By CHRIS MILLER and ALEX MANN Capital News Service   ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Twenty years ago this month, two intrepid young directors—including a Maryland native—and three little-known actors descended upon the state to film what they thought would be a small, low-budget film.  It was low-budget, but anything but small.  Though “The Blair Witch Project” took only eight days to film and had a shooting budget of about $25,000, the film was a historic success, grossing almost $250 million when it was released in 1999. The movie features actors Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams and Joshua Leonard playing student filmmakers…

After firing up the onboard computer, the burly and bearded Minnesota native yanked the pull starter cable on his 6-horsepower Tohatsu motor. He twisted the the tiller-throttle into gear, lurching the custom-built 16-foot long, 8-foot wide cataraft boat up the Patuxent River and away from the pier at Jackson’s Landing in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. As the boat puttered along, passing marshes and piers — dilapidated and pristine — Ryan Abrahamsen, founder of 360-degree mapping company Terrain 360, pointed out a faint clicking overhead. “If you listen really close, you can hear it.” Abrahamsen pointed up at the six Canon cameras…

WASHINGTON – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced a $333,233 grant award for the Virginia State Department of Health to aid state efforts fighting against the opioid epidemic. The Center for Disease Control and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control awarded this grant to the Virginia State Department of Health. “To best confront our current opioid crisis and to ensure the health and safety of Virginians, we must do everything possible to understand the causes of addiction,” said Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04). “Investing in providing individuals in our community with the support they need as they recover is the right…

By Mai-Lan Spiegel VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND – When a college student commits suicide, it can shake the campus to its core, as other students struggle with grief, perhaps guilt and a range of emotions. Beginning next school year, public colleges and universities in Virginia will have to offer counseling and other services to students after such tragedies. The requirement is the result of Senate Bill 1430, which was unanimously passed by the General Assembly this year. “The board of visitors of each baccalaureate public institution of higher education shall develop and implement policies that ensure that after a student…

By Devon Eifel VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND – Suspension from school has long been linked to academic failure. Students are away from the classroom for up to several days, missing out on material taught in class and falling behind. Meanwhile, assignments pile up, making a difficult situation even worse. A new state law will encourage Virginia schools to seek alternatives to suspensions in dealing with students who misbehave. The law, which takes effect July 1, directs the Virginia Board of Education to “establish guidelines for alternatives to short-term and long-term suspension for consideration by local school boards. Such alternatives…

By Ben Burstein VCU Capital News Service With murals on buildings throughout the city and VCU constructing an arts center, it’s no secret that Richmond has a thriving arts scene. Once a month, that scene is on full display at Richmond’s First Fridays art walk. First Fridays takes advantage of the city’s views and love for art to create a space where local galleries and artists can showcase their work. The art walk takes place on the first Friday of every month on Broad Street (and several side streets) between Laurel and Seventh streets from 5 to 9 p.m. First Fridays…

The Virginia School Boards Association has released its 21st annual Showcases for Success directory, highlighting successful K-12 programs in Virginia’s public schools. This year’s directory of programs highlights successful projects related to innovative programs, school initiatives, and partnerships from 56 school divisions across the commonwealth. Three Chesterfield County Public Schools programs are featured: CCPS College and Career Readiness Month, Enable the Future at Tomahawk Creek, Middle, and Social Emotional Learning at Ecoff Elementary. “We strive daily to create safe, supportive and nurturing learning environments in our schools,” noted School Board Chair Dr. Javaid Siddiqi. “These innovative programs illustrate our work…