State –
ARTICLE: Ashville approves data center deal after denying annexation for larger campus
- Ashville Village Council voted Monday to approve the terms of a development and supply agreement with EdgeConnex, outlining a framework for the company to move forward with its planned project.
- EdgeConnex is looking to construct and operate two data center buildings on approximately 195 acres on Route 752, the company also plans to build an on-site natural gas power plant for the facilities.
- The company has offered approximately $115 million in support to the village, Harrison Township and Teays Valley Local School District.
National –
White House Releases Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
- The White House has released its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which suggests to Congress the preferred funding levels for a wide range of discretionary agency spending.
- The proposed budget includes significant cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) budget, including the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, housing counseling assistance, and the Fair Housing Initiatives Program.
- Staff will monitor and update membership.
VA Appraisal Modernization Act Introduced to the Senate
- Members of the U.S. Senate have introduced the VA Appraisal Modernization Act (S. 4218), which addresses the shortage of VA appraisers by:
- Amending current law to adjust all VA home appraisal fees to keep pace with inflation in the industry;
- Requiring the secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase appraisal fees in areas that have an insufficient supply of appraisers;
- Subjecting all appraisals made in high-demand counties and remote areas to mileage reimbursements to reduce appraisers' personal costs in these in-demand regions, and;
- Directing the secretary of Veterans Affairs to study the feasibility and advisability of procuring contracts for home appraisers in areas where supply cannot meet demand.
- Staff will monitor and update membership.
Important May 5, 2026 Primary Election Dates
Key Dates
- April 7: Absentee voting by mail & early in-person voting began
- April 28: Last day to request an absentee ballot (by 8:30 p.m.)
- May 5: Primary Election Day (polls 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.); absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m.
Early Voting Highlights
- April 7–24: Weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- April 27–May 3: Extended evening/weekend hours
