News from the South - Virginia News Feed

VCU Health resumes gender-affirming care — but only for some

Published

5 months ago

February 25, 2025

Staff Editor

virginiamercury.com – Charlotte Rene Woods – 2025-02-25 10:53:00

VCU Health resumes gender-affirming care — but only for some

by Charlotte Rene Woods, Virginia Mercury
February 25, 2025

After pausing gender-affirming care for minors amid legal uncertainty, The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Health has resumed services — at least for existing patients.

New patients, however, are out of luck. The hospital won’t take on any new cases as legal battles continue over an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on such care.

Last week, the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors grappled with the same dilemma in a closed-door meeting before ultimately landing on the same decision as VCU.

Meanwhile, Norfolk-based Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters has kept its care paused by the time of this publication.

Public hospitals have been in a limbo since Trump’s order threatened to pull federal funding from those providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth. Federal judges have blocked the order, but appeals keep hospitals on edge.

UVa’s Board of Visitors made it clear that financial risk still looms large, stating in its resolution that there “remains a significant legal uncertainty and institutional risk.”

Beyond the legal fight, doctors are bracing for another crisis — the impact on mental health.

Emails between doctors reveal hospital staff scrambling to prepare for an anticipated surge in emergency department visits and mental health crises due to the disruption in care. The correspondence, shared with The Mercury, was obtained by Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, through a Freedom of Information Act request.

“I know many of us are anticipating a large spike in children who are in acute mental health crises,” wrote Dr. Frank Petruzella, division chief of emergency pediatric medicine, in an email sent shortly after Trump’s order.

Petruzella urged colleagues to act fast, calling for an emergency meeting to assess how many patients were at risk and to develop a contingency plan.

“I think we should try to get this group together in the next few days to try to get an idea of the potential scope of patients at risk, as well as to develop a contingency plan for how best to help these children,” he wrote.

Petruzella also warned that some cases could be so severe that sending patients home might not be safe. Medical staff, he said, should brace for a surge in consultation calls from families and providers seeking urgent guidance.

With transgender youth already at a hightened risk for self harm and suicidal ideation, Roem told The Mercury last week that she was heartened to see “kids-first” conversations taking place.

Although VCU Health will not offer transgender care for new patients, it has outlined a plan to offer education, counseling, and mental health services.

In an updated statement on its website Tuesday, the institution affirmed its commitment, writing, “We are grateful for your support as we navigate these times and continue to advocate with a focus on the health of our patients and providers.”

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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

The post VCU Health resumes gender-affirming care — but only for some appeared first on virginiamercury.com

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

What ‘El Boogie' FBI agent accused of Maryland rapes said in his defense | NBC4 Washington

Published

1 day ago

July 17, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-07-17 15:48:33

SUMMARY: A Maryland FBI agent, Eduardo Valdivia, accused of sexually assaulting three women, testified in his defense, admitting to hiding evidence like condoms and wiping devices but insisting all encounters were consensual. Prosecutors allege he used the alias “El Boogie” and ran tattoo studios to lure women, promising modeling contracts before assaulting and filming them, then using the footage as blackmail. Valdivia described adult-themed photoshoots and claimed women were not forced, but victims said they felt trapped and scared. Previously acquitted of attempted murder, Valdivia now faces 18 charges, including felony rape, risking decades in prison. He is suspended without pay by the FBI.

Accused of rape, an FBI agent who went by El Boogie and Lalo Brown online testified in his defense. He called the encounters consensual but admitted to deleting photos and videos. News4’s Aimee Cho shares details from the courtroom.
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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Staying muggy with storm chances increasing the rest of the week

Published

2 days ago

July 17, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WTVR CBS 6 – 2025-07-17 06:03:52

SUMMARY: Staying muggy with storm chances increasing throughout the week. Expect hot, humid conditions with dew points in the mid-70s lasting through the weekend. Today will reach 94°F, with a heat advisory in effect around Richmond and eastward. Scattered thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into evening, producing downpours and some gusty winds, though storms will move rather than stall. Storm chances increase Friday and Saturday, with Saturday potentially having widespread storms. Overnight lows remain warm and muggy, around 77°F. A Gulf Coast system brings heavy rain to Louisiana but has only a 30-40% chance of becoming a named storm. Stay prepared for frequent afternoon storms.

Staying muggy with storm chances increasing the rest of the week

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Prosecutors seek first-degree murder charge for Camari Warren

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-07-16 16:52:09

SUMMARY: Prosecutors have upgraded charges against Kamari Warren to first-degree murder for the 2023 death of Norfolk State University student Jahari George. Warren is accused of orchestrating a drive-by shooting that killed the 20-year-old. Prosecutors claim phone records and video show Warren coordinating the attack and signaling George’s car. Cameron Brown, charged with second-degree murder, allegedly pulled the trigger. Warren’s defense argues that another uncharged witness, cooperating for leniency, is the true mastermind. That witness is expected to testify soon. Warren’s trial is ongoing and set to continue through Friday.