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Miyares to investigate Loudoun schools over transgender locker room incident
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares on Tuesday announced they are investigating Loudoun County Public Schools for its response to an alleged incident in which a transgender student identifying as male entered the boys’ locker room and recorded a video of the teenage boys' reactions. This week, TV station WJLA, the Washington ABC affiliate, reported that Loudoun County Public Schools opened a Title IX investigation into three boys who said they were uncomfortable with the student’s presence in the boys’ locker room. Youngkin and Miyares expressed outrage on Tuesday about the Northern Virginia school district’s handling of the situation.
Connolly will back former aide to succeed him in Congress
Next year’s Democratic primary election contest to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia) in Congress kicked off Tuesday when Fairfax County Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw became the first candidate to announce a bid — with Connolly himself seeking to clear a path for his former chief of staff with an early endorsement. “This is not a moment for on-the-job training. We need a strong representative, experienced in addressing national issues that affect our community, who can stand up to Trump and lead from day one,” Connolly said in an open letter to be sent to constituents Wednesday that was obtained by The Washington Post.
Wittman: Cuts to federal share of Medicaid costs ‘a no-go’
Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, is drawing the line on potential cuts to federal spending on Medicaid, calling proposals to reduce the federal match rate or impose a per-capita cap on spending "an absolute no-go" and "a non-starter." Wittman said in an interview that he has expressed his concerns about the proposals to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. Both are courting moderate Republicans in political swing districts to back those options in order to meet an $880 billion target for cuts in federal spending under the jurisdiction of the House Energy & Commerce Committee.
Audit dispute triggers bitter feud between Virginia Beach Republicans and district leaders
What started as a call for financial transparency has exploded into bitter infighting within the Republican Party of Virginia Beach, pitting local GOP chair Laura Hughes and her conservative grassroots allies against the leadership of the 2nd Congressional District GOP Committee — and, by extension, the party’s entrenched establishment wing. With accusations of stonewalling, sabotage, and political retribution flying, the dispute has deepened long-standing tensions and raised concerns about how party unity will hold heading into key statewide elections in November.
The future of Metro is the bus—and Virginia is on board
The D.C. public transportation system is set to expand dramatically over the next 20 years. But aside from the long-delayed Purple Line, new train tracks aren’t part of the plan. Leaders in and around the Metro system are putting their energy behind the less-loved side of transit: the bus. In June, Metro rolls out its new “Better Bus Network,” remaking the existing system with fewer stops and promises of faster service. Northern Virginia leaders just proposed 28 new bus routes, five of which are already in the works.
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EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Youngkin and Miyares announce new investigation into Loudoun County Public Schools
On Tuesday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares said they were outraged over 7News' exclusive report about Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) investigating three male students who complained about the presence of a biological female in the boys' locker room at Stone Bridge High School. “It’s deeply concerning to read reports of yet another incident in Loudoun County schools where members of the opposite sex are violating the privacy of students in locker rooms. Even more alarming, the victims of this violation are the ones being investigated—this is beyond belief ..." said Governor Glenn Youngkin in a statement.
Loudoun County school system investigates boys uncomfortable with female student in boys locker room
Loudoun County Public Schools has opened a Title IX investigation into three high school boys who said they were uncomfortable with a female student using the boys’ locker room. The Loudon County School Board policy allows students to use school bathrooms and locker rooms according to their gender identification, rather than biological sex.
Loudoun County schools investigating student for asking why a female was using boys’ locker room
A pro-family, pro-faith legal group is representing a student who is being investigated by Loudoun County Public Schools for asking why a female student was in the boys’ locker room. The Founding Freedoms Law Center said Monday that its client, a high school sophomore, is facing a Title IX investigation for sexual harassment in Loudoun County. Title IX bars discrimination in education based on sex.
Youngkin: Virginia experiencing ‘exciting moment’ for investment
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said Tuesday that the state is experiencing an “exciting moment” for investment as businesses continue to put money into it. “Companies are expanding in America, and Virginia has been rated one of the top states, if not the top state, for business in America, and a lot of them are investing in Virginia,” Youngkin said during an appearance on Fox Business’s Mornings With Maria. “So, it’s an exciting moment for us.”
Youngkin signs bills to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter if drugs they sell cause overdose
Starting July 1, fentanyl dealers could face even more time in prison. That’s because Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed bills to hold dealers accountable if the drugs they sell kill. The new law would allow prosecutors to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter if the drugs they sell lead to an overdose death.
Virginia to rein in medical debt collectors after Youngkin signature
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is working with Democrats who control the General Assembly to put new restrictions on debt collectors seeking money for hospitals and doctors. Debt collectors seeking to cash in on patients who owe money to hospitals and doctors often engage in behavior critics call predatory. That's why Jay Speer at the Virginia Poverty Law Center worked with lawmakers to create new restrictions on debt collectors.
STATE ELECTIONS
Miyares breaks silence, says he will campaign with lieutenant governor nominee John Reid
Attorney General Jason Miyares commented for the first time on the controversy surrounding his running mate, Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid, in an exclusive interview with Virginia Scope on Tuesday. Miyares had remained silent since Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Reid on April 25 and asked him to withdraw from the race. That request followed the discovery of a Tumblr account featuring nude photos of men that shared a username with Reid’s private Instagram account. “Sure,” Miyares responded when asked if he plans to campaign with Reid on the trail as he seeks a second term in office.
Chairman of Virginia GOP says Youngkin did not consult him before calling on Reid to drop out
The chairman of the Virginia Republican Party says Gov. Glenn Youngkin did not consult him before asking the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor to withdraw from the race last month over alleged social media postings. Youngkin called on John Reid, the nominee for Virginia’s lieutenant governor, to leave the race last month in response to alleged findings surfaced by GOP researchers. Virginia Sen. Mark Peake, the chairman of the state’s Republican Party, told WTOP that Youngkin made that call without his input.
Virginia Republicans reel from party infighting over nominee for lieutenant governor
Virginia Republicans are reeling from an intraparty fight over a disputed social media account that has pitted lieutenant governor nominee John Reid against Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s political operation, imperiling the party’s chances of holding on to power in this year’s general election. The controversy comes as Republicans look to buck historic trends that favor the party out of power in Washington to hold on to the top three statewide offices — governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general — and make gains in the House of Delegates, where all 100 seats are up for reelection in November and where Democrats hold a narrow majority.
New Richmond billboard attacks Stoney for water crisis
A new billboard along Interstate 195 in Richmond features an attack on former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney for the water crisis that left much of the city without drinking water for six days in January. The ad quotes the Virginia Department of Health, which described the Jan. 6 meltdown of Richmond’s water treatment plant during a winter storm-related power outage as “completely avoidable.” Stoney, who left office at the end of last year before the water crisis occurred, served in the position for two terms, or eight years. He is one of six Democrats seeking the party's nomination for lieutenant governor in a June 17 primary.
Powers, Spanberger oppose state forcing solar projects on localities
Bedford County resident Joy Powers, who is running as a Democrat for Virginia’s House 51st district, in a news release Monday said she joins gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger to “firmly reject the idea that Virginia Democrats support mandating solar projects on unwilling localities.” The release said Powers, who is running against Del. Eric Zehr, R-Campbell, makes the comments in response to recent public debate over solar zoning, stating she calls for “facts over fear, and leadership over political drama.” The district includes portions of Bedford, Campbell and Pittsylvania counties.
FEDERAL ELECTIONS
Gerry Connolly backs former chief of staff to fill his Northern Virginia seat
A former aide to Rep. Gerry Connolly has quickly jumped into the race to replace the longtime member of Congress from Northern Virginia — with the blessing of his former boss. James Walkinshaw, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who served as Connolly’s chief of staff for more than a decade, cast himself as a fierce opponent of President Donald Trump’s agenda as he announced his candidacy Tuesday for the seat in the heavily Democratic suburb of Washington.
Fairfax Supervisor James Walkinshaw declares candidacy for Congress
A former longtime adviser to Rep. Gerry Connolly appears to be running to succeed his political mentor. James Walkinshaw, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the past five years, filed paperwork today (Tuesday) to formally seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Walkinshaw’s campaign sent out a mass text to supporters announcing his candidacy this afternoon.
STATE GOVERNMENT
State inspector general announces investigation into Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center
Tuesday, the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) announced it will open an investigation into the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center, which is Virginia's only youth prison. The news comes in response to a request from the Commission on Youth amid "disturbing reports" of incidents at the facility in recent months.
Va. schools assure compliance with parental rights laws
Under the looming threat of federal consequences for inaction, all 136 local education agencies in the commonwealth — including public schools, the Virginia Juvenile Justice Center and Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind — have officially assured the Virginia Department of Education that they’re complying with parental rights laws. On March 28, the U.S. Department of Education directed states to provide evidence that schools are complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) by April 30. These laws ensure parents have the right to inspect and review education records and student safety standards, and to be notified annually about their rights, military recruiter access to their child, and the school’s overall compliance record.
ECONOMY/BUSINESS
Effects of Trump’s trade war loom over the Port of Virginia
Local experts and officials don’t have a clear picture of how the Trump administration’s tariff policy will affect the Port of Virginia and the many thousands of jobs connected to it, but ports across the country are bracing for a significant slowdown in traffic. However severe those impacts are, they will be felt between May and July, according to Vinod Agarwal, a professor of economics at Old Dominion University and deputy director for ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy.
Lawsuit claims 140 layoffs at Buchanan County mine violated federal law
Four coal miners have sued their former employer, alleging that their termination from a Buchanan County mine last month violated a federal law that requires companies to provide advance notice of plant closings and mass layoffs. The suit was filed April 30 against Buchanan Minerals LLC in U.S. District Court in Abingdon by Joshua McCoy, Joey Hill, Timothy Vance and William Stiltner. Buchanan Minerals is a subsidiary of Coronado Coal, which owns the Buchanan mining complex near Oakwood and is headquartered in Beckley, West Virginia.
Will politics keep Canadians away from Virginia Beach? The local tourism industry hopes not
With U.S. destinations reporting double-digit drops in Canadian tourists amid political tensions, Virginia Beach is hoping to keep its largest group of international travelers from looking elsewhere. Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney met at the White House to try and simmer down tensions between the neighboring countries related to ongoing trade disputes and "51st state" rhetoric from Trump. At least on the U.S. side of things, the fallout has been swift in recent months, with double digit percentage drops in Canadian tourism to many American destinations in protest of U.S. politics.
VIRGINIA OTHER
Virginia food banks feel the effects of federal funding cuts
Bob Latvis knows there may often be changes in federal funding for food banks with any new administration. This time though, many Virginia food banks are in a state of limbo as they wait for federal support. The first Trump administration provided trade mitigations that increased available food for food banks and the Biden administration provided Commodity Credit Corporation funds to help food banks purchase and distribute resources. However, roughly $500 million in commodity credit funding was cut in March, $200,000 of which was headed for the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank.
Charlottesville lawyers reaffirm oath to courts, constitutions and rule of law
On a day when hundreds of others were protesting the Trump administration with shouts and placards in front of the Albemarle County Office Building, a group of lawyers assembled inside the Charlottesville Courthouse for a quieter statement of principles. Last Thursday, roughly 30 lawyers reaffirmed their oath to uphold the founding documents of the state and country. . . . Dugger said she got the blessing of the Virginia Supreme Court to participate in the reaffirmation ceremony, part of National Law Day of Action, a series of similar events around the county organized by Lawyers for Good Government Foundation, a nonprofit organization representing more than 125,000 lawyers and advocates dedicated to protecting human rights and providing equal justice under law.
Billboards popping up across Richmond slam national park cuts
A pro-labor news outlet is putting up seven billboards across Richmond this week to protest the Trump administration's cuts to national parks. More Perfect Union launched a multimillion-dollar national ad blitz in more than 40 cities decrying the gutting of "one of our nation's most treasured assets." The billboards warn of the potential consequences of National Park Service layoffs, like longer waits, more trash and dirty bathrooms. Shenandoah National Park was among the hardest-hit in the nation by the Trump administration's purge of federal employees at national parks.
LOCAL
Arlington County Board candidate says he’s placing ‘tracking chips’ in campaign signs over theft allegations
An Arlington County Board candidate claims to have begun placing “tracking chips” in his campaign signs after he says many of them were stolen. James DeVita, who is challenging incumbent Takis Karantonis in the Democratic primary, spent over $10,000 on campaign signs in March alone, according to campaign finance records. He told ARLnow that he has installed 500 signs around Arlington. Of these, he says that at least 200 have vanished.
Move to disband Loudoun County school system’s Equity Committee rejected
Loudoun County Public Schools' Equity Committee will continue meeting monthly, but its mission might change in the next several months. In a 10-2 vote at its May 1 meeting, committee members rejected a recommendation by the its charter subcommittee to stop regularly meeting. . . . The committee was formed as part of efforts that began in 2020 by the School Board to reduce systemic racism at LCPS.
Supervisors Defer Vote on Leesburg Area Data Center
A rezoning application by JK Land Holdings to permit up to 742,000 square feet of data center use on a tract south of Leesburg was deferred Tuesday night after a motion to approve the plan failed to garner majority support from the Board of Supervisors. The application would also alternatively permit up to 416,000 square feet of warehouse or distribution uses, or up to 218,000 square feet of industrial uses. . . . The project was supported by members of the public who said data centers would be a better fit than homes, which would be negatively impacted by airplane noise, and provide more benefits to the community.
Hanover sheriff appealing ‘secret police’ case to Virginia Supreme Court
Hanover County Sheriff David Hines is pursuing all available legal remedies in order to thwart a public records request seeking the names of his employees. Hines is appealing a ruling issued in February at Virginia's Court of Appeals, where judges ruled that Hines had to release the names of employees in response to a FOIA request from a private citizen. Hines has argued that he needs to keep the names private in order to be able to staff undercover operations, like drug buys and bodyguard details.
Richmond school system, bus drivers clash over alleged strike and firing of five employees
Tensions between Richmond Public Schools and the union that represents its bus drivers are at an all-time high after the division fired five drivers earlier this month over what it says was an unlawful strike that led to the cancellation of afterschool activities for thousands of students. Chris Hollins, the assistant business manager with LiUNA Local 804, on Sunday said the union plans to file a lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court over the firings, as well as a federal lawsuit against RPS for infringing on the workers’ freedom of speech and freedom of assembly rights.
Richmond school bus drivers fired after speaking about overtime pay
A union says Richmond Public Schools fired five bus drivers after speaking up about overtime pay at a school board meeting. But the district says the firings came after an unlawful strike. It's the latest in a multiyear controversy over whether RPS bus drivers are being paid overtime for hours they haven't worked, which an audit found last year has cost the district about $150,000 per month. The school bus drivers' union, LiUNA Local 804, has disputed the allegations.
Virginia Beach school board keeps anti-DEI policy
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools board convened Tuesday night and voted to keep in place an April resolution to suspend diversity, equity and inclusion policies. School board members who called the emergency meeting introduced a motion to amend the previous resolution, and pause enacting some of its directives while federal courts litigate the issue. The motion failed in a 5-5 vote, with one member absent. More than 50 residents spoke at the meeting, with about two to one speakers in favor of DEI initiatives.
Virginia Beach council votes to put election system question on November ballot
Voters in Virginia Beach will have the opportunity to cast a vote for the method in which they want to elect their City Council members. Seven of 11 council members voted Tuesday in favor of a charter change referendum on the election system to be placed on the November ballot. The referendum question would ask voters whether they want to keep the current single-member district system or if they support a voting system with some at-large seats on council.
Virginia Beach council supports referendum on voting system
Virginia Beach voters will likely find a referendum on the city’s voting system on their ballots this November after City Council approved asking a court to place it on the ballot. After hearing 14 passionate speakers, council members on Tuesday voted 7-4 in favor of having the referendum.
Data center could be coming to Charles City County
For years, business leaders in the Hampton Roads and Richmond regions have been leading efforts to become a technology-focused “megaregion” known as the Interstate 64 Innovation Corridor. Now, a massive data center being proposed for Charles City County could, if approved, further position those areas as the next Global Internet Hub.
Today's Sponsor:
Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Bridging the gap between hospital and home, Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center provides warm and loving care in a home-like center. Learn more: https://colonialheightshc.com/
EDITORIALS
Youngkin defends Trump even as he’s forced to fix the president’s mess
Virginia lawmakers approved a state budget this spring that invested in the commonwealth’s future. Though the Democratic-led General Assembly’s vision differed from that of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the two sides were able to reach agreement on a plan that, all told, moved Virginia forward. Some of those plans are on hold, thanks entirely to the economic turmoil needlessly caused by President Donald Trump. A grim economic forecast and the possibility of a self-inflicted recession prompted Youngkin to set aside $900 million in the state budget to insulate the commonwealth from damage.
COLUMNISTS
Yancey: Australians turn election days into festivals that raise money for the community. Why can’t we do the same?
Australia had a meaty election over the weekend — both politically and gastronomically. Politically speaking, Australians were the Southern Hemisphere’s version of Canadians in their recent election. A left-of-center party that had been trailing in the polls got a big boost out of President Donald Trump imposing tariffs and wound up winning. In both cases, the right-of-center leader who had tried to model himself after Trump not only lost but also lost his seat in parliament. Trump has now been credited (or blamed) with keeping left-of-center parties in power in both countries. That’s not what we’re here to talk about, though. We’re here to talk about food. Specifically, democracy sausages.
OP-ED
Favola: Gutting health care funding will only cost us more
Budgets tell the stark truth about a society’s sense of fairness, justice and economic opportunities. Sixty years ago, Congress enacted the federal-state Medicaid program because too many Americans could not afford to see a doctor when they were sick. This basic need still exists today, but is overshadowed by the desire of the Republican majorities in Congress to provide tax cuts to billionaires and corporations. Make no mistake, there are enormous human and societal costs associated with denying individuals essential health care.
Rozell: For Democrats, a chance to reboot
Candidates for governor in Virginia’s statewide election this fall are set. One way or another, the commonwealth will have its first woman chief executive — either Republican Winsome Earle-Sears or Democrat Abigail Spanberger. The entire GOP statewide ticket draws a bye on June’s primaries. Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is seeking reelection, has no primary challenger. John Reid has no challenger for the party's lieutenant governor nomination. That appeared to give the Republicans an early advantage by avoiding intra-party squabbling in contentious primaries. But Gov. Glenn Youngkin blew up the GOP unity when he hastily called on Reid to withdraw from the ticket and Reid very publicly refused.
Max: Medicine tariffs would put Virginia patients in jeopardy
The Trump administration recently imposed a new round of tariffs targeting imported goods from the European Union, China and dozens of other countries in its ongoing effort to boost domestic manufacturing. The White House announced that tariffs on pharmaceutical products will be next. That means millions of Virginians, many of whom are already struggling to afford their health care costs, may soon face higher drug prices.