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Democratic governors pledge $5 million to Spanberger
Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, got a $5 million boost for her campaign for governor from the Democratic Governors Association, which announced the pledge as “an initial investment” in the Virginia Democrat’s race against Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become the first woman elected to the state’s top office. Spanberger, a Henrico County resident who stepped down this year after three terms in Congress to run for governor, had raised $16.3 million through March 31, compared with the $5.7 million that Earle-Sears had raised.
Virginia AG discusses law enforcement partnerships and initiatives at Bristol visit
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares made a stop at the Bristol, Virginia, Police Department on Monday to talk about the law enforcement partnerships on combating crime against the most vulnerable populations. Miyares was joined by Bristol, Virginia, Police Chief Byron Ashbrook, Sheriff Tyrone Foster and Del. Israel O’Quinn. There was a heavy focus on the TRIAD program, a partnership between law enforcement, seniors, and senior organizations aimed at combating crime specifically targeting that group.
Kaine discusses military housing improvements during Naval Weapons Station Yorktown tour
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) toured the new barracks at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown on Monday and told 13News Now the issue surrounding housing for all military members remains a top concern. "These guys have missions that are tough enough; housing should not be an additional stressor, it should relieve stress," Kaine said. Kaine, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the trip as he plans fiscal priorities ahead of writing the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) ... After meeting with several Hampton Roads Marines, Kaine said he plans to bring their message to the Senate floor.
U.S. Appeals Court Denies Challenge To Mountain Valley Pipeline Extension
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for an extension of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. In 2023, the Mountain Valley Pipeline received a three-year extension of its federal approval to build the Southgate Extension from Virginia into North Carolina. Groups challenged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision in the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals. On Friday, a three-judge panel denied their petition, clearing the way for MVP to complete the 31-mile Southgate project.
Molina Healthcare to close Henrico office, laying off 268 workers
Molina Healthcare, a Fortune 500 company that manages health care services for Medicaid and Medicare recipients, is closing its Henrico County office and laying off 268 workers, it said in a letter notifying the state. According to the Virginia Works website’s WARN notice page, California-based Molina notified the state May 13 that it will close its facility at 3829 Gaskins Road on June 30 and that all of its staffers there will be laid off as of July 14. The company provides managed health care services under Medicaid and Medicare programs and through state insurance marketplaces, and in Virginia, Molina is one of five managed care organizations (MCO), health plans that include providers that accept Medicaid.
Healthcare company Molina laying off hundreds of employees in Henrico
As it prepares to wind down a contract with the state of Virginia, a California-based healthcare plan management firm is shutting down its local operations. Molina Healthcare plans to permanently close its office at 3829 Gaskins Road and lay off 268 workers at the end of June, according to a notice that the company recently submitted to the state government. Molina is a Fortune 500 company that manages government-sponsored healthcare programs in multiple states, including Virginia. But the company’s work with the Old Dominion is coming to an end.
13 Virginia localities sign agreements to help ICE
A handful of Virginia’s 133 localities, including two near Roanoke, have agreed to work with federal immigration enforcement. Several more, including the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office, are in the process of signing similar agreements, according to documents from the Department of Homeland Security. Richmond’s own police department does not have such an agreement, which Police Chief Rick Edwards has suggested would undermine detectives’ ability to solve crime in immigrant communities. Immigrant advocacy organizations also vehemently oppose the partnerships.
Trump administration changes funding rules for broadband expansion
Virginia officials and broadband providers have had the “rug pulled out from under them” by a U.S. Commerce Department policy shift on internet expansion, the state’s Broadband Advisory Council chairwoman said Monday. Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax County, said she was frustrated that the Trump administration has restructured the Biden-era Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program, also known as “Internet for All.” The $42.5 billion program, part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, had prioritized fiber broadband over satellite and other wireless internet delivery systems to serve more rural regions.
Fauquier supervisor defends decision to sell family farm for data centers
Daron Culbertson, a Fauquier County supervisor, says economics prompted his decision to sell his family farm on Remington Road to developers of a data center campus. He plans to recuse himself from discussions and decisions on the data center development, according to a statement issued on Monday. Culbertson’s statement comes amid criticism and backlash following news of the impending sale and proposed data center development last week.
Republicans will decide 11th Congressional District nominee at lone canvass event
Local Republicans will determine their nominee for the 11th Congressional District special election on the same day as their Democratic counterparts. A singular canvass event will be held on June 28 at Fairfax High School, gathering all voters in one location to select a nominee, Virginia’s 11th Congressional District Republican Committee announced last week. Planned directly by the party, the canvass precedes the Sept. 9 special election set by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin earlier this month. The winner of that election will serve the remaining time in the two-year term of Rep. Gerry Connolly, who died last month.