Press Releases

Arlington, Va. — Marymount University has launched its new Workday Pro Platform Administrator Certification, becoming one of only two higher education institutions in the nation to partner with global cloud-based software leader Workday to offer certification programs to the public.

This marks the beginning of Workday College, Marymount’s innovative credentialing initiative to prepare or upskill students, alumni and working professionals for in-demand careers in human capital management, finance and information technology.

July 18, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today reported that the unemployment rate in Virginia rose again in June, to 3.5 percent. The BLS report notes that “Virginia had the only rate increase” in the month of June. This was the sixth consecutive increase in Virginia’s unemployment rate, the first time the Commonwealth’s unemployment has continuously risen over half a year since the Great Recession job losses of 2008-2009.

Virginia’s rising unemployment rate comes amid the Trump Administration’s purges of thousands of federal workers and contractors across the Commonwealth, many of which are not captured in this data because they will not take effect until subsequent months. CNBC just downgraded Virginia in its annual “Top State for Business” rankings to the lowest point in nearly a decade, specifically citing “federal job cuts.” Recent mass firings by the Trump Administration are likely to substantially increase these cuts even further in coming months.

RICHMOND, VA – Today, while speaking at Google’s Reston office, Governor Youngkin announced the launch of VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI – a new online AI Career Launch Pad to help Virginians explore, learn, and connect to high-demand AI and tech-related opportunities. Developed by Virginia Works in partnership with the Grow with Google program, this one-stop launch pad is designed to help working-age Virginians understand, explore, and prepare for the growing role of artificial intelligence across a wide range of industries and jobs.

The VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI site features curated no-cost and low-cost learning opportunities from beginner friendly courses on AI fundamentals and practical workplace applications of artificial intelligence to bootcamps and degree programs offered by Virginia’s leading-edge community colleges and universities. Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s new agency for workforce development and advancement – will disburse Career Certificate scholarships to support Virginians in gaining free access to high demand career and artificial intelligence training.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today issued an executive order launching a first-of-its-kind agentic artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory reduction pilot to ensure that the Commonwealth captures the benefits of the latest artificial intelligence technology in reducing regulatory burdens and keeping regulations and guidance documents streamlined and up to date. AI has swept across the nation and our Commonwealth, energizing industries, empowering citizens, and rapidly advancing our way of life in unforeseen ways.

“We have made tremendous strides towards streamlining regulations and the regulatory process in the Commonwealth. Using emergent artificial intelligence tools, we will push this effort further in order to continue our mission of unleashing Virginia’s economy in a way that benefits all of its citizens,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Carr Properties (“Carr”), a leading owner, operator, and developer of premium quality office and residential properties, today announced that the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the national trade association representing the HVACR and water heating industry, has signed an early 12-year lease renewal at 2311 Wilson in Arlington, Virginia. With the agreement, AHRI will continue to occupy 25,063 square feet on the 4th floor, extending its lease through 2038. The lease renewal brings 2311 Wilson to 98% leased.

“It’s a pleasure to not only continue our longstanding relationship with AHRI at 2311 Wilson, but to see their continued commitment to the space and the neighborhood,” said Ryan Lopez, Senior Director of Leasing at Carr Properties. “Their early renewal speaks to the enduring appeal of the building’s transit-oriented location, top-tier amenities, and vibrant mix of ground-floor retailers — all of which make it an ideal home for organizations seeking a well-connected workplace.”

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as the top House Democrat on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, today expressed rising concern over Virginia’s economy, after monthly data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that the Commonwealth’s unemployment rate had risen for the fifth consecutive month. The increase brought Virginia’s unemployment rate to 3.4 percent, its highest level since August 2021. Today’s data marks the first time that Virginia’s unemployment rate has risen for five consecutive months since the sustained job losses of the Great Recession in 2008-09.

Beyer said:

On June 16, community leaders, business owners, and child care providers convened to launch the Arlington Child Care Alliance and endorse a pilot initiative to improve child care access and affordability. The participants, following presentations and conversations on the status of child care in Arlington, coalesced around a solution that is grounded in reality and ripe for action: a pilot network of family day home providers that connects families to care, supports providers and gives employers a real benefit resource.

The pilot network will be a focus for the Arlington Child Care Alliance, a child care focused initiative launched through the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

June 23, 2025 (Alexandria, VA) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) issued the following statement today announcing that he will seek reelection as U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District:

“Today, Northern Virginia is under attack, and we need a proven fighter to stand up to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their corrupt Trump Administration cronies to defend our community. I am seeking reelection to Congress because I am that fighter, and I know how to do the important work that begins with retaking power in Virginia and in Congress.

Richmond, VA – (June 23, 2025) – According to the May 2025 Virginia Home Sales Report released by Virginia REALTORS®, home sales activity in Virginia remained subdued last month, with sales levels declining for the fourth month in a row. In total, there were 10,649 closed sales across the commonwealth in May, 66 fewer sales than a year ago—a 0.6% decrease.

Despite lower sales levels, home prices continued to rise in most local markets. Virginia’s median sales price was $440,000 in May, up $15,000 since last year, reflecting a 3.5% increase. Nearly four out of five local markets in Virginia had a higher median sales price compared to last May (78%). Higher prices pushed total sold volume up by 1.3%, even as the number of sales declined.

Tonight, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement:

“This is a rapidly evolving situation, and it’s critical that the United States work with our allies and avoid steps that will cause further escalation across the region. For years, Iran has threatened the safety of Israel and the region and Israel has an undeniable right to defend itself and its citizens. At the moment, my foremost concern is the safety of American troops, diplomats, and personnel stationed throughout the Middle East. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am carefully monitoring developments and staying in close contact with our intelligence and national security agencies.”

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for part of the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: June 12. Code Orange air is forecast for DC and Northern Virginia and Suburban DC (Prince George’s County and Lower Montgomery County).

Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.