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Yancey: 5 things the Virginia committee investigating impact of federal cuts didn’t hear (but maybe should have)
When the House of Delegates “emergency committee” on federal government cuts met in Wytheville earlier this week, legislators didn’t hear a lot of specifics. Impacts on international tourism? Too soon to tell, said Virginia tourism chief Rita McClenny. Impacts on agriculture? Too soon to tell, said Jason Grant of the Center for Agricultural Trade at Virginia Tech. Impacts of tariffs on economic development? Too soon to tell, said Virginia economic development chief Jason El-Koubi.
D.C. region sees slight decline in homelessness, though Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William numbers continue to rise
While an annual point-in-time count showed the D.C. region has seen a slight decline in homelessness, Arlington’s count increased by 12%. The point-in-time count from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is an annual snapshot tallying people experiencing homelessness around the region. While the region saw an overall decrease in homelessness — from 9,774 last year to 9,659 this year — Arlington was one of four jurisdictions to see an increase in its homelessness count.
Renovation and expansion projects at 10 Virginia colleges and universities put on pause
Gov. Glenn Youngkin paused over $600 million in funding requests for 10 renovation and expansion projects at Virginia’s higher education institutions to prepare for possible statewide repercussions stemming from uncertainty about the country’s economic future. As President Donald Trump’s administration continues slashing federal spending and programs and overhauling global trade policies, Youngkin and lawmakers are keeping a keen eye on the state’s purse strings.
House clerk blocks three Youngkin vetoes of budget items
The clerk of the House of Delegates exercised his rarely used power to reject gubernatorial budget vetoes on Wednesday by declining to recognize Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s attempts to veto three items in the revised two-year budget he signed early this month. House Clerk Paul Nardo, acting in his capacity as keeper of the rolls, informed Youngkin that he cannot publish three of the governor’s vetoes because they are unconstitutional under the Virginia Constitution.
4 things Virginians need to know about Medicaid decisions made by the U.S. House
At the Bradley Free Clinic, patients fill exam rooms for medical, dental, and behavioral health care. For 50 years, this safety-net clinic has served some of the region’s most acutely ill and vulnerable residents. Now, as the federal government moves forward with Medicaid cuts, clinic leaders like Janine Underwood are bracing for fallout. ... The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees funding for Medicaid, voted along party lines Wednesday to move forward with a spending bill that would enact work requirements for people seeking Medicaid coverage.
Supporters of Loudoun County theater teacher ask Virginia attorney general to investigate his removal
Supporters of Rock Ridge High School theater teacher Tony Cimino-Johnson are asking the Office of the Virginia Attorney General to investigate why he was placed on leave from his job by Loudoun County Public Schools April 1, and to investigate alleged wrongdoing by LCPS. In a May 12 letter to Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares, a Republican, supporters say Cimino-Johnson's removal from class was retaliation for actions he has taken. Cimino-Johnson has taught at the school in Loudoun Valley Estates since 2014.
Commonwealth’s attorney revokes Norfolk city attorney’s authority to prosecute shoplifting charges
While Norfolk City Council made good on Mayor Kenny Alexander’s pledge during his State of the City address to allow the city attorney to prosecute shoplifting cases, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi quickly nixed the plan, revoking the city attorney’s authority to do so. Fatehi sent a letter to City Attorney Bernard Pishko Wednesday saying he planned to revoke Pishko’s ability to prosecute criminal cases in Norfolk Circuit Court as of 5 p.m. Friday, and put into place added oversight of General District Court charges being pursued there.
Chesterfield School Board OKs weapons scanners at middle and high schools
The Chesterfield School Board approved installing weapons scanners at all middle and high schools prior to the 2025-26 school year. "It's extremely important that our children feel safe and our staff feel safe," Steven Paranto, the Matoaca District representative on the school board, said. "This is not an answer that will cure everything in regards to their safety, but it's definitely a tool that we can use." The board voted 5-0 in favor of the scanners during its monthly meeting Tuesday.
Norfolk prosecutor revokes city attorney’s authority on shoplifting charges following council vote
Norfolk City Council members unanimously approved a code change this week that will let the City Attorney’s Office prosecute misdemeanor shoplifting cases, despite objections from some residents. But the change drew a swift rebuke from the city’s top prosecutor, who said he would revoke the city attorney’s authority to prosecute any misdemeanors in Circuit Court and would implement additional oversight of charges pursued in District Court.
Richmond’s inspector general is out at City Hall, and leaders aren’t explaining why
The Richmond official in charge of investigating waste, fraud and abuse at City Hall has been quietly dismissed from his job, according to a member of the City Council who opposed the move. Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) said she was absent from Monday’s council meeting to see her grandson graduate from college. While she was gone, the City Council held a closed meeting that Trammell says resulted in the dismissal of Inspector General Jim Osuna, who had been in that role since 2019.