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- Ethiopian Orthodox Christians mark Easter in Washington with prayer and joyful family celebrations
This post was originally published on this site.WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – Dressed in all white, hundreds Ethiopian Orthodox Christians crowded into Washington, D.C.’s DSK Mariam Church, to sing hymns and pray in the ancient Ge’ez language, as well as to keep vigil during their Easter Sunday. Fasika, the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is celebrated a […]
- Marijuana testing challenges persist as Virginia retail market nears
Photo of Virginia Cannabis Control Authority graphic with campaign material on their website. (Photo courtesy Virginia Cannabis Control Authority) By Stef Anderson/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. –THC breathalyzers are often discussed as a way to detect drivers under the influence, especially as Virginia closes in on a retail cannabis market, but questions remain about […]
- 18-year old found guilty of groping Fairfax Co. High school students
This post was originally published on this site. A Fairfax County High School 18-year old student was found guilty of groping a number of female classmates. Israel Flores Ortiz, who was initially charged with 13 crimes was found guilty on nine counts of misdemeanor battery and assault, was acquitted on three other charges and one […]
- Oakhill Farm, Monroe’s Loudoun County estate on pause
Landscape near Oak Hill Farm in Loudoun County, the former seat of President James Monroe, where legislators are trying to create a public park. (Photo by Alessandra Caceres Mendoza/VCU Capital News Service) By Alessandra Caceres Mendoza/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation to purchase the former estate of the fifth Founding Father for use […]
- Virginia set to rejoin RGGI as utilities prepare to pass the cost back to ratepayers
A natural gas-fired power plant. (Photo by Getty Images) Virginia is poised to reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative this summer, a move that could again add a monthly charge to electricity customers’ bills as utilities resume buying carbon credits. State officials expect the commonwealth to participate in the program’s September auction once regulations to […]
- US employers created 178,000 new jobs in March, a huge increase from the February low.
This post was originally published on this site.WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – American employers created 178,000 jobs in March, a surprising number after a dismal month of February. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.3%. The Labor Department announced Friday that the hiring of new employees was a positive sign after February’s loss of 133,000 positions. The […]
- Virginia sees 33,000 ACA enrollment drop since subsidies expired, more likely on the way
(Photo by Getty Images) What might be pocket change to some can be a breaking point for others — forcing tough choices between health insurance and everyday essentials. As Virginians, and Americans nationwide, face premium spikes in the Affordable Care Act marketplace after Congress failed to renew subsidies, many are weighing the cost of coverage […]
- ‘Skill’ slot machines are a risky bet for Virginia
Skill games in a Richmond corner store. The games popped up in gas stations, convenience stores and bars around the state before they were outlawed. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) After 32 years in the United States Army and Virginia Army National Guard, I now spend my time managing my VFW Post’s charitable gaming activities. […]
- Abigail Spanberger signs first wave of bills targeting health care, housing and energy cost
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signing bills. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed the first first batch of bills passed by state lawmakers before they adjourned in mid-March, advancing measures on health care, housing and energy affordability. With hundreds of bills cleared by the legislature, she has until April 13 to sign, […]
- The debate over Fairfax Co.’s casino is centered on a question: Does Tysons really need it?
This post was originally published on this site.As Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether she will sign a measure allowing voters to decide whether or not to build a Casino Complex in Fairfax County. Local and state leaders are divided on the issue. The bill would permit the construction of an 1.5 million square […]
- Loudoun County Democrat School Board Votes Down Expansion of School Resource Officers to Elementary Schools
In a 5-3-1 vote during a special meeting on March 5, 2026, the board declined to endorse the expansion. The full board includes Chair April Chandler (Algonkian District), Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg District), Amy Riccardi (Sterling District), Ross Svenson, Jonathan Pepper, and members representing Ashburn, Blue Ridge, Catoctin, Dulles, Lovettsville, and Sugarland districts. Shernoff, speaking emoti
- LCPS Gambles with Student Safety: Defying Severe Storm Warnings While Neighbors Close Schools
Another day, another episode of chaos dressed up and promoted as exceptionalism by Loudoun County Public Schools. Regional Weather Warnings and Neighboring Districts’ Responses Over the past weekend, the National Weather Service predicted a level 4-5 severe weather emergency for our region on Monday, March 16, with tornadoes and winds in excess of 70 miles […]
- Virginia General Assembly Debates Tax Treatment of Vacant Land Amid Housing Concerns
During the public session, one speaker advocated for reduced taxation on undeveloped parcels, arguing it would incentivize property owners and developers to improve the land. ‘Having a lower tax rate on vacant land encourages development and improvements,’ the speaker said, suggesting it could lead to more housing units entering the market. Counterarguments focused on fiscal […]
- Virginia voter guide: Ballot questions voters about Democratic efforts to redraw the congressional map
This post was originally published on this site.Legal challenges to redistricting efforts are playing out in court. A referendum which would allow Democratic legislators to temporarily redraw Virginia’s congressional map continues to move forward. The redistricting plan has been put up for early voting and a special election is scheduled for April 21. Virginia Democrats […]
- Mark Warner files for reelection, launching bid for fourth U.S. Senate term caught lying 29 years ago
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner speaks with reporters in the U.S. Capitol building in October. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) U.S. Sen. Mark Warner formally launched his campaign for a fourth term this week, filing the paperwork and voter petitions required to appear on Virginia’s 2026 U.S. Senate ballot after a five-day swing across the state […]
- Virginia Lawmakers Debate Sales Tax Impact on School Funding Amid Richmond-Suburb Shopping Patterns
Under Virginia law, localities collect a 1% share of the 6% sales tax on transactions occurring within their borders. This money supports general funds, including K-12 schools, which derive about 45-55% of operating costs from local sources. In the Richmond region, the city has long faced challenges attracting major retailers. Residents often travel to Henrico […]
- Virginia Referendum Pits Redistricting Proposals Against Voter-Approved Commission
The proposal stems from legislation passed by the Democrat-majority House of Delegates and Senate. It would suspend the decennial redistricting cycle mandated by Amendment 52, ratified by 67 percent of voters in 2020. That amendment established the Virginia Redistricting Commission, comprising legislators and citizens from both parties, to draw maps post-census. Ballot text reads: ‘Should […]
- Virginia League of Women Voters Endorses SB 58 to Increase Mail Ballot Deadlines
SB 58 aims to adapt election procedures to contemporary challenges in mail delivery. Currently, mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by noon on the third day following the election. The bill would modify these parameters, potentially extending receipt hours and accounting for processing delays. Supporters, including Democratic lawmakers, contend that postal […]
- Loudoun School Board Rejects SRO Expansion for Elementary Schools Despite Sheriff Data
The board, which includes members Ross Svenson, Anne Donohue, and additional representatives from the district’s regions, conducted citizen participation. Speakers stressed vulnerabilities of young students, noting their limited ability to conceal themselves or contact emergency services independently. Sheriff’s responses can be hindered by traffic conditions. Sheriff records show over 5,000 insta
- Virginia Republicans Unanimously Approves Bill Easing Rental Lease Terminations for Military Personnel
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia General Assembly has delivered a strong show of support for the state’s military community by passing House Bill 174, which streamlines the process for active-duty service members to terminate their rental agreements when faced with permanent changes of station, deployments, or other official orders. HB174 amends the Virginia Residential Landlord […]
- Early voting underway for Virginians to weigh in on congressional redistricting plan
This post was originally published on this site.Virginians can now begin voting on whether the state should temporarily redraw its congressional districts as part of a rare springtime special election. The step, tied to a proposed constitutional amendment, comes after Virginia’s General Assembly approved the measure, followed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signing. Former President Barack […]
- Minimum Wage to $15 by 2028 Amid Close Vote
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate gave final legislative approval to House Bill 1 on March 4, 2026, passing the measure by a narrow 21-19 vote and sending it to Governor Glenn Youngkin for consideration. The bill, which incrementally raises the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028, codifies the current […]
- Virginia Concealed Carry Reciprocity Reform Bill Falters in House Public Safety Committee
RICHMOND, Va. – Legislation aimed at tightening Virginia’s concealed handgun permit reciprocity standards met a roadblock in the House Public Safety Committee, where House Bill 24 was left in committee on February 18, 2026. The measure, introduced by Delegate Dan Helmer of Fairfax, sought to introduce a more rigorous evaluation process for out-of-state permits, potentially […]
- Virginia HB4 Clears Senate Committee, Poised to Expand Local Control Over Affordable Housing Sales
RICHMOND, Va. — House Bill 4, a measure designed to preserve affordable housing in Virginia, advanced through the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on March 4, 2026, with a 9-6 vote. The bill, which passed the House of Delegates on February 2 by a 65-34 margin, now moves closer to a full Senate vote […]
- Virginia Legislature Overwhelmingly Approves HB 312 to Safeguard Consumers in Auto Glass Repair Industry
RICHMOND — In a display of strong bipartisan consensus, the Virginia General Assembly has advanced House Bill 312, establishing clear notice requirements for motor vehicle glass repair shops to protect consumers and ensure vehicle safety. The legislation, which ties violations to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, passed the House of Delegates by a vote of […]
- Virginia House Bill HB311 Aims to Enhance Driver Protections in Photo Speed Monitoring Enforcement
In the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, House Bill 311, introduced by Delegate Otto Wachsmann, sought to amend state law governing photo speed monitoring devices by requiring more detailed information on mailed summonses for captured violations.
- Virginia General Assembly Advances HB54 to Bolster State Government Talent Pipeline with New Internship Coordinator
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia General Assembly has made significant progress on House Bill 54, a measure aimed at strengthening the Commonwealth’s public sector workforce by establishing a dedicated State Government Internship Coordinator within the Department of Human Resource Management. Introduced by Delegate Rip Sullivan of the Sixth District, the legislation seeks to attract top-tier […]
- Virginia House Passes HB52 Unanimously to Boost Beneficial Use of Dredged Material for Coastal Protection
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia House of Delegates delivered overwhelming support for House Bill 52, passing the measure on a unanimous block vote of 98-0 on February 3, 2026. Sponsored by Delegate Robert Bloxom Jr. of the 100th District on the Eastern Shore, the legislation establishes a statewide policy to promote the beneficial reuse of […]
- Virginia House Advances Legislation Expanding Medicaid Telemedicine Access for Patient-Initiated Consultations
In a unanimous vote, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 1284 on February 13, 2026, incorporating provisions from House Bill 87 to broaden access to consultations under the state Medicaid plan managed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
- Marty Martinez will soon require hunting with dogs to be permitted
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources will issue a permit for $19 to hunters who use their dogs under a House Bill that is heading to the Senate. Del. Marty Martinez (D-Loudoun County) introduced HB 1396 which would require individuals and organizations to obtain permits to hunt with dogs game animals, fur-bearing or nuisance animals. […]
- Virginia Democrats’ 10-1 map proposal heads to Gov. Spanberger’s desk
Virginia’s General Assembly approved a proposal to redraw the congressional map, which favors Democratic candidates for 10 of 11 commonwealth districts. Next stop for the prototype redistricting is the Democratic Governor. Abigail Spanberger’s desk. The governor can sign the entire bill, veto a specific item, amend the legislation, or choose not to act at all. […]
- Amendment to Decide the Relevance of Moderate Voters in Virginia
Elections With Predetermined Outcomes Gerrymandering deliberately manipulates political districts to give one party an unfair structural advantage. By “packing” (concentrating certain voters) and “cracking” (diluting others), the outcome of elections can be effectively decided before a single vote is cast. Heavily engineered districts don’t just shape who wins—they shape whose voices count. The vo
- A Constitutional Change Too Far: Questions About Virginia’s Reproductive Freedom Amendment
The proposed Reproductive Freedom Amendment, currently being considered in Virginia, would create a constitutional right to abortion that is extreme, dangerous, and goes far beyond protecting women’s health and rights. Even voters who generally support abortion access should give it careful consideration. This amendment would elevate abortion rights to constitutional status in Virginia, shifting a
- Lawmakers retreat from VMI oversight transfer, advance board overhaul
The Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The House Education Committee on Wednesday advanced a revised bill reshaping the institute’s Board of Visitors while dropping a proposal that would have transferred oversight to Virginia State University. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) The House Education Committee on Wednesday scrapped a proposal to place the Virginia Military Institute [
- Spanberger Rolls Back A Proven Public Safety Tool
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to rescind Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 47 is not a procedural cleanup—it is a deliberate retreat from public safety. EO 47 ensured that Virginia law enforcement cooperated with federal immigration authorities under the 287(g) program, allowing trained officers to coordinate the transfer of criminal illegal aliens already in custody. Ending that cooper
- Gov. Spanberger ends ICE agreement involving Virginia State Police and corrections officers
This post was originally published on this site. Gov. Abigail Spanberger has formally ended an agreement with the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement that had allowed Virginia State Police troopers and Virginia Department of Corrections officers to assist ICE. The agreement — which stems from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration — had effectively placed state law […]
- Hampton Roads mayors want Virginia localities to keep control over collective bargaining
In a show of regional unity, mayors from the seven core cities of Hampton Roads united to oppose a bill that would allow public workers to collectively bargain over wages, benefits, and working conditions without local governments’ approval.
- Affordability or tax hikes? Spanberger agenda caught in political crossfire
Gov. Abigail Spanberger made affordability the centerpiece of her 2026 agenda, promising relief for Virginians strained by high housing costs, rising energy bills and everyday expenses. But less than a month into the General Assembly session, several dozen tax-increase bills filed by Democratic lawmakers have given Republicans a ready-made political weapon — and an opening […]
- Abigail Spanberger ends agreement between state law enforcement agencies and ICE
Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday formally ended the 287(g) agreement signed by her predecessor, former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, that mandated state law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts. Youngkin’s mandate, known as Executive Order 47, was rescinded by Spanberger on her first day in office, but that action did […]
- For Light and Transient Causes: A Warning to Virginia
“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1776. Jefferson’s Standard for Legitimate Revolution […]
- Polar Plunge Raises $76,000 for Special Olympics Virginia
The Special Olympics athlete Josh Norris declared, “Freezin’ with a purpose!”
- Before You Vote in November, Look at What Happened in Richmond
This November, Virginians will choose who represents them in the U.S. House. As always, the economy will be the decisive issue, and midterms traditionally punish the party in power. What voters should not forget is what just happened in Richmond. Led by Abigail Spanberger, Democrats ran on “affordability.” After winning control of state government, they […]
- Virginia’s Energy Gamble: Higher Risk, Higher Costs, Less Reliability
Snowstorms and the Anxiety They Bring Snowstorms in Virginia are always a source of anxiety. When will roads get cleared so we can get back to work? What do we do with the kids until they go back to school when we still have to go to work? How do we feed and maintain the livestock? This […]
- LCPS and Board of Supervisors fail miserably this week
Loudoun County schools remain closed despite cleared parking lots, functioning utilities, and a predictable winter storm. You’ll often hear Republicans or otherwise conservative Americans complaining about the large, somewhat nebulous concept of “government or public school waste.”This week, we watched government and public school waste in real time. Yes, we had a snowstorm. Yes, it […]
- Op-Ed: Budget amendment would triple General Assembly member salaries, cost taxpayers more in retirement and frills
OINK, OINK — the hog is now the symbol of the Democratic Party in Virginia. Not even in power for two weeks, Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) introduced a budget amendment to triple the salaries of state senators and delegates to $45,000, effective January 2028. According to the budget amendment, taxpayers would be on the hook […]
- Tom Dannan Controversy Brews in Fairfax’s Braddock School Board Race Amid ICE Ties and Democratic Endorsements
At the center of the storm is Democratic-endorsed candidate Tom Dannen, whose professional ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised eyebrows among voters
- Youngkin Touts Virginia Progress in Final State of the Commonwealth Address
On foster care and behavioral health, Youngkin pointed to the Right Help Right Now initiative as key to system improvements, aiming to better serve children and families. Critics, including Democratic leaders, have questioned the depth of reforms amid ongoing challenges. Virginia was named the top state for veterans by Smile Hub, attributed to policies like […]
- Virginia’s RGGI Withdrawal and Potential Reentry Spark Debate on Costs and Emissions
Republican sources claim RGGI extracted $828 million from Virginians during participation, with withdrawal saving $937 million. Projections for rejoining under new Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger suggest annual costs of $500 million, equating to roughly $1,100 per household in higher electricity bills. Industrial users reportedly faced increases exceeding $1,500 monthly previously.0527 Carb
- Virginia Lawmakers Clash Over Redistricting Process as Kilgore Champions Status Quo
The 2020 amendments created independent bipartisan commissions for legislative and congressional redistricting, passing with approximately 65% voter support.
- House committee advances bill to study VMI’s public funding status
Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a bill creating a task force that would examine whether the Virginia Military Institute should remain a publicly funded, state-sponsored institution, marking the most consequential legislative step yet in a debate over the school’s governance and culture.