Governor Unveils Budget Proposal

Departing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin introduced his final budget proposal to lawmakers. The draft budget would spend more than $35 billion in each of the next two fiscal years and deliver $730 million in tax cuts.

Youngkin cited “revenue growth that is driven by record economic development, record job growth, strong consumer spending, and giving me great confidence in the future of Virginia.” He urged lawmakers to stick close to his blueprint.

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger attended the rollout but didn’t commit to support this plan. “I look forward to working with the General Assembly to lower costs for Virginia families, invest in Virginia’s public schools, and protect access to critical healthcare services,” she said.

The General Assembly convenes Jan. 14, and the new governor will be sworn in three days later.

Feds May Pull Plug on Wind Project

The Department of the Interior filed paperwork in court to reconsider whether to remand its approval of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.

The $11.2 billion project includes turbines and substations 27 miles off Virginia Beach, as well as substantial onshore construction. It is scheduled to begin delivering electricity next year and eventually provide enough power for 660,000 homes.

President Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office that banned new offshore wind projects in federal waters. A federal judge recently struck down that ban, writing that it was “arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law.“

Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans and House Speaker Mike Johnson have both said that they support completion of the Coastal Virginia project, which Kiggans called “important to Virginia.”

Virginia Makes History

The Commonwealth’s Board of Historic Resources added eight sites to its register of Virginia landmarks. The locations were noted for their historic, architectural, and cultural significance.

One is the Wachapreague Historic District on the Eastern Shore, a 96-acre waterfront town that dates to the 19th century.

The sites also include Ingalls Field in Bath County and Motley’s Mill Dam and Mill Pond complex in Pittsylvania County, as well as sites in Central and Northern Virginia.

The designations will be forwarded to the National Park Service, and the sites may earn federal recognition.

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➤ Arlington: The federal government admitted liability in the mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people on Jan. 29. In a lawsuit filed by families of those killed, the government wrote that “it owed a duty of care to Plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident.” (Details)

➤ Statewide: Unemployment claims in Virginia dropped week-over-week, according to federal officials. There were 2,581 new jobless claims filed last week, down from 3,073 a week earlier. (More)

➤ Chesapeake Bay: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources unveiled a draft policy that would change the way the state protects animal populations and habitats. The agency is now accepting public comments on the proposal. (Details)

➤ Abingdon: The United Way of Southwest Virginia received a disaster recovery grant of more than $150,000 from the Appalachian Helene Fund. The organization is still accepting applications from those affected by the storm. (More)

➤ Lynchburg: Florin Doroiman pleaded guilty to charges of credit card theft, admitting he placed credit card skimming devices at several Walmarts across Virginia. He will serve a ten-month prison sentence. (Details)

➤ Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a student who allegedly brought a gun to school. The 16-year-old attends Dan River High School. (Details)

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➤ The Washington Commanders play a rare Saturday NFL game tomorrow against the Eagles. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. (Details)

➤ James Madison visits Oregon as a No. 12 seed in the College Football Playoff tomorrow. The Ducks are seeded No. 5. (Preview)

➤ UVA running back J’Mari Taylor will take part in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 31 in Mobile, Alabama. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer | H.S. Boys Basketball | H.S. Girls Basketball

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➤ The housing market in Northern Virginia is expected to deliver more inventory and slower price increases in 2026, according to a regional real estate organization. (Details)

➤ Virginia Credit Union and Member One donated $15,000 to help charitable organizations expand Early Head Start in Lynchburg and after-school programs in Roanoke. (More)

➤ General Dynamics Information Technology won a $285 million contract to help Virginia strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure. (Details)

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➤ The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center launched an apprenticeship program that will allow high school and college students to earn credit by spending time in the workplace with a mentor. (Details)

➤ Chesterfield County is selling a 2026 calendar that features police officers hanging out with pets to raise money for the county’s animal shelter. (More)

➤ Friendship Circle of Virginia scheduled its third annual Disability Expo for Jan. 18 at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. (Details)

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Are you finished with Christmas shopping?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I haven’t started

Thursday’s Results:

Should colleges charge students fees to support athletic teams? 

1. Yes: 27%
2. No: 46%
3. I’m not sure: 27%

Who was Lynchburg named for?

Show me the answer