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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of June 2, 2025:
Rep. Jennifer McClellan warns of harm from Medicaid cuts
Reported by VPM News’ Adrienne Hoar McGibbon
The US Senate is set to take up a budget bill that’s become the legislative focus of President Donald Trump’s agenda this week, after Congress returns from a Memorial Day recess.
Coined the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” by Republicans, it is the result of the second Trump administration’s first push for legislative change. The House version of the bill — passed in a 215–214 vote before the break — would extend tax cuts passed in 2017, increase spending on defense and border security and reduce federal spending by $1.5 trillion over the next decade.
The budget proposal also makes historic changes to Medicaid — adding work requirements and forcing Medicaid recipients to renew their status twice a year. The bill could also trigger about $500 billion in automatic cuts connected to the Pay-As-You-Go Act, which could impact service availability and provider reimbursements.
A preliminary analysis done by the Congressional Budget Office estimates the House’s budget would cut $698 billion in federal Medicaid subsidies and add $3.8 trillion dollars to the federal deficit.
Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D–4th) voted against the bill, saying it would put a heavy burden on some of the most vulnerable people in the state. McClellan spoke to VPM News health care reporter Adrienne Hoar McGibbon about the legislation shortly after the House vote.
Jay Jones wants to take on the Trump administration as Virginia attorney general
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Former Norfolk Del. Jay Jones, one of two Democratic candidates to become Virginia’s next attorney general, says he's running to protect Virginia families in the age of Donald Trump — something he says Virginia's current AG, Republican Jason Miyares, is not doing.
VPM News reporter Jahd Khalil recently spoke with Jones, who faces Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor in a Democratic primary on June 17, about a potential general election showdown with Miyares and his stances on the key issues facing Virginians.
In the interview, Jones emphasized a desire to strengthen the consumer protection unit within the Office of the Attorney General.
“We want to make this office work for everybody,” he said. "That's why we want to go after the price gougers who are inflating the cost of prescription drugs [and] the corporate landlords who are artificially inflating the cost of rent in these moments when we're having a housing crisis.”
He also cast himself as “someone who's going to step up and fight and be a leader to push back” against the federal administration if it makes decisions that harm Virginians: “I know I'm the best person to go and do that. I'll never back down from Donald Trump.”
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth:
- Albemarle school official threatens legal action after his replacement is announced (The Daily Progress)*
- Debate grows over timing of higher academic standards in Virginia (Virginia Mercury)
- Richmond and surrounding counties included on federal list of ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions (The Richmonder)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.