WASHINGTON, April 17 -- A coalition of 365 former attorneys who served at the U.S. Department of Justice has submitted a public comment letter expressing strong opposition to a proposed rulemaking concerning the review of state bar complaints and allegations against DOJ attorneys, aiming to give the Attorney General discretionary authority to review and potentially delay or displace state bar disciplinary investigations into DOJ lawyers. The former DOJ attorneys argue that this proposal is both legally flawed and unsupported by the factual reco more ST

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- A coalition of 45 health advocacy organizations submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing a proposal to collect individualized immigration identifiers through the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System, arguing the change would deter enrollment and harm vulnerable populations. The coalition argues that the proposed information collection contradicts Medicaid's core function to provide health care coverage to low-income individuals and families. They note that more ST

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- A coalition of eight advocacy and legal organizations submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice opposing a proposed rule that would alter how misconduct complaints against department attorneys are reviewed. The coalition, including the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, Q Law NJ, QLaw Foundation of Washington, the Stonewall Law Association of Greater Houston, the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association, and the Virginia LGBTQ+ Bar Association, argues that the proposal exceeds the Department's statutory more ST

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 13 -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release: * * * ABI's Ascent Network Offers Restructuring Firms a Unified Model for Training, Research and Recognition The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) has launched the ABI Ascent Network, a new firmwide membership solution designed to help restructuring and insolvency practices streamline their overall access to ABI resources, enhance professional development, and elevate their visibility within the industry. The Ascent Network replaces frag more PR

ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 17 -- The U.S. Space Force issued the following news: * * * Air Force advances secure AI capabilities with IL5 approval for VIA's eJARVIS * ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - The Department of the Air Force has awarded Via Science, Inc., a leading provider of AI technologies, Impact Level 5 Authority to Operate for its eJARVIS application. The eJARVIS application (a USAF-configured version of VIA's dual-use commercial Share Less, Ask More Artificial Intelligence solution) delivers fast, secure data access for rapid instal more PR

MCLEAN, Virginia, April 18 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release on April 16, 2026: * * * ALPA Calls on Virginia Legislature to Reject Governor Spanberger's Anti-Worker Airline Crew Carveout from Paid Sick Leave Law Midnight Amendment Strips Flight Crews of Protections Guaranteed to Every Other Virginia Worker * WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) today urged members of the Virginia General Assembly to vote down Governor Abigail Spanberger's proposed amendments to H more PR

PHOENIX, Arizona, April 17 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on April 16, 2026: * * * Rep. Chris Lopez Chosen for National Emerging Leaders Program Pinal County lawmaker joins 57 legislators from 44 states in nationally selected class * Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez has been selected for the 22nd Annual Melissa Hortman Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, a national leadership initiative that prepares state legislators for greater responsibility in p more PR

ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 17 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release: * * * ATA Applauds Lawmakers for Pressing HHS to Modernize Drug Testing Programs * The American Trucking Associations today praised six Members of Congress for sending a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to remove regulatory barriers that have stalled the adoption of modern, effective workplace drug testing methods-including hair and oral fluid testing-in safety sensitive industries.  more PR

SACRAMENTO, California, April 17 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General Bonta Opposes Lackluster Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Strategic Plan * OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) draft Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2026-2030. The plan proposes rollbacks to the agency's supervision, enforcement, and other work, putting consum more PR

CHICAGO, Illinois, April 17 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release: * * * ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CALLS ON CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU TO ABANDON PLAN TO DECIMATE ENFORCEMENT, CONSUMER PROTECTION * Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to scale back its plans that would severely reduce staffing, undermine the agency's statutory obligation to supervise financial institutions, weaken enforcement, more PR

HARTFORD, Connecticut, April 17 -- Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General Tong calls on CFPB to Abandon Plan to Decimate Enforcement and Consumer Protection * (Hartford, CT) - Attorney General William Tong today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to scale back its plans that would severely reduce staffing, undermine the agency's statutory obligation to supervise financial institutions, weaken enforcement, and result more PR

WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense released the following testimony by Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, from an April 17, 2026, hearing on fiscal 2027 budget requests: * * * Chairman Calvert, Ranking Member McCollum, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee, it is my privilege to testify on behalf of the United States Air Force Reserve (AFR). The AFR is a combat-ready force committed to defending the Nation, deterring aggression, and should deterrence fail, defeating our a more PR

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, April 17 [Category: Sports] -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association issued the following news: * * * CIAA Student Athletes Selected as HBCU Fellows for 2026 Black Student Athlete Summit * Winston-Salem, N.C. (April 17, 2026) - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA(r)) proudly congratulates two outstanding student athletes who have been selected to attend the 2026 Black Student Athlete Summit as HBCU Fellows through the NCAA Office of Inclusion. Representing the CIAA at this prestigiou more PR

EUGENE, Oregon, April 18 -- The Civil Liberties Defense Center issued the following news release on April 17, 2026: * * * Civil Liberties Defense Center Files Motion to Quash Reddit Grand Jury Subpoena in Washington D.C. Today, Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC) filed a motion to quash a grand jury subpoena Reddit received from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding the private information of an anonymous Redditor. The motion was filed in federal court in Washington, DC. This comes after CLDC successfully stopped an earlier  more PR

WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release: * * * Coast Guard Offloads Enough Cocaine to Kill More Than 1.4 Million Americans * $28.7 million in illicit drugs interdicted in Eastern Pacific Ocean WASHINGTON - On Thursday at Base Miami Beach, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa 's crew offloaded approximately 3,825 pounds of cocaine worth more than $28.7 million and enough to kill more than 1.4 million Americans The seized contraband was the result of two interdictions in international wa more PR

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, April 17 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island posted the following news: * * * Court Blocks Administration's Latest Restrictions on Grants to Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault * Rhode Island Federal Judge Melissa R. DuBose has today issued an order preliminarily blocking the Trump-Vance administration's latest effort to implement unlawful restrictions on grants that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes nationwide. The order i more PR

NORFOLK, Virginia, April 18 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on April 17, 2026: * * * Crown Bioscience Urged to Probe Studies Using Monkeys From Filthy Lab After PETA Expose In a letter sent yesterday, PETA urges Crown Bioscience to review all experiments on monkeys it commissioned at the University of Louisiana's New Iberia Research Center (NIRC), the nation's largest primate laboratory with 12,000 monkeys. Last month, PETA released a whistleblower video showing monkeys at NIRC confined in ac more PR

WASHINGTON, April 18 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on April 17, 2026: * * * Court Blocks Administration's Latest Restrictions on Grants to Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Intervention Will Protect Violence Prevention Funding Nationwide * Providence, R.I. - A judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island has issued an order preliminaril more PR

ASHBURN, Virginia, April 16 [Category: BizComputer Technology] -- DXC Technology, an information technology services company, issued the following news release: * * * DXC Expands Consulting & Engineering Services Leadership to Scale AI-led Growth * DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner, today announced leadership appointments and organizational updates within its Consulting & Engineering Services (CES) business, strengthening its ability to help global enterprises move from AI ambition to executi more PR

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, April 17 -- The University of Virginia School of Law posted the following news: * * * Exonerated Innocence Project Client Messiah Johnson To Receive State Compensation * Messiah Johnson, a longtime client of the Innocence Project at the University of Virginia School of Law, is set to receive state compensation months after his criminal conviction was expunged. Johnson, who was convicted in 1998 in connection with the armed robbery of a hair salon in Norfolk, Virginia, was released in 2018 after serving more than more PR

WASHINGTON, April 18 (TNSFR) -- The Federal Communications Commission announced the suspension of Donna Woods from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism, commonly known as the E-Rate program. This action follows her criminal convictions involving wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Woods, the former chief executive officer of Nova Charter School in Texas, was found guilty by a jury of three counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. According to the Enforceme more PR

ADA, Oklahoma, April 17 -- The Chickasaw Nation, a federally-recognized Native American tribe, issued the following news release: * * * Five inducted into Chickasaw Hall of Fame * ADA, Okla. -Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby inducted five Chickasaws into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame April 16. Inductees include a citizen important to the preservation of the Chickasaw language, a trailblazing aviator for the United States Marine Corps, an artist and advocate, an athlete dedicated to cultural preservation and an Air Force veteran who is  more PR

HAMPTON, Virginia, April 17 -- Hampton University posted the following news: * * * From Participation to Power: Hampton University's Founding Day Giving Sparks a Philanthropic Shift * April 1 campaign more than doubles donor engagement and raises nearly $750,000 to advance scholarships, research, and institutional growth. HAMPTON, Va. (April 17, 2026) -Hampton University has achieved a historic milestone, raising $746,395 from 2,612 gifts during its annual Day of Giving on Founding Day, an extraordinary surge in both participation and phil more PR

ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 18 -- Politico issued the following news release: * * * Full Transcript: Republican candidate for California Governor Steve Hilton on "The Conversation with Dasha Burns" This is a full unedited transcript of POLITICO's interview with Republican candidate for California Governor Steve Hilton on "The Conversation with Dasha Burns" Steve Hilton: This state is desperate for change. We've had 16 years of Democrat one-party rule. They've run everything. Dasha Burns: Hello, hello, and welcome to The Conversation. I'm Da more PR

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, April 17 -- Gov. Wes Moore, D-Maryland, issued the following news release: * * * Governor Moore Announces Downtown Sykesville as Winner of 2026 Great American Main Street Award, Maryland's First Since 2005 * ANNAPOLIS, MD -Governor Wes Moore today announced that Downtown Sykesville, a community supported by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Main Street Maryland program, was one of three main streets in America to receive the 2026 Great American Main Street Award. The award recognizes communities more PR

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: * * * Governor Spanberger Announces $15.3 Million in GO Virginia Funding to Grow Virginia's Economy, Create 600 New Jobs * RICHMOND, VA -Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced more than $15.3 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support a new portfolio of projects across the Commonwealth focused on workforce development, advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, life sciences, and site development.  more PR

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: * * * Governor Spanberger Launches Inaugural Regional Readiness Summit to Strengthen Emergency Response, Prioritize the Safety of Virginians * RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday kicked off her Administration's inaugural Regional Readiness Summits with a briefing focused on strengthening the safety and security of families in Southwest Virginia. In Abingdon, Governor Spanberger brought together more than 100 senior public more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- George Washington University posted the following news: * * * GW to Offer Free Tuition to Families With Incomes Under $100,000 * The George Washington University has launched the Revolutionary Promise, an undergraduate affordability initiative providing an income-based tuition guarantee. New, first-time domestic undergraduate students entering in fall 2026 from families making less than $100,000 will receive full tuition. Combined with a multiyear scholarship commitment, the Revolutionary Promise aids in ensuring pre more PR

MCLEAN, Virginia, April 18 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release: * * * Hawaiian Airlines Pilots Union Elects Leadership Team HONOLULU, Hawaii -- Earlier this week, the Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) elected its officers for a two-year term starting May 6, 2026. Capt. Larry Payne was unanimously re-elected to his fourth consecutive term as MEC chair. Capt. John Crabbe was unanimously elected as vice chair, and Capt. Mathias Lundbla more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: * * * House Democrats Demand Immediate Reinstatement of State Department Energy Bureau and Staff as Iran War Drives Energy Cost Spike * Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today led 16 House Democrats in urging the immediate reinstatement of the State Department's Bureau of Energy Resources and its personnel amid severe disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to key energy infrastructure caused by the Trump administration's reckless  more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The House Education and Workforce Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-390) on the No Waivers for Fraud Act (H.R. 7724). The report was advanced by Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, on April 6, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose The purpose of H.R. 7724, the No Waivers for Fraud Act of 2026, is to ensure that sanctions placed on states by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) after formal review for instances of fraud or noncompliance in state child care programs cannot be waived. Committee Action 119T more ST

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The House Natural Resources Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-580) on a bill (H.R. 1352), which aims to designate the Gen. George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System. The report was advanced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, on April 2, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION The purpose of H.R. 1352 is to designate the General George C. Marshall House, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other more ST

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-578) on the Representing Our Seniors at VA Act (H.R. 785). The report was advanced by Rep. Mike Bost, R-Illinois, on April 2, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose and Summary H.R. 785, the "Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025," was introduced by Representative Jennifer A. Kiggans of Virginia on January 28, 2025. H.R. 785, as amended, would amend current law to require the inclusion of a representative on the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory more ST

SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, April 17 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release: * * * Hundreds of Nurses at GWU Hospital Demand Vote to Remove DCNA Union From Power * Federal labor board could hold vote to remove union as soon as next month among unit of nearly 700 healthcare professionals Washington, DC (April 17, 2026) - Hundreds of registered nurses and healthcare professionals at The George Washington University Hospital are backing a petition to remove District of Columbia Nurses Association ( more PR

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 17 [Category: Pharmaceuticals] -- The National Community Pharmacists Association issued the following news release: * * * Independent Pharmacists Notch Hundreds of Congressional Visits During Annual NCPA Fly-In * Independent community pharmacy advocates from across the country came to Washington, D.C. this week as part of the National Community Pharmacists Association's Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In. Their message: We appreciate the reforms to Medicare Part D contract terms that Congress passed earlier this year, more PR

WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: * * * U.S. Trustee Program Obtains Judgment Requiring National Consumer Bankruptcy Firm to Refund Nearly $200,000 Due to Bankruptcy Code Violations and Service Deficiencies The Department of Justice's U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) recently obtained a judgment requiring a nationwide consumer law firm to refund a total of $196,527 in legal fees to dozens of clients based on the firm's deficient services and other violations of the Bankruptcy Code. On March more PR

WASHINGTON, April 18 [Category: Environment] -- The League of Conservation Voters posted the following news wrapup, This Week in Climate Action - April 17, 2026: * * * Your weekly resource to learn what the environmental movement is saying about the news of the day and the political fight of our generation. This week, we're covering Trump and Republicans' attacks on clean air and public lands, and state advancements in energy affordability and climate action. Be sure to follow LCV on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and TikTok. QUOTES OF THE W more PR

BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 17, 2026: * * * Attorney General Brown Calls on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to Abandon Plan that Would Decimate Enforcement, Consumer Protection Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to scale back its plans that would severely reduce staffing, undermine the agency's statutory obligation to supervise financial insti more PR

ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 17 [Category: Government/Public Administration] -- The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture issued the following news release: * * * NASDA Awarded America First Trade Promotion Program Funding * NASDA has been awarded $2,250,000 through the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's America First Trade Promotion Program, supporting continued efforts to expand international opportunities for U.S. agricultural products and producers. Through this award, USDA is investing in efforts that help U.S. produ more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary: * * * Natural Gas Dominates in the Annual Energy Outlook 2026 * Key Takeaways 1 The EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2026 predicts more natural gas combined-cycle capacity deployed from 2025 to 2050.  2 Levelized costs remain higher due to some Biden-era regulations still on the books, which force the retirement of coal plants and limit new combined-cycle plants to an annual capacity factor of 40%. 3 The EIA sees electricity deman more PR

VIENNA, Virginia, April 13 -- The Navy Federal Credit Union issued the following news release: * * * Navy Federal's Cost of Car Ownership (COCO) Index Shows Spike in Vehicle Ownership Costs Driven by Gasoline Prices Data tracks various costs of vehicle ownership, including gasoline, maintenance and servicing fees * Navy Federal Credit Union today released the latest iteration of its Cost of Car Ownership (COCO) Index, revealing a record-high in the cost of owning a vehicle. The COCO Index rose 4.7% in March, 5.5% in the past year, and 47.6 more PR

LINCOLN, Nebraska, April 17 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news on April 16, 2026: * * * DED Awards Additional $1.5 Million of Community Development Block Grant Funds The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded an additional $1,511,530 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support projects in three communities through the 2025 Public Works opportunities. Funding for these awards comes from the state's 2025 CDBG allocation and carryover from prior years. No additio more PR

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania, April 17 -- Pennsylvania State University posted the following news: * * * New Page Center grants focus on activism and advocacy in public communication The Arthur W. Page Center at Penn State announced the recipients of its 2026 Page/Johnson Legacy Scholar grants, selecting 11 projects that will assess how corporate social responsibility, advocacy and activism are evolving in a polarized political and cultural environment. The accepted projects feature 26 scholars from 15 universities. The call for proposals  more PR

ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 13 -- The National Venture Capital Association issued the following news release: * * * NVCA Releases 2026 Yearbook: Charts a Venture Industry in Transition The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) today released the NVCA 2026 Yearbook, with data provided by PitchBook. This year's edition highlights an industry defined by strong investment activity alongside mounting structural pressures around liquidity. Key Findings: * In 2025, U.S. VC firms closed 15,352 deals worth $320 billion, a 51 percent increase i more PR

ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 19 [Category: Environment] -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news: * * * New Partnership Aims to Strengthen Financing for Nature Protection in the Western Balkans * The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), represented by its Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO), and The Nature Conservancy in Europe (TNC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in developing sustainable, long-term financing mechanisms for protected areas across the more PR

WASHINGTON, April 13 -- American Rivers issued the following news release: * * * Pipeline Threats Lands Dan River as #8 on America's Most Endangered Rivers(R) List of 2026 Drinking Water for Hundreds of Thousands at Risk * American Rivers today announced the Dan River as one of America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2026, citing threats from the construction of two major gas pipelines -- Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) and the Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate Project (MVP Southgate) -- that will cross North Carolina and  more PR

MERRIFIELD, Virginia, April 18 -- The Public Advocate of the U.S. issued the following statement on April 17, 2026, by President Eugene Delgaudio: * * * News media hates resolution demanding SCOTUS overturn 2015 gay marriage ruling Delgaudio said today to supporters: National media hate an Idaho resolution demanding the United States Supreme Court overturn its 2015 "gay marriage" ruling. This media noise convinces Public Advocate that it is a must priority to have a majority of states consider this resolution as soon as possible. Together  more PR

RADFORD, Virginia, April 18 -- Radford University issued the following Highlander Highlights wrap up for the week of April 13, 2026: * * * Our Highlanders are using their education to do extraordinary things. In this column, we highlight some notable mentions from local, regional, national and international news media. Whether our students, alumni, faculty and staff are featured as subject matter experts in high-profile stories or simply helping make the world a better place, we'll feature their stories. Filling the gaps Given that we're  more PR

WASHINGTON, April 18 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, ranking member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following statement on April 17, 2026: * * * Ranking Member Scott Opening Remarks HHS Budget Hearing Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) delivered the following opening statement at today's full committee hearing entitled, "Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services." "Thank you, Chairman Walberg. And thank you, Secretary Kennedy, for your testimony today. Yo more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release: * * * Rep. Hageman Introduces Bill To Shield American Energy Producers From Leftist Climate Litigation * Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 to protect American energy from leftist legal crusades punishing lawful activity. The shale revolution unlocked the United States as the world's leading producer of crude oil and natural gas. U.S. energy dominance has since reinforced more PR

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, April 16 (TNSjou) -- University of Virginia Health posted the following news release: * * * Scientists Aim to Improve How We Understand Near-Death Experiences * School of Medicine researchers are working to enhance the scientific rigor of research tools to assess near-death experiences - brushes with death that often transform people's lives. UVA's Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD, and Bruce Greyson, MD - working with external colleagues Rense Lange, PhD, and James Houran, PhD - analyzed two scoring scales that are used more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 [Category: Business] -- The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council issued the following commentary by President and CEO Karen Kerrigan: * * * Data Centers and the Small Business Economy: What's at Stake While critics target new development, America's small businesses have a stake in the facts. By Karen Kerrigan - As demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital services grows, opposition to new data center development is growing with it. In many communities, critics are trying to define these projects befo more PR

SMITHFIELD, Virginia, April 18 -- Smithfield Foods, an American food company, issued the following news release on April 17, 2026: * * * Smithfield Foods Announces Integrated Agency Team to Drive Next Phase of Growth Leo Chicago Named Creative and Strategic Agency of Record and LaForce to Lead Portfolio Communications, Joining Kelly Scott Madison Media and Mars United * Smithfield Foods (Nasdaq: SFD), a leader in packaged meats and fresh pork products with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, today announced a new integrated agency team d more PR

FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia, April 18 -- The University of Mary Washington issued the following news: * * * UMW Board of Visitors Sets Tuition and Fees for 2026-27 By Amy Jessee At its quarterly meeting on April 17, 2026, the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors set tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year. The Board voted unanimously to authorize a 2.6% tuition increase for undergraduate and graduate students and a mandatory comprehensive fee increase of 4% for the 2026-27 academic year. Housing rates will increase by 2.5% wh more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 (TNSLrpt) -- Virginia's Plan for Well-Being 2025-2029 - A report from Virginia Department of Health, Richmond - April 2026 (60 pages) * * * The Virginia Department of Health issued a report presenting the state's updated Plan for Well-Being, a comprehensive roadmap designed to improve population health outcomes and advance equity across Virginia. The report evaluates key health indicators and identifies priority challenges, including chronic disease, mental health, and social determinants of health. It aims to guide coord more ST

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns and recommendations regarding the agency's proposed rules to implement changes to the Federal Pell Grant program under Public Law 119-21. This law includes expansions allowing Workforce Pell Grants to students enrolled in eligible short-term, non-degree workforce programs while restricting Pell Grant eligibility for students with full scholarships. In the letter, Scott emphasizes the potential of W more ST

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 15 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news: * * * Class of 2026: Sydney Hilovsky takes occupational therapy to the pool for children with autism Hilovsky has been pursuing two doctoral degrees in the College of Health Professions, and her aquatic therapy project already has had real-world impact. By Joan Tupponce With both parents in teaching careers, Sydney Hilovsky thought she wanted to follow a similar path. Then she saw an occupational therapist working with students and she experienced a more PR

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 18 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following Q&A on April 17, 2026, by Drew Thompson with Peter Aiken, associate professor in the School of Business: * * * The future of data centers and AI might surprise you Why are AI data centers expanding so fast? VCU's Peter Aiken explains data center trends, energy concerns, and what's next. By Drew Thompson Virginia is home to the most data centers in the nation - more than 600, which is one-third of all the data centers on Earth. Driven by advances in artifi more PR

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 18 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news: * * * ICU device for fecal management finds industrial partner Testing has started at VCU Medical Center on an innovation designed by a former VCU Health nurse and a College of Engineering researcher. By John Battiston What started as an idea during a night shift at a VCU Health intensive care unit is well on its way to hitting the medical device market. Skil-Care Corp. is working with the VCU College of Engineering's Casey Grey, Ph.D., to move a f more PR

LEXINGTON, Virginia, April 18 -- Virginia Military Institute issued the following news: * * * Holston Featured on 'With Good Reason' Col. Ryan Holston, professor in the Department of International Studies and Political Science and the Jonathan M. Daniels '61 Chair for Academic Excellence at Virginia Military Institute, will discuss the book he co-edited with Justin Garrison, "The Historical Mind: Humanistic Renewal in a Post-Constitutional Age," on an episode of the public radio program, "With Good Reason," that will first air April 18. The  more PR

BLACKSBURG, Virginia, April 18 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news: * * * As gas prices fluctuate, expert's research shows cycling continues to grow as commuting alternative The war in the Middle East has driven wildly fluctuating oil prices, leading to uncertain costs at the gas pump. One easy way to avoid high gas prices impacting your weekly budget is to swap in cycling for driving for modest commutes or other daily travel activities, says transportation expert Ralph Buehler. Buehler's most recent study looked at cycling trends in more PR

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia, April 17 -- William and Mary issued the following news: * * * W&M faculty join innovative artificial intelligence network * As part of its leadership in the realm of human-centered artificial intelligence, William & Mary has joined the inaugural cohort of the CAA AI Technologies Champion Network. The network was implemented by the CAA Academic Alliance to elevate faculty and staff who are creatively and responsibly integrating artificial intelligence in teaching, learning and institutional effectiveness, according  more PR

WASHINGTON, April 16 -- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: * * * Warner and Kaine Introduce Legislation to Safeguard Americans from the Scourge of Gun Violence * WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, on the 19th anniversary of the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act, legislation to enact at the federal level a series of commonsense gun violence prevention measures approved by Virginia's elected officials. The bill inc more PR

WASHINGTON, April 17 (TNSjou) -- Visual complexity in product packaging influences how consumers perceive both environmental impact and product performance, according to research published by Soo Yon Ryu, assistant professor of business administration at Washington and Lee University. The study provides a framework for managers to align package aesthetics with specific brand goals. The research article, titled Simple is Eco-Friendly but Complex is Effective: Inferences from Visual Complexity in Package Design, appeared in the Journal of Advert more PR

MERRIFIELD, Virginia, April 13 -- The Women In Trucking Association issued the following news release: * * * Women In Trucking Association Announces Continued Gold Partnership with J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. ARLINGTON, Va. - The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announced today that J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. has renewed its Gold Partnership. This ongoing collaboration supports the company's broader efforts to expand career opportunities and strengthen workforce development. Since 2015, the company has supported WIT as a G more PR

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 18 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following Q&A on April 17, 2026, involving Joshua Maus, public administration student in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs: * * * World@VCU: Joshua Maus from Germany 'There is such a wide and diverse range of courses I could take here that I cannot take at home.' World@VCU is a VCU News feature, in partnership with the Global Education Office, that highlights students from around the world who enrich the Virginia Commonwealth University c more PR