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‘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.
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.
Rappahannock Area United Way to Close
Shock. Remorse. Respect. Well wishes. These were just some of the responses from local community leaders to the Rappahannock United Way’s announcement on Wednesday that it would cease operations on June 30. Several local leaders said that they were stunned by the news and shared reactions similar to that of Brisben Center CEO David Cooper. “I was shocked by the news that the Rappahannock United Way was closing at the end of June,” Cooper told the Advance over the phone. The organization’s “impact on the Brisben Center has been significant over the years ..."
Amherst, Nelson County GOP committees sign on as co-plaintiffs in suit challenging primary law
Amherst County Republicans voted to join a lawsuit that Virginia’s 6th District Republican Committee is planning to file in federal court challenging the constitutionality of a state law that has been interpreted to require political parties to nominate candidates through primaries. The Amherst Republicans’ decision on Monday to join the lawsuit followed a vote by Nelson County Republicans on April 24 to sign on as co-plaintiffs to the lawsuit.
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.
Richmond mayor slashes city credit card use after scandals
Mayor Avula announced Wednesday that he's cracking down on how government employees use city-issued credit cards following some questionable purchases. Avula has previously acknowledged wanting to rebuild the fractured public trust in City Hall, which has stemmed partly from how taxpayer dollars are spent. In a release, Avula said the number of city-issued credit cards (known as p-cards) will drop from 320 to about 60 by next Friday. The only allowable purchases, per Avula, are those needed for public health and safety reasons.
Top Youngkin strategist breaks silence, denies Reid’s extortion claims as GOP feud continues
Matt Moran, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s top political strategist and head of the Spirit of Virginia PAC, broke his silence Wednesday evening, rejecting accusations that he tried to pressure GOP lieutenant governor nominee John Reid out of the race and declaring that “facts matter.” Less than two hours before Reid was set to appear solo at a GOP rally in Henrico County after Youngkin canceled the event originally scheduled for the entire statewide Republican slate, Moran took to social media to push back on what he called “unfounded” claims and released a sworn affidavit along with a pointed legal letter from his attorney.
Youngkin adviser reportedly steps down over lieutenant governor race controversy
One of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s top advisers has stepped down amid a growing fissure in the state’s Republican Party over its presumptive nominee for lieutenant governor, according to the website Politico. Citing an anonymous source, Politico reported Thursday evening that Matt Moran, who oversees Youngkin’s PAC, was resigning after getting caught up in a controversy surrounding John Reid’s campaign for lieutenant governor.
Amid Reid controversy, Moran steps away as head of Youngkin’s PAC
Matthew Moran, the political aide at the center of the controversy over John Reid, the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, has "stepped away" as head of Gov. Glenn Youngkin's Spirit of Virginia PAC, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. The news, which Politico first reported Thursday evening, comes less than a week after Youngkin called Reid — the first openly gay candidate nominated to statewide office — and asked him to withdraw from the race.
Virginia gas plant progresses despite opposition
In response to increasing energy demand because of extreme weather and the rapid growth of data centers, Dominion Energy plans to build a natural gas plant in Chesterfield, Va. But the nearby community, which was home to a coal plant for almost 80 years and currently lives near two existing gas plants, has resisted the project for months, citing concerns about air quality. Still, Dominion Energy is one step closer to building the new plant after applying in early March for a Certificate of Public Convenience from the State Corporation Commission, which evaluates utility projects’ costs and rationales for increasing rates. Dominion expects to go before the commission in November.