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Virginia lawmakers have unveiled competing budget proposals as a June 30 deadline raises the possibility of a state government shutdown. The prolonged dispute centers partly on whether data centers should retain their exemption from the state sales and use tax.
A provision released Friday by Democrats in the House of Delegates would also eliminate the Virginia Department of Elections’ authority to audit campaign finance reports. Without those audits, the public would have to rely on candidates’ disclosures being complete and accurate.
George D. Thomas has been selected as the next president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. Thomas, who leads the regional collaboration nonprofit Connected DMV, will begin in August.
He will succeed Victor Hoskins, who is departing after nearly seven years to advise organizations considering large-scale public-private investments.
Microsoft, meanwhile, is considering abandoning its goal of matching all its electricity consumption with zero-carbon power around the clock by 2030. The company operates multiple Virginia data centers, including facilities in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties.
Drivers in Centreville should prepare for an overnight ramp closure. Weather permitting, the ramp from southbound Route 29 to westbound Interstate 66 at Exit 52 will close from 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, until 5 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, for asphalt patching. Motorists should follow posted detours.
Woodson High School student Grace Walk appeared Monday night on “American Ninja Warrior,” competing on the show’s elaborate obstacle courses. Walk began participating in the ninja sport when she was 9 years old, making her television appearance the result of years of training.
Fairfax County has also completed upgrades to the softball fields at Wakefield Park. Announced by the Fairfax County Park Authority on June 11, the improvements include renovated playing surfaces, upgraded LED lighting, new dugouts, fencing and batting cages, along with new picnic tables and bleachers.
Fairfax City Council will hold public hearings at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, in the City Hall Council Chambers. Topics will include a proposed green-building policy, changes to the subdivision ordinance and possible pay increases for the mayor and council members.
Tuesday’s forecast calls for sunshine, light and variable winds, and a high near 80 degrees. Clouds are expected to increase overnight as temperatures fall to around 63, with southerly winds of 3 to 6 mph.