Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. We’ve got a round-up of all of today’s Virginia news coming right up. And if you’re a fan, please forward to three friends who need to know what’s going on in the Commonwealth and tell them to subscribe here.
But First…
Virginia tax refund checks are in the mail. Apologies for the all-caps, but DO NOT TOSS OUT THIS ENVELOPE:
5 things you need to know today
- Virginia House Democrats unanimously back impeachment inquiry: The day has come — President Donald Trump is the subject of a U.S. House impeachment inquiry. After reports that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate the son of his political opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, and a whistleblower complaint about Trump’s discussions with Ukraine, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Tuesday that Democrats were moving forward with the impeachment inquiry. Every Democratic member of Virginia’s delegation in the House has since voiced support for that decision. -Virginia Mercury
- Fairfax County approves purchase of 1,210 police body cameras: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a motion to buy 1,210 body cameras for its police force. “It’s about accountability,” Supervisor John C. Cook (R-Braddock) told the Washington Post. In addition to purchasing the body cameras, the motion approves $11 million in spending over three years to train officers and hire 34 people to handle the equipment. -The Washington Post
- New information released on Virginia Beach shooting: For the first time since June 3, police revealed information on the ongoing criminal investigation into the Virginia Beach shooting. The main takeaway: nothing in the shooters’ past hinted at the tragedy to unfold. The victims’ families said the report raised more questions than answers. -The Virginian-Pilot
- Town leaders charged in wake of embezzlement scandal: In this rural Virginia city, it seems everyone is guilty. Fourteen current and former officials of Front Royal, Virginia, were charged with misdemeanor misfeasance and nonfeasance for their knowledge of and inaction over the local economic development agency’s mismanagement of funds. -The Associated Press
- Squirrel asks woman for help and gets it: When Tia Powell was approached by a squirrel in Kiwanis Park, she kept walking. But the squirrel stood in her way and, according to the police department, tugged at her pant leg. Powell followed the squirrel down the trail, which led her to a baby squirrel with an injured leg. Apparently, the squirrel wanted Powell’s help defending the baby from an attacking cat. -CBS News
From the Gram
