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Despite concerns over a sluggish national economy, Virginia is seeing a surprising surge in state tax revenues, significantly outperforming expectations as the fiscal year nears its end.

According to a report from The Virginia Mercury on May 19, state general fund revenues for the past 10 months reached over $25 billion specifically $25,079,222,000 marking a $1.5 billion increase from the $23.6 billion collected during the same period last year. In April alone, Virginia collected $3.99 billion in taxes, an 8.8% increase compared to $3.67 billion in April 2024.

Governor Glenn Youngkin credited the growth to robust job creation and strong business investment across the state. “Virginia’s finances remain strong, reflecting strong job growth and business investment,” Youngkin stated. “Since I took office three years ago, there are now 265,000 more people working in Virginia, and corporate capital commitments have surpassed $100 billion, exceeding our initial projections.”

This revenue growth stands in stark contrast to the sharp decline in national real GDP during the first quarter of 2025. While the broader U.S. economy struggles, Virginia appears to be weathering the storm, thanks in part to steady gains in sectors like construction, health care, and transportation. In March alone, the state added 5,900 jobs in those areas.

However, Virginia’s economy is not without its challenges. The state also experienced a net job loss of 4,100 federal employees in March, and the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.2%, up from 3.1% the previous month. More concerning is the April layoff of 9,000 federal workers, which state officials say could have ripple effects in the months ahead.

“We are closely monitoring the aftermath of the layoffs of 9,000 federal employees in April alone,” a spokesperson from the Virginia Treasury Department said. “However, we believe in the long-term resilience of Virginia’s economy, so we will continue to see continued growth.”

With just two months left in the fiscal year, the state remains cautiously optimistic. The unexpectedly strong tax receipts may help Virginia offset the impact of federal job cuts and provide a buffer against further economic uncertainty at the national level.

The Mexican government has firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy U.S. troops to combat drug trafficking cartels in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made the statement during a public event on the 3rd of May, emphasizing that Mexico would “never tolerate” the presence of U.S. military forces on its soil. Her remarks followed a phone conversation last month with President Trump, where he suggested U.S. military involvement to help Mexico fight drug trafficking.

President Sheinbaum responded by urging the U.S. to focus on stopping the flow of illegal weapons from the United States into Mexico if they genuinely wanted to assist in the fight against drug cartels. The offer to send U.S. troops came as part of ongoing pressure from the Trump administration, which had designated several Mexican drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” These cartels are accused of smuggling fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, into the United States.

Despite the U.S. push for more military action, Mexico has been increasing security along its border and cooperating with the U.S. on intelligence-gathering activities, including the use of drones by the CIA. However, Mexico remains adamant about preserving its sovereignty and has stated that it will not allow unilateral military actions. A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council indicated that the U.S. is prepared to enhance cooperation with Mexico but emphasized that Mexico must take further action to combat the cartels.

President Donald Trump is pushing to eliminate in-state tuition benefits for undocumented college students, a move that could significantly impact access to higher education for thousands of young immigrants across the U.S. This initiative stems from an executive order signed on the 28th of last month, which directs the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to act against state policies that provide what the administration views as preferential treatment to undocumented individuals.

The order specifically challenges policies in roughly 20 states — including New York and New Jersey — that allow undocumented students to pay lower in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. Trump’s administration argues that such policies are unfair to U.S. citizens, especially those who must pay higher out-of-state tuition when attending schools outside their home states.

According to the higher education outlet Inside Higher Ed, the executive order could affect as many as 24 states that currently offer in-state tuition regardless of a student’s immigration status. While the order does not detail the exact enforcement mechanisms, it signals that the federal government may pressure states to reverse or modify these tuition policies.

New York, for example, has offered in-state tuition to undocumented students since 2002, if they graduated from high school within the state and meet other basic requirements. This policy has made college more accessible for many undocumented students who often face severe financial barriers. In-state tuition can be several times lower than out-of-state rates, making the difference between affording a degree or not.

Critics of Trump’s move argue that targeting in-state tuition for undocumented students is punitive and short-sighted, potentially harming students who have spent most of their lives in the U.S. and who often contribute positively to their communities. Supporters, however, contend that it restores fairness to U.S. citizens and discourages illegal immigration by removing financial incentives.

Despite the executive order, it remains unclear how aggressively the federal government will act or what consequences states might face if they continue offering in-state tuition to undocumented students.

As federal authorities ramp up arrests of individuals tied to illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the country, Virginia is increasingly being identified as a key transit hub for drug cartels operating on the East Coast. According to a report by ABC7 News on April 14, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has flagged Virginia as a strategic distribution point for narcotics—particularly fentanyl—being moved along the Interstate 81 and 95 corridors.

ICE agents operating in Washington, D.C., and across Virginia recently conducted a series of targeted operations to apprehend individuals involved in drug-related crimes. Agents involved in the operation emphasized the growing threat of the MS-13 gang in the region, specifically in Northern Virginia communities such as Herndon, Reston, and Upperbridge. The gang is said to have established a robust organizational network in these areas and is reportedly expanding its reach into southern parts of the state.

Authorities warn that drug cartels are growing bolder and more entrenched, using Virginia not just for trafficking but as a distribution base for fentanyl and other narcotics throughout the eastern United States. An official with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division noted that the agency is working closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to dismantle these networks, particularly in southwestern Virginia where activity has intensified.

The scale of the issue is evident in recent drug seizure statistics. In 2023 alone, law enforcement agencies confiscated approximately 639,000 fentanyl pills and 189 pounds of powdered fentanyl across the Washington metropolitan area, which includes Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. This marks a staggering 250% increase compared to 2022.

Virginia accounted for most of these seizures. Roughly two-thirds of the fentanyl pills—an estimated 415,300—were recovered within the state, highlighting the central role Virginia now plays in the cartel supply chain.

As federal and state law enforcement continue to intensify operations, the focus on Virginia underscores both the severity of the drug crisis and the growing need for inter-agency cooperation to combat trafficking and gang-related crime on the East Coast.

Fairfax County, Virginia, is home to several low-income housing options for seniors, with around 10 properties managed by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA). Among them is Little River Glen, a senior apartment complex offering affordable, well-equipped housing for residents aged 62 and older. Located near Utson High School in Fairfax City, Little River Glen provides both comfort and convenience for its senior residents.

The complex consists of 120 one-bedroom units, available in four different models—A, B, C, and D—with sizes ranging from 375 to 517 square feet. Monthly rent is based on income and ranges between $798 and $1,233, with all utilities included. To qualify, individuals must be at least 62 years old, with an annual income not exceeding $54,180 for a single person or $61,920 for a couple.

Little River Glen offers a range of amenities that cater specifically to seniors. These include a senior centre, a wellness centre, a lounge, laundry facilities, and outdoor seating areas. For those without personal transportation, a shopping shuttle is available every two weeks. Safety is also a priority, with a 24-hour emergency monitoring system in place. Another notable feature is that residents are allowed to keep a pet, such as a dog or cat, provided it weighs under 25 pounds.

The surrounding area adds to the appeal of Little River Glen, with a nearby shopping centre that includes a Trader Joe’s, various restaurants, and coffee shops—all within easy reach.

Prospective residents are encouraged to first check unit availability through the apartment’s official website, www.littleriverglenapts.com, or by visiting the leasing office in person to leave their contact information for future openings. The leasing office can be reached at (571) 544-7100.

When vacancies arise, the Fairfax County Housing Authority accepts applications through its Rent Cafe portal at https://fairfaxcountyhousing.securecafe.com. Applicants must submit documents such as a Social Security card, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, a government-issued ID, and any relevant welfare documentation.

After the application deadline, a lottery is held to randomly select eligible applicants. Those selected will then undergo income and eligibility verification before being offered a unit.

With its focus on affordability, safety, and community, Little River Glen represents an excellent housing option for low-income seniors in Fairfax County looking for stability and a supportive environment in their retirement years.

With the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to federal employment underway, Fairfax County, Virginia, is preparing for a worst-case scenario that local officials warn could have a deeper economic impact than the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by local news outlet FFXNOW on April 9, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) has raised concerns that the scale of federal job losses could be far worse than initially anticipated.

Fairfax County is home to approximately 80,000 federal government employees. In addition, about 45,000 military, civilian, and contractor employees work at Fort Belvoir, a major U.S. military base located in the county. Another 70,000 federal employees live outside the county but commute to Fairfax for work. In total, an estimated 150,000 individuals connected to federal employment could be affected by the ongoing cuts.

So far, around 14,000 federal employees living in Fairfax County have been confirmed laid off, along with 86 government contractors. However, these numbers only reflect verified reports, and the actual number of job losses may be significantly higher when unconfirmed or indirect impacts are considered.

Initially, the county had projected a 15% reduction in federal employment, but more recent estimates suggest that cuts may reach 20% or even 30%. In response, county officials are preparing for a worst-case scenario, acknowledging the potential for severe economic consequences.

If layoffs reach 15%, Fairfax County could lose approximately 28,496 jobs and see a tax revenue decline of $109.9 million. Should the cuts escalate to 30%, the number of unemployed residents could rise to 85,489, leading to a projected loss of $329.9 million in county tax revenue. Such losses would significantly impact public services, education funding, and infrastructure projects.

Officials are calling for urgent planning and support, warning that the ripple effects could be widespread—affecting housing, local businesses, and the broader Northern Virginia economy. As the Trump administration continues its aggressive downsizing of the federal workforce, Fairfax County is bracing for what could be a profound and lasting economic shift.

While the average apartment rent in the U.S. has recently decreased compared to last year, rents in Northern Virginia continue to rise, showing a stark contrast. According to data released by Apartmentlist.com on the 27th of last month, Annandale, a community with a large Korean population, saw the highest increase in apartment rents in the region. Tysons, another area in Northern Virginia, recorded the highest rent prices overall.

In March, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Annandale was $1,945, with a two-bedroom apartment renting for $2,220. These figures represent a significant 9.7% increase from a year ago. Merrifield followed closely behind with a 5.5% increase in both one-bedroom rents ($2,329) and two-bedroom rents ($2,863). Other areas also experienced notable rent hikes, including Herndon (up 5.1% to $1,842 for one-bedroom and $2,210 for two-bedroom), Fairfax (up 4.4% to $1,944 for one-bedroom and $2,410 for two-bedroom), Fair Oaks (up 4.2% to $2,235 for one-bedroom and $2,499 for two-bedroom), and Centreville (up 2.7% to $2,064 for one-bedroom and $2,397 for two-bedroom).

In contrast, the median rent nationwide in March was $1,216 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,370 for a two-bedroom, both showing a slight decrease of 0.4% from the previous year. Apartmentlist.com noted that the nationwide rent decline is partly due to an increase in new apartment supply, which has left more vacant apartments unoccupied. However, the downward trend in national rents is gradually shifting toward an upward trend, signalling potential increases across the country in the future.

President Donald Trump has reportedly told his aides that Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, will soon step down from his role leading the federal government’s restructuring efforts, according to a report by Politico on April 2nd. The report indicated that Musk, who has been overseeing large-scale reforms at federal agencies as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will return to his business ventures once his work is completed. However, the White House quickly denied the claims, dismissing the report as “garbage.”

According to sources speaking anonymously, Trump discussed Musk’s impending departure with his Cabinet members, suggesting that Musk would soon leave the government. Musk, who is exempt from ethics and conflict of interest regulations, is limited by law to working for the government for no more than 130 days a year. This limitation is set to expire by late May or early June, which could explain the timing of his exit.

Trump had previously hinted at the possibility of Musk’s departure during a March 31st Q&A session at the White House, saying, “At some point, he’ll come back” and “I’ll keep him as long as I can.” Musk himself had alluded to his departure in a March 27th interview with Fox News, saying, “We plan to complete $1 trillion in federal government cost reductions by the end of May.”

The Politico report also mentioned that Trump had stated during a Cabinet meeting on March 24th that Musk would be leaving soon. While Trump has been a strong supporter of Musk’s reform efforts, there has been growing criticism of Musk’s approach. Some members of the administration have expressed frustration with Musk’s communication style and the unpredictability of his plans, especially after Musk made controversial remarks and shared unverified plans for reorganizing federal agencies via his X (formerly Twitter) account. Additionally, Musk’s public support for a conservative candidate in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, who ultimately lost by a significant margin, has sparked further concerns.

Despite the controversy, a senior administration official stated that Musk would continue to serve as an unofficial advisor to Trump and may still appear around the White House from time to time. Politico’s sources also suggested that Musk would not completely disappear from Trump’s orbit.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt strongly rejected the Politico report, calling it “garbage” and reaffirming that both Musk and Trump had publicly stated that Musk would step down from his government role once he completed his work at DOGE.

The Social Security Administration website has crashed four times in the past 10 days, leaving millions of retirees without access to the service. Online access has been blocked due to the overwhelming influx of users, and calls to the office have been put on hold for hours.

This is the result of massive layoffs that have left existing civil service staff no longer able to handle the workload. This is the result of cost-cutting efforts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The Social Security Administration, which has been disbursing $1.5 trillion annually to 73 million retirees, people with disabilities, and others, is now facing a crisis where it may no longer be able to continue its role. Despite the severe staffing shortage, President Trump’s soon-to-be-appointed SSA administrator, Frank Bisignano, is expected to push for further massive layoffs through a financial audit.

“This is a breakdown from within and it’s only going to accelerate,” said Senator Angus King. “I have retirees in their 70s and 80s coming to me and they’re scared, and they don’t know what to do.” “This government is acting unconscionable.”

Leland Dudek, who provided DOGE with the data and was later promoted to acting director, has been at the forefront of purges of existing professionals, some of whom have resigned in disgust at the policy changes.

As the service is cut off, angry constituents are asking their local representatives but are not getting much of an answer. Since Social Security benefits are the main source of income for 40% of retirees, it is inevitable that changes will be closely watched.

SSA has struggled to provide services to a growing number of retirees with outdated technology systems and a budget of $15 billion that has barely changed in the past decade, but President Trump has caused extreme chaos by cutting and reducing the budget since taking office. This has led to comments from within the administration that “it’s like lighting a fire to put it out,” and some have worried that “it seems like an effort to privatize government agencies.”

Immigrant advocacy organizations are urging the Trump administration to resume processing new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On March 18th, the Korean American Service and Education Association (KASA), which represents five Korean community organizations across the U.S., held an online press conference to express concerns about the current state of the program. KASA pointed out that while a ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on January 17th upheld the decision declaring DACA illegal, it limited the impact of the ruling to Texas. This decision, according to KASA, means that new DACA applications should be processed nationwide, yet the Trump administration has failed to take any action.

KASA emphasized that despite the appellate court’s decision taking effect on March 11th, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to process only renewals for existing DACA recipients and has not resumed accepting new applications. The group is urging the administration to correct this discrepancy and begin processing new applications.

However, caution is advised for those considering reapplying for DACA. The Korean American Council (KOA) warned of the uncertainty surrounding the situation, noting that there is a risk of personal information being exposed due to the lack of clarity on the administration’s next steps. Immigration attorneys also advised caution, stating that while it may not be easy for the Trump administration to resume new applications immediately, individuals should stay informed and consult with legal experts if necessary.

Additionally, the KOA condemned a new immigrant registration system introduced by the Trump administration in February. Set to take effect on April 11, this system would require certain undocumented immigrants over the age of 14 to register with the government, and mandate that 18-year-old immigrants possess a registration certificate. The KOA criticized this move as another attempt to target and stigmatize immigrants, particularly those who entered the U.S. without going through immigration screening.

While this regulation is seen as primarily affecting individuals who entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border, Korean immigration attorneys note that it will not likely impact most Korean immigrants, who generally entered the country through proper immigration channels. They advise individuals to consult with immigration attorneys if they have concerns or need guidance.

For further assistance, the Korean American Council operates an immigrant assistance hotline available 24/7, providing support and resources for individuals facing immigration-related challenges.