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Articles by Taylor Locke
Gov. Spanberger urges rate freeze; SCC staff recommends denial of Dominion-NextEra merger
RICHMOND, Va. — The proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy is facing new opposition, with State Corporation Commission staff recommending regulators deny the deal as currently proposed and Gov. Abigail Spanberger calling for a six-year freeze on residential base electricity rates. In testimony filed Monday, SCC staff said the two companies have failed to prove the merger would not jeopardize reliable electricity service at reasonable rates.
Charlie Munger on Elon Musk: 'Never underestimate the man who overestimates himself'
Owning Tesla stock has been a bit of a roller coaster ride as of late: During the first week of February, for example, the stock had "one of its wildest weeks ever," CNBC reported, with the share price "swinging hundreds of dollars in both directions." On Thursday, when Tesla announced it will sell 2.65 million new shares of stock, the share price jumped nearly 5%. After it announced the new stock will sell at $767 a share on Friday, the stock fell 2% in premarket trading.
Dominion Energy CEO defends NextEra merger amid growing opposition
RICHMOND, Va. — Dominion Energy CEO Bob Blue says a proposed $67 billion merger with Florida-based NextEra Energy would ultimately benefit ratepayers — but some customers say they're already struggling to keep up with rising electricity bills, and some lawmakers remain opposed. On Tuesday, Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi publicly opposed the proposed merger, saying the deal is not in the best interest of Virginians.
Your Dominion bill is going up. Regulators approve plan to recover $1B in fuel costs
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia ratepayers will help pay back $1 billion in unrecovered fuel costs under a bond plan approved by the State Corporation Commission on Tuesday. Instead of recovering those costs over a typical year, the SCC allowed Dominion to spread repayment over seven years. That breaks down to $7.97 per month for the fuel costs themselves, which Dominion customers saw added to their bills in July.
Crime Insider: Woman accused of fatally shooting 2 VDOT contractors captured in North Carolina
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — The seven-week search for the woman accused of killing two men at a Chesterfield County VDOT work site is over. Dennikia Boyce is accused of shooting and killing Philip Wilson and Rai'Shon DeLarge on the morning of July 24 at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 288, where the two men were working at a Virginia Department of Transportation site. Boyce fled Virginia after the shooting, according to police.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Hashmi to host Norfolk energy costs listening tour: 'It's my top-line concern'
RICHMOND, Va. β Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi is bringing her energy costs listening tour to Hampton Roads as the State Corporation Commission decides whether to approve the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra. The tour is centered around transparency, bringing together delegates and energy experts to give residents a voice on how rising energy bills are impacting them. "What are the assurances that our families aren't going to see continued escalation of electric costs?" Hashmi said.
Court documents reveal Instagram messages from alleged VSU shooter: 'It was us'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. β Court documents obtained by CBS 6 reveal Instagram messages sent from the account of the 19-year-old accused of shooting five people at Virginia State University over the weekend. Camron Harris, 19, who is not a student at VSU, was arrested more than 14 hours after the shooting, which happened around 1:30 a.m. Saturday along Boisseau Street. Court documents say a person told an officer that they heard Harris was involved in the shooting.
Dominion customers raise alarm over proposed $67B NextEra merger and another proposed rate hike
RICHMOND, Va. — One Dominion Energy customer says she fears the proposed $67 billion NextEra acquisition of Dominion Energy will leave everyday Virginians behind — as Dominion files for another proposed rate hike. "All of us little people are just going to be lining their pockets while we're still struggling to make ends meet," Laura Arnett said. Arnett says her power bill is already a constant burden.
Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger intervenes in $67B Dominion-NextEra merger
RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Thursday she will formally intervene in the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy, becoming the first Virginia governor to take such action before the State Corporation Commission. The SCC faces a January deadline to decide whether to approve the deal, which would create what the companies describe as the world's largest regulated electric utility.
Chesterfield County launches drone-as-a-first-responder program, first of its kind in Central Virginia
Click here for updates on this story CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) -- Chesterfield County has launched the first drone-as-a-first-responder program in Central Virginia, stationing three drones that can deploy before first responders even arrive on scene. The program is the result of a partnership with Skydio. Drone docks are located on the rooftops of Meadowbrook High School, A.M. Davis Elementary School, and Manchester Middle School — all in areas with high volumes of calls for service.
Toddler dies, mother's boyfriend charged with murder now in ICE custody
Click here for updates on this story LOUISA COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) -- A 29-year-old man is charged with murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection to the death of a 2-year-old girl in Louisa County, Virginia. Raul Ortiz Moran, 29, of Mexico, faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection to the July 4 death, according to the Louisa County Sheriff's Office.
Toddler dies, mother's boyfriend charged with murder now in ICE custody
Click here for updates on this story LOUISA COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) -- A 29-year-old man is charged with murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection to the death of a 2-year-old girl in Louisa County, Virginia. Raul Ortiz Moran, 29, of Mexico, faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection to the July 4 death, according to the Louisa County Sheriff's Office.
Virginia Lt. Gov. pushes for deeper review of Dominion-NextEra merger: 'We need to be careful'
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi is asking the State Corporation Commission to require Dominion Energy and NextEra to answer significantly more questions before formally filing their proposed merger — a deal that would create the largest energy company in America. "We've got a company from another state that is proposing to acquire our large electric utility.
Virginia Lt. Gov. pushes for deeper review of Dominion-NextEra merger: 'We need to be careful'
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi is asking the State Corporation Commission to require Dominion Energy and NextEra to answer significantly more questions before formally filing their proposed merger — a deal that would create the largest energy company in America. "We've got a company from another state that is proposing to acquire our large electric utility.
Virginia rejoins Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative with new bill credit to offset costs
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia has officially rejoined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, known as RGGI. RGGI limits the amount of carbon dioxide power plants can emit, requiring them to purchase allowances through quarterly auctions. In Virginia, money raised through those allowances goes toward flood preparedness and energy efficiency programs — similar to how the $828 million raised through allowances was used the last time Virginia was in RGGI. Gov.
Dominion-NextEra merger raises questions for Virginia energy customers
RICHMOND, Va. —A proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra would create one of the largest utilities in the country, and some state lawmakers and regulators are already raising questions about what the deal could mean for Virginia customers. During a recent Commission on Electric Utility Regulation meeting, a Dominion executive, a state regulator, and a utility merger expert answered questions about the proposed deal.
Google announces $50M workforce initiative and $15M energy fund in Virginia
Click here for updates on this story CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) -- Google executives announced plans Thursday to build on the company's existing investment in Virginia; it aims to expand the state's workforce and reduce energy costs for residents. The announcement includes a $50 million nationwide commitment to train and expand the workforce needed to build new infrastructure, with a portion directed to Virginia.
2 officers critically injured, suspect in custody after 'exchange of gunfire' at Chesterfield home
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Two officers remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition after a suspect opened fire on them with a long gun during a domestic disturbance call at a Chesterfield home on Sunday afternoon. Chesterfield Police said officers were called to the 12900 block of Gumfork Place at 4:40 p.m. after a woman reported that a man she knows fired shots inside the home during a domestic disturbance.
Small business owners feel 'robbed' after Painted Tree announces bankruptcy
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Hundreds of small business owners are scrambling to clear out their inventory after The Painted Tree announced it is closing stores nationwide and filing for bankruptcy. The Painted Tree operates as a small business shopping mall where owners rent booths instead of opening their own storefronts. There are two locations in Central Virginia, one in Chesterfield and another in Glen Allen. Vendors must remove all of their inventory by Friday.
Chesterfield voters helped pass Virginia redistricting referendum: 'We used to be a conservative county'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — More than half of eligible voters in Chesterfield County voted in Tuesday's Virginia special election. Of those voters, 53% of the county voted yes to the redistricting referendum and 47% voting no. About 150,000 people voted in the special election in Chesterfield County, contributing to the approximately 3 million votes cast statewide. The statewide vote resulted in a narrower margin, with 51% voting yes and 49% voting no.
Med-Flight 1 helicopter crew recounts rescuing injured hiker who passed out on Old Rag Mountain
MADISON COUNTY, Va. — A hiker is recovering at UVA Medical Center after being airlifted from Old Rag Mountain on Sunday. Around 10 a.m., a man hiking about five feet behind the woman said she began to wobble, sat down and immediately passed out. He helped by taking off his outer layers and creating a small emergency fire to warm her. Once the group found cell service, they called a park ranger. The National Park Service then called for Med-Flight-1. a team stationed in Chesterfield County.
Dozens of family, friends remember life of Chesterfield County mom
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Dozens showed up Saturday to honor the life of a Chesterfield County mother who was fatally shot last week. The family held a candlelight vigil to remember the life of 28-year-old Barbie Perez. Perez was shot multiple times allegedly by her boyfriend, 33-year-old Javonte Blackston, on April 13. She died from her injuries at a hospital, leaving behind a 3-month-old daughter. Perez's brother told me he lost count of how many people showed up to the vigil.
Witnesses saw man go underwater at crowded Belle Isle: 'They were just playing around'
RICHMOND, Va. — What started as a crowded Saturday at Belle Isle turned tragic when witnesses watched a man disappear into the James River, where sources told Jon Burkett that he later died from drowning. The Richmond Fire Department responded to the call around 5 p.m. Sources said the man was underwater for more than 20 minutes before help arrived. Rescuers eventually found the man and transported him to the hospital, where he later died, according to sources.
Deputies provide added security after heated arguments at early-voting sites in Chesterfield
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office is increasing security at early voting locations for the final week of voting after multiple heated arguments broke out. Deputies are now positioned at both the Central Library and North Courthouse Road Library. The decision was made jointly by the sheriff and the registrar, without a request from any political party.
Community rallies to support baby of murdered Chesterfield mother
CHESTERFIELD RICHMOND, Va. — Donations of diapers, formula, and money are pouring into a North Chesterfield auto shop to support the 3-month-old baby of Barbie Mirella Perezz, a 28-year-old mother who was shot and killed outside her home. Money, stuffed animals, and baby supplies are starting to pile up at Jefferson Motors. Eugene Arce, a close family friend, is collecting the donations from the community at the shop.
Arrest made in Chesterfield mother's death, her baby needs formula
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Police have made an arrest in the shooting death of a 27-year-old mother killed Monday evening in Chesterfield County. Family members who first told CBS 6 about the arrest also identified the victim as Barbie Perez. Police have not yet confirmed the identities of the victim nor the suspect. Perez leaves behind a 3-month-old daughter. The infant is in need of a specific Similac baby formula (pictured below).
Restaurant Kristen's Kitchen partners with Commonwealth Autism to create inclusive workplace
Click here for updates on this story CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) -- Kristen's Kitchen, a Chester restaurant best known for its crab cakes, has teamed up with Commonwealth Autism to offer job opportunities to people on the autism spectrum. It all started with owner Kristen Bortone's son: 15-year-old Ryan. Ryan has autism and global developmental disabilities. When he was born, doctors said he would never walk or talk. Now as a teen, he spends many days greeting customers at the door.
Restaurant Kristen's Kitchen partners with Commonwealth Autism to create inclusive workplace
Click here for updates on this story CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) -- Kristen's Kitchen, a Chester restaurant best known for its crab cakes, has teamed up with Commonwealth Autism to offer job opportunities to people on the autism spectrum. It all started with owner Kristen Bortone's son: 15-year-old Ryan. Ryan has autism and global developmental disabilities. When he was born, doctors said he would never walk or talk. Now as a teen, he spends many days greeting customers at the door.
Chesterfield housing market heats up as spring real estate season begins: 'Big influx of buyers'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — The housing market is heating up in Chesterfield County as the busiest time of the year for real estate begins, bringing intense competition for buyers. As more people move to the area, demand is climbing fast during the peak spring real estate season. Buyers are seeing more choices, but also more competition. "There's a ton of sought-after schools, amenities, and tons of development coming to Chesterfield, which is fantastic," Vito Bussa said.
Chester restaurant Kristen's Kitchen partners with Commonwealth Autism to create inclusive workplace
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Kristen's Kitchen, a Chester restaurant best known for its crab cakes, has teamed up with Commonwealth Autism to offer job opportunities to people on the autism spectrum. It all started with owner Kristen Bortone's son: 15-year-old Ryan. Ryan has autism and global developmental disabilities. When he was born, doctors said he would never walk or talk. Now as a teen, he spends many days greeting customers at the door.
Did you know 911 can access your phone's camera? Here's how it helps in Chesterfield
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Video technology used by Chesterfield County 911 dispatchers saved firefighters crucial minutes during a recent house fire on Hawkins Wood Circle. The fire broke out around 11:15 Monday morning, leaving a family without a home. The person who called 911 used a technology called Prepared 911, which the county rolled out in 2024. It allows dispatchers, police, and fire to see what is happening in real time.
Central Virginia Gas Prices: Car lines stretch onto Springfield Road as drivers look for some savings
RICHMOND, Va. — While the human toll of the war with Iran is immeasurable overseas, here at home it is driving up gas prices. The average price in Richmond rose 21 cents per gallon in the last week. Right now, the average price in the city is $4.15. Less than three weeks ago, gas at a Wawa on Arthur Ashe Boulevard was $3.79 a gallon. Now, it is $4.19.
A life-changing mistake in seconds: Ride along as police target distracted drivers
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes on Virginia roads, prompting local law enforcement to crack down on drivers using their cell phones behind the wheel. In 2024 alone, state police reported distracted driving contributed to more than 20,000 crashes, 90 lives lost, and over 11,000 injuries. Investigators said nearly a quarter of those drivers had their eyes off the road.
Clean Virginia report claims Dominion Energy bills are rising faster than inflation as customers struggle
RICHMOND, Va. — A new report from Clean Virginia claims Dominion Energy bills are rising faster than inflation, but the utility company strongly disputes the findings. The Clean Virginia report points to four main causes for the rising bills: an outdated regulatory framework, dependence on fossil fuels, tariffs and the rollback of federal tax credits, and the rapid growth of data centers.
These new Virginia laws aim to lower monthly electric bills: 'Lawmakers need to go a lot further'
RICHMOND, Va. — New laws are now in effect aiming to lower monthly power costs for Virginians struggling to pay their electric bills. For months, residents, including retired individuals on fixed incomes and single mothers, have shared their concerns about rising energy costs. "It can't get out of whack. Something like that really takes away anything else. Plus at the beginning of the year, I have my medications," Deborah Stroud said.
These new Virginia laws aim to lower monthly electric bills: 'Lawmakers need to go a lot further'
RICHMOND, Va. — New laws are now in effect aiming to lower monthly power costs for Virginians struggling to pay their electric bills. For months, residents, including retired individuals on fixed incomes and single mothers, have shared their concerns about rising energy costs. "It can't get out of whack. Something like that really takes away anything else. Plus at the beginning of the year, I have my medications," Deborah Stroud said.
Clean Virginia report claims Dominion Energy bills are rising faster than inflation as customers struggle
RICHMOND, Va. — A new report from Clean Virginia claims Dominion Energy bills are rising faster than inflation, but the utility company strongly disputes the findings. The Clean Virginia report points to four main causes for the rising bills: an outdated regulatory framework, dependence on fossil fuels, tariffs and the rollback of federal tax credits, and the rapid growth of data centers.
Community builds ramp for Virginia 2-year-old who lost foot in lawn mower accident: 'It's a blessing'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A Chesterfield family is receiving an outpouring of community support after their 2-year-old son lost his foot in a lawn mower accident on March 20. Brittney Walls said just over a week ago, her family didn’t know how they would move forward after her son, Cohen, was accidentally run over by a lawn mower. In the hours that followed, he underwent two surgeries, including the amputation of his right foot just above the ankle.
Where Chesterfield Police are targeting speeders: 'People just don't do the speed limit'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Chesterfield Police are targeting speeding drivers during a traffic enforcement blitz along Meadowville Technology Parkway, Kingston Avenue, and Rivers Bend Boulevard. I rode along with Officer Scott Cary during his patrol on Thursday to see the enforcement firsthand. "Over there on River's Bend Boulevard where we are getting ready to set up, that's one of our highest rates of speeding violations based on speed studies we've done over there," Cary said.
Meet the cyclist who biked from Montreal to Virginia: 'I've learned a lot'
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Meet the cyclist who biked from Montreal to Midlothian: 'I've learned a lot'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A spontaneous bicycle journey from Montreal to Virginia has given a 23-year-old rider a firsthand look at how bike safety laws and infrastructure vary from state to state. Jan Martinez was biking along Newby Bridge Road in Chesterfield County this week when we met him during his hundreds-of-miles trek. He was on his way to his aunt's house in Midlothian, but his journey started much further north. Martinez began his trip on March 12.
State approves projects that will double hospitals in Chesterfield
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — The state health commissioner has approved three major healthcare projects that will double the number of hospitals in Chesterfield County. “We’re pleased the state has recognized the need for additional hospitals and medical facilities in Chesterfield,” said Dr. Joe Casey, county administrator. “People continue to be drawn here by our exceptional quality of life, which can only be enhanced by increasing access to high-quality health care.
Cyclist found on road near Chesterfield neighborhood has died
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — An investigation is underway to determine what happened to a cyclist who died early Monday morning in Chesterfield County. Police were called to the intersection of Newbys Bridge Road and Newbys Mill Drive, near the Newbys Mill community, at approximately 5:21 a.m. Monday to investigate a crash. "Upon arrival, officers determined that an adult male with a bicycle had been spotted down in the roadway.
Virginia man saves father-in-law's life after COVID diagnosis: 'Thought it was too good to be true'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — What would you do if you could save a family member's life? For one Chesterfield County man, the answer was simple. Johnny West never expected a COVID diagnosis in 2020 would lead to kidney failure. "My endocrinologist says, 'Well, we are having some kidney numbers that don't look good. You need to go to a kidney specialist,'" West said.
Rising costs squeeze Virginia food truck owners: 'I'm basically taking a loss'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — The cost of doing business is climbing for many Central Virginia business owners and for food truck operators, it's hitting from every direction. From fuel to food, everything it takes to stay on the road is getting more expensive. "Energy is going up, gas is going up, and food prices going up," Dominique Tucker, who owns Blessed Meals on Wheels by Dominique, said. "We all kinda discuss when are the prices going to go down as far as the gas and things like that.
Rising costs squeeze Virginia food truck owners: 'I'm basically taking a loss'
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — The cost of doing business is climbing for many Central Virginia business owners and for food truck operators, it's hitting from every direction. From fuel to food, everything it takes to stay on the road is getting more expensive. "Energy is going up, gas is going up, and food prices going up," Dominique Tucker, who owns Blessed Meals on Wheels by Dominique, said. "We all kinda discuss when are the prices going to go down as far as the gas and things like that.
Central Virginians assess damage a day after severe storms bring damaging winds, knocks out power
RICHMOND, Va. — Thousands of residents across central Virginia woke up without power after a storm Monday night brought damaging winds of up to 60 mph to the area. Throughout the storm, for Central Virginia, Dominion Energy reports about 68,000 people in total lost power. Warren Fiske and Annette McKelvey, both residents of Tuckahoe Village in Henrico County, lost power around 8:30 p.m. Monday. "We're down to 56 degrees right now in the house," Fiske said.
Jess Robison is preparing for Chesterfield County's worst day
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Jess Robison plans for disasters before they happen. As Chesterfield County's emergency manager, she is the one making sure every department is ready to respond when they do. Robison says her role centers on preparing for the unexpected. "On the day-to-day, my role is planning for the worst day the county is going to see.
Meet Gary, Chesterfield's traffic-stopping celebrity turkey
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — When traffic slows on Charter Colony Parkway near Old Hundred Road in Chesterfield County, it might not be the light — it could be Gary, Chesterfield's famous turkey. Gary has become a local celebrity around Brandermill, known for strutting along the roadside, stopping traffic, and even perching atop light posts. "Gary basically owns our intersection. We just live in his neighborhood," Caroline Everett, said. "[He] is very aggressive over here.
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