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Virginia class action proposal dies after Spanberger veto
Virginia will remain one of only two states without a formal class action process in its state courts after Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week...
Virginia schools push for local tax option as aging buildings strain rural divisions
Every time storms threaten the Tidewater region, Superintendent David Daniel worries the next round of severe weather could cripple Mathews County Public Schools’ aging...
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Requests School Board Review of Transmission Line Routes to...
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution on June 30, 2026, during a special joint meeting with the Planning Commission that asks...
Fairfax School Board Discusses AI Integration in Education
Kathy Smith, serving on the 12-member Fairfax County School Board in Virginia, presented observations regarding artificial intelligence in educational environments. She drew comparisons to...
Motion Introduced at Fairfax County School Board Meeting on Superintendent Compliance
During a meeting of the Fairfax County School Board Dr. Sandy Anderson introduced a motion to find the superintendent noncompliant on item number eleven....
US Supreme Court in Virginia case says police need warrants for cellphone location data
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that law enforcement searches for the location history of cellphones near crime scenes are covered by the Fourth...
Virginia Universities Draw Attention for Handling of Parent Record Requests
Public universities in Virginia have been noted for practices that limit or complicate parents' access to records concerning their children's academic and campus experiences....
Virginia braces for dangerous heat wave ahead of Fourth of July weekend
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday urged Virginians to prepare for dangerous heat and humidity expected to blanket much of the commonwealth through the Fourth...
Here are 10 notable new Virginia laws that will take effect July 1
Hundreds of new Virginia laws will begin taking effect Wednesday, after Gov. Abigail Spanberger acted on more than 1,100 bills approved by the Democratic-controlled...
Virginia proposes two-year delay in raising school standards
The Virginia Board of Education may delay the full implementation of the state’s plan to raise academic benchmarks for reading and math by two...
Loudoun County School Board Members Address Student Dress Code Concerns
Loudoun County school board members Lauren Shernoff and Amy Riccardi are leading a discussion regarding student dress codes. The focus includes concerns about pajama...
What’s in the water? What we know and don’t know about data center water...
Data centers require a massive amount of water to cool their systems, which heat up as they process digital information through numerous computers and...
Loudoun County School Board Passes Budget Increase for Employee Bonuses
The Loudoun County School Board convened to address a proposed adjustment to its operating budget. Member Ross Svenson put forward a motion seeking an...
Virginia Lawmaker Senator Scott Surovell Questions Commercial Marijuana Impact on State Budget
Senator Scott Surovell posed questions in a recent legislative session regarding the possible influence of a commercial marijuana market on Virginia's budget situation. He...
Virginia lawmakers return Monday to weigh Spanberger budget amendments before fiscal deadline
Less than 48 hours before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly will meet in Richmond Monday to consider Gov. Abigail...
Virginia has a new two-year budget. Here’s what lawmakers now require of data centers.
Marvell data center in Culpeper County. The Virginia legislature's new two-year budget imposes new standards on the industry to address concerns about data centers'...
Virginia General Assembly approves Spanberger’s budget amendments, ending monthslong impasse
With less than 48 hours remaining before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly on Monday approved a package of amendments...
Fairfax School Bus Camera Program Documents Thousands of Violations in Fairfax County
Fairfax County has installed cameras on school buses to catch stop-arm violators. The results include more than 58,000 incidents captured in just months. This...
Loudoun County Parent Highlights Limitations of SOL Tests for Dyslexic Student
A parent residing in Loudoun County has shared observations about the Standards of Learning tests used in Virginia schools. She states that these assessments...
Glenn Youngkin Discusses Party Shifts at Global Conference
Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in a panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference held in Los Angeles. During the discussion he addressed...
Data Center Developments in Virginia Face Uncertainty from Tax Discussions
Data center projects in Virginia are encountering challenges linked to debates over taxation policies. Reports indicate that several major initiatives may be withdrawing, raising...
Fairfax County Public Schools Set to Ban Cell Phones Bell to Bell Next Year
Fairfax County Public Schools has adopted a new policy that prohibits cell phone use by students in grades kindergarten through twelve during the entire...
Prince William County ADC Reports Stable Mental Health Referrals Despite Falling Commitments
Prince William County Adult Detention Center recorded declining total commitments across three consecutive fiscal years according to recent data. In fiscal year 2023 the...
‘It’s outrageous’: Spanberger navigates budget fight, Democratic unrest six months into governorship
Back in January, Gov. Abigail Spanberger arrived in office promising pragmatism, affordability and a less combative style of politics.
Fast forward a few months, and...
Fairfax Prosecutor Steve Descano Faces Scrutiny Over Sentencing Practices
The prosecutor in Fairfax County has faced questions about the criteria used in recommending sentences for certain defendants. Reports indicate that decisions may incorporate...
Valley Link Transmission Project: Proposed High-Voltage Lines Spark Debate Across Virginia and Beyond
A major infrastructure initiative known as Valley Link is advancing through planning stages to address growing electricity demand in the Mid-Atlantic region. Developed by...
Budget amendment would give ratepayers estimated $3 monthly rebate from RGGI funds
An amendment to return 45% of funds earned through the regional carbon market to rate-paying residents, small business and churches is part of the...
Fairfax County Education System Examines Expanded Teacher Responsibilities
Fairfax County Public Schools have become the focus of discussions regarding the balance between academic instruction and additional support roles. Teachers describe an increase...
Virginia legislature grants emergency funds to help close leaking, bankrupt landfill in Chesterfield
The Virginia General Assembly allocated $10.6 million in the two-year budget lawmakers passed this week for the Department of Environmental Quality to help contain...
Residents wrangle over transmission line proposal for rural Virginia
GOOCHLAND, Va.—Deborah Blackburn leaned on her cane in a line to enter the Central High Cultural and Educational Complex, angst-ridden over a giant transmission...
Virginia joins initiative to create three-year bachelor’s degree model
Higher education leaders in Virginia and Ohio announced Thursday that they will join forces to create a model for three-year bachelor’s degrees, cutting the...
Kratom product sales to be regulated in Virginia
Del. Joshua Cole, D-Fredericksburg, never expected social media posts about a recreational drug would inspire a new consumer protection law, which he sponsored and...
Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice Reports 173 Committed Youth Admissions Including Cases at Bon...
The Department of Juvenile Justice for fiscal year 2025 recorded 39,882 juvenile intake complaints across Virginia. Of those complaints 6,354 resulted in detainments and...
Loudoun County Schools Nutrition Fund Faces Projected $6.6M Shortfall
Loudoun County Public Schools has identified a projected operating loss of $6.6 million in the School Nutrition Fund for fiscal year 2026. The projection...
Prince William County School Board Faces Allegations Over NDA Proposal
The Prince William County School Board has been the subject of recent disclosures regarding an offer extended to a parent. This offer consisted of...
Virginia joins lawsuit to block EPA rollback of emission standards
Attorney General Jay Jones has joined 13 other attorneys general in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its proposal to repeal...
Supervisor Juli Briskman Voices Opposition to 50 New Substations in Loudoun
Loudoun County Supervisor Juli Briskman stated that 50 more substations are planned for the county. She indicated her plan to vote against the proposals...
Private equity companies buy more apartment units in Virginia
Private equity firms own nearly 3 million apartment units, about 13% of the total apartments across the country, according to a new analysis from...
Virginia House, Senate to meet Monday as budget deadline inches closer
The Virginia House of Delegates will convene Monday afternoon in Richmond, House Clerk Paul Nardo confirmed Friday. The state Senate will meet the same...
Loudoun County School Board Discusses Year-Round Schooling Proposal
During a meeting of the Loudoun County School Board, member Jon Pepper addressed the topic of year-round schooling. Pepper stated that he is vehemently...
Teacher Raises Concerns Over Prince William County School Scheduling Changes
A teacher spoke at a recent Prince William County School Board meeting regarding the district's upcoming scheduling decisions. The comments focused on the challenges...
Virginia faces mental health provider shortages as Hampton Roads residents struggle to navigate care
By Yiqing Wang/WHRO
A new national report found Virginia is facing “catastrophic” shortages in community mental health. Providers in Norfolk say many patients still struggle to know...
Virginia legislators advance $205 billion budget including new tax on data centers
On Monday, Virginia legislators approved a two-year, $205 billion budget proposal to fund healthcare and public education, provide 4% teacher raises and a 3.5%...
Virginia eyes toll revenue for transit as express lane debate grows
Virginia is pushing to reinvest express lane and toll revenue into public transit instead of road projects, even as public concerns persist about using...
Debate Emerges Over Off-the-Record Meetings in Virginia
Virginia Democrats are considering allowing secret meetings out of the public eye. This consideration has led to a debate on whether transparency in state...
Fairfax County Considers Affordable Housing Near Gas Stations Amid Health Discussions
Plans for affordable housing development in Fairfax County have drawn attention to the site's location next to five gas stations. Community members have raised...
Jason Miyares Discusses Impact of Local Immigration Policies in Fairfax County
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares provided testimony regarding the effects of sanctuary policies in Fairfax County. The presentation centered on instances where local authorities...
Fairfax County Weighs Affordable Housing Amid Gas Station Proximity Issues
Fairfax County is considering the development of affordable housing in an area situated next to five gas stations, as highlighted in recent presentations and...
Testimony Presented to Prince William County School Board on Coach Conduct Allegations
Prince William County, VA — During a recent Prince William County School Board meeting, parent Mr. McDade delivered public testimony regarding his son’s treatment...
House Passes Updates to Senate Bill 126 on Incumbent Filings
Richmond, VA — The Virginia House of Delegates has passed modifications to Senate Bill 126, introducing targeted adjustments to election filing deadlines for incumbent...
The bald eagle’s comeback and centuries as national symbol
The bald eagle became a national symbol in 1782, appearing on the U.S. seal and government documents. But despite representing the country for almost...
Fairfax County Spotlights Historical Women Leaders in Science and Social Change
Katherine Johnson, born in 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability from a young age. Her parents emphasized education, enabling...
Starting next year, public bathrooms in new Virginia buildings must have diaper-changing stations
A baby changing table in a public restroom. (Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, had an “ah-ha” moment...
Fairfax County School Board Examines Complete Cell Phone Ban in Schools
Moon directed a question to Superintendent Michelle Reid about potential disruptions from a bell-to-bell ban, determining that school systems would remain unaffected. Anderson supported...
Prince William County Redirects Development Focus to Innovation Districts Near George Mason University
Historically, the Manassas Mall served as the community's commercial core. Recent discourse acknowledges shifts in land-use patterns and zoning that have opened new growth...
Virginia revenue forecast jumps by $1.5 billion as budget talks continue
Virginia’s revenue outlook has improved by $1.5 billion over the next three fiscal years, giving lawmakers more breathing room as negotiations over a stalled...
Mother Testifies to Alleged Abuse, Fraud in Franklin City Public Schools Special Education Program
During the public comment period at a recent school board meeting, the parent, accompanied by a supporter, accused school officials of filing fraudulent truancy...
Fairfax County Public Schools Employee Charged with Embezzling Over $40,000 from Hayfield Secondary School
Fairfax County, VA — A finance technician employed by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been charged with embezzling more than $40,000 from Hayfield...
Virginia Tech rector refuses to resign after Spanberger’s dismissal
Virginia Tech governing board member John Rocovich has refused to resign after Gov. Abigail Spanberger removed him last week after 16 years.
Rocovich stated in...
Fairfax County Reports 58,000 School Bus Camera Findings on Stop Violations
Fairfax County has deployed cameras on school buses to document cases where drivers do not stop for the extended stop arm. The system activates...
Fairfax County Counselor Addresses Concerns Over Excessive Screen Time for Young Children
Specifically, the counselor recounted experiences on a bus ride from the airport, while waiting in airport locations, and on planes, where every such child...
Dave Beckwith Highlights Parental Rights and Academic Priorities in Virginia Congressional Campaign
Candidate’s Background and Personal Education Choice
Dave Beckwith, a Republican candidate seeking the nomination for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, is drawing attention to his experience...
Albemarle County Public Schools Employee Indicted on 11 Felony Counts in Sex Crimes Case...
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A 37-year-old employee of the Albemarle County Public Schools system has been charged with 11 felony counts related to alleged sex...
Loudoun County Supervisor Advocates Innovation in Data Center Infrastructure
Loudoun County Supervisor Laura TeKrony spoke at a Board of Supervisors meeting about advancing innovation in data center infrastructure. She stated that it is...
Richmond city and schools face scrutiny over 2 FOIA laws
One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealth’s leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed...
Franklin City Launches Comprehensive Mentorship Programs for Student Success
The initiatives feature a prom experience designed to offer a safe and special environment. Students across the city receive suits, dresses, and sneakers sourced...
Loudoun Board Chair Addresses Dominion Energy Stance at Supervisors Session
Loudoun County Board Chair Phyllis Randall spoke at a Board of Supervisors meeting about interactions with Dominion Energy. She characterized the company's attitude as...
Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik Opposes Tysons Casino Proposal
In Fairfax County, a supervisor has slammed the proposed Tysons casino as a Senator’ Scott Surovell's vanity project. The criticism highlights massive community opposition...
Virginia officials urge hurricane preparedness as 2026 storm season begins
With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season underway, Virginia officials are urging residents to prepare now for severe weather that can bring flooding, damaging winds,...
Virginia Senator Richard Stuart Discusses Urban-Rural Policy Challenges
Senator Richard Stuart spoke before the Virginia legislature about distinctions between rural and urban areas in the state. He described how certain daily practices...
Local Mother Raises Retaliation Claims Against Franklin City School Board Over Child’s Removal
During her remarks, the speaker held documents and emphasized her repeated requests for assistance, presenting text messages, phone calls, and paperwork as evidence. She...
Fairfax County School Board Reviews O-Days Policy on Instructional Time
The Fairfax County School Board held discussions on the role of O-Days within the county's public school system. These designated periods impose limits on...
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs wetlands, PFAS and flooding bills
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs an environmental bill into law in Stafford, VA on May 6, 2026. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury)
On the banks of...
Parent Raises Concerns Over Special Education Staffing at Stone Bridge High School
A parent spoke during the public comment portion of a Loudoun County School Board meeting to discuss staffing issues at Stone Bridge High School....
House Judiciary Committee Launches Investigation into Arlington County Prosecutor Parisa Dehghani-Tafti Over Alleged Sanctuary...
WASHINGTON — The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has opened a formal oversight investigation into Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the...
Miyares Testimony Addresses Fairfax Immigration Detainer Issues
Attorney General Jason Miyares presented details regarding the effects of sanctuary policies in Fairfax County during a recent public testimony. The remarks centered on...
Virginia House Bill 53 Proposes Adjustments to School Bullying Definition
The Virginia House of Delegates took up House Bill 53 during its 2026 regular session, focusing on adjustments to the definition of student bullying...
Loudoun County Board Advances Data Center Approval on Consent Agenda
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors moved a data center approval to its consent agenda during a recent session. Phyllis Randall participated in the...
Fairfax County Schools Install Stop-Arm Cameras for Bus Safety
Fairfax County Schools have placed fifty stop-arm cameras into active use on school buses. Fifty additional cameras are set to come online by the...
Virginia’s colleges and universities brace for major accreditation overhaul
Virginia’s colleges and universities may soon face heightened competition and political scrutiny, educators and related groups say, as the U.S. Department of Education advanced...
Abigail Spanberger vetoes cannabis bill, stalling legal sales again
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have created Virginia’s long-delayed adult-use cannabis retail market, halting an effort lawmakers spent months negotiating...
Separate Tax Rates for Land and Improvements in Fredericksburg
The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session featured the introduction of House Bill 72, a piece of legislation focused on modifying real property tax rules...
Virginia farmers talk meat production, fertilizer costs with USDA officials
United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy traveled to Doswell Wednesday to meet with...
Student Testifies on Smartphone Impacts at Fairfax County School Board
During a meeting of the Fairfax County School Board a student delivered testimony regarding the effects of smartphones on middle school students. The speaker...
New law will enhance emergency response for people with disabilities
Two things inspired Del. Leslie Mehta, D-Chesterfield, the most when she sought public office: her now-deceased eldest daughter Brooke and her passion for healthcare...
Fairfax County School Board Recognizes Coach Vaughn Lewis Contributions
Ricardy Anderson, the Mason District representative on the Fairfax County School Board, spoke during a formal resolution to dedicate the Vaughn Lewis Field. Her...
Measure Allowing Localities to Revert Local Election Schedules
Delegate Rob Bloxom has introduced House Bill 51 in the 2026 Virginia House of Delegates session to amend provisions governing the timing of certain...
Fairfax County Master Gardeners Observe 50th Anniversary of Local Horticulture Programs
Fairfax County Master Gardeners have reached the milestone of fifty years of activity centered on horticulture, education, and efforts related to hunger. The group...
Virginia House Bill 50 Proposes Study on Cricket as Sanctioned High School Sport
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, a bill was introduced that would encourage the Virginia High School League to conduct...
Special Education Issues at Stonebridge High School Prompt Community Discussion in Loudoun County
Special education students in Loudoun County have been described as facing an alarming state of affairs within the public school system. Parents from Stonebridge...
Republican Party of Virginia’s State Central Committee Declines to Oppose Three Proposed Constitutional Amendments
RICHMOND, Va. — The Republican Party of Virginia’s State Central Committee has voted to take no official position on three constitutional amendments that will...
Governor Abigail Spanberger fires Virginia Tech Rector Rocovich, appoints Dominion Energy’s Edward Baine as...
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has removed Rector John Rocovich from Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors, citing misconduct in a letter sent Wednesday.
On Thursday, she announced...
Virginia budget impasse threatens school funding, poses potential staffing challenges
If state leaders don’t finalize the budget by July 1, Virginia school leaders say there will be insufficient funding for special education, at-risk students,...
Virginia lawmakers are set to return to Richmond as budget deadline nears
Virginia lawmakers are set to return to Richmond this month for another attempt to reach a budget deal, with just days until the start...
Jason Miyares Addresses Fairfax County Immigration Enforcement Issues
Jason Miyares has spoken regarding Fairfax County sanctuary policies and their connection to crimes involving an illegal alien. The discussion focused on events in...
Virginia House Advances Legislation Updating Historical Horse Racing Revenue Distribution
In the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly, the House of Delegates approved House Bill 49, a piece of legislation that modifies the...
Virginia House Advances Bill Expanding Uses of Passenger Vehicle Fees for Local Emergency Medical...
Virginia lawmakers have moved forward with a proposal to update how local communities can spend money collected from fees on certain types of vehicles....
Fairfax County School Board Reviews O-Days Policy on Assessments
Fairfax County School Board members engaged in a debate regarding O-Days and their role within the school calendar. The session addressed questions about whether...
Questions Raised on Fairfax County ICE Notification Practices
Stacey Kincaid and Steve Descano have addressed their practices concerning notifications to ICE in Fairfax County. The officials have maintained that certain legal considerations...
Testimony Raises Concerns Over Special Education at Stonebridge High School
A parent associated with Stonebridge High School provided public comments at a Loudoun County School Board meeting. The remarks centered on the status of...