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Trump Justice Department Pressuring University of Virginia President to Resign
The Trump administration has privately demanded that the University of Virginia oust its president to help resolve a Justice Department investigation into the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, according to three people briefed on the matter. The extraordinary condition the Justice Department has put on the school demonstrates that President Trump’s bid to shift the ideological tilt of the higher education system, which he views as hostile to conservatives, is more far-reaching than previously understood.
Schools in Hampton Roads region brace for potential federal cuts, explore block grants
As the federal government considers transitioning from using a funding formula to dole out money to public schools nationwide to providing block grants instead, the proposition is stirring debate among Virginia lawmakers and education leaders. A House of Delegates committee and school leaders convened last week to talk about the possible shift in education funding and the continued impacts of federal funding cuts statewide. Supporters of block grants, or large sums of federal funding, argue that they would give states more flexibility to address individual issues. Critics, meanwhile, are concerned about whether the block grants would be appropriately and equitably distributed, including to English learners and at-risk students from low-income families.
ACLU considers legal action after ICE detentions at Virginia courthouses
The American Civil Liberties Union is investigating reports of immigration officials detaining people in Virginia courthouses. "The right to access the courts is a fundamental one, because all other rights depend on it — but Virginians who rely on the protection of the courts will be forced to go without it if ICE's presence means Virginia courthouses are no longer safe," ACLU of Virginia executive director Mary Bauer said in a statement on Thursday.
Abigail Spanberger stops off at Moton during ‘Span Virginia’ tour
A total of 22.6% of Prince Edward residents are on Medicaid. That includes 36.7% of children in the community. As a result, proposed cuts to the program have people concerned. It was one of several issues members of the community shared with Virginia candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday night. The Democratic candidate continued her “Span Virginia” tour with a stop first in Appomattox at Baine’s Books, before speaking to a packed house at the Moton Museum. Residents spoke with Spanberger about rising prices and a higher overall cost of living, shared concerns about what the proposed Medicaid cuts would do and asked what the state could do to take some of the pressure off, if she were elected.
Youngkin visits Franklin County farm to mark Virginia Agriculture Week
Gov. Glenn Youngkin stopped by Bowmont Dairy Farm in Franklin County on Thursday afternoon to celebrate Virginia’s farmers. Youngkin told a large crowd that gathered in a field overlooking the farm in Boones Mill that agriculture is the biggest industry in Virginia. ... Youngkin said 95% of the farms in Virginia are family farms, and that is the heart and soul of this sector.
New regulation requires impact offsets on some Virginia solar projects
Solar developers face new rules to get certain projects approved in Virginia after the enactment of a new regulation earlier this month — part of an ongoing discussion about how to meet Virginia’s growing energy needs. The new regulation, set in motion by a 2022 state law, would require projects under 150 megawatts that impact enough prime farmland or forestland would be required to mitigate those impacts, either through on-site work or off-site conservation easements.
Warner demands cost analysis for HUD move to Alexandria, concerned about displaced National Science Foundation
Senator Mark Warner is demanding a full cost-benefit analysis of the federal government’s decision to relocate the Department of Housing and Urban Development to Alexandria, expressing skepticism about claimed taxpayer savings and concern for displaced National Science Foundation employees. The Virginia Democrat, speaking during a media availability Thursday (June 26), said he has not seen any cost evaluation for the move that will displace approximately 1,800 NSF employees from their headquarters at 2415 Eisenhower Ave.
Kaine: Attacking Iran needs congressional approval
From the start of his time in the U.S. Senate, Tim Kaine has tried to convince presidents that it’s up to Congress to declare war. Now, he’s trying again, hoping to remind President Donald Trump that he needs to go to Congress before attacking Iran. Before last week’s attack, Kaine filed a resolution saying “Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.”
Rep. Don Beyer buzzes to spelling bee win
“Stygian” means having the characteristics of death, but the word kept a lawmaker alive in a spelling competition Wednesday night. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr., D-Va., got it correct to move on to the final round of the National Press Club’s Press & Politicians Spelling Bee, where he squared off against Jessica Mendoza, a podcast co-host at The Wall Street Journal. Mendoza spelled “caryatid” right, while Beyer missed “espalier” to start the round. But then Mendoza stumbled on “trichinosis,” knocking her out of the contest altogether and leaving Beyer as the last speller standing.
Kroger to close at least two Virginia stores
At least two Virginia Kroger stores will be among the 60 locations the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company plans to shutter over the next 18 months to improve efficiency and profitability. Kroger announced the plan during a corporate earnings call Friday. The company hasn’t said which stores it plans to close ... On June 20, Kroger filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) ... The filing said 81 employees will lose their jobs by Aug. 22 due to the store at 1904 Emmet St. N in Charlottesville ... A news release distributed Friday by United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400 ... noted that in addition to the Charlottesville store, another Virginia Kroger, a location at 466 S. Cummings St. in Abingdon, will close Sept. 19.