Food
- Governor Spanberger Secures $64 Million Investment by LG Electronics for New Chiller Plant in Isle of Wight County
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that LG Electronics will establish a new HVAC systems assembly facility in Isle of Wight County — creating 164 new jobs for Virginians through more than $63.9 million in new capital investment.
- Arlington County Adopts $1.7 Billion Budget Amid Calls for Improved Fiscal Timelines
The Arlington County Board officially adopted a $1.7 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 on April 22, 2026, marking a modest 0.7 percent increase over the previous year.
- Few Va. universities have studied food insecurity among students, though 80% say it’s an issue
Most of Virginia’s public universities and colleges are aware of student food insecurity at their institutions, according to a November survey conducted by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
- Attorney General Jones Permanently Blocks Federal SNAP Penalties Targeting Virginia
A federal judge in Oregon made a multi-state injunction permanent, shielding Virginia from steep SNAP fines and clarifying food aid for certain lawful permanent residents.
- Seven Rural Virginia Community Colleges Share $5.93 Million to Train Nurses and Behavioral Health Workers
Germanna, Laurel Ridge, Mountain Gateway, Patrick & Henry, Paul D. Camp, Rappahannock, and Virginia Highlands win Rural Health Transformation Fund awards.
- Survey Finds Majority of Virginia Families With Children Face Food Insecurity
State-commissioned poll fills gap left by ended USDA hunger survey; food banks report rising demand and thinner donations.
- Richard Bland College and Live Casino Hotel Virginia Launch Workforce Training Initiative in Petersburg
Richard Bland College, in partnership with Live!
- Peter Francisco, the ‘Hercules of American independence’
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- Hampton Roads Voters Face November 1 Percent Sales Tax Votes for School Construction
Norfolk, Newport News, York, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and neighboring localities put new statewide school-construction sales-tax authority on the Nov. 3 ballot with sunsets near 2046.
- Tim Kaine and Jennifer McClellan Say Voters Could Move Congress to Revisit House Resolution 1 Healthcare Overhaul
U.S. Sen.
- Chesapeake Bay Ospreys Endure Their Worst Breeding Season on Record
Researchers say osprey nests around the Chesapeake Bay produced fewer young than ever recorded, raising new questions about heat, drought, storms and food supplies.
- Chesapeake Bay ospreys see worst breeding season on record
Dr. Bryan Watts, a researcher at William & Mary checks an osprey nest for eggs on the Ware River.
- Fed raises interest rates for first time in 3 years, battling persistent inflation
Kevin Warsh, now chair of the Federal Reserve, testifies during his Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs confirmation hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on April 21, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation continues to dog the economy, largely driven by soaring gas and fuel oil prices while the war in Iran drags on.
- Virginia lawmakers prepare for a future filled with highly automated aircraft
Virginia lawmakers are aiming sky high as they turn their attention to the future of “advanced air mobility.”
- Reston Plaza America Unsure of Future of Noodles and Company
Noodles and Company in Reston Plaza America (staff photo taken by Angela Woolsey).
- Virginia Department of Health Updates Food Allergen List, Food Establishment Guidance
Virginia Department of Health offices in Richmond.
- Fluvanna County Edgewood Apiaries Opens Retail Space at Stony Point Fashion Park
Edgewood Apiaries owner Amanda Sweeney in her new retail and production space in Stony Point. (Jackie DiBartolomeo photos) Stony Point Fashion Park is getting some added buzz by way of a new tenant from Fluvanna County. Edgewood Apiaries, which makes honey and beeswax products on a 100-acre farm in Bremo Bluff, recently opened the doors
- Katrina Callsen House Bill 402 Expands Cottage Food Sales Options
RICHMOND — In a unanimous vote reflecting strong bipartisan support for reducing barriers to small-scale entrepreneurship, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 402 on February 10, 2026, by a block vote of 98-0. The legislation, sponsored by Delegate Katrina Callsen, seeks to modernize cottage food laws by permitting home-based producers to sell certain
- Kelly Convirs-Fowler House Bill 188 Millionaire Income Tax Stalls in Committee
RICHMOND, VA – A proposal to impose a new 10 percent income tax bracket on earnings exceeding $1 million stalled in the House Finance Committee during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, after being incorporated into a broader tax measure that also failed to advance. House Bill 188, introduced by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler of Virginia
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- Scott Surovell Advances School Food Waste Legislation
Senator Scott Surovell has put forward legislation that would require Virginia schools to adopt improved methods for managing food waste. The bill targets the incorporation of composting infrastructure particularly in new school buildings. This effort aims to address the volume of food waste generated in educational settings across various localities. During legislative proceedings the proposal […
- Cardiovascular health spending has tripled, but death rates are rising in major Hampton Roads cities
By Yiqing Wang/WHRO Cardiovascular care has become more advanced over the past two decades, giving doctors new ways to prevent deaths from heart attacks, strokes and other conditions. But a new national study found those advances have come with rapidly rising costs while improvements in cardiovascular death rates have largely stalled. The analysis, published in the Journal […]
- Virginia moves toward regulating self-driving vehicles amid safety and liability concerns
Virginia is closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, which have steadily increased nationwide despite continued concerns over safety. Despite crashes that have led to restrictions in some areas, other states, such as Arizona and Texas, have continued to permit testing and deployment. With interest in the technology growing in Virginia, lawmakers are trying to get ahead […]
- Fairfax County Adopts $5.9 Billion Budget Highlighting Tax Rate Cut and Rising Homeowner Bills
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has officially adopted a $5.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, balancing a slight reduction in the real estate tax rate with rising property assessments. Despite a quarter-cent decrease in the tax rate to $1.12 per $100 of assessed value, the average residential tax bill will increase by […]
- Loudoun County Approves $4.5 Million in Nonprofit Grants for FY2027
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors recently approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which includes a significant expansion of financial support for local nonprofit organizations. During the May 19, 2026, meeting, officials allocated more than $4.5 million specifically for the Human Services Nonprofit Grant Process. This substantial funding increase aims to provide community-based health and […]
- Fairfax County Projects $148.44 Million Funding Increase for Public Schools Amid Looming Budget Shortfall
The financial landscape of Fairfax County, Virginia, is facing significant adjustments as local leaders direct a massive increase in department spending toward public education. Officials have projected a transfer increase of $148.44 million to Fairfax County Public Schools, representing a 5.06 percent jump in funding compared to previous allocations. This substantial financial injection is primar
- Loudoun Supervisor Caleb Kershner Raises Concerns Over Food Truck Inspection Policy
Loudoun County Supervisor Caleb Kershner has expressed opposition to a local regulation that requires food trucks to change locations in order to complete required inspections. The policy mandates that vendors relocate their vehicles solely for the purpose of the inspection process. Kershner stated that this approach creates avoidable complications for food truck operators. Details of […]
- Fairfax County Implements Food and Beverage Tax to Balance FY2027 Budget Amid Revenue Shifts
Fairfax County officials have finalized a complex fiscal plan for the upcoming year, balancing a total budget estimated between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion. The financial strategy relies heavily on a newly implemented four percent food and beverage tax designed to offset broader revenue shortfalls. This targeted tax revenue has allowed local leaders to implement […]
- Federal judge in Virginia says certain abortion drug restrictions are unlawful
A lawsuit filed in 2023 by abortion providers in Kansas, Montana and Virginia challenges the FDA’s restrictions on mifepristone as excessive, unwarranted and inconsistent with other legal requirements. A federal judge ruled Thursday that the federal agency didn’t sufficiently justify the Biden-era rules. (Photo by Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent) A federal judge in Virginia ruled Thursday […]
- Virginia Budget Expands Universal School Meals with $17.6 Million Taxpayer Price Tag
Virginia lawmakers have approved a significant spending increase in the state budget, allocating $17.6 million from the General Fund across the biennium to expand school meal programs. The funding targets the Virginia Department of Education and Direct Aid to Public Education to increase reimbursement rates for school breakfasts. However, a primary goal of this multimillion-dollar […]
- Prince William County Advances Historic FY2027 Budget Focusing on Education and Public Safety
Prince William County officials are advancing a comprehensive fiscal year 2027 budget that prioritizes significant compensation increases for public school employees and first responders. The proposed spending plan features a record-breaking financial transfer to the local school division alongside targeted investments in public safety retention. Local leaders emphasize that these robust financial
- Fairfax County Adopts $5.9 Billion Budget Amid Revenue Shifts and School Funding Debates
The adoption of a $5.9 billion budget in Fairfax County has introduced significant shifts in local government spending and revenue generation. Local officials faced a complex financial landscape, navigating a $131.5 million initial funding gap caused by rapidly declining commercial office property values. To balance the massive budget, the county implemented new consumer taxes while […]
- Fairfax County Adopts FY2027 Budget with Lower Tax Rate but Higher Average Bills
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has officially adopted the fiscal year 2027 budget, introducing shifts in local taxation and revenue generation. While the overall real estate tax rate will see a slight reduction, most homeowners will still experience a net increase in their annual tax bills due to rising property values. This complex financial […]
- Prince William County Public Schools Approves Historic Budget Featuring 6.27% Average Salary Increase
Prince William County Public Schools employees are set to receive an average salary increase of 6.27 percent following the implementation of a new collective bargaining agreement. The compensation adjustment is a central component of the newly proposed 2.9 billion dollar budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This financial plan aims to maintain the school division’s […]
- Fairfax County Adopts FY2027 Budget Amid Debates Over School Funding and Personnel Costs
Navigating a Complex Budgetary Landscape The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently adopted the fiscal year 2027 budget, navigating significant financial hurdles to fund essential services, public schools, and county staff. The finalized fiscal plan addresses a previously projected budgetary shortfall while implementing new revenue streams to offset homeowner tax burdens. County officials en
- Prince William County Public Schools Approves Historic Wage Increase for Educators and Staff
Prince William County Public Schools will implement an average 6.27 percent compensation increase for all school employees as part of a newly negotiated collective bargaining agreement. This historic wage agreement represents a massive financial investment in the local education workforce, totaling approximately $160 million over a two-year period. The substantial financial commitment aims to ensu
- Governor Spanberger Commits One Billion Taxpayer Dollars to Backfill Federal Budget Cuts
Governor Abigail Spanberger recently finalized the Virginia FY2026-2028 Biennium Budget, which includes a massive one billion dollar reserve fund designed to offset anticipated federal spending reductions. State officials claim this protective investment is necessary to shield Virginia from massive cuts stemming from President Donald Trump and his tax reform legislation. However, conservative watc
- Virginia House Passes Bill Establishing Honor Guard Grant Program for Veterans
Virginia lawmakers in the House of Delegates have passed a bill that creates state support for honor guard services at the funerals of veterans. House Bill 108, introduced by Delegate Jason Ballard, requires the Department of Veterans Services to establish the Honor Guard Grant Program. The program will offer grants to veteran service organizations to […]
- Prince William County Allocates Historic Funding for Public Schools Salary Increases
The Prince William County Public Schools system is set to operate under a comprehensive total budget of $2.9 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. A central component of this expansive financial plan is a substantial $1.1 billion transfer directly from the county government to the educational sector. This specific transfer reflects an increase of $123.8 […]
- Free Breakfast to Virginia Public School Students
The 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates featured the introduction of House Bill 96, legislation that would mandate the availability of school breakfast at no cost to students in all public elementary and secondary schools across the state. Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker sponsored the measure, which directs the Department of Education to provide reimbursements […]
- Democrats challenge Beyer in Va.’s 8th Congressional District, marred by federal layoffs
Everyone in Northern Virginia knows someone who was “DOGEd,” either laid off or otherwise impacted by sweeping cuts initiated through President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Virginia is home to nearly 200,000 federal workers; over 20,000 of them lost their jobs last year. The pain of those losses runs […]
- Do data centers impact our physical health? Studies are few and far between.
Data centers fuel the ever-growing demand for social media, artificial intelligence and streaming services, allowing people to access a plethora of entertainment options and streamline everyday tasks. And their numbers are growing — another 80 proposed projects cataloged by the Data Center Proposal Tracker would more than double the current 71 active sites in the […]
- 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 operates under the framework of Virginia Cooperative Extension and provides structured opportunities for residents to learn and apply gardening techniques. Educational components include programs designed for fourth grade students. Thes
- 60 acres of Virginia Land Given for Free in Henrico for Black Virginians to Farm
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 the Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County Tuesday morning, urban agriculture expert Duron Chavis walked through the grass alongside Parker Agelasto, a former Richmond City councilman who now leads the […]
- Ethiopian Orthodox Christians mark Easter in Washington with prayer and joyful family celebrations
This post was originally published on this site.WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – Dressed in all white, hundreds Ethiopian Orthodox Christians crowded into Washington, D.C.’s DSK Mariam Church, to sing hymns and pray in the ancient Ge’ez language, as well as to keep vigil during their Easter Sunday. Fasika, the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is celebrated a […]
- The Trump administration wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean?
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a close reexamination of the 42 million people who receive federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers, coming mere days after recipients began to see benefits that had been stalled during the government shutdown.
- Styrofoam containers will soon be banned in Virginia
Your food and drink orders in Virginia may start to look a little different.
- Virginia Bans Artificial Dyes from our Food, Governor Glenn Youngkin
Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at the Patrick Henry Building,