Virginia
- Virginia Advances House Bill 357 to Revise Mandatory Secure Bond Rules
House Bill 357 removes certain automatic secure bond requirements and expands judicial discretion in bail determinations across Virginia.
- Four Virginia State Police Troopers Recognized by Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
Four Virginia State Police troopers were among 26 law enforcement officers receiving 2026 Awards for Valor from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.
- Virginia Military Institute Maintains Strong Rankings in U.S. News Best Colleges List
VMI maintained its reputation as one of the nation’s best colleges, according to the 2027 Best Colleges rankings released Sept. 22 by U.S. News and World Report.
- Two men convicted of murder among September parole grants; one victim's family opposed release
Troy Demar, convicted of second-degree murder in Fairfax County, and Calvin Darnell Johnson, serving life for a 1989 Richmond murder, were granted parole Sept. 10.
- House Republicans Roll Out Affordability Done Right Agenda to Lower Costs for Virginians
“Democrats talk about affordability,” Kilgore said.
- Virginia Advances Bill Expanding DEQ Drone Authority for Water Oversight
House Bill 950 adds the Department of Environmental Quality to agencies allowed warrantless drone use for monitoring water resources, wetlands, and erosion controls limited to permittees.
- Man convicted of 1997 Franklin post office robbery granted parole under juvenile criteria
David Syrus Butchee, 45, was granted parole in September after serving decades on armed robbery of a Franklin post office convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Virginia Lawmakers Advance Bill to End Common Law Suicide Offense
House legislation would abolish Virginia's common law crime of suicide with a delayed effective date pending insurance review.
- Beyer Urges Congressional Action on AI Oversight and Security
Virginia congressman stresses federal control of large language models to protect national security and prevent misuse.
- General Assembly Republicans Call for Gas Tax Holiday
– After Democrats Fail to Deliver on Affordability, Republicans Offer Yet Another Real Solution – RICHMOND, VA – Today, House and Senate Republicans urged Democratic budget writers to provide relief to hard working Virginia families by suspending the state’s motor fuels tax.
- Three of September's seven parole grants involved sexual-offense convictions
The Virginia Parole Board granted parole in September to three men convicted of sexual offenses, including one with a 2023 conviction for rape of a child under 13.
- Public hearings for the NextEra-Dominion merger have begun. Here’s what you need to know.
Dominion Energy offices in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce for the Virginia Mercury) Public hearings in the case to decide the fate of the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy begin this week at the State Corporation Commission.
- Farm Advocates Cite Battery Limits in Opposing Leaf Blower Bill
Virginia Farm Bureau testimony details operational hurdles of electric leaf blowers for agriculture and public works under House Bill 881.
- Virginia Measure Would Allow Local Rules on Gas Leaf Blowers
A legislative proposal before a subcommittee would give Virginia localities the option to regulate or restrict gas-powered leaf blowers over noise and emissions concerns.
- Education secretary says department is investigating Fairfax County schools, according to DOJ report transcript
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said at a June DOJ roundtable that her department is investigating Fairfax County Public Schools, according to a transcript in a new federal report.
- Loudoun Board Weighs Ashburn Boundaries and Title I Questions
Lauren Shernoff presses long-term capacity and Dominion Trail Title I details at November 2025 elementary attendance zone hearing for Ashburn and Dulles North.
- Arlington man serving life for 1990 rape, robbery and abductions granted parole in 3-2 vote
Reginald James Holland, 63, was granted parole in August after serving decades on rape, forcible sodomy, robbery and abduction convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Loudoun County Schools Add Bereavement Leave to Union Contracts
Loudoun County Public Schools incorporates dedicated bereavement leave and expanded personal leave conversion options into updated union agreements during an Ashburn work session.
- Parent Calls for Unity at Dominion Trail Amid Loudoun Rezoning Talks
Lena Welch urges the Loudoun County School Board to adopt Plan 533 and keep Dominion Trail Elementary together during Ashburn and Dulles North attendance zone hearings.
- Virginia Subcommittee Advances House Bill 217 on Assault Firearm Penalties
A House Public Safety subcommittee recommends reporting legislation that creates misdemeanor penalties and a temporary firearm prohibition for certain assault firearm transactions.
- Mecklenburg County man convicted of 2016 drug distribution granted release at 65
William Kennedy Robinson, 65, was granted parole in August after serving decades on drug distribution convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Virginia Farmworker Wage Exclusion Faces Scrutiny as Jim Crow Legacy
Commonwealth Institute advocate urges support for Farm Worker Wage Bill to end historical minimum wage exclusions for agricultural laborers.
- Virginia Moves to Authorize Additional Judgeships Amid Rising Caseloads
Legislative discussion centers on expanding judicial positions in multiple districts and circuits to address documented workload pressures.
- Virginia Beach man convicted of 1996 sex offenses granted parole; three victims backed release, one opposed
Randy Edward Logsdon Jr., 51, was granted parole in August after serving decades on multiple counts of aggravated sexual battery and forcible sodomy convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Loudoun Officials Detail Private Union Ratification Process
Loudoun County School Board clarifies that the LEA conducts private ratification of collective bargaining agreements covering 91 percent of employees without public disclosure of vote participation.
- Virginia Budget Empowers Local Schools with $400.4 Million Flexible Supplement
The Virginia state budget for fiscal year 2027 includes a significant conservative victory for education funding through a one-time $400.4 million flexible supplement.
- Albemarle man convicted of sexually abusing 13-year-old granted parole in split vote
Oscar Robert Lemen, 67, was granted parole in August after serving decades on forcible sodomy and object sexual penetration of a 13-year-old convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Pittsylvania County man convicted of 1995 rape and sodomy granted parole at 72
Edward Charles White, 72, was granted parole in August after serving decades on rape and forcible sodomy convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Lynchburg man with repeat cocaine convictions granted parole to federal detainer
Derrick Lee Wright, 55, was granted parole in August after serving decades on repeat cocaine distribution convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Police Chief Details Pre-Indictment Warnings to Senator Louise Lucas
Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins warned Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas several years ago that selling marijuana could lead to trouble.
- Virginia Senator Bryce Reeves Files Resolution Seeking Investigation of Colleague's Federal Charges
Virginia State Senator Bryce Reeves has announced the filing of a resolution requesting that the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections investigate allegations contained in a recent federal indictment against Senator Louise Lucas.
- Congressman Subramanyam Casts Series of Votes on Funding and Oversight Measures
U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District, has participated in several high-profile votes since assuming office in January 2025.
- Man who helped kill Fairfax County resident at 15 granted parole under new juvenile law
Stephen Michael Lineham, 42, was granted parole in August after serving decades on first-degree murder committed at 15 convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Law enforcement agencies’ use of license plate reader data faces fresh scrutiny
A view of an automated license plate reader in Northern Virginia.
- Brown v. Board Scholarship Program in Virginia Sees Approvals for 45 Students in 2025-26 Cycle
The Brown v. Board of Education scholarship program in Virginia provides financial support to descendants of individuals impacted by historical school segregation policies.
- Virginia Lawmakers Consider Shift to Civil Penalties for Noise Ordinance Violations
House Bill 166 would convert local noise ordinance enforcement from criminal charges to civil fines with capped penalties to ease burdens on businesses and individuals.
- Warner wins fourth term , Luria ousts Kiggans in VA-02 as 2 U.S. House races remain undecided
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner speaks to Virginians at his re-election celebration in Alexandria on Nov. 3, 2026.
- Virginians protect gay marriage, voting rights and abortion rights in state Constitution
Virginians For Reproductive Freedom campaign director Han Jones gives a victory speech and cheers on supporters after Virginia voter opted to enshrine reproductive rights into the state Constitution on Nov. 3, 2026.
- 75-year-old with robbery, abduction and 1986 rape convictions granted parole
Dennis Rodney Harold, 75, was granted parole in August after serving decades on abduction, rape and sodomy, with earlier robbery and abduction convictions convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Norfolk man serving life for 1982 rape granted parole after nearly 45 years
David Brown Jr., 63, was granted parole in August after serving decades on rape, sodomy and burglary convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Man convicted in two 1989 Peninsula killings, including his father's, granted parole
Reginald Shell, 60, was granted parole in August after serving decades on two first-degree murder convictions convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Protecting Your Vote: Election Security and Vote Counting
As Election Day approaches, voters can be confident that their vote is protected.
- Norfolk man serving life for 2004 sexual assault and burglaries granted geriatric parole
Selwyn Shawn Herring, 62, was granted parole in August after serving decades on object sexual penetration, burglary and robbery convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Richmond man convicted of 1999 murder and armed robbery granted parole
Isaac Terrell Taylor, 49, was granted parole in August after serving decades on second-degree murder and armed robbery convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Norfolk man serving life for 1992 basketball-court killing granted parole
Victor Fields, 68, was granted parole in August after serving decades on first-degree murder convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Warner, Kaine Announce $3.6 Million in Federal Funding for Shenandoah Valley Rail Improvements
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens.
- Newport News rape, sodomy convict granted geriatric parole after nearly 24 years
Rodney Jerome Jones, 61, was granted parole in August after serving decades on rape and forcible sodomy convictions, according to Virginia Parole Board records.
- Governor Spanberger Outlines Focus on Economic Development, Celebrates Major New Investments in Rural Communities
LEXINGTON, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today highlighted her focus on expanding opportunity in rural communities, continuing to create good-paying jobs for Virginians, and supporting agriculture and forestry amid the uncertainty created by federal tariffs.
- Dominion Energy Makes $1.94 Million in Political Contributions Over 20 Days
Dominion Energy recorded $135,000 in political donations on October 29.
- Advocate Presses Loudoun Board to Keep Dominion Trail Community Intact
Former PTA president Bob Scheidler urges adoption of Plan 533 at an elementary attendance zone hearing to preserve bonds at the Ashburn school.