Latest
- Louise Lucas Presses Data Center Tax Repeal After Virginia Senate Vote
RICHMOND (VA) (AP). Nearly 20 years ago, Virginia offered tax breaks to tech companies on software and equipment.
- Jeion Ward Hampton Roads Waste-to-Energy Grant Program Struck Down in House Committee
RICHMOND, Virginia — A proposed grant program aimed at encouraging waste disposal through incineration facilities in the Hampton Roads region met a swift end in the Virginia House of Delegates this session.
- Loudoun County Supervisors Hear Call to Fix Childcare Benefits Cliff
The speaker described a scenario involving a mother named Tiffany, who, despite diligent efforts including extra work hours, received a raise that disqualified her from subsidies. This led to unaffordable childcare costs, forcing potential withdrawal from the workforce.
- Virginia Legislature Unanimously Approves Repeal of Apple Board and Excise Tax on Growers
RICHMOND, Virginia — In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have passed House Bill 65, a bill to repeal the state Apple Board and the associated Apple Fund effective July 1, 2028.
- Old Dominion University Shooter, Convicted of Islamic State Links, Released From Prison Only 2 Years Before Attack
Documents from the court show that less than two years after Mohamed Bailor Jalloh had been released from prison on charges of attempting to help the Islamic State, he opened fire in a class before ROTC students were able to subdue and kill him.
- David Reid Measure to Add a Judge in Loudoun and Fauquier's Twentieth Circuit Advances
RICHMOND, VA – With the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session in its final weeks, a key provision to increase the number of judges in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit has gained significant traction through House Bill 443. Originally introduced as House Bill 46 by Delegate David R
- Michael Feggans Veteran Tax Relief Bill Stalls in House Appropriations
RICHMOND, Va. — A measure aimed at providing greater tax relief to military veterans and their families has met its end in the House Appropriations Committee during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session.
- Senate Finance Committee Continues Katrina Callsen House Bill 127 on Right to Counsel at Bail Hearings
RICHMOND, Virginia – The Virginia General Assembly has delivered a strong bipartisan endorsement to House Bill 52, sponsored by Delegate Robert Bloxom, passing it unanimously in both chambers.
- Virginia Legislature Unanimously Passes House Bill 100 to Standardize Small Estate Affidavit Forms
RICHMOND, Virginia — The Virginia General Assembly has sent House Bill 100 to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk after unanimous passage in both chambers.
- Loudoun County School Board Votes 5-3-1 Against Elementary School Resource Officers Expansion
Public commenters urged the board to support Sheriff Mike Chapman’s proposal, citing national statistics on mass shootings. Research from the Crime Prevention Research Center reports that 94 to 98 percent of mass public shootings occur in gun-free zones, where armed resistance is
- Shelly Simonds Bill Mandating Career Coaches in Every Public High School Halts in House Appropriations
RICHMOND, Va. – Legislation aimed at placing a career coach in every public high school across Virginia met its end in the House Appropriations Committee this session.
- Michael Feggans Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption Passes House Unanimously; Senate Delays Action
RICHMOND, Virginia – Legislation aimed at providing complete property tax relief for surviving spouses of fallen Armed Forces members cleared the Virginia House of Delegates with unanimous acclaim.
- Fairfax County Public Schools Requests Restoration of High School Crossing Guards After Reston Incident
Fairfax County Public Schools has requested the return of crossing guards at certain high schools following an incident involving a student at South Lakes High School in Reston. On the morning in question, a 16-year-old student walking to class was hit by a car.
- Marcia Price Bill Extending Landlord Eviction Wait Passes Senate, Heads to Abigail Spanberger
RICHMOND, Virginia – In a closely divided vote, the Virginia Senate approved House Bill 15 on March 10, 2026, by a tally of 21-19, sending the measure to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk.
- Public Comment at Loudoun School Board Raises Alarms Over Child Safety Incident
The meeting occurred in Loudoun County, Virginia, under the oversight of the Loudoun County School Board. The board consists of nine members: Chair April Chandler, Vice Chair Anne Donahue, and representatives from the county’s magisterial districts including recent additions sworn in January 2026.
- After Federal Aviation Administration certification, Washington Manassas Airport to offer commercial flights
The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Monday that the Washington Manassas Airport can begin offering service to certain commercial passenger airlines, opening the door to more flight opportunities for the Washington region, including Northern Virginia. Washington Manassas Airport, formerly Manassas Regional, will become the fourth commercial airport in the Washington region, giving travelers another choice and possibly expanding economic activity, local leaders said.
- Public Comment at Loudoun County School Board Highlights Concerns Over Renaming Committee Process
The speaker stated that the group is expected to prioritize input coming specifically from this area and put forward recommendations reflective of community sentiments. Concerns were raised about past processes that became highly political, prompting the board to commit to closely monitoring the current effort to ensure it discourages such maneuvering.
- Loud Explosion Heard Friday Night in Leesburg
On Friday night in Leesburg Virginia, a loud noise and flash of light were heard. A Maryland resident claimed to have seen a lightning strike.
- School Resource Officers’ Training Highlighted in Loudoun County School Board Deliberations
School Resource Officer candidates complete more than 800 hours in police academy instruction, encompassing core policing competencies, followed by over 500 hours of supervised field training.
- Loudoun County Boards Reject Expansion of School Resource Officers to Elementary Schools
Sheriff Mike Chapman’s plan called for placing SROs in elementary schools, with each officer covering three to four schools. Data from the sheriff indicated that in the past three years, SROs stationed at middle and high schools were redirected over 5,000 times to handle incidents at elementaries.
- Virginia Delegates Debate Sales Tax Allocation for Local Schools in House Committee
Garrett contended that Richmond’s lack of retail infrastructure, including basic supermarkets and larger stores like Walmart, drives residents to shop across county lines.
- Housing Bills to Boost Supply, Protect Tenants on Way to Abigail Spanberger's Desk
While some of the most progressive housing bills did not survive this year’s legislative session, many housing proposals are on their way to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk — some of which she has already stated she will sign into law.
- House Bill 261 Aims to Authorize Split-Rate Property Taxes in Newport News
Under current Virginia law, select cities possess this authority, known as split-rate taxation, where the tax rate on the assessed value of land exceeds that on buildings and other structures. HB 261 would extend this option to Newport News without mandating its use or prescribing specific rates.
- Political Battle Heats Up Over Federal Budget Proposals and Virginia Families
The political landscape in Virginia is increasingly defined by a fierce debate over federal budget proposals and their direct impact on working-class families. As candidates gear up for upcoming elections, the focus has shifted toward legislative efforts that either protect social safety nets or prioritize corporate tax extensions. Democratic and Republican leaders are presenting sharply contrasting visions for economic stability and government assistance. At the center of this conflict are proposed changes to federal assistance programs and the continuation of the 2017 corporate tax cuts. The Push for Corporate Tax Extensions Recent legislative efforts in the United States House of Representatives have centered around a budget reconciliation proposal frequently referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill. This legislative package aims to permanently extend the corporate tax cuts originally established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Proponents of the measure argue that maintaining lower corporate tax rates is essential for stimulating economic growth and maintaining global competitiveness. Representative Jason Smith, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, stated that Congress must not fail the American people while…
- If Virginia's abortion rights amendment passes, challengers say they’ll fight to overturn it in court
An attendee of the Virginia March For Life on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) A legal challenge to amend the ballot language for Virginia’s pending reproductive rights constitutional amendment has been in limbo since June. Even if no movement on the case happens before Election Day, counsel for the plaintiffs said […]
- Prince William County Middle School Basketball Program Has a 100-Game Winning Streak
The coaches of the Potomac Shores Middle School Boys’ Basketball teams didn’t need to teach this lesson because they haven’t had the opportunity yet. Marlon Marshall, the Varsity Coach, and Mark Marshall, the JV coach, both have a perfect 100-0 record.
- Fernando Martinez Introduces Legislation Enabling Local Plastic Bag Fees for Environmental Education
The Board, chaired by Phyllis Randall with Mike Turner as vice chair, oversees districts including Algonkian, Ashburn, Blue Ridge, Broad Run, Catoctin, Dulles, Leesburg, Loudoun Valley, and Sterling. Recent meetings featured testimony on the plan’s merits and drawbacks.
- Creigh Deeds Examines Data Center Job Promises Versus Expansion Scale
Virginia Senator Deeds presented questions during a hearing regarding proposed data center projects in the state. The inquiry focused on the balance between creating 2,500 jobs and approving 40 additional buildings. This line of questioning reflects the current discussion on economic development and associated demands. The session involved direct address to the chair about the […]
- How an AI-Enabled Teacher in Prince William County Provides Immediate Feedback to Students
Students in Diana Betancourt’s third-grade class at Neabsco elementary school read a story about raccoons who are smarter than dogs and cats on Thursday afternoon. The current curriculum focuses on animal behavior.
- New proposal from grid operator PJM would require data centers to bring their own power
Data center with transmission lines in Prince William County, VA. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) PJM, the regional grid operator for most of the East Coast, is asking federal regulators to approve a rule requiring new large-load customers, namely data centers, to bring their own power supply to the grid. With Virginia among the 13 […]
- Data Center Bills Dominated This Year's General Assembly. Here's What Passed.
The rapid growth of Virginia’s data center industry was a key point of focus during the 2026 legislative session, as lawmakers sought to balance the sector’s benefits — including over $80 billion in state investments and thousands of jobs — against its enormous electricity and water needs, which are a growing concern for communities statewide. Legislators filed dozens of bills directly aimed at re
- Bill Stanley Senate Bill 106 Targeting Tianeptine Sales
The Virginia Senate approved Senate Bill 106 on a vote of 39 yeas to 0 nays, establishing civil penalties for the sale, giving, or distribution of tianeptine products. Sponsored by Senator Bill Stanley, the measure focuses on substances commonly associated with gas station sales and referred to informally as gas station heroin. The legislation aims […]
- Brace yourself for brutal, expensive campaigns in Virginia congressional swing districts this fall
If you live in or near the media markets serving Hampton Roads, the Peninsula up to the Northern Neck and Richmond and its suburbs, prepare for the most acrid, expensive and desperate congressional campaigns you’ve ever endured. Depending on how rancid the winds of current events blowing in from across the Potomac become, you could […]
- Testimony Highlights Debate on Gun-Free Zones in Virginia Senate Hearing
James Hemmings presented testimony at a Virginia State Senate session addressing a bill related to constitutional carry. He indicated support for the legislation by raising questions about the effects of gun-free zone designations. Hemmings described how these zones might influence personal security in everyday settings. The remarks centered on experiences in Fairfax where restrictions through […]
- Ghazala Hashmi calls on regulators to extend review period for NextEra-Dominion Energy merger
In a letter sent to the State Corporation Commission this week, Ghazala Hashmi urged the commissioners to more closely scrutinize the planned merger of Dominion Energy, the commonwealth’s largest electric utility provider, and Florida-based NextEra Energy. If the merger materializes, it would create the largest utility company in the nation. What Dominion and NextEra Energy’s […]
- Public Hearing Addresses Firearm Policies in Virginia Public Spaces
During a recent legislative hearing in Virginia, a resident provided testimony regarding restrictions on carrying firearms in certain public locations. The speaker described how laws designating stores and rest areas as sensitive zones require individuals to leave their firearms outside these spaces. This requirement was presented as creating potential vulnerabilities for those who hold permits. [
- Judge affirms ruling in favor of former felons in voting rights lawsuit
Despite winning a lawsuit earlier this year that found that certain Virginians with felony convictions should not have lost their voting rights, some Virginians missed their chance to vote in congressional primary elections earlier this month. But a new ruling from U.S. District Court Judge John Gibney means that they will be able to vote […]
- Montgomery County court to decide if Spanberger’s removal of Virginia Tech board member was lawful
A Southwest Virginia circuit court will consider whether a sitting governor’s decision to remove a college governing board member was legal, a rare type of case in the commonwealth. In June, John Rocovich, one of the longest-serving governing board members in Virginia Tech’s history, filed a civil lawsuit in Montgomery County Circuit Court challenging Gov. […]
- Mark Peake Questions Speed Camera Use in Localities
Senator Mark Peake spoke during a recent legislative session about the implementation of speed cameras in various Virginia localities. He referenced specific revenue figures such as eight million dollars collected in Suffolk over the course of one year. Peake posed questions regarding whether these cameras primarily serve public safety objectives or function as sources of […]
- Amid major federal shifts, McMahon urges Virginia universities to reform practices, restore public trust
As students prepare to return to class, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is asking Virginia’s college and university presidents and governing boards to review how they operate and make changes, with a specific focus on whether universities are delivering affordable, high-quality education while maintaining free speech, academic standards, and accountability to the public. McMahon […]
- The main lesson from DEQ’s groundwater report: Virginia must budget to live within environmental limits
The timing of the release of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s report on groundwater availability last month was suspicious, given that it was completed in January but not made available to lawmakers or the public until several months after the General Assembly’s legislative session. The science presented in the report is impressive, while its […]
- Spotsylvania County School Board Maintains Stance Against Drug Testing Requirement
The Spotsylvania County School Board held a vote on a proposal to mandate drug testing for teachers and school staff who work directly with children. The board ultimately decided against adopting the requirement during this session. This marks the second occasion in which the measure failed to gain approval. Lorita Daniels changed her vote from […]
- Hemp businesses ask federal judge to block Virginia’s new THC cap
Seven Virginia hemp businesses are asking a federal judge to block new restrictions on consumable hemp products, arguing the changes will wipe out much of their inventory, trigger layoffs and force some companies to close when they take effect on Aug. 15. The lawsuit, filed July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Western […]
- Bill DeSteph Discusses Regulation Effects on Business Location Choices
Senator Bill DeSteph spoke in the Virginia Senate about the role of regulations in business decisions affecting the state. He referenced experiences from the 1990s and early periods when employers with over 600 employees considered locations in Virginia. The senator described how some of these companies ultimately selected other states for expansion. DeSteph pointed to […]
- What candidates have planned for Virginia’s coast could decide a key congressional race
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. With Virginia’s Aug. 4 primaries in the rearview mirror, the ballot is set in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts. In the state’s second congressional district, Republican […]
- This program helps Virginia military members place their pets with carers during deployment
While living alone in an apartment in Hampton Roads, about 20 minutes from his work as an E5 (petty officer, second class) at Naval Station Norfolk, David Morrow decided it was time to look for an animal companion to enrich his time off-base. “My little dog, named Lola, (is) a very energetic lab. She’s about […]
- Virginia Man Flees Country After Weekend Pass from Mental Facility
Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda departed the United States on a one-way flight to Tajikistan while on an approved 48-hour pass from a state mental health facility. Court records show he had been committed to the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute after a not guilty by reason of insanity finding in the 2019 killing of his landlord. The […]
- Virginia’s vaccine recommendations, requirements won’t change after Trump order, officials say
After President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to alter childhood vaccine guidance, Virginia’s Department of Health on Tuesday reaffirmed the state’s requirements and recommendations for all children to be vaccinated. VDH Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb said that Virginia families should trust the state’s decisions to be “grounded in the best available science.” “The […]
- Virginia resident seeks answers from state education superintendent over genocide definition
A Virginia resident is asking a Prince William County district court to order the state’s superintendent of public instruction to demonstrate how the Virginia Department of Education defines the term “genocide” in the state’s K-12 history curriculum. Prince William resident Gene Sokolowski filed a FOIA lawsuit in his county district court, alleging that Superintendent of […]
- Menhaden management board advances addendum with potential cuts to Chesapeake Bay fishery limits
The regional board overseeing menhaden management along the Atlantic coast on Wednesday advanced a measure to implement new restrictions on Virginia’s only reduction fishery that harvests the oily forage fish within the Chesapeake Bay. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s draft addendum would reduce the Bay-specific menhaden catch limits for the fishery, Ocean Harvesters, which […]