Top Five: September 2025

The top five most-read daily news stories on VirginiaBusiness.com from July 10 through Aug. 10 included news of a Virginia company tapped by President Trump to build a $200 million addition for the White House.

1 | Judge blocks Youngkin university board appointees
In a win for Virginia Senate Democrats, a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of their motion to stop three Virginia universities from recognizing gubernatorial board appointees rejected by a state Senate committee. (July 29)

2 | Virginia firm to build $200 million White House ballroom
Co-funded by Trump President Donald Trump plans to add a $200 million ballroom to the people’s mansion — with McLean’s Clark Construction leading the building team. (July 31)

3 | Southwest Virginia businessman and philanthropist McGlothlin dies
Prominent philanthropist Jim McGlothlin, a former coal magnate and backer of Virginia’s first casino, died Aug. 6 at age 85. (Aug. 6)

4 | DOJ withdraws from Sentara investigation
The federal government is withdrawing from intervening in a whistleblower complaint against Sentara Health alleging the Hampton Roads health care system’s insurance arm improperly inflated rates in 2018 and 2019. (July 14)

5 | Formerly ousted U.Va. president has questions about Ryan’s departure
Teresa Sullivan — who in 2012 was forced out as president by University of Virginia board members, then reinstated — noted that the board that hired her was far less partisan than today’s state university boards of visitors. (July 11)