Louise Lucas
- 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 now shifting their focus to the courts, arguing the legal fight — not the ballot box — will ultimately determine whether the measure stands. That legal fight escalated late Wednesday, […]
- 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 Woods/ Virginia Mercury) Virginia lawmakers met Wednesday to weigh Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to dozens of bills passed this year, reflecting both shared goals and differing views on some of the […]
- Governor amends bills that shift costs onto data centers. Critics say her tweaks weaken them.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger listens as former President Barack Obama speaks at a Nov. 2025 rally for her campaign when she was the Democratic nominee. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed and suggested changes to dozens of bills this week, including tweaks to a key energy measure that’s at the center […]
- Youngkin Touts Virginia Progress in Final State of the Commonwealth Address
On foster care and behavioral health, Youngkin pointed to the Right Help Right Now initiative as key to system improvements, aiming to better serve children and families. Critics, including Democratic leaders, have questioned the depth of reforms amid ongoing challenges. Virginia was named the top state for veterans by Smile Hub, attributed to policies like […]
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces AstraZeneca Selects Albemarle County for $4.5 Billion Investment
International pharmaceutical leader will make its largest single investment in a facility to date, creating 600 direct jobs RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that AstraZeneca will invest $4.5 billion to establish two new manufacturing facilities in Albemarle County.
- Democrat led Senate panel kills efforts to track English Learner funding
The Democrat led Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee has rejected a proposal to collect data on this issue.
- Virginia moves to enshrine baby killing into the constitution
Virginia Democrat lawmakers took a major step this week toward enshrining baby killing into the state constitution.
- Fairfax County convinces state legislators to delay FOIA Bill for further study
Fairfax County officials’ concerns convinced state legislators to examine more closely proposed changes to Virginia Freedom of Information Act rules that are intended to increase transparency in local government decision-making.
- Fairfax Casinos to be added to the list of eligible casinos in Virginia due to Democrat Leadership
After the House leadership moved a controversial bill for the development of a Casino and Entertainment Complex at Tysons Corner between House Committees, lawmakers made a decision on Wednesday.
- Virginia Democrats Shut Down after-school Counselors bill
A highly favored counselor bill from the Virginia Senate to make more volunteer after-school life counselors available died Tuesday in a 4-2 House subcommittee vote. Democrats on the House Education subcommittee expressed concern that the bill creates the potential for religious indoctrination and constitutional issues raised by the ACLU of Virginia. The subcommittee suggested Sen. […]
- Fairfax County Casino Bill to be heard by The House Appropriations Committee
The powerful House Committee on Appropriations has taken up the discussion of legislation allowing a vote on a Tysons Casino. Speaker Don Scott (D-88) directed House Committee on Local Government members yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), to forward the bill without action to the chamber’s Appropriations Committee. At that meeting there was no public testimony on the […]
- Virginia Democrats set to increase towing charges
Virginia towing rates could increase soon under legislation that is advancing to the governor’s desk. However, the decision on whether to raise the fees will be left to local governments.
- Senate Democrats reject qualified university and state board members
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today released the following statement after House and Senate Democrats rejected 13 qualified university and state board members.
- Virginia Democrats Kill Car Tax Credit before Senate panel
At the crack of dawn on Tuesday, a Democratic-led Senate subcommittee rejected or delayed several of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s signature tax cut proposals, opting instead to fold them into ongoing budget negotiations or disregard them altogether.