Transparency News, 2/28/2022
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February 28, 2022
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state & local news stories
When the Richmond Fire Prevention Division inspected William Fox Elementary School on August 24, 2021, inspectors found the alarm panel in "trouble" mode and told the Richmond Public School System the problem needed to be fixed by September 30, 2021, according to a notice of violation the CBS 6 Problems Solvers obtained via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Firefighters would find the alarm system in "trouble" condition once again when they arrived at the school six months later for a fire call just before 9:30 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022. When firefighters responded based on a call from a passerby, they had trouble understanding what the panel indicated.
WTVR
The message to school leaders was simple: “Restrictive” masking policies — like mandates requiring all students to wear face coverings — have little to no effect on COVID-19 transmissions at Virginia schools. The new guidance from the Virginia Department of Health was a departure from what state leaders advised before Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, took office in January, prompting questions and criticism from parents and school leaders. The claim surprised the state’s two highest-ranking epidemiologists — public health experts who have both served since the onset of the pandemic in the winter of 2020 through today — according to emails the Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained through a public records request.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
At the request of the Town of Altavista Police Department, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office has initiated an investigation into suspected, suspicious financial activity associated with Altavista On Track (AOT). The Town of Altavista recently conducted a financial review of AOT’s finances, which led to the discovery of possible discrepancies and documentation. The town immediately notified the Altavista Police Department. “Since AOT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that is partially funded by the Town, Altavista Police requested that the Virginia State Police conduct the investigation,” said Col. Thomas E Merricks, Town of Altavista Chief of Police. “The state police investigation is ongoing at this time. I appreciate residents’ patience with what will be a thorough and objective investigative process.”
Altavista Journal
stories of national interest
South Carolina State women’s basketball coach Audra Smith was fired Thursday, a day after she sued the school in federal court alleging Title IX violations and discriminatory practices at the university. Smith had led the women’s team the past four seasons when she was dismissed. She filed a suit asking for a response to a Freedom of Information Act request in January seeking documentation that South Carolina State gave more resources to male athletes, coaches and teams than to its women’s programs, players and coaches.
The Washington Post
The Kentucky Senate passed a bill Friday to block the release of personal information about judges, prosecutors, police officers and other officials, who could sue over the disclosure of those details. Supporters portrayed the measure as a personal-protection safeguard for officials involved in the criminal justice system by shielding the release of home addresses, phone numbers and employment or school locations. The bill also would apply to the officials’ spouses, children and parents. Media and open government advocates say the bill would weaken the state’s open records law. Information protected by the bill would include such things as property tax records.
Associated Press
Forget Willy Wonka’s golden tickets of movie lore. Kingsport City (Tennessee) Schools is going one better by getting less expensive Golden televisions. Board of Education member Todd Golden’s quick internet search of TV prices, done in the middle of a January school board meeting, has saved the system more than $25,000 and resulted in more TVs purchased. Not bad for less than a minute’s work on the web.
TimesNews
