The 2025 legislative session is underway in Richmond.Preview: Almost 70 water mains have broken across Richmond, Henrico, and Hanover counties since Tuesday, leading to water service interruptions. Following six days of little to no water, service was restored and boil water advisories were lifted. Henrico saw the most issues, with 45 according to Bentley Chan, the director of Henrico Public Utilities. This includes major breaks like those along Monument Avenue and Staples Mill Road. WRIC reports the cold temperatures and stress on water infrastructure caused 67 total water main breaks. The water crisis caused air bubbles in the pipes, leading to damage and additional challenges for repair crews.
Students in the Liberty University School of Aeronautics are being trained to recognize possible human trafficking. The college is part of the Blue Lightning Initiative, which teaches ways to quickly recognize human trafficking suspects and their victims. Training will be provided to all students, faculty and staff. The school is working with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation as part of the initiative.
A dog is safe after a scare at a reservoir in Loudoun County. First responders were called to the Beaverdam Reservoir on Sunday afternoon after the dog fell into the water about 12 feet from shore. Ladders and poles were used to break the ice trapping the dog so it could be brought to safety. The dog was unharmed and quickly reunited with its owners.