In this week’s update:

💨 Can states still harness offshore wind, or is the tide turning? Just as turbines began rising off the East Coast, the federal government slammed the brakes. Billions are at stake. So are energy bills.

💰 Virginia has a shot at billions in new federal funding to reshape rural health care. From keeping small hospitals open to expanding Medicaid access, the stakes are huge. But some experts warn the money may not be enough.

🕹️ A new kind of night out is hitting Alexandria. Think 50+ vintage arcade games, Skee Ball, pinball, craft cocktails, and a menu backed by a celebrity chef. Continues Arcade is opening at the end of September, complete with live events, prizes, and some surprises that gamers and foodies alike won’t want to miss.

Driving the news: President Donald Trump has sharply curtailed federal support for offshore wind, halting projects and freezing permits, a move that’s upended East Coast states' renewable energy plans.

Details:

• Offshore wind farms must be built in federal waters, giving the president broad power over project approvals.

• Trump's administration canceled $679M in federal support, halted leases, revoked tax credits, and blocked construction on projects like Revolution Wind off Rhode Island, even though it's 80% complete.

• The Interior Department cited vague national security concerns, despite prior military reviews.

• Five East Coast farms are under construction, but dozens more are stalled.

Why it matters: States have invested billions into offshore wind as a core energy solution. The freeze threatens not just the timeline, but local jobs, manufacturing growth, and long-term energy affordability.

In places like Maryland, Virginia, and New York, offshore wind had become central to powering expanding demands, including new data centers and high-tech industries.

The big picture: Eight East Coast states are aiming to build 45 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2040, enough to power 30 million homes. Projects like Revolution Wind were poised to deliver large-scale electricity within a year.

Now, leaders face growing pressure to pivot or prepare for long delays.

Between the lines: The federal pullback is creating investor uncertainty. With offshore wind requiring long lead times and deep capital, developers may hesitate to commit without long-term federal stability.

Some states are now eyeing nuclear, hydropower, or energy efficiency as backup strategies.

The bottom line: Offshore wind isn't off the table, but for now, it's on pause. State leaders are betting that building the foundation now will keep them ahead once the political headwinds shift.

READ MORE→

Driving the news: Virginia and other states can now apply for their share of the new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF).

The federal program will provide $10 billion annually for five years to support rural hospitals, expand the health workforce, and modernize technology and infrastructure.

Details:

• States must submit applications by Nov. 5.

• Half of the money will be evenly distributed among states with approved applications, while the other half will be tied to performance metrics.

• Governors are leading applications, with Virginia’s Gov. Glenn Youngkin directing state agencies to gather public input through listening sessions and outreach.

• Funding awards are expected by the end of this year, with disbursements starting in early 2026.

Why it matters: For Virginia’s rural communities, this funding could mean fewer hospital closures, more doctors and nurses, and updated clinics; a lifeline as many facilities struggle with cuts and staffing shortages.

The big picture: While federal leaders like Mehmet Oz say the fund is meant to “transform” rural health care, critics—including former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra—argue the program won’t offset other federal changes.

Those changes include the end of ACA premium tax credits and adjustments to Medicaid, which could leave hundreds of thousands of Virginians without insurance.

What’s next: Congress is weighing whether to extend ACA tax credits to avoid mass coverage losses. In Virginia, the outcome of the upcoming gubernatorial election will shape how future RHTF funds are applied, whether through streamlining Medicaid eligibility (Abigail Spanberger’s focus) or tapping state reserves (Winsome Earle-Sears’ proposal).

The bottom line: The Rural Health Transformation Fund offers Virginia a chance to strengthen care in rural areas, but its long-term impact will depend on how well the state designs its plan, and whether federal lawmakers address the broader insurance and Medicaid challenges ahead.

MORE DETAILS→

Here's why Winchester, VA is booming in 2025!

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.

📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

Driving the news: Continues Arcade, a retro gaming hub in Alexandria, is officially opening its doors with a weeklong celebration starting Tuesday, September 30.

Details:

• More than 50 original arcade cabinets, vintage pinball machines, and Skee Ball line the floor.

• Games run on tokens—40 tokens cost $10, and no game requires more than four tokens per play.

• The grand opening kicks off with Party Bingo and includes live performances, giveaways, and themed nights.

• Food and drinks are handled by executive chef Brian Lacayo, with celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn advising on the menu. Bar consultant Dan Ponsky and the arcade’s beverage team have crafted cocktails like the Donkey King and Polybius.

The big picture: Co-founders Allen Brooks and Doug Bauer built Continues Arcade to recreate the social magic of the ‘80s arcade scene.

Brooks has been collecting and refurbishing machines with the help of local partners and private collectors.

Between the lines: The arcade is still hunting for classics like Dig Dug, Tempest, and Joust. Games will rotate regularly, so repeat visitors always find something new.

What’s next: After its September grand opening, Continues Arcade plans to expand hours and keep adding more games based on customer requests.

KEEP READING→

🔹 Friday - Crossroads Music Festival

BENEFIT presents two nights of live music supporting Loudoun County nonprofits for children. Friday features platinum-selling Southern rock band Sister Hazel, while Saturday brings Andy Summers of The Police with “Songs and Stories from the Crossroads.” Free showcases also light up downtown Leesburg on Saturday from 3 PM–8:30 PM.
📍 Location: Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 19–20
🎟️ Tickets: $55–$250
🌐 Website: https://crossroadsmusicfest.org

🔹 Saturday - Shipgarten Oktoberfest

Kick off Oktoberfest with more than 50 beers from Germany, Belgium, Austria, and the U.S. Enjoy live music, themed games like pretzel toss and keg curling, plus a lively costume contest.
📍 Location: 7581 Colshire Rd., McLean, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 20, 1 PM–6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free admission
🌐 Website: https://shipgarten.com

🔹 Sunday - Cox Farms Fall Festival

A seasonal favorite with hayrides, giant slides, rope swings, farm animals, and fall treats like apple cider donuts and kettle corn. Live music and plenty of activities make this a perfect fall outing for the whole family.
📍 Location: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 20 – Early Nov
🎟️ Tickets: $15–$30
🌐 Website: https://coxfarmsva.com/fall-festival

MORE THINGS TO DO→

Washington, DC’s housing market is holding steady—but don’t get too comfy. Median sale prices slipped 1.1% to around $703K, and homes linger about 56 days—14 days longer than last year. Buyers still make roughly two offers per listing, with a 98.2% sale-to-list ratio and just 20% selling above list.

For Buyers: More time to negotiate and less competition mean better leverage—if you’re ready to move when the right home pops up.

For Sellers: Pricing strategically is key. With fewer bidding wars, standout marketing and presentation will help you attract motivated buyers fast.

• 2025 Northern VA Fall Fun Guide: Fall Festivals, Parades, More

• New Dining and Shopping Options Coming to Dulles Airport

• Virginia’s early voting season begins Friday, ushering in pivotal election