Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1831, a solar eclipse was visible in many parts of the Commonwealth. Watching it in Southampton County, Nat Turner took it as a sign that he should lead a slave revolt. After months of preparation, he did so in August of that year.

Universities in Virginia conduct crucial research, much of it funded by federal grants. In our Top Stories, The Virginia Flyover looks at why an NIH decision has these schools scrambling. Also, in Around Virginia, we learn why it may soon cost more to be towed.

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State Schools Lose NIH Funding

Virginia universities stand to lose tens of millions in federal funding after the National Institutes of Health announced it would limit the amount of indirect funding for research projects to no more than 15%.

Virginia Tech’s president said the decision could cost the university $13 million. “Lives will be lost due to the corresponding reduction in the pace of biomedical research,” President Tim Sands warned.

Indirect funding accounts for 29% of research expenses at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, which received grants totaling $174.2 million in 2023.

“It actually, literally has the ability of stopping and grinding research to a halt — soon,” said Robert Winn, the director of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center at VCU. “How does an institution now climb out of a multimillion-dollar hole?”

A federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily halted the NIH funding cuts, but only in the 22 states that sued. Virginia did not join that suit.

High Schools Change Policy on Males Playing Women's Sports

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) Executive Committee voted to bar biological males from participating in girls' sports statewide. The VHSL handbook and policy manual will soon be updated to reflect the change.

“Whether to stand with female student-athletes should have never been a question,” Attorney General Jason Miyares said. “VHSL has wisely chosen to follow President Trump’s executive order to keep men out of girls’ sports.”

VHSL's existing policy allowed biological male athletes to compete against girls under limited conditions after meeting certain approvals. The organization represents 318 member schools and more than 177,000 student-athletes.

The Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) also said it would comply with President Trump’s executive order on this issue. “To maintain competitive fairness in VISAA championship events, participation shall be determined by a student’s biological sex rather than gender or gender identity,” it announced.

Clean Up for a Cause

If you are stuck inside because of snow, it might be a great time to clean out some closets and donate unwanted but still useful clothing and other items.

In Northern Virginia, Women Giving Back accepts donations of women’s and children’s items and provides them at a discount to help women and children in crisis situations.

Hope House Thrift Shop in Norfolk accepts donations of everything from clothing to art and household items. It supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To support veterans and their families, visit Manarc, a small thrift store in Fredericksburg. It welcomes books and electronics along with clothing.

Twice is Nice is a nonprofit in Charlottesville. It will pick up used furniture, or you can drop your donations off at one of their two locations. Its mission is to help seniors in the community.

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➤ Statewide: The USDA reported that 2% of the birds nationwide affected by avian influenza are in the Commonwealth. The state has seen its most significant bird flu spike since 2022. (More)

➤ Smithfield: At least four vape and tobacco stores closed after police searched them for evidence of illegally selling marijuana and vapes to minors. Officials said they are taking steps to have the locations shuttered permanently. (Details)

➤ Charlottesville: President Donald Trump signed an executive order to shut down the Federal Executive Institute, which provides training to those in the public sector. The order stated that this sort of training “has not benefited the American family.” (More)

➤ Chesterfield County: Around a dozen inmates at the Bon Air Juvenile Correction Center set fires in an attempt to take over one unit of the facility. Officials stopped the uprising and extinguished the blaze. (Details)

➤ Richmond: House lawmakers advanced a bill allowing towing companies to increase the fee for towing passenger vehicles from $150 to $210. Even if enacted, local governments could still set lower rates. (More)

➤ Rockbridge County: As part of a human trafficking investigation, state police arrested 67-year-old Earl Wayne Smith on several charges, including prostitution. (Details)

➤ UVA will open the baseball season on Friday with junior Harrison Didawick bidding to become the Cavaliers' all-time home run leader. (More)

➤ VMI’s men's basketball team visits UNC-Greensboro tonight, hoping to avenge a three-point loss last month. (Preview)

➤ VCU, in second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference, visits George Washington tonight in men’s basketball. (Details)

➤ College sports fans know the future is being shaped by name, image, and likeness policies. Sign up for NIL Wire and stay informed.

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Fairfax County completed a $400 million general obligation bond sale at a 3.57% interest rate, lower than the national average. The money will fund projects for schools, public safety, transportation, parks, human services, and libraries. (More)

➤ General Motors Insurance announced it will begin offering policies in Virginia. The company reported $12.3 million in written premiums last year and is now selling insurance in 13 states. (More)

➤ Frontier Airlines will expand its presence at Dulles Airport by adding a daily direct flight to Las Vegas. Round-trip service is set to begin on May 1. (Details)

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➤ Jennifer Williams donates reading material to schools and a jail. Known as "The Book Lady," she has already given away 157,953 books and intends to keep going until she donates 1 million. (Details)

➤ Registration opens next week for Teen Summit RVA, a leadership gathering for high schoolers in Central Virginia. The event is scheduled for March 22 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. (More)

➤ Researchers at UVA announced that a new study utilizing advanced 3D brain models and mouse models could deliver better treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. (Details)

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