An Abingdon nonprofit organization, looking to expand broadband access and literacy, put its blueprints in place.

People Inc. of Virginia used $55,000 in federal money and worked with multiple Southwest Virginia nonprofits to create a plan that would help a variety of Southwest Virginia residents with digital literacy, coding and consumer protection, and would provide devices for doing schoolwork to children living below the poverty line, among other actions. 

People Inc. set up similar plans in Northern and Central Virginia locations with another $70,000.

The next step was to execute the plans, and People Inc. applied for another $400,000 to do that, said Rachel Fogg, the organization’s communications director. The money would have come via the Digital Equity Act of 2021, passed into law during the Biden administration.

“If we receive that funding, that would be wonderful, and we’ll be able to put the digital opportunity plan into real practice,” Fogg said. “But right now, we do not know whether or not we will receive that funding.”

Virginia stood to receive more than $18 million from the Digital Equity Act for programs ensuring internet access for all, along with the skills to navigate it.

On the night of May 9, the Trump administration sent a letter to Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development, which was to distribute the block grant money. According to the letter, the program was canceled, DHCD Director Bryan Horn said during a Broadband Advisory Council meeting on Wednesday.

That notification and others nationwide came a day after President Donald Trump wrote on social media that the Digital Equity Act was “racist” and “unconstitutional” and that he planned to end it.

Trump claimed in his post that the Digital Equity Program the law created was a “woke handout” based on race. But a former Biden administration official who worked for a time in the Trump administration said that, according to the law, white Americans are the “vast majority” of those who stood to benefit.

Evan Feinman, a Lynchburg native based in Richmond, led the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program for four years under then-President Joe Biden and for a short time under Trump. He spent almost two years deeply involved with the Digital Equity Program, as well. It was not focused on race, but it did focus on elderly people, families living in poverty, veterans and others, including minority and ethnic groups, Feinman said.

“But actually, if you look at the balance of people that are eligible across the totality of it, the vast, vast, vast majority of people who are eligible were in fact white folks, either because they were rural, they were veterans, they were elderly or because they were poor.”

All references to the Digital Equity Act were scrubbed this week from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration website and other federal sites. The NTIA administered the program. 

Information about the law remained on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website, where a page said it was meant to assist the elderly, poor people, military veterans, disabled people, state inmates transitioning back to society, English learners or others with low literacy levels, members of racial or ethnic minority groups, and rural residents. 

“While, yes, you could design a program that was focused on supporting an ethnic minority, you would still have to show why they had a particular disadvantage compared to other folks,” Feinman said. “That was only one way a group became eligible for the program, [along with] being a veteran also works, being poor also works, being a rural person also works.”

‘Wasteful spending’ or ‘access to opportunity’?

The $2.75 billion law was passed as part of the larger Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It established three grant programs, with money already distributed for planning grants and competitive grants filed with the federal government.

The third aspect was called the Digital Equity Capacity Grant and was to distribute $1.44 billion in block grants to the states, each of which set up a digital equity plan that organizations would refer to in applying for money. The Biden administration approved Virginia’s plan in December.

Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax County, chairs the state’s Broadband Advisory Committee. During Wednesday’s meeting, Boysko said that a national bipartisan working group of broadband-centric state legislators this week discussed the possibility of a lawsuit to overturn the Trump administration’s actions on the capacity grants. 

She asked Horn, the housing director, if Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares was considering that possibility. Horn said he was unaware.

Messages on Wednesday and Thursday to Miyares’ office were not returned, nor were messages seeking comment from U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt County, and Rep. John McGuire, R-Goochland County. 

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, in a message sent through his communications director, said the “funds could probably be better spent elsewhere.”

He added: “In light of a $37 trillion debt burden on the country, I believe it is important to rein in wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars and promote fiscal responsibility.” 

Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s press secretary, Peter Finocchio, wrote in an email exchange on Thursday that Virginia has “made enormous strides” in broadband deployment, dedicating more than $900 million to connecting residents via the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative. It was the first state to submit required plans in order to receive Broadband Equity Access and Deployment, or BEAD, funding of $1.48 billion, he wrote.

“Termination of Digital Equity Act funding will not impact Virginia’s work on broadband deployment,” Finocchio wrote.

While BEAD money is meant to complete Virginia’s work connecting all parts of the state, some may be directed to digital equity efforts if a state can show that it has ensured broadband service to all “unserved” and “underserved” locations, according to an FAQ that the NTIA posted.

The same document says that NTIA “strongly encourages” states to coordinate BEAD and Digital Equity Program plans.

Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-Va., released statements that disapproved of the administration’s actions.

“If the Trump administration bothered to look beyond a title, it would see that the Digital Equity Act is about access to opportunity in rural communities,” Warner said through a spokeswoman. “The act of dismantling this program and continuing to block BEAD dollars months after they were approved undercuts bipartisan efforts to expand broadband to all Americans.”

BEAD has been stalled as the administration reviews aspects of its implementation, according to multiple published reports.

Kaine noted that the act was beneficial to older Americans, rural residents and veterans. 

“I am troubled that the President is once again threatening to unlawfully withhold funding appropriated by Congress, and I urge him to reverse course,” Kaine said through a spokeswoman.

A focus on telehealth, workforce development, seniors

Fogg, from People Inc., said that it had planned to serve about 560 people over the grant’s three-year term. The organization’s plan noted that there “is a limited population of persons of color or non-English speakers within the region. Therefore, creating programs specifically for these populations is not considered the first priority.”

The plan would have focused on the elderly population in People Inc.’s service area: Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties, along with Bristol and Galax. Core services would have been digital literacy, device access and affordability, privacy and cybersecurity, and broadband affordability.

Gate City-based Appalachian Community Action and Development Agency was among the nonprofits that partnered with People Inc. on the plan. Its executive director, Lisa Barton, said that recent cuts “seem to be here today, gone tomorrow, back the next day.”

She said she has learned from years in public service to keep a cool head about it. 

“You learn to adapt,” she said. “You work with what you have to the best of your ability.”

But an aging population has a growing need to master online tools, she said.

“The internet is such an important tool for rural areas, especially, because sometimes we are so isolated, and transportation is an issue,” she said. “If we can help give people tools to do telehealth, you know, even apply for Social Security, those types of things online, to where they don’t have to drive an hour or two hours to a doctor, or to apply for something, or even to get groceries. You know that we owe it to them to help them all that we can.”

Another Southwest Virginia nonprofit, the Fairlawn-based New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, had applied for a capacity grant as well, with hopes of serving 150 people over two years. Leaders there said the board was focused primarily on workforce development. 

Information the development board supplied said that it cost $3.48 million to provide workforce programming in 2023. Meanwhile, the employment programs it sparked resulted in $33.34 million saved in government benefits, while adding $14.5 million to the gross regional product and delivering $3.7 million in income tax revenue. 

“It’s typically a 15-to-1 return on investment,” said the board’s executive director, Marty Holliday.

Other federal grant dollars are in jeopardy, too, which could do further damage to the region’s economy, Holliday said.

“People aren’t moving here, and people are aging here, so it is important to get every able body working,” she said, adding that “the federal government doesn’t give you money because they have a big heart. They give you money because they want taxpayers. We take our job very seriously. We want people to be in the system like the rest of us, paying taxes and living.”

It was unclear what other organizations in Southwest and Southside Virginia had applied for capacity grants, or how much of the $18.3 million was at stake in those parts of the commonwealth. 

The Department of Housing and Community Development, citing the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, said it would not be able to provide requested information until May 29. Other requested information included how much capacity grant money NTIA had already provided to DHCD, if any.

An email to the NTIA press office went unanswered.

Boysko, the state senator who chairs the Broadband Advisory Council, said she is not worried about the people in her Northern Virginia district.

“The people who are going to lose out are not people who live in my neighborhood,” said Boysko, a small-town Alabama native who graduated from Hollins University. “They are the people who live on the Southside, in southwestern Virginia, in areas where there is not adequate assistance to help people get connected … and I think that’s a shame.”

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When the coaching change took place in Morgantown, there were really only a handful of players who West Virginia fans were hoping would stay put and finish their career out at West Virginia.

One of those guys was running back CJ Donaldson.

The big bruiser quickly became a fan favorite when he rushed for 125 yards in his first-ever game playing the position in the 2021 season opener against Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. He dealt with a few minor injuries throughout his tenure in the Old Gold and Blue, but was still very productive.

He ended his career at WVU with 2,058 rushing yards, placing him 20th in program history. Had he stayed, there’s a good chance he could have jumped up to as high as sixth, surpassing Leddie Brown, who has 2,888 yards.

Donaldson didn’t stick around very long, entering the transfer portal about a week after Rich Rodriguez returned to his post at WVU. A few days later, he landed with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Following one of Ohio State’s spring practices, Donaldson was asked about his decision to leave West Virginia.

“There was a lot into it. You got to think about your family, you, and what you want to get out of this. This is my last opportunity, last guaranteed opportunity to play football because the next level is not promised. You have to earn that. I just took a chance on myself. You got to bet on yourself at all times.”

Why Ohio State?

“It was difficult. I would say it’s like speed dating. There’s a lot of calls, a lot of red carpet talk, but what separated the Buckeyes from every other program was coach (Carlos) Locklyn…and Coach (Ryan) Day had a big impact on it,” Donaldson said. “Coach Lock, he told me that he would challenge me and help me develop into the player that I know I can be.”

In a recent article on ESPN by Max Olson, Donaldson was ranked as the 65th-best transfer this offseason.

“The Buckeyes must replace second-round draft picks Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson at this spot and have lots of blue-chip talent competing for carries. Donaldson should be a great complement to sophomore James Peoples and will have an opportunity to play a significant role for the defending national champs.”

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West Virginia Resides Near the Bottom of Post-Spring Big 12 Power Rankings

Virginia Tech has tallied 30 transfers since the end of its disappointing 6-7 season. Virginia Tech has also shifted its coaching staff, by replacing offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen with Philip Montgomery, and defensive coordinator Chris Marve with Arizona Cardinal linebacker coach Sam Siefkes.

The Hokies have fielded a number of transfers across nearly every position. Today’s task? to create a Virginia Tech team where every position is fielded by transfers.

Rangel played three seasons in Stillwater, with 2022 being the year he saw the most snaps. That season, Rangel threw for 711 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 51% of his passes. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Rangel had 229 snaps during the 2022 season and finished with a 49.0 overall grade on offense. In 2023, Rangel played 68 snaps, and then he played 66 snaps last season. While the numbers won’t blow you away, Rangel has experience and could be better in Phillip Montgomery’s offense than the one he was in with Oklahoma State. With his addition, it will be worth keeping an eye on the backup quarterback spot now.

Bennett performed at the Hokies’ annual spring game. There, Bennett ran for 74 yards on nearly seven yards a carry. At Coastal, 781 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, with a further two caught through the air.

Greene, the oldest wideout in this current room, brought in 13 touchdowns and over 1,800 yards in his time at Wake Forest.

Spencer has spent the first two years of his time at Jackson State, where the Tigers went 19-6 through Spencer’s two years.

Combined, Spencer tallied 861 yards and five touchdowns, although last season is where Spencer really broke out.

Last season, en route to a Tigers’ Cricket Celebration Bowl victory, Spencer marked four touchdowns and 660 yards, all while raking in nearly 20 yards per reception (18.9).

Austin spent his sole year at West Virginia as a redshirt; however, coming out of high school, Austin was ranked as the No. 40 tackle and the No.12 ranked player in Illinois.

Rimac earned a 78.6 PFF overall grade in 2024 ranked fifth among Power Four guards, and he was one of only six in that group who earned 75.0-plus grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker. Rimac was also named a Big 12 Honorable Mention.

Altuner, the 55th highest ranked commitment in the history of West Virginia’s high school recruiting, according to 247Sports. Altuner held 20 offers out of high school and was ranked as a top 20 IOL. He was also the 5th highest ranked commitment ever by an offensive lineman to West Virginia.

Muskrat spent two years at Auburn. As a Tiger, Muskrat played in every game at Auburn, including as a backup at left tackle last season, for an Auburn team that went 5-6, including losses to six different SEC schools.

Below is an excerpt from All Auburn on SI about Muskrat’s transfer.

“Muskrat, a Tulsa transfer, where he was coached by Auburn Offensive Coordinator Philip Montgomery, was the lone offensive lineman signed by Auburn in the Spring portal. He played in all 12 games for the Golden Hurricanes in 2022, and was a starter at right tackle for the last nine. At Auburn, he projects to be an interior lineman at one of the guard spots.”

Crawford was a highly touted center prospect out of Maryland. He was a consensus three-star by ESPN, 247Sports, On3, and Rivals. Rivals had him ranked 15th in Maryland as well as the eighth-best center in the 2025 class. Crawford was not initially on the Hokies board. Pitt, Duke, and Syracuse were the only ACC teams that recruited him among the 19 total teams. Matt Moore made sure the Hokies did their due diligence this time around.

Last season for the Eagles, Djonkam racked up 98 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 3 PDs, and was a 2nd team All-MAC selection. He began his career at Arizona State before transferring to Eastern Michigan.

Huisman was an honorable mention in the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference, where he played all 16 games and tallied 37 tackles in just seven starts. Huisman was third on the team with 7.5 tackles for loss, including a season-high six tackles and a forced fumble, and 2.5 tackles for loss when the NDSU took down South Dakota State en route to an FCS National Championship

Nash had 53 tackles and nine sacks last season for the Bears, who were one of the top teams in the FCS, as Nash and Mercer reeled in 11-3.

Bell started his career at Louisiana Tech before transferring over to Texas State. For his career, he has totaled 126 tackles and 19 sacks, with his season-high in sacks coming in 2023 when he totaled 10. According to Pro Football Focus, Bell played 206 snaps this past season and finished with an 80.8 grade, the third highest on the defense. What is notable is that he finished with a 91.1 pass-rushing grade. In 2023, Bell finished with a 90.9 grade in over 500 snaps and an even better 93.0 pass-rushing grade. In 2022, Bell received a 71.2 grade from PFF in 272 snaps, including an 83.9 pass-rushing grade. The Hokies are getting themselves a seasoned pass rusher who should be an impact player for the defense next season.

Short hails from Charlotte, N.C., where he spent one season as a Tar Heel. Short spent his sole season. Short tallied 23 tackles with 17 of them being solo, including a season-high five against Duke in the Tar Heels’ 21-20 loss to the Blue Devils.

Bass finished his Panthers career with 25 total tackles, 1 sack, and one pass deflection. Bass was considered the No. 4 player from Virginia in the class of 2023 by 247Sports, as the site rated Bass as a four-star recruit.

Flowers earned a 76.8 grade from PFF in 544 snaps and was the third-highest graded defender on the Owls’ defense last season.

Cash racked up 68 tackles and two interceptions, and he brings plenty of experience. Cash came to Sam Houston State from Houston Christian and has five years of experience under his belt. For his career, Cash has 173 tackles and five interceptions. This past season, Pro Football Focus gave him a 77.4 grade in 881 snaps, including an elite 91.0 tackling grade.

Brown leaves Hawaii after spending the last two seasons with the program, racking up 41 tackles in his tenure along with 14 pass breakups–totaling an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 77.1 with the Rainbow Warriors.

According to Pro Football Focus, Brown-Murray played 830 snaps and finished with a 74.0 grade, including an 80.4 tackling grade. He has played a lot of snaps over the past couple of seasons and should bring some experience and playmaking ability to the Hokies’ secondary.

Related Links:

ESPN Predicts Who Will Be Virginia Tech’s Top Three Transfers in 2025

NCAA Baseball Field of 64 Projections: The Virginia Tech Hokies are out of contention