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As federal government targets offshore wind, leaders gather in Virginia Beach to discuss industry's future
Local, national and international leaders in offshore wind have gathered in Virginia Beach this week to discuss how to keep pushing the industry forward. The International Partnering Forum, hosted by the Oceantic Network, is promoting the far-reaching offshore wind supply chain and celebrating ongoing projects. That includes Dominion Energy’s 176-turbine wind farm under construction just a few dozen miles away off the coast, which will be the nation’s largest. “We are positioning Virginia Beach to become one of the main offshore wind energy hubs in this nation,” said Mayor Bobby Dyer. ... But uncertainty and strong challenges loomed large, as officials frankly discussed President Donald Trump’s efforts to halt offshore wind.
‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge fertilizer resisted in Va., Md.
The glass of water that Jennifer Campagne draws from her kitchen faucet looks clear and clean. But ever since she had her household well tested and found “forever chemicals” in it, she’s leery of using it, even to make coffee. Campagne lives in a small cinderblock cottage in Hague, Va., on the overwhelmingly rural Northern Neck between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. There are no nearby military bases, fire houses, factories or other likely sources of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, detected in her well. There is, though, a farm field about 30 yards from her home where “biosolids,” or treated sewage sludge, has been spread as fertilizer for corn and soybeans.
Virginia Beach, a planned offshore wind energy hub, hosts international conference
Offshore wind professionals from across the world have gathered in Virginia Beach to discuss the current status of the renewable power industry. As part of the 2025 International Partnering Forum, or IPF, the conference brings together developers, elected leaders, public utility officials and others in the offshore wind supply chain for a week of panel discussions. On Tuesday, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer welcomed guests to the city, which hosts the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project about 27 miles away from the beach.
National ranking shows despite hike, Virginia teachers’ pay is stagnant compared to other states
From last year to now, Virginia raised teacher pay by an average of $3,000. Still, the commonwealth’s average pay rate for educators remains stagnant compared to other states, according to the latest salary report published by the National Education Association. The commonwealth dropped by one spot to 26th, paying teachers an average of $66,327, an increase from a year ago. Virginia’s average teacher pay is $5,703 below the national average of $72,030, the NEA report states. Education leaders and lawmakers in the commonwealth said inflation and investments are some of the factors contributing to mixed results in the national salary report.
‘Lagging’ forecast for Virginia’s economy as feds point to shrinking GDP
More economic data from the federal government and local economists indicates Virginia may be part of a slowing economy. The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday in an advance estimate that the gross domestic product decreased by 0.3%, mostly driven by an increase in imports and a decrease in government spending. The numbers are for the national economy at large and not Virginia specifically, which has recently seen mixed economic indicators. But the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center said earlier this week in a forecast that it saw the commonwealth’s economy “lagging” in 2025.
Arlington National Cemetery to require REAL ID starting May 7
Those driving into Arlington National Cemetery will need to be REAL ID compliant, the facility said Wednesday. Starting May 7, the identification is required for domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities, including the cemetery. Anyone over 18 entering Arlington National Cemetery in a vehicle should be prepared to present REAL ID at the security checkpoint.
Residents worry Medicaid cuts by Congress could lead to homelessness, death
Three smokestacks towering over the recently-opened Caesars Virginia Casino in Danville serve as a reminder of the city’s industrial roots. Danville’s economy was built on the textile and tobacco industries until many of its manufacturing plants closed during the 2000s, leaving behind thousands of struggling residents. The casino’s grand opening last December was a major step in city leaders’ multi-decade revitalization plan. But despite the new growth, many residents are still living on the edge — one medical emergency away from homelessness. And discussions about federal Medicaid cuts are causing concerns for patients and care providers alike.
After Feds Warn UVa. It Is Moving Too Slowly, Board Quickly Rescinds Diversity Goal
Four years ago, the University of Virginia Board of Visitors endorsed a call to double the number of underrepresented faculty by 2030 and to develop a plan for building a student population that better reflected the state’s racial and socioeconomic diversity. The university’s president, James E. Ryan, said the move signaled that “becoming a more diverse, equitable place is both the right and the smart thing to do.” On Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to rescind any such numerical goals as part of a sweeping effort to wipe out evidence of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The Trump administration had warned university officials, only the day before, that it had received complaints that the university wasn’t acting fast enough to carry through on its promise to “dismantle DEI apparatuses.”
In the World’s Data Center Hotbed, How Close Is Too Close, and Who Should Pay?
Tyler Ray and his husband were drawn to their community, Bren Pointe, by the amenities that make Fairfax County such a desirable place to live in the Washington, D.C., suburbs of Northern Virginia. It’s close to shopping, dining and entertainment in Old Town and not far from Reagan National Airport. Soon, though, the neighborhood could be home to a warehouse-like data center at 500 Centre Plaza, a five-acre substation 60 feet from Bren Pointe’s boundary on the other side of Turkeycock Run. The State Corporation Commission, which regulates Virginia’s utilities, is reviewing the transmission project in Ray’s Alexandria neighborhood. The state’s legislative research arm, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, or JLARC, says the line is “too close” to residents.
More than 400 attend defense manufacturing summit in Danville
There is a shortage of workers and manufacturers in the naval shipbuilding industry, so providing support for it is paramount, according to organizers of a three-day summit held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville this week. “This summit brings together industry, government, academia to acknowledge the challenge that we have ahead of us in terms of supporting shipbuilding in this country,” Telly Tucker, president of the Institute, said during an interview at the summit Tuesday morning.