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Prince William County Lowers Real Estate Tax Rate, But Average Homeowner Bill Still Rises
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors approved its Fiscal Year 2026 budget on April 22, 2025, including a reduction in the real...
Virginia Legislature Advances Offshore Wind Workforce Training Initiative
The Virginia General Assembly has approved a new law intended to equip the state's workforce with the skills necessary for the offshore wind industry....
Legislative Remarks on Judicial Balance in Virginia
William Stanley spoke about the influence of politics on the scales of justice during a public address. He described situations in which fairness in...
Virginia Senator Ryan McDougle Discusses Concerns Over Ballot Language and Policy Costs
Senator Ryan McDougle delivered comments in the Virginia Senate regarding aspects of the legislative process that he characterized as involving trickery. His remarks centered...
SELC appeals to state supreme court over SCC approval of Dominion’s Chesterfield gas plant
The Southern Environmental Law Center, representing the Chesterfield County branch of the NAACP, Appalachian Voices, and Mothers Out Front, on Wednesday filed an appeal...
Hakeem Jeffries Signals Democratic Push to Reinstate Virginia’s Rejected Congressional Map for 2028
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has indicated that Democrats plan to pursue restoration of a congressional redistricting plan in Virginia that was struck...
Thousands of Virginians will regain the right to vote next month
Virginia resident Tati King, a former felon who helped lead a major lawsuit to win back his and others' voting rights, stands outside of...
Prince William County Public Schools Advances $2.9 Billion Budget Following Board Deliberations
In the public meeting, a board member addressed the assembly, noting that the schools employ more individuals than any other entity in Prince William...
Fairfax Case Involving Hiram Baca Daniel Rodriguez Raises Questions on Plea Deal Outcomes
The case of Hiram Baca Daniel Rodriguez, a repeat offender in Fairfax County, has drawn attention to prosecutorial practices in the office of Commonwealth...
Spanberger weighs legislation to allow class action lawsuits in Virginia courts
(Photo by Getty Images)
Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether to sign or veto legislation that would, for the first time, allow Virginians to file...
Bill to bar out-of-state transfers to Red Onion vetoed, lawsuit on living conditions set...
Red Onion State Prison, a Southwest Virginia correctional facility, has come under scrutiny in recent years for inmates’ allegations of racism, retaliation and abuse,...
Chesapeake Bay sees increase in juvenile blue crabs, drop in adult females
For the last five years, populations of juvenile blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay had struggled to thrive. From 2010 to 2023, the population...
Fairfax County Steve Descano and Stacey Kincaid Under Scrutiny Following Fatal Stabbing of Stephanie...
Hybla Valley, Va. — The February 23, 2026, stabbing death of 41-year-old Stephanie Minter at a Northern Virginia bus stop has intensified national debate...
FOIA Lawsuit Reveals Fairfax County School Board’s Closed-Door Approval of Staff Compensation Increases
The Fairfax County School Board comprises Chair Sandy Anderson, Karl Frisch (Providence District), Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District), Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock District), Mateo...
Spanberger’s ICE actions deepen divide with Virginia Democrats
Gov. Abigail Spanberger within just 24 hours vetoed two legislative packages aimed at limiting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Virginia while simultaneously...
10th-Grade Student Testifies at Fairfax School Board on Risks of Early Smartphone Use
According to the student's remarks, attachments to stuffed animals develop gradually over years, but smartphones forge similar yet more intense dependencies almost immediately due...
Time for New Leadership: Loudoun’s Bloated FY 2027 Budget
Loudoun County has released its proposed FY 2027 budget, and it sends a clear message: business as usual continues.
The County Administrator is proposing a 5%...
Dominion just can’t kick its fossil fuel addiction
Flush with success after the SCC ignored legal deficiencies and approved the company’s plan for a large gas peaker plant in Chesterfield, Dominion Energy...
Preservation, environmental groups say Valley Link transmission line risks Virginia’s natural resources
Ten historic preservation and environmental groups are cautioning against the potential impacts of the proposed high-powered Valley Link transmission line that will span 115-miles...
Justice High School Rowing Team Addresses Cost Barriers and Equity Issues in Fairfax County
Rowing functions as a club sport adhering to Virginia High School League standards within Fairfax County Public Schools, relying on participant fees, boosters, and...
Supervisor Pat Harrity Highlights Support Needs for Autistic Adults in Workforce
Supervisor Pat Harrity of Fairfax County has spoken about the significance of Autism Acceptance Month in drawing attention to support services for autistic adults....
Virginia revenues surge despite job losses amid budget standoff
Virginia’s economy is showing increasing signs of strain from slower job growth, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence, even as state revenues continue exceeding...
Loudoun County Examines Pay for Substitute School Bus Drivers
Substitute bus drivers serving Loudoun County Public Schools perform duties that include extra safety procedures and routine pre-trip inspections, setting their work apart from...
Abigail Spanberger signs rideshare safety bills tightening driver-checks, in-app protections
(Photo courtesy of Uber)
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation aimed at tightening safety standards for rideshare services in Virginia, accelerating new requirements for driver...
Loudoun County Teams Advance to World Championships in Odyssey of the Mind and Robotics
Students from Loudoun County schools have qualified for the World Championships in Odyssey of the Mind and Robotics. The teams earned their spots through...
$193M shortfall with construction funds Virginia transportation board
The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to transfer funds from construction projects and other areas to address a $193 million budget shortfall caused by increased...
Tensions Escalate at Fairfax County School Board Over Transparency in Tech Contract Discussion
The Fairfax County School Board comprises 12 members: Sandy Anderson, Chair, Springfield District; Karl Frisch, Providence District; Melanie Meren, Hunter Mill District; Robyn Lady,...
Loudoun Education Foundation Highlights Collaborative Efforts with Loudoun County Public Schools to Enhance Student...
These initiatives span categories including programs for students, support for educators, key events, and collaborations with various organizations. The foundation, which engages the community...
Franklin City Speaker Addresses Community Role in School Funding Discussions
During a session held in the City of Franklin Virginia municipal chamber, a speaker outlined approaches for residents to become more active in matters...
Fairfax County Data Shows Releases of Deportable Individuals Despite Detainers
Available reports detail that Fairfax County holds a national ranking of third when it comes to the release of deportable individuals even when Immigration...
Norfolk Police Officers Allege Retaliation After Raising Concerns Over Transgender-Identified Male Recruit in Women’s...
NORFOLK, Va. — Female officers at the Norfolk Police Department say they faced suspensions and career threats after objecting to a transgender-identified male recruit’s...
Survey Data Highlights Concerns Over Fairfax County Schools’ Early Release Days and Absenteeism Trends
The discussion centered on Fairfax County School Board matters, with the board comprising Chair Sandy Anderson of Springfield District, Ricardy Anderson of Mason District,...
Virginia governor signs Dominion-backed bills. All eyes on regulators now.
RICHMOND, Va.—Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday signed legislation that directs regulators to assign electricity costs to data centers and allows Dominion Energy to spend...
New state law mandates review of Dominion’s load forecasting, as data centers raise concerns
Virginia State Corporation Commission members hear testimony concerning Dominion Energy's proposed rate increase and plan to create a new rate class for data centers...
Here’s what House lawmakers want to require of data centers to keep their sales...
Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, walks the House floor towards the dais after being re-elected Virginia House Speaker in January 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene...
Dominion proposes slight decrease in offshore wind cost on monthly bills
Dominion Energy installed two test turbines to generate power 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, seen here in 2021, as a precursor...
Abigail Spanberger vetoes bills allowing public employees to collectively bargain working condition, wages
Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed collective bargaining legislation Thursday, drawing major criticism from some of the state’s largest unions and labor advocate groups.
The governor previously...
Fairfax County School Board Grapples with Early Release Days Amid Debate Over Unmet Expectations
McElveen addressed the board, noting specific commitments made alongside other policy discussions. He referenced promises 'that same night that we were promised language in...
Prince William Supervisor Yesli Vega Alleges Backroom Politics in Union Vote
Vega stated that respect must be earned and criticized what she perceived as efforts to exclude her from key discussions. She expressed disbelief at...
Fairfax County School Board Member Raises Concerns in Debate Over Leadership Role
The appointee in question appears to be Kyle McDaniel, who was elevated to Vice Chair of the Budget Committee earlier in March 2026. McDaniel...
Franklin City Parent Alleges Systemic Special Ed Safety Lapses at School Board Meeting
Key allegations included a failure to properly investigate incidents, a lack of transparency, and instances where parents were not informed about occurrences involving their...
NAACP asks US Supreme Court to overturn Virginia redistricting decision
A Fairfax County voter receives a sticker after casting a ballot. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People...
Prince William County Proclaims April 2026 Sikh and Punjabi Heritage and Appreciation Month
According to the proclamation, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the state of Punjab, located in what is now parts of modern-day...
Loudoun County Public Schools Address Health Insurance Fund Challenges in Latest Budget Review
The first quarter analysis indicated the fund balance was forecasted to run an operational loss without a FY26 fund balance transfer from the county...
Parent Delivers Critical Testimony on Franklin City Schools’ Math Improvement Plan at Board Meeting
The speaker detailed concerns over the plan's use of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), stating it provides no specific measures to aid pupils. He...
“You Have to Stop the Finger Pointing”: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff...
Fairfax County, Virginia (May 14, 2026) — The bitter feud between Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay and Hunter Mill District School...
Over 80% of Virginia experiencing severe drought conditions
A farm in King William County in April 2020. (Photo by Sarah Vogelsong /Virginia Mercury)
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows the entirety of...
The sheer waste of Virginia’s redistricting referendum staggers the conscience
Signs encourage voters to reject or approve a proposal to give lawmakers temporary power to redraw the state's congressional maps outside the Hanover County...
60 acres of Virginia Land Given for Free in Henrico for Black Virginians to...
Duron Chavis on land transferred to the Central Virginia Agrarian Community Land Trust. May 2026. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury)
In a fallow field off...
Virginia Democrat Suhas Subramanyam Weigh Dramatic Court Changes After Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter-Approved...
CHANTILLY, Va. — In the wake of a Virginia Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a newly approved congressional redistricting map, some Democrats are exploring...
Virginia House Debates SB727: Bill Banning Assault Firearm Carry in Public Passes Amid Controversy
Tom Garrett described initial shock upon reading the text, which bars carrying such weapons 'about his person' in public areas. He employed a Venn...
Mother Raises Serious Allegations Against Franklin City Schools Over Special Needs Student Care
She contended that although funding is designated to follow individual special needs students, the corresponding level of care does not materialize. According to her...
Fairfax County School Board Faces Internal Criticism from Melanie Meren Over Data Gaps in...
The Fairfax County School Board, which includes Chair Sandy Anderson (At-Large), Karl Frisch (Providence District), Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District), Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock...
SEIU Union Funds Fuel Expensive Virginia Redistricting Referendum That Was Later Struck Down
In early April 2026, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Virginia State Council announced a $500,000 contribution from member dues to Virginians for Fair...
Virginia Democrats seek emergency injunction from US Supreme Court in redistricting fight
The U.S. Supreme Court building. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)
Virginia Democrats on Monday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revive the voter-approved redistricting amendment...
Move over, sheep. Cattle are grazing solar sites, too, and that’s good news for...
Cows graze under solar panels at Silicon Ranch's 3.5-MW solar farm in Rutherford County, Tennessee. (Photo courtesy Silicon Ranch)
The conventional wisdom was wrong. And...
House and Senate Budget Proposals Differ by Over $1 Billion on Fairfax County Allocations...
Fairfax County, Virginia's most populous locality with more than 1.1 million residents, faces significant budgetary implications from these discrepancies. The House proposal, which has...
Virginia Democrats File Typo-Riddled Motion Seeking U.S. Supreme Court Review After State Court Strikes...
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Democrats have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a high-stakes redistricting dispute after the Virginia Supreme Court nullified...
Public health officials warn of rise in measles, as Virginia. hantavirus patient under monitor
A digitally colorized, thin-section transmission electron microscopic image of a single measles virus particle, or virion. (Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Invention...
Virginia House Debates Leadership Structure for New Distributed Energy Resources Task Force
Helmer's comments focused on Recommendation 3 within the bill, arguing that board-chosen leadership aligns with standard practices for such advisory groups. The exchange highlighted...
Debate Heats Up in Fairfax County Over Recommending Smartphone Delay for Children Until 8th...
Proponents argue that early smartphone introduction fosters addiction, comparable to other compulsive behaviors, impairing impulse control and daily functioning. Behavioral challenges manifest as increased...
A Not So Star Spangled Banner
In a Nation deeply divided and searching for common ground, one would think a unifying theme would be the founding of our Great Nation,...
Virginia Marijuana retail plan in limbo after lawmakers reject Spanberger changes
In Virginia, the future of a legal, regulated market for adult-use marijuana remains in limbo years after possession was legalized. (Photo Illustration by Mario...
Prince William County’s Transit Operations: Funding Without General Fund Reliance and Comparison to Fairfax...
The system's annual revenue totals about $30 million, sourced from mechanisms including local contributions and fares, with $20 million allocated from state grants and...
Dr. Kimberly Melman-Orozco Alleges Prince William County School Board Offered $20K NDA in ADA...
Melman-Orozco stated that the offer was made to prevent further discussion of the issues, which she claims involved failures to accommodate her child's needs...
Supreme Court of Virginia strikes down redistricting amendment, keeps current maps in place
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury)
The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday struck down...
Virginia Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter-Approved Redistricting Amendment, Sparking Debate Over Procedural Rules Versus...
RICHMOND, Va. — On May 8, 2026, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a Democrat-backed constitutional amendment authorizing temporary partisan redistricting of congressional districts...
Democrats fail to pass budget
In politics, there are some days when whole months can happen. The General Assembly reconvened on Wednesday, April 22, and it was one...
Resident Voices Financial Hardship at Warren County Supervisors Meeting Over Proposed Tax Increase
In his public comment, Jenkins stated he works six days a week, tithes at church, and pays his taxes diligently. He disclosed having only...
FBI raids Sen. Louise Lucas’ Portsmouth office, marijuana business
State Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, on the Senate floor at the Virginia Capitol in Richmond. Federal agents on Wednesday raided Lucas’ Portsmouth office and...
DOJ Civil Rights Division Launches Investigation into Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano for...
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has initiated a formal federal investigation into the Office of the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney, led...
FBI Executes Multiple Raids on Virginia Senate Leader Louise Lucas’s Office and Related Sites...
Portsmouth, Virginia – Federal agents with the FBI carried out search warrants Wednesday at the Portsmouth office of Virginia State Senate President Pro Tempore...
Local governments race to attract data centers, often in spite of concerns from their...
Marvell data center is one of eight newly approved data center campuses in Culpeper County. (Photo by Evan Visconti/Virginia Mercury).
Data centers — proposed beside...
Loudoun County Proposes New Taxpayer-Funded Short-Term Rent Supplement Program
Loudoun County, Virginia—one of the wealthiest counties in the United States—may soon launch a new county-funded “short-term rent supplement program” aimed at promoting housing...
Virginia Legislation Seeks Modernization of Social Services Technology Systems
Virginia lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at modernizing the technological infrastructure supporting the state's administration of key federal benefit programs. House Bill 66, introduced...
State bus line debuts new east-west route that connects 10 cities across Virginia
The state's bus line The Virginia Breeze launchd a new east-west route, The Tidewater Current, on April 20, 2026. Passengers may travel from Virginia...
Fairfax County Parent Urges Superintendent Michelle Reid’s Resignation Over Alleged Mishandling of School Incidents
FCPS has faced multiple controversies during Reid's tenure, which began in 2022 after her appointment by the Fairfax County School Board. One prominent issue...
Fairfax County School Board Considers Amendment to Reduce Elementary Early Release Days
The board, consisting of Chair Sandy Anderson (Springfield District), Ricardy Anderson (Mason District), Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District), Robyn Lady (Vice Chair, Dranesville District),...
Inventory Uncovers Compliance Gaps in Loudoun County Venues Posing Public Safety Concerns
The review detected volume anomalies across the venues, described as warranting further investigation from both administrative and investigative standpoints. Officials noted that such discrepancies...
Virginia Delegate Lopez Critiques School Curriculum Limits in House Address
Lopez pointed to Youngkin's inauguration day actions, where the governor issued multiple executive orders, including one targeting inherently divisive concepts in curricula. This order...
New court challenge targets Virginia abortion amendment ballot language
Family Foundation president Victoria Cobb speaks alongside lawyers and plaintiffs in a case challenging Virginia's pending ballot referendum to enshrine reproductive rights into the...
Heated Exchange with Melanie Meren Fairfax County School Board Meeting Centers on Tech Contract...
During the session, Melanie Meren took the floor, holding a small potted plant adorned with pink flowers, to demand prompt transparency on the contract....
Virginia Farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene may apply for farm recovery grants
Flooding in Damascus, Virginia on September 27, 2024, after Hurricane Helene. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Department of Emergency Management)
Next week, the Virginia Farm Recovery...
Fairfax Supervisors Reject Motion to Review Immigration Policy Amid Backlash Over Local Murder Case
During a Public Safety Committee meeting, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity proposed directing county staff to review the 'Trust Policy,' formally known as the...
Abigail Spanberger’s first 100 days are flashing a warning Virginia Democrats should not ignore
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs bills to set referendums for four constitutional amendments on Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury)
Gov. Abigail...
A new law will make it easier to build a tiny house in your...
An ADU with alley access in Richmond’s Fan neighborhood. (Photo by Wyatt Gordon)
Accessory dwelling units — which could be a tiny house on another...
Virginia Supreme Court weighs challenge to redistricting amendment
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury)
The Supreme Court of Virginia on Monday heard arguments...
Data center tax exemption changes still holding up Virginia budget
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (left) and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas speak with reporters on Wednesday. (Photo by Charles Paullin/Inside Climate News)
This...
Concerns Mount Over Mold and HVAC Issues in Virginia Public Schools
A notable case cited involves schools in Chesterfield County's Douglas District. There, significant delays in HVAC maintenance reportedly resulted in the release of Legionella...
Mount Vernon’s Revolutionary War Weekend Returns May 2-3: Step Into History as America’s 250th...
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Just one week from now, George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate will once again come alive with the sights, sounds, and...
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Delivers Swift Justice: Transgender-Identifying Substitute Teacher Arrested for Alleged ‘Murder...
In a decisive move that underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and strong law enforcement in protecting our children, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s...
Tensions Escalate at Fairfax County School Board Meeting Over Vote on Unfinished Calendar
Hunter Mill District's Melanie Meren voiced strong reservations, noting past instances where motions passed without full review but insisting she required a complete view...
Early poll is sobering for Spanberger, but it’s a wake-up call, not an epitaph
Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks with reporters outside the Executive Mansion in Richmond earlier this month. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)
The first report card on...
Fairfax County Student Representative Addresses School Board on Impact of Frequent Early Release Days
Anderson pointed to several specific concerns raised by students, teachers, and peers. She noted that early release days lead to inconsistent schedules across different...
Virginia Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Challenge to Narrowly Passed Redistricting Amendment
The amendment stems from Democratic efforts in the General Assembly to revisit congressional maps drawn in 2021 by the state Supreme Court. Those maps,...
Virginia lawmakers recess special session without a budget deal
The Virginia state Capitol in Richmond, where lawmakers convened Thursday for a special session to finalize the budget. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
The...
GOP’s hope to undo Virginia’s new redistricting power grows after judge halts maps
Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce for The Virginia Mercury)
After losing Tuesday’s closely watched redistricting referendum, Virginia Republicans are...
Conservation groups raise alarm as Potomac River named most endangered in the nation
A view of the U.S. Capitol from the Potomac River, March 30, 2026. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury)
The Potomac River, otherwise known as “the...
Va. lawmakers OK governor’s tweaks to major bills, reject health and labor bill amendments
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks with the press as lawmakers deliberate her changes to their bills on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene...
March for Life abortion opponents hit the streets in Virginia March for Life
As the governor, advocates and lawmakers celebrated the new maternal health laws inside the Patrick Henry Building Wednesday morning, about 1,000 people gathered outside...