Whistleblower flags 11th-hour deal by former Virginia AG Cuccinelli, Norfolk suddenly mum on St. Paul project, a badger statue tug-of-war, and more headlines

By Graham Moomaw - February 2, 2021

NEWS TO KNOW
Our daily roundup of headlines from Virginia and elsewhere.

• A whistleblower claims former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli used the final days of his homeland security role to strike a labor deal with the pro-Trump ICE union that could impede the Biden administration’s immigration policies. The report came just after Republican gubernatorial candidate Pete Snyder announced Cuccinelli would be a co-chair for his campaign.—New York Times

• Two former Rocky Mount police officers who entered the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 are now facing felony obstruction charges.—Roanoke Times

• Conservative Sen. Amanda Chase filed a federal lawsuit against the state Senate over its recent vote to censure her, claiming she was punished for protected political speech.—Richmond Times-Dispatch

• A former superintendent of the Rockbridge Regional Jail has been found guilty of giving one inmate special treatment, including ice cream deliveries, while failing to ensure the safety of others.—Roanoke Times

• The Richmond Electoral Board voted to remove the city’s voter registrar after the Democratic Party of Virginia called for her ouster.—Richmond Times-Dispatch

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Graham Moomaw

A veteran Virginia politics reporter, Graham grew up in Hillsville and Lynchburg, graduating from James Madison University and earning a master's degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. Before joining the Mercury, he spent six years at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, most of that time covering the governor's office, the General Assembly and state politics. He also covered city hall and politics at The Daily Progress in Charlottesville. Contact him at gmoomaw@virginiamercury.com