Lies
- Governor Spanberger Hosts 1,000 Law Enforcement & Community Leaders for Statewide Summit on Strengthening Emergency Preparedness
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today hosted 1,000 law enforcement, public safety, and community leaders from across Virginia in
- When Virginia’s congressional candidates don’t debate, voters get sound bites instead of substance
Basic civic literacy, which debates and candidate forums promote, is not even an afterthought for many political candidates in Virginia and other states, columnist Jim Spencer writes.
- Virginia to receive $353 million in landmark Meta child-safety settlement
Facebook parent company Meta has agreed to pay Virginia at least $353 million and adopt new safeguards for young users under a proposed multistate settlement over allegations that its platforms harmed children.
- Workforce training program earns another No.1 ranking for Virginia
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership oversees the Talent Accelerator Program, which provides customized recruitment and training services at no cost to qualifying employers.
- Early voting begins in Virginia, as Trump mail-ballot restrictions remain blocked
Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm elections begins Friday, with a U.S. Senate race, all 11 congressional seats, three proposed constitutional amendments and numerous local referendums on ballots across the commonwealth.
- Wendell Walker House Bill 1029 Proposes Temporary Sealing of Criminal Complaints
House Bill 1029, introduced by Delegate Wendell Walker, would amend Virginia law to provide for the temporary sealing of complaints involving criminal warrants, summonses and capiases.
- Brace yourself for brutal, expensive campaigns in Virginia congressional swing districts this fall
If you live in or near the media markets serving Hampton Roads, the Peninsula up to the Northern Neck and Richmond and its suburbs, prepare for the most acrid, expensive and desperate congressional campaigns you’ve ever endured. Depending on how rancid the winds of current events blowing in from across the Potomac become, you could […]
- Virginia Removes 6,531 Non-Citizen Voter Registrations Following Settlement Agreement
Virginia has cancelled 6,531 declared non-citizen voter registrations as reported through Judicial Watch findings. The state continues its review of voter eligibility based on self-declared status. This step forms part of routine maintenance of official voting records. Settlement Agreement Overview Virginia reached a settlement with certain groups that pauses the removal program for declared nonci
- Spanberger takes unprecedented step to intervene in $67B Dominion-NextEra merger
Gov. Abigail Spanberger is stepping directly into the regulatory fight over the proposed $67 billion sale of Dominion Energy to Florida-based NextEra Energy, becoming the first Virginia governor to formally intervene in a case before the State Corporation Commission. Spanberger announced Thursday that she will seek intervenor status in the case, giving her administration the […]
- Fiscal Planning and the FY2027 Budget: Impacts on Manassas Parks and Recreation
The City of Manassas has officially adopted a massive $597.8 million budget for the fiscal year 2027, raising questions about how potential fiscal planning gaps could affect the efficient use of taxpayer funds. Local officials have emphasized a commitment to infrastructure and community resources, but the sheer scale of the financial plan requires meticulous oversight. […]
- Developer Requests Zoning Modifications for Tysons Data Center Project
A data center developer has applied for exceptions to several Fairfax County zoning requirements as part of a project in the Tysons area. Serverfarm seeks to develop the Vienna Cloud campus at 7980 and 7990 Quantum Drive in Vienna. The proposal involves converting two buildings and a parking garage into facilities designated NVA1 and NVA2. […]
- Virginia Coastal Plain Groundwater Study Finds Limited Capacity for New Withdrawals East of I-95
A detailed report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, released in 2026 as Senate Document No. 6, concludes that the groundwater supply in the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95 has limited capacity for significant new withdrawals. Modeling of the Virginia Coastal Plain aquifer system indicates that most evaluated locations can support only small […]
- Amazon Confirmed as Tenant for Starwood Data Centers in Herndon, Virginia
Amazon has been identified as the end customer for new data center facilities under development by Starwood Capital in Herndon, Virginia. The project is located in Fairfax County at the Renaissance Technology Park. Amazon Data Services submitted documentation to the county regarding air permit applications for the sites. This confirmation comes from recent filings that […]
- Prince William County Allocates $5 Million to Affordable Housing Reserve Fund
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors has officially allocated a five million dollar contribution to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund for the fiscal year 2027 budget. This latest financial commitment brings the total cumulative investment in the reserve fund to twenty-one million dollars over the four-year period spanning from fiscal year 2024 to […]
- Virginia shoppers set to save as sales tax holiday returns this weekend
Virginia’s sales tax holiday begins on Friday and runs through Sunday, offering deals on qualifying school supplies, clothing and footwear sales tax. Certain emergency preparedness items also qualify. The sales tax holiday starts Aug. 7 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Aug. 9 at 11:59 p.m., and could save consumers 5.3% to 7% on total costs. […]
- Prince William County Advances $20 Million Increase for Parks and Recreation Capital Investments
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors has advanced a budget plan that features a twenty million dollar increase in capital investments for the Department of Parks and Recreation. The current board, consisting of Chair Deshundra Jefferson, Tom Smith, Yesli Vega, Bob Weir, Victor Angry, Kenny Boddye, Andrea Bailey, and Margaret Franklin, oversees these extensive […]
- Virginia House Examines Limitations of Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases
A presentation delivered in the Virginia House focused on the role of protective orders in domestic violence situations and their potential shortcomings. The discussion centered on HB540 as a proposed measure to enhance victim protections. Officials noted that these orders serve as legal documents but may not always prevent additional incidents of violence. Background on […]
- Virginia Budget Proposal Reaches Near $100 Billion as Spending Outpaces Revenue Growth
Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin released the biennial budget on December 17, 2025, outlining significant fiscal priorities for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The proposed general fund operating spending totals a staggering $34.8 billion in fiscal 2027, which represents a substantial 6.2 percent increase over the fiscal 2026 base budget. Fiscal conservatives are already raising alarms because […]
- Va. education department says failed proposal to delay cut scores stemmed from legislative mandates
The Virginia Department of Education says its unsuccessful and much-criticized pitch to push back the state’s new proficiency benchmarks for reading and math by two years was a result of legislative mandates, recommendations from the state’s official legislative watchdog and feedback from a statewide listening tour over a span of three months. Last month, staff […]
- Study Examines Radiation Absorption Differences Between Children and Adults Near Cell Towers
Theodora Scarato has drawn attention to research indicating that children absorb more radiation from cell towers than adults. The difference stems from thinner skulls and developing brains that allow greater penetration of radiofrequency signals. A 2023 study by Lee and Choi analyzed downlink electromagnetic field exposure in mobile communication networks. The work included computer simulations […
- Child Advocacy Centers Show Impact in Virginia Abuse Cases
Virginia Department of Social Services has presented information on how child advocacy centers improve responses to child abuse disclosures. The centers facilitate one forensic interview by a trained professional using established protocols. This method contrasts with multiple interviews that can occur without coordination. Cases without a child advocacy center often involve poor question structur
- Virginia Senate Considers Photo Speed Cameras for George Washington Parkway Under SB81
Virginia State Senator Scott Surovell has introduced elements of Senate Bill 81 that would permit photo speed cameras on the George Washington Parkway. The discussion centers on a portion of the parkway located about 10 miles from Fairfax. During Senate proceedings, the measure encountered significant opposition from other members who characterized it as an attack […]
- White House Promotes Trump Accounts for Child Investment
The White House recently shared information about Trump Accounts, a new savings and investment option for American children. The announcement directs families to the official app for starting the process of building financial resources for the next generation. This development follows the program’s official rollout in mid-2026. Details of the Trump Accounts Initiative Trump Accounts […]
- 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. These institutions reportedly require additional steps and documentation that extend the time needed to fulfill information requests. Such approaches affect families who support higher education through various contributions.
- 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 where to turn during a mental health crisis. The report from mental health policy group Inseparable found Virginians go out of network for mental health care six and a half […]
- 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% pay bump to state employees, establish a retail weed marketplace and hedge against decreased federal dollars. The spending plan also includes a provision to tax data centers for their energy consumption, […]
- 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 High School have brought attention to the treatment of these students and their dedicated teachers. The core message underscores that students and staff members are not expendable in educational planning. Families […]
- 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 distribution of revenues generated from pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing. The bill amends Section 59.1-392 of the Code of Virginia to expand the recipients of the percentage of wagering proceeds […]
- Virginia House Advances Bill Expanding Uses of Passenger Vehicle Fees for Local Emergency Medical Services
Virginia lawmakers have moved forward with a proposal to update how local communities can spend money collected from fees on certain types of vehicles. The legislation, known as House Bill 57, was introduced by Delegate Michael Feggans during the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly. This bill aims to amend section 46.2-694 of […]
- 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 class action lawsuits in state courts — a shift advocates say would expand access to justice, but one that has drawn pushback over how far the change should go. Virginia […]
- 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 diagram to demonstrate overlaps: Northern Virginia pickup truck owners, rural firearm owners, and recreational shooters/hunters. A limited exemption for hunting or target practice, he argued, fails to exempt most scenarios, like […]
- 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 account, families advocating for their children encounter repercussions rather than support from the system intended to safeguard them. The parent highlighted operational gaps that hinder effective service delivery, noting that grants
- A new law will make it easier to build a tiny house in your back yard, starting next year
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 home’s lot, a garage-turned-apartment, a carriage house, or an ‘in-law suite’ — will be easier to build beginning next year, following Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signature of a new law this […]
- 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 Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s still brand-new term is in, and she can’t be happy with it. I’m hearing she’s decidedly unhappy. A new survey by the Washington Post and George Mason […]
- Virginia League of Women Voters Endorses SB 58 to Increase Mail Ballot Deadlines
SB 58 aims to adapt election procedures to contemporary challenges in mail delivery. Currently, mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by noon on the third day following the election. The bill would modify these parameters, potentially extending receipt hours and accounting for processing delays. Supporters, including Democratic lawmakers, contend that postal […]
- House committee advances bill to study VMI’s public funding status
Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a bill creating a task force that would examine whether the Virginia Military Institute should remain a publicly funded, state-sponsored institution, marking the most consequential legislative step yet in a debate over the school’s governance and culture.
- Controversy Erupts as Loudoun School Board Vice Chair Anne Donohue Pushes Restrictive Changes to Student Transfer Policies
In a move critics say could exacerbate hardships for families amid ongoing school rezoning efforts, Loudoun County School Board Vice Chair Anne Donohue has proposed sweeping changes to out-of-zone student transfer policies, framing them as necessary to “rein in” what she views as overly permissive practices.
- Loudoun County Democratic Committee Under Criminal Investigation
The Loudoun County Democratic Committee is under criminal investigation for allegedly engaging in illegal fundraising activities in violation of Virginia Code § 18.2-340.36:1(A) — the state’s charitable gaming law. This statute is not vague: “No charitable gaming shall be conducted by, or for the benefit of, any organization that is established or conducted for the purpose of influencing elections
- Suhas Subramanyam, blasts data centers while raking in the cash from tech companies that own them
He talks tough about big tech, but he’s betting on their servers.
- Virginia Releases Health Report on Richmond’s 2025 Water Crisis
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin released Wednesday the final report from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on the January 2025 water crisis in the City of Richmond and announced a second notice of violation against the city that requires the implementation of a Corrective Action Plan. “The disruption of a safe and reliable water […]
- Embracing Community: Celebrating the Spirit of Ramadan and of Lent
As the sacred journey of Ramadan continues, a time of reflection, fasting, and community, we are also reminded of the significance of Lent—a season that embodies the spirit of introspection and renewal. The observance of Ramadan and of Lent both serve aspoignant reminders of the importance of compassion, generosity, and unity in our lives. During […]
- Democrat National Committee frontrunner wanted Trump charged with ‘Treason,’ which carries the death penalty
One of the leading candidates to lead the Democratic National Committee called for Donald Trump’s trial for treason, and accused him of being responsible for the deaths of American troops. This was based on a false accusation that the Biden Administration disputed.