Addressing Drug Shortages in Virginia

Sen. Tim Kaine introduced the Protect Our Essential Medicines Act, which would require the federal government to compile a list of vital drugs that are subject to potential shortfalls. 

The recently re-elected Virginia Democrat authored the bipartisan legislation with Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas.

The bill would also require drug manufacturers to notify the FDA if a strong demand could lead to a drug shortage. Shortfalls are already happening in many Virginia communities with drugs such as the Lupus treatment hydromorphone. 

Kaine blamed importers for some of the problems. “We’ve probably outsourced too many of these,” Kaine said. “As we bring these back on shore, I think Virginia is very well-suited.”

Virginia and the Federal Workforce

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have told lawmakers that their “Department of Government Efficiency,” established by President-elect Trump, will keep a “naughty and nice” list of lawmakers who work to slash spending and those who do not. 

Part of their plan is to reduce the federal workforce.

“We expect certain agencies to be deleted outright,” Ramaswamy said. “We expect massive cuts among federal contractors.”

That would be felt across the Commonwealth. 

More than 50,000 federal employees live in Fairfax County alone, with tens of thousands in nearby counties. Local contractors also pull in some $38 billion from Washington. 

All told, there are 140,000 federal employees in the Old Dominion, second-most of any state. Along with Northern Virginia, there are 75,000 federal workers in Virginia Beach and 28,000 in Richmond.

VMFA Expansion Plan on Hold

The state’s Art and Architectural Review Board turned down an expansion design plan submitted by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.

The VMFA’s plan called for a 173,000-square-foot new wing to house American, African, and contemporary art. It would also have meeting spaces and restaurants. 

Museum CEO Alex Nyerges called the vote (three yes, one no, and two abstentions) a temporary setback. 

“We’re going to build the building,” Nyerges said. “We’ll do what we have to do, and we’ll keep moving.” VMFA aims to begin construction late next year.

This would be the most extensive expansion since the museum opened in 1936.  

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➤ Blacksburg: Poet Nikki Giovanni, a retired Virginia Tech professor, died at the age of 81 during her third bout with cancer. Her final book of poetry, “The Last Book,” will be published next year. (In Memoriam)

➤ Augusta County: The Big Levels Fire expanded to cover almost 2,000 acres. Crews are working to keep the blaze under control, but as of Tuesday, it was only 12% contained. (More)

➤ Richmond: “Data centers provide positive benefits to Virginia’s economy,” according to a report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. However, the report warns that the proliferation of data centers will likely drive up residential electricity bills in the years ahead and may cause environmental concerns. (Details)

➤ Claytor Lake: Engineers at Virginia Tech are testing a fleet of drone submarines that will eventually be used to remove microplastics from the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (More)

➤ Arlington: George Mason University’s new building, “Fuse at Mason Square,” opened. The project combines educational space such as classrooms and labs with office and commercial space. (Details)

➤ Springfield: As the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office, political leaders in Fairfax County are making the case that the FBI’s new HQ should be in Virginia rather than D.C. or Maryland. (Details)

➤ The Washington Nationals won the MLB draft lottery, earning the top choice in the 2025 draft. Based on their record last season, the team had a 10.2% chance of winning the No. 1 pick. (Details)

➤ University of Richmond football coach Russ Huesman spoke out after the Spiders lost 10 starters to the transfer portal. “It’s absolutely ridiculous with what’s going on out there in college football. I’m disappointed that loyalty doesn’t play a part of it.” (More)

➤ The Washington Commanders hold the NFC’s seventh playoff seed heading into their game at New Orleans this weekend. The team could move to the sixth seed with a win and a Green Bay Packers loss. (Scenarios)  

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ The perfect gift for the golfer in your life! The Birdie Mat Pro is the key to improving your golf swing with real-time feedback on your swing, you don’t even need to use a ball to practice! (See It Here)

➤ A 200-foot tall jacket foundation is on its way from the manufacturer in Denmark to the Virginia shore, where it will be installed to support one of Dominion Energy’s offshore substations. (More)

➤ HII christened its latest Virginia-class submarine, the Arkansas, at the company’s Newport News facility. (Details)

➤ Political officials from Virginia took part in a meeting of the DMVMoves group, which is seeking ways to develop a dedicated regional funding source for the D.C.-area Metro mass transit system. (More)

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➤ Drivers on I-64 in Virginia will see a heavier state police presence this week. Operation “DISS-rupt” targets distracted or impaired driving, speeding, and seat belt use. (More)

➤ Fairfax County’s public school system retained 90% of its teachers, the first time it has hit that benchmark in four years. (Details)

➤ Virginia State University’s marching band will compete in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Band of the Year National Championship in Atlanta. The event is Friday and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. (More)

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Will James Madison beat Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl?

1. Yes
2. No

Tuesday’s Results:

Will Virginia Tech win this year’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl? 

1. Yes: 50.1%
2. No: 49.9%

How many combatants fought at Fredericksburg?

Show me the answer