Jahd Khalil

Richmond

Reporter at VPM

Reporting from Richmond, Virginia for @myVPM. Previously: @WVTFRADIOIQ @madamasr. Before that, Nebraska. [email protected] and DMs open.

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Articles

Youngkin to veto $900M in budget items to hedge against risk of federal cuts

1 month ago | vpm.org | Jahd Khalil

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Friday he is vetoing several budget proposals, including some of his own, to keep a $900 million “cushion” to hedge against risks coming from new federal policies. The $900 million comes from plans to spend a projected $3.2 billion surplus, and mostly comes from one-time capital investments. The budget still includes $1 billion in tax relief, mostly in the form of rebate checks set to go out this fall. Those are also funded via the projected surplus.
‘Lagging’ forecast for Virginia’s economy as feds point to shrinking GDP

1 month ago | vpm.org | Jahd Khalil

More economic data from the federal government and local economists indicates Virginia may be part of a slowing economy. The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday in an advance estimate that the gross domestic product decreased by 0.3%, mostly driven by an increase in imports and a decrease in government spending. The numbers are for the national economy at large and not Virginia specifically, which has recently seen mixed economic indicators.
Where do 2025's statewide candidates stand on skill games?

1 month ago | vpm.org | Jahd Khalil

Skill games are machines that resemble slot machines, and get their name because manufacturers say there is an element of skill that determines winnings. The devices have been in a whiplash of legislation and litigation since the General Assembly originally passed legislation to ban the devices in 2020. Then, former Gov. Ralph Northam and the Assembly amended the legislation to allow for a brief legal period, before a judge paused the ban in 2021.
Federal reports paint conflicting Virginia jobs pictures

1 month ago | vpm.org | Jahd Khalil

While Virginia added about 6,000 jobs in March according to one employment survey, another said 15,000 fewer Virginains were employed — more than any other state and the District of Columbia, according to US Labor Department figures released last week. The figures are not interchangeable, though both are conducted through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Richmond Free Press

1 month ago | richmondfreepress.com | Jahd Khalil

New policies affecting the federal bureaucracy and workforce are set to play a central role in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primaries, observers told VPM News.
Federal cuts set to drive interest in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primaries

1 month ago | whro.org | Jahd Khalil

This story was reported and written by VPM News. New policies affecting the federal bureaucracy and workforce are set to play a central role in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primaries, observers told VPM News. In 2021, almost two-thirds of the primary votes were cast in two areas with heavy concentrations of federal jobs and money: Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. Almost 90% of Virginia’s Democrats are located in those two regions or Central Virginia.
Federal cuts set to drive interest in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primaries

1 month ago | vpm.org | Jahd Khalil

New policies affecting the federal bureaucracy and workforce are set to play a central role in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primaries, observers told VPM News. In 2021, almost two-thirds of the primary votes were cast in two areas with heavy concentrations of federal jobs and money: Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. Almost 90% of Virginia’s Democrats are located in those two regions or Central Virginia.
Who's running for Virginia governor in 2025?

2 months ago | wamu.org | Jahd Khalil |Sean McGoey |Seán McGoey

On Saturday, the Republican Party of Virginia announced Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears was the only candidate to qualify for the June 17 primary elections. Former state Sen. Amanda Chase, former Del. Dave LaRock and Merle Rutledge each indicated interest in running for the post, but did not submit the required signatures to appear on ballots by the April 3 deadline.
Virginia tribal sovereignty bill heads back to Youngkin without changes

2 months ago | vpm.org | Jahd Khalil

Legislation that would codify the relationship between Virginia and federally-recognized tribes is once again before Gov. Glenn Youngkin, but without a significant change he recommended. HB 2134 and SB 949 would create a new Code of Virginia with definitions relevant to tribal-state relations and standardize other terminology. Among the most consequential pieces of the legislation is a sovereignty statement.
Reconvened General Assembly largely rejects Youngkin's budget changes

2 months ago | vpm.org | Jahd Khalil

The House and Senate largely stuck to the legislation and budget they passed in February, as lawmakers reconvened in Richmond to consider hundreds of vetoes and amendments from Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Dozens of Youngkin’s amendments made technical fixes or clarified language after policy and legal staff reviewed the more than 900 bills the General Assembly passed.