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$12 million agricultural campus set to rise between Bristol and Abingdon
Rolling green pastures between Bristol and Abingdon are set to evolve over the next few years into an expansive $12 million agriculture campus for Appalachian Sustainable Development. On Thursday afternoon, officials with the nonprofit unveiled their plans for the more than 17 acres of land, which they plan to use as a regional hub that will champion agriculture by teaching people how to grow in more innovative, efficient and profitable ways. The goal is to create new agriculture and food businesses, more efficient and successful farms, a stronger regional workforce, and better access to nutritious food and positive health outcomes, according to ASD officials.
Virginia House and Senate will take up military tuition benefit on different days
For much of the past week, some Virginia political leaders have been conveying a message that the General Assembly will undo a recent policy change that angered military families. But it became clear Thursday that the state Senate and House of Delegates haven’t agreed yet on a way out of the controversy surrounding the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. The program waives college tuition expenses for spouses and children of military members who were killed or severely disabled as a result of their service. Senate leaders announced their chamber will return to Richmond on June 18, which is 10 days before the June 28 date the House had already selected. That schedule raises numerous logistical questions about what might happen if the two legislative chambers meet on different days to try to pass different bills on the same topic.
Va. Senate to return next week to address military education benefits
The Virginia Senate will return to special session on Tuesday — 10 days earlier than previously announced — to consider a new legislative proposal that would exempt some military families from pending changes in eligibility for educational benefits at public colleges and universities under a state program that waives tuition for survivors and dependents of military veterans either killed or almost fully disabled on active duty. The surprise announcement by the Senate Democratic Caucus on Thursday sets up a potential confrontation with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other members of the General Assembly, including some Democrats ...
Yancey: 3 questions that Tuesday’s primaries will answer
Elections don’t just tell us who has won and who has lost. They also help us answer questions. Here are some questions that Tuesday’s primaries across Virginia will help answer — at least for a while. What kind of Republican Party do Republicans want? The marquee race is the 5th District Republican primary, where state Sen. John McGuire of Goochland County is challenging Rep. Bob Good of Campbell County. Much of this race has been around who is the stronger supporter of former President Donald Trump. Trump himself has endorsed McGuire and called Good “bad for Virginia.”
Clary: Who’s the fairest ‘liberal’ of all? It’s not Good, or McGuire
I started this summer as I normally do — binge-watching a classic American program while chipping away at other projects. “How I Met Your Mother” was the sitcom of choice. ... I didn’t expect to confront the harsh reality of political grandstanding in today’s partisan climate. But, alas, here we are. ... What does any of this have to do with “How I Met Your Mother”? Virtually nothing. It was the ads that brought me to this point. They were everywhere.
Alumna launches GoFundMe in response to University of Lynchburg’s academic and staff cuts
The University of Lynchburg recently announced plans to cut 17 academic programs and eliminate 80 jobs, a decision that has not been well received by the university community. The cuts have sparked significant outrage, particularly among alumni and staff. Barbara Yauss, a 2020 alumna, has responded by launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise over $270,000. Her goal is to donate the funds to the university on the condition that the president and vice president step down.
Virginia, Maryland debate expanding Beltway express lanes
Heated debate about putting more express lanes on the Capital Beltway is dividing Maryland and Virginia leaders. The Potomac River is very much so the dividing line, and right in the middle of the tension is the Wilson Bridge. Some officials say there’s enough space on top of the bridge to make major changes, but not everyone is sold. The question is whether express lanes in Virginia should be expanded across the bridge into Prince George’s County. The Virginia Department of Transportation says that’s an easy yes.
Trump dings Bob Good in person and on Truth Social ahead of Virginia primary
Donald Trump on Thursday took aim at House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-VA) as the former president actively campaigns against the Republican incumbent in his primary election next week. In a closed-door meeting on Thursday, Trump addressed GOP lawmakers to strategize ahead of the 2024 election and how the party can remain unified heading into November. But the former president also wasted no time to get in a handful of subtle jabs at other prominent Republicans, including some who were in the room, according to members present.
What is in Potomac Yard’s future after dead arena deal?
Months after Virginia’s Wizards and Capitals arena deal died, a big question remains: What’s next for Potomac Yard? It’s a large, valuable chunk of land with close proximity to D.C. and a new $370 million Metro stop that sits in what Alexandria and Arlington are trying to establish as an innovation corridor, thanks to nearby Amazon HQ2 and Virginia Tech’s forthcoming Innovation Campus. Plus, Alexandria needs more commercial growth to diversify its tax base and alleviate the burden placed on homeowners.
Washington County supervisors approve solar framework regulations
Washington County, Virginia officials on Tuesday approved a revised ordinance governing any future solar operations there. ... The ordinance incorporates state law language which provides “any locality may grant a special exception permit” and include in its zoning ordinance “reasonable regulations and provisions for a special exception for any solar photovoltaic (electric energy) project or energy storage project ... Expanding the solar ordinance comes as a Texas-based company, Catalyst Energy Partners, is seeking a special exception permit from the Washington County Planning Commission.