Health
- More states ban child marriage, including Virginia, though it’s still legal in most of the United States
After authorities rescued 16 children last month who had been confined to a single room in a home in rural Ohio, attention turned to their mother, who had been 15 and pregnant when she married their father. The child endangerment case has recharged a national conversation around child marriage, which is defined by the United […]
- Spanberger signs executive order to boost Virginia’s emergency preparedness
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Executive Order 19 Tuesday afternoon, which is designed to strengthen Virginia’s preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies and streamline the state’s response to crises. The announcement comes ahead of hurricane season for states along the country’s southeastern coast. But the order extended beyond natural catastrophes, with the governor saying Virg
- Obamacare enrollment declines in 49 states; Virginia saw 8% drop
In 49 states, the number of people enrolled in Obamacare plans has declined since Congress made coverage more expensive by allowing federal subsidies to expire at the end of last year. The lone exception was New Mexico, the only state that has used its own money to fully replace the expired aid, according to a […]
- Balancing optimism and caution, Spanberger says Virginia’s revenues grew $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2026
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday highlighted Virginia’s financial wins in the fiscal year that ended in July, touting a general revenue fund that increased by $2.1 billion, record investments in public services and a new energy consumption tax lawmakers levied on data centers that is projected to add $600 million to the commonwealth’s coffers in […]
- Alongside Jen Kiggans, United States House Speaker says Virginia’s 2nd District ‘will determine the fate of the country’
As part of an 18-state tour through more than 30 congressional districts, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said Monday that “Virginia’s 2nd District will determine the fate of the country because this will be a close election.” As Johnson stumped for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, at the Cavalier Hotel on Monday, he […]
- Virginia Mental Health Patient Flees on Pass as Steve Descano Faces Blame
Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2019 killing of his landlord and subsequently committed to the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Falls Church. In July, he was granted a 48-hour pass from the facility and used it to travel to Dulles Airport for a one-way international flight to […]
- Virginia Senate Receives Testimony on Galaxy Gas Dangers to Young People
The Virginia Senate convened to hear testimony regarding the dangers associated with Galaxy Gas. The presentation focused on the substance’s classification as illegal and its role in a growing crisis. Speakers described how the drug is affecting young individuals in significant ways. Details from the testimony included an account of a young person who used […]
- Lashrecse Aird Proposal Emerges to Address PFAS Chemicals at Richmond Airport
Virginia Senator Lashrecse Aird has introduced a call for a detailed plan to phase out toxic PFAS chemicals specifically at Richmond International Airport. The focus rests on safeguarding Virginia’s water supply from potential downstream effects. This measure seeks to address concentrations that may occur in certain areas near such facilities. Richmond International Airport operates as […]
- Virginia Senate Examines Nitrous Oxide Distribution Concerns
Testimony presented to the Virginia State Senate has drawn focus to the distribution of nitrous oxide and its associated concerns within the Commonwealth. The discussion involved Senate Bill 360 and highlighted patterns of use that affect residents. Speakers described how the substance is obtained in large canisters from various outlets. Details from Senate Testimony on […]
- Virginia Senate Examines Nitrous Oxide Labeling Concerns in Public Health Testimony
During a session of the Virginia Senate Courts of Justice committee, a parent provided testimony regarding the health effects experienced by her son after exposure to nitrous oxide products. The presentation focused on the labeling practices that designate these items for culinary use only. Committee members reviewed Senate Bill 360, which addresses the distribution of […]
- Black lung cases surging again in Southwest Virginia, Appalachia; miners blame blocked regulations
With new research showing that black lung disease among Appalachian coal miners has reached an almost 50-year high, advocates are demanding federal regulations be enforced. The data published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine is also part of a peer-reviewed research letter from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health […]
- Virginia Expands Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund
Virginia is set to significantly expand a critical health initiative for first responders in the upcoming fiscal year, carefully balancing the moral obligation to protect firefighters with the absolute need for fiscal responsibility. The proposed FY2027 budget includes a substantial $2 million allocation from the general fund to officially establish a statewide First Responders Cancer […]
- Virginia Voters to Decide on Killing Babies and Gay Marriage Amendments in November
The Virginia General Assembly has placed two constitutional amendments on the November 3, 2026, ballot for voter consideration. One measure addresses reproductive freedom, while the other pertains to marriage definitions in the state constitution. These proposals follow the required process of legislative approval in two successive sessions with an intervening election. The killing babies amendmen
- Virginia Taxpayers Saddled with $137.6 Million Bill as State Absorbs Pandemic-Era Childcare Program
Virginia taxpayers are now facing a permanent financial burden as lawmakers recently approved a massive allocation of state funds to prop up a pandemic-era childcare program. The state budget includes a staggering allocation of $137.6 million for the Child Care Subsidy Program, which is managed jointly by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia […]
- Virginia Democrats Push $17 Million Eviction Prevention Program Amid Budget Bloat Concerns
Virginia lawmakers are advancing a new state budget that includes a massive $17 million allocation for eviction prevention assistance, sparking immediate concerns among fiscal conservatives. This hefty provision is tucked inside House Bill 30, which proponents are calling the Affordable Virginia Budget for the upcoming fiscal years. While advocates claim the funding is necessary to […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Juli Briskman Raises Questions on WellPath Detention Center Contract and Budget
Loudoun County Supervisor Juli Briskman spoke during a Board of Supervisors meeting regarding healthcare services at the county detention center. She referenced a significant budget increase associated with the contract held by WellPath, the current medical provider. Briskman sought clarification on the status of the agreement amid external developments. The supervisor noted the existence of […]
- Virginia’s Ballooning Budget: Across-the-Board Salary Hikes Threaten Taxpayers
The 2026-2028 biennium budget finalized by Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic lawmakers features massive 3.5% annual across-the-board pay raises for state employees. This sweeping compensation package shifts away from previous fiscally conservative proposals and places a heavier, permanent financial burden on Virginia taxpayers. The aggressive spending plan impacts all state agencies and s
- Prince William County Supervisors Adopt Budget with Reduced Real Estate Tax Rate
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors recently approved a fiscal year budget that reduces the real estate tax rate while simultaneously expanding funding for local schools and public safety. Following extensive public hearings, the board voted to lower the real estate tax rate from $0.906 to $0.865 per $100 of assessed value for […]
- Prince William County Allocates $1 Million for Expanded Firefighter Cancer Screenings
The Prince William County government has officially allocated one million dollars toward expanded medical physicals for local firefighters. This significant financial commitment is specifically designed to support early cancer detection among first responders who face elevated occupational risks. The funding represents a major component of the newly adopted fiscal year budget and underscores a gro
- 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 Medical Freedom Alliance Prepares Health Choice Summit Amid Ongoing Debates Over Medical Autonomy
The Virginia Medical Freedom Alliance (VAMFA), a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth, is set to host its Health Choice Summit on September 12, 2026, at the Founders Inn Conference Center in Virginia Beach. Titled “Health Choice: Liberation from Mandates” and associated with the theme “Operation Save Our Children,” the event is organized in partnership […]
- DEQ study throws cold water on data center development east of I-95
Among the many environmental, energy and economic concerns about the unconstrained spread of data centers in Virginia, the impact on drinking water supplies has ranked fairly low. That changed suddenly last week, with the release of a report that the administration of Gov. Abigail Spanberger seems to have tried to suppress. In compliance with […]
- It’s time for Virginia lawmakers to expand protections for domestic violence victims
I am a Virginia attorney, and have lived here most of my life. I know the legal system here and understand the burden of proof. I believed that my knowledge of the law, and my ability to hire experienced counsel, would allow me to protect myself when I left an abusive marriage. I was wrong. […]
- Arlington Public Schools Data Shows Improvements in Key Areas
Arlington Public Schools presented updated statistics during the recent School Board meeting that outlined advancements in several student-focused areas. The information covered improvements in feelings of belonging, expanded mental health resources, and decreased rates of absenteeism. These figures were drawn from district-wide assessments conducted over the prior period. Board members reviewed t
- 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 […]
- Taxpayers on the Hook: The $115 Million James Madison University Expansion Driving Up State Spending
Virginia taxpayers are facing another massive bill as lawmakers consider a staggering $115.3 million allocation to expand a single building at James Madison University. This proposed expenditure, slated for the FY2027 budget, targets the College of Health and Behavioral Studies for a massive footprint increase. Fiscal conservatives are raising alarms over the sheer scale of […]
- Judge rejects bid from Virginia to block Medicaid work rules
States will have to meet a Jan. 1 deadline to implement new Medicaid work requirements, after a federal judge denied 25 Democratic-led states’ request to pause implementation of the rule. The broad tax and spending law President Donald Trump signed last summer, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, requires states that have expanded Medicaid to […]
- Study Examines Radiation Exposure Levels in Children
A 2023 study examined differences in how cell tower radiation is absorbed by children versus adults. Theodora Scarato presented the results highlighting that children experience ten times greater absorption levels. The exposure stems from continuous and involuntary contact in everyday settings. Researchers focused on the implications for developing brains amid expanding wireless networks. The anal
- EMF Measurements Presented at County Hearing on Data Center Impacts
Theodora Scarato spoke before the Montgomery County Council in a public hearing focused on environmental health sciences. She shared data from recordings made at the fence line of a data center. The measurements indicated electromagnetic field levels reaching up to 1.98 on the device scale. The presentation highlighted that these values exceeded four milligauss in […]
- Loudoun County Public Schools Considers 20 Percent Health Insurance Premium Increase
Loudoun County Public Schools has advanced a proposal to raise health insurance premiums by 20 percent. This measure addresses mounting expenses and seeks to maintain benefit stability. The plan responds to trends observed in the self insurance fund operations. The health self insurance fund policy requires a balance of no less than two months of […]
- Expert Testifies on EMF Standards and Data Center Concerns at Council Hearing
Theodora Scarato spoke before the Montgomery County Council at a recent public hearing. She characterized existing electromagnetic field safety standards as a fairy tale. Her remarks focused on the limitations of current guidelines in addressing modern exposures. Scarato described degraded power conditions that result in electrical pollution. This pollution can extend across distances of up […]
- Virginia’s disability services gap persists despite progress, leaves young adults vulnerable
Medicaid waiver slots have increased in Virginia, expanding services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have lost school-based special education services. Even so, thousands of disabled Virginians are still waiting, because demand continues to outpace available slots. When people with certain disabilities graduate or reach age 22, they face a “services cliff,” as […]
- Loudoun School Board Examines Mental Health Budget Proposal
Loudoun County School Board member Amy Riccardi raised questions about a proposed $400,000 increase in funding for mental health services during a board meeting. The discussion centered on whether the additional resources would effectively support students through expanded programs. Board proceedings often address such budget items to ensure alignment with district needs. The Loudoun County […]
- Mother Testifies on Nitrous Oxide Dangers Before Virginia State Senate
A mother provided testimony during a Virginia State Senate session focusing on the health concerns associated with nitrous oxide products sold at local vape and smoke shops. The presentation described the substance as a legal item with documented effects on the legs and lungs. Medical experts referenced in the remarks explained the process by which […]
- Pediatrician and Teacher Raise Concerns Over Screen Time in Fairfax County Schools
A public comment session at the Fairfax County School Board meeting featured a pediatrician who also works as a teacher and behavior analyst. The speaker discussed the potential health effects of technology use in local classrooms. Excessive screen time was described as contributing to a broader health concern for students. The presentation called for reconsideration […]
- Loudoun County Board Allocates $194.3 Million Surplus to Reserves and Capital Projects
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors recently finalized the allocation of a substantial $194.3 million unassigned general fund balance originating from the fiscal year 2025 budget. The current board, consisting of Phyllis Randall, Koran Saines, Juli Briskman, Sylvia Glass, Caleb Kershner, Matthew Letourneau, Michael Turner, Kristen Umstattd, and Laura TeKrony, directed these funds toward variou
- Expert Testimony Examines Electromagnetic Field Levels Near Data Centers
Theodora Scarato provided testimony at a Montgomery County Council public hearing focused on a proposed moratorium for data center projects. She outlined conclusions regarding electromagnetic field exposure and its documented associations with health outcomes. The presentation referenced cancers in general and breast cancer in particular along with environmental considerations. Scarato cited indep
- Brown water, dust and loud noises: Louisa homeowner sues Amazon over data center construction
From the driveway of his Louisa home and business, Austin Newsome sees dozens of dump trucks barrel down Route 33 most days, hauling dirt and other debris. The road is stained rusty red from the soil displaced by the construction of Amazon’s latest data center campus in the county. One day, Newsom said, his neighbor […]
- Virginia launches new unit targeting illegal vapes and intoxicants
Virginia is creating an enforcement unit to oversee the rapidly expanding market for vaping products, hemp-derived intoxicants, THC and kratom, consolidating several regulatory responsibilities within the attorney general’s office. Attorney General Jay Jones announced the Regulated Products Enforcement Unit on Thursday, saying it will handle civil enforcement, retail compliance, product directori
- Shoosmith Landfill Enters Closure Phase Amid Bankruptcy and Regulatory Adjustments
The Shoosmith landfill, situated at 11520 Iron Bridge Road in Chester, Virginia, within the Dale District of Chesterfield County, has ceased accepting waste and is preparing for closure. The facility, permitted under solid waste permit SWP587, opened in 1976 and encompasses approximately 335 acres with a disposal boundary of 203.5 acres. Its total capacity reached […]
- Goochland residents rebuff data center developer Tract ahead of permit application
On Thursday evening, dozens of Goochland residents donned red t-shirts and held signs that spelled out their displeasure with the idea of multiple data centers being built in the county’s technology overlay district that butts up against Mosaic, a 55+ neighborhood that hosts over 500 homes. “We want to make sure that everyone understands that […]
- Virginia’s new pay transparency law changes the rules for job postings
Virginia job seekers now have a right to know what a position pays before applying online under a new state law aimed at giving workers more leverage in hiring and salary negotiations. The new law, which took effect July 1, requires employers to include a good-faith wage or salary range in public and internal job […]
- Fairfax County Balances $131.5 Million Shortfall and Declining Commercial Revenues in FY 2027 Budget
Fairfax County is maintaining an unassigned general fund balance of $23,167,079 for the fiscal year 2027 budget cycle, even as local officials navigate a projected $131.5 million budgetary shortfall. The county faces mounting financial pressures driven by economic uncertainty and declining commercial property values, complicating the upcoming budget process. Despite an estimated county revenue inc
- 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 […]
- Virginia Environmental Agency Reviews Data Center Emissions Analysis
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality examined concerns raised about air emissions from a data center facility in Loudoun County. Director Michael Rolband received an analysis from the Piedmont Environmental Council in March and directed staff to review its findings on potential health effects. The report focused on a Vantage Data Centers site in Sterling […]
- Virginia Pension Reforms Save Taxpayers $171.4 Million Amid Calls for Fiscal Restraint
The Virginia Retirement System recently reported a notable improvement in the aggregate funded status for local political subdivision pension plans, reaching ninety-two percent for the upcoming fiscal cycle. This financial milestone leaves an eight percent unfunded pension liability that continues to require stable employer contribution rates heading into fiscal year 2027. Thanks to these improved
- Even without a new map, Buttigieg says Va. Dems can win with focus on healthcare, affordability
Virginia Democrats lost the congressional map they hoped would help them win as many as four Republican-held seats in this year’s midterm elections. Pete Buttigieg says they may not need it. The former U.S. transportation secretary and 2020 presidential candidate said Democrats can still make significant gains under Virginia’s existing map if they field competent […]