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Spanberger signs assault weapons ban, package of criminal justice and energy bills
Gov. Abigail Spanberger late Thursday signed a sweeping package of legislation approved during the 2026 General Assembly session, including a ban on the future...
Rejected Virginia student voter registrations, Judge approves settlement
A federal judge has approved a consent decree requiring Virginia election officials to accept certain voter registration applications submitted by college students, resolving a...
Expert Testimony at Loudoun County School Board Examines Word Usage
The Loudoun County School Board convened to hear an expert discuss the meaning of the word cleavage in relation to gender. The testimony formed...
Loudoun County School Board Discusses Potential Changes to School Calendar
Loudoun County School Board member Lauren Shernoff addressed the topic of school calendars in a recent public session. She posed questions regarding whether the...
Loudoun County Mother Advocates for Daughter Amid Testing Concerns
A mother residing in Loudoun County has shared observations regarding the nature of SOL tests. The tests are presented as indicators of test-taking proficiency...
Loudoun County School Board Considers Amendment on Retiree Health Benefits
Loudoun County School Board member Amy Riccardi introduced an amendment focused on protecting retiree health benefits at a recent board session. The measure seeks...
How Virginia became the world’s data center capital and how it’s going
Demand for internet access and electronic storage has grown alongside digital technology itself. At the center of that growth are the energy infrastructure and...
FOIA Fee Practices Draw Attention in Virginia Local Government Operations
Questions have emerged in Virginia regarding the role of fees charged for Freedom of Information Act requests by local government entities. These charges are...
High-potency marijuana fuels state debates over psychosis and addiction risks
When her son was a teenager, Connecticut mom Amy Wadsworth said, he was the type of kid parents rarely worry about.
He played sports, cared...
Fairfax County Holds Real Estate Tax Rate Steady for FY 2026
Fairfax County has maintained its real estate tax rate at $1.085 per $100 of assessed value in the fiscal year 2026 adopted budget plan....
IT Staffer Describes Hybrid Work Effects at Fairfax County School Board
Leslie Borkenhager spoke before the Fairfax County School Board in a community participation segment regarding hybrid telework practices. She described the arrangement as one...
Fairfax County Parent Advocates Analog Shift in Schools
In Fairfax County a parent has publicly addressed the use of screens in educational settings. The individual expressed worries about screen addiction and proposed...
Fairfax County Advances ‘Wait Until 8th’ Initiative to Address Smartphone Impacts on Youth
Research indicates that smartphone ownership at younger ages predicts poorer adult outcomes, including reduced self-worth, lower motivation, diminished resilience, and increased sadness, anxiety, and...
Senator Advocates for Data Centers to Meet Tax Obligations in Virginia Budget Talks
Senator Louise Lucas addressed Virginia budget negotiations by stating that data centers must pay their fair share of taxes. She noted that the state...
Spanberger names 32 new appointees to Virginia college boards
Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed 32 new members to governing boards at Virginia’s colleges and universities, continuing her effort to reshape higher education leadership across...
Hindu Art at the Met Gala? It was a Whole Minute!
The theme of this year's Met Gala was "Fashion Is Art." It was fascinating to see Hindu artistic tradition make its way onto those...
Virginia’s romance with data centers has cooled, but nobody benefits if there’s a full...
Data centers. Can’t live with them. Can’t live without them.
But we could do with data centers slowing their jackrabbit pace of reproduction in congested...
Virginia House Passes Bill Directing Study of Electric Utility Infrastructure
The Virginia House of Delegates has approved legislation that requires a detailed examination of the state's existing electric utility infrastructure. House Bill 114, introduced...
Fairfax County School Board Discusses Technology Integration for Early Learners
Melanie Meren participated in a Fairfax County School Board meeting focused on technology in early elementary classrooms. The session addressed parent questions regarding the...
Virginia joins 21 states in opposing USPS gun mailing proposal
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones on Tuesday joined 21 other states in opposing a proposed United States Postal Service rule that would allow certain...
Prince William County’s Transit Funding Model: No General Fund Reliance Amid Regional Comparisons
The system includes the region's largest park and ride network, with approximately 7,000 spaces, facilitating commuter services across multiple districts. Officials describe this as...
Loudoun County School Board Reviews Year-Round Calendar Option
The Loudoun County School Board is reviewing Option 5 as a potential phased transition to a year-round school calendar beginning with the 2028-29 school...
Farmers, retailers worry as state and federal regs for hemp, marijuana shift
A legal cannabis market is set to take effect in Virginia next summer pending a final state budget, but Mannassas-based Barbara Biddle has already...
Fairfax County Parent Raises Concerns Over Classroom Technology Use in FCPS During School Board...
The speaker questioned the efficacy of digital learning, citing concerns over depth of learning and retention rates. She noted that FCPS provides school-issued devices...
Virginia Resident Raises Concerns Over Rental Pricing Practices
A Virginia resident provided input during a legislative session regarding experiences with rent determination methods employed by corporate landlords in the state.
The presentation detailed...
Judge weighs future of Stone Wall Jackson Highschool in Shenandoah County
Shenandoah County is awaiting a closely watched court decision over whether the names of Confederate figures should remain on several school buildings, a dispute...
Virginia measles cases surge past 70, concentrated in Central Virginia
Virginia’s measles count has jumped by more than 30 cases in recent weeks, with most of the infections centered in Central Virginia around Buckingham...
Dominion announces plans for new 3-gigawatt gas plant in Cumberland County
Dominion Energy is aiming to expand their portfolio of energy sources in Virginia with a massive 3,000 megawatt (3 gigawatts) combined cycle natural gas...
Governor Abigail Spanberger kills Prescription Drug Affordability Board proposal
A five-year effort to curb drug prices through a Prescription Drug Affordability Board just faced its third veto between two governors, as Abigail Spanberger...
Fairfax Sheriff Stacey Kincaid Explains Court-Ordered Release in Murder Arrest Case
Sheriff Stacey Kincaid addressed questions regarding the release of an individual arrested on murder charges in Fairfax County. The release occurred after Commonwealth's Attorney...
Another year, another Virginia retail marijuana market veto leaves businesses, the public with few...
By Yiqing Wang and Toby Cox/WHRO
Throughout her bid for governor, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she would support a bill to set up a legal,...
Mother Claims Retaliation in Franklin City School Board Plea Over Special Needs Child’s Removal
During the session, announced by the district on its website and social media, the mother approached the podium with supporting documents and described the...
Prince William County Supervisors Review Safety Measures Including Special Needs Registry
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors addressed safety initiatives centered on a proposed special needs registry for emergency evacuations. The registry would provide...
Prince William County School Board Hears Parent Comments on Special Education
During a Prince William County School Board meeting a parent presented observations about the district's management of special education matters. The comments focused on...
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...