZZA WILL: BY DRONE

At the beginning of this decade, the movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” came out — and promptly bombed at the box office although it later went on to win a cult audience of devotees who still swear that the action-comedy was ahead of its time conceptually.

POLITIFCACT: REEVES’ AD INACCURATELY CITES FACT-CHECK

State Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, is airing a television ad that inaccurately claims PolitiFact Virginia has said his opponent, Democrat Amy Laufer, “lies about health care.” PolitiFact Virginia has never conducted a fact-check on Laufer, or mentioned her. We have, however, rated as “False” a statement on health insurance by another candidate that’s nearly identical to a claim by Laufer.

TERWILLIGER: RICHMOND VIOLENT CRIME INITIATIVE

Over the past decade, the city of Richmond has shown remarkable progress. Continually ranked as one of the Top 50 places in America to both live and to start a business, Richmond remains a city on the rise. From sustained economic growth, to a thriving business community, to bold innovative plans for future development, the citizens of Richmond have many reasons for optimism.

G. Zachary Terwilliger is U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

GOOGLE CLAIMS A QUANTUM BREAKTHROUGH THAT COULD CHANGE COMPUTING

Google said on Wednesday that it had achieved a long-sought breakthrough called “quantum supremacy,” which could allow new kinds of computers to do calculations at speeds that are inconceivable with today’s technology....A quantum machine could one day drive big advances in areas like artificial intelligence and make even the most powerful supercomputers look like toys. The Google device did in 3 minutes 20 seconds a mathematical calculation that supercomputers could not complete in under 10,000 years, the company said in its paper.