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Virginia Tech approves budget amid turbulent times for higher education
Amid uncertain times for research funding, Virginia Tech leadership approved a budget for the next school year that is mostly unaffected by federal changes, officials said. “The recommended internal budget for all operations is $2.5 billion,” university documents said. “This is an increase of $174.2 million, approximately 7.6 percent, over the adjusted FY25 budget.” The university board of visitors approved the proposed budget during a quarterly meeting inside the Classroom Building on Tuesday afternoon.
New initiative hopes to help N. Va. workers ‘pivot’ amid federal government upheaval
Local economic development organizations have joined forces to launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at assisting federal employees, contractors and other professionals facing career disruptions. “The Pivot” is an initiative of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance, which includes the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “Participants will gain insights into career exploration, entrepreneurial ventures, and skill development to successfully transition into new opportunities,” the alliance said in launching the effort last Friday (May 30).
The late Congressman Gerry Connolly gets one more legislative victory
... Congressman Gerry Connolly is having one final victory in the House of Representatives this week with the approval of the Gerry Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act. The bill was renamed for the late congressman the day he died last month, and it has bipartisan support including from Republican Congressman James Comer of Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
Recipients describe ‘devastating’ impact of proposed food-benefit cuts
Sen. Tim Kaine wanted to hear the personal stories of those who would be affected by proposed federal cuts to food benefits — and he certainly got his wish during a Monday session at the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. About a dozen people from the Fredericksburg region gathered at a roundtable that included the U.S. senator and Del. Joshua Cole, who represents Fredericksburg and surrounding counties in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Lawmakers criticize cuts to veterans affairs at Norfolk State University hearing
Congressman Bobby Scott and representatives in the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee addressed concerns about the Trump administration’s cuts to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at a hearing at Norfolk State University. The cuts were described by the lawmakers as "devastating" to the quality of life for veterans and their families. “This system is failing us," said Virginia State Delegate Jackie Glass. Lawmakers at this hearing Tuesday argued that existing and proposed cuts to the V.A. limit the federal department's ability to provide military veterans with what they “rightfully deserve” in health care and benefits.
Special election to fill Rep. Connolly’s seat officially set
In what is already a banner year for political campaigns in Virginia, voters in the 11th Congressional District will make an extra trip to the polls in early September to choose a successor to the late Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) announced on Tuesday that a special election for the congressional seat will be held Sept. 9, formally opening another competitive race in a state that will also pick a new governor and elect two more statewide officials and 100 state delegates.
Youngkin: Virginia’s goal is zero maternal deaths
After sitting down Tuesday with Asher Escobar Perone, 3, by his left arm and little Harlem Steele, 6, by his right to ceremonially sign two maternal health bills, Gov. Glenn Youngkin set a new target for Virginia: Zero maternal deaths in childbirth and the often-challenging months thereafter. In an appearance at Bon Secours – Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, Youngkin highlighted Senate Bill 1279, sponsored by state Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Isle of Wight, and House Bill 2753, sponsored by Del. Cliff Hayes, D-Chesapeake. The measures, which Youngkin previously signed into law, say hospitals and birth centers will need to have standard protocols for some of the most dangerous ailments surrounding childbirth ...
Trump voters call president’s pardon of corrupt Virginia sheriff ‘a terrific mistake’
When Donald Trump pardoned former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins last week, the president called him a "victim" who had been "persecuted by the Radical Left 'monsters' and 'left for dead.'" Jenkins is an outspoken supporter of Trump. The reprieve spared Jenkins from what Trump called an "unfair sentence" — 10 years for bribery, conspiracy, and honest services fraud — just before the former sheriff was to start serving it. More than 60% of voters in Culpeper backed Trump in last year's election. But many there, including Trump supporters, say pardoning the former sheriff was wrong.
Youngkin: No conflict in Board of Education member’s work for Trump
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Tuesday that Amber Northern will remain on the Virginia Board of Education and that her work as a senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon does not pose a conflict of interest. “There is no conflict here,” Youngkin said in Petersburg after an event where he highlighted measures to improve maternal health. “We’ve looked into this in depth,” he said.
Virginia law offers hope for U.S.-born children of parents facing deportation
As President Donald Trump deports the parents of U.S. born children, advocates are pushing a Virginia law that was designed to provide hope for families the administration is targeting. The law, authored by Senator Creigh Deeds, allows a parent to name a specific person as a standby guardian in case there is a “qualifying event” which disposes of the parent. It was originally passed in the 90’s to help the children of those dying from AIDS. But in 2021, at the urging of activists, Deeds updated the law with unanimous legislative support to include parents who are undocumented and facing deportation.