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White House decisions weigh heavily on Va., Hampton Roads economies, experts say
While federal workers ponder taking a buyout offer from President Donald Trump and a now-rescinded federal funding freeze memo caused confusion and worry over the status of major economic development projects in Virginia, economists at Old Dominion University say uncertainty in Washington, D.C., is the major factor affecting the state’s and Hampton Roads’ economic futures […]
Dominion says offshore wind farm moving forward, despite executive order
President Donald Trump started his second term Monday with a flurry of executive orders, including one that temporarily ceases all federal wind leases under consideration and calls for an “immediate review” of the policies before resuming. So, what does that mean for Virginia and Dominion Energy, which is midway through constructing its $9.8 billion Coastal […]
The First 100 Days: What to Expect
In anticipation of a new president taking office, BridgeTower Media spoke with experts across several industries — agriculture, banking and finance, energy, health care and manufacturing — to explore how the incoming Trump administration might affect those industries. The stories in this feature provide expert insights into what organizations can expect as a new administration […]
Banking and finance experts optimistic but cautious regarding new administration’s impact
The banking and finance industry could see gains under the incoming federal administration, those in the field say, with President-elect Donald Trump‘s proposed plans of a lower-interest-rate environment coupled with lighter regulatory oversight on the horizon. They also note, however, that many proposals may never come to fruition or take some time before their impacts […]
Health care sector gears up for second Trump administration
Following Donald Trump‘s 2024 election win to secure a second term in office, sectors such as health care are gauging what his victory will mean for their industry over the next four years — and beyond. As with a number of topics on the campaign trail, such as immigration, the economy, national security, and more, […]
‘Drill, baby, drill’ mantra ignites optimism for energy industry
Between a sour economy, stubborn inflation, mayhem at the border, war around the world, and countless other political issues in this election cycle, there was little time to outline platforms in detail. So when it came to energy policy, President-elect Donald Trump would simply say “drill, baby, drill” and rally crowds would go wild. It’s […]
MADE IN THE USA: What Trump presidency could mean for manufacturing
When a new presidential administration is elected, the future becomes a guessing game. In the four years following Donald Trump‘s ascendancy to the presidency on Jan. 20, businesses and consumers will be forced to adjust to new policies affecting supply chain and distribution channels, which could create opportunities and challenges for the U.S. economy. For […]
Farm Bill, industry growth among agricultural leaders’ priorities in 2025
Anticipating President-elect Trump‘s impact on agriculture in his first 100 days of office, industry experts say they are concerned about the fate of the Farm Bill and how the agriculture industry will sustain itself amid rising production costs, labor shortages, and soaring land costs. In advance of the election, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), […]
Va. universities take ‘heavy hand’ with protest policies, advocate says
RICHMOND, Va. — Students, lawmakers and free-speech activists question if updated university policies that regulate student demonstrations violate First Amendment rights. After campus protests that led to some clashes with police, institutions such as Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech adopted similar policies. The new rules b[...]
High stakes
The 2024 presidential race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump carries hefty consequences for Virginia’s economy that will be even more pronounced than in previous elections. Presidents are limited by the constraints of Congress — particularly if either chamber is held by the opposing party — and the clunkiness […]
Va. Food Industry Association taps new exec director
Melissa Assalone is the Virginia Food Industry Association’s new executive director, the Richmond-based association announced Wednesday. Assalone, who previously served as deputy legislative director in Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration, assumed the role on Monday. She succeeds Parker Slaybaugh, who is now Virginia’s chief deputy secretary of agriculture and forestry. “Meli[...]
George Mason University launches Race, Politics, and Policy Center
George Mason University‘s Race, Politics, and Policy Center launched Monday. American philosopher, author and political activist Cornel West will be its inaugural spring lecturer on April 14. GMU’s Schar School of Policy and Government professor Michael Fauntroy founded the center after returning to GMU from Howard University this year. The center will advance student learning, [&helli[...]
