Policy
- Underprosecuted Then Rearrested: Report Ties Arlington Democrat Leniency to Attempted-Rape Case
Judiciary staff: after years of light handling by Democrat CA Parisa Dehghani-Tafti’s office, Guatemalan national Luzvin Orvando Garcia Moran was charged in an April 2026 Arlington attempted rape — despite prior warnings he was a danger.
- Tim Kaine and Jennifer McClellan Say Voters Could Move Congress to Revisit House Resolution 1 Healthcare Overhaul
U.S. Sen.
- Data Center Development Could Triple Energy Demand if Unconstrained
On Monday, the Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission published its long-awaited Report about data centers.
- Virginia Delegate Presses House for Car Tax Relief Amid Affordability Push
Delegate Terry Kilgore urges incremental repeal of the car tax during the 2026 legislative session, citing affordability goals and prior campaign commitments.
- Virginia Lawmakers Press for Tighter Oversight of Data Center Growth
A Virginia congressional proposal would give local governments more tools to manage data center growth, including clearer rules for electricity demand, water use and community impacts.
- Department of Homeland Security Reviews Virginia Immigration Policies After High-Profile Deportation
The Department of Homeland Security announced criticism of Virginia's immigration enforcement practices following the deportation of Marcelo Vasquez-Reyna.
- 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 Move Closer to Regulating Self-Driving Vehicles
A General Assembly workgroup is drafting a commercial autonomous-vehicle framework ahead of a Nov. 1 report for the next legislative session.
- Loudoun County to Weigh Temporary Pause on New Data Center Applications
Supervisors will review staff plans for a development freeze while rewriting standards and ending remaining by-right grandfathering.
- Virginia Lawmakers Move Closer to Regulating Self-Driving Vehicles
Virginia lawmakers are considering regulations to allow for autonomous commercial vehicles, which could shift companies from using gas to electric, self-driving vehicles.
- Lynchburg Transit Board to Vote on Suspending Sunday Service
At their monthly meeting, the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company board of directors will decide on Wednesday whether or not to suspend Sunday service due to a shortage of drivers.
- David Reid House Bill 409 Clarifies School Bus Passing Rules on Divided Highways
In a rare display of unanimous agreement, the Virginia General Assembly has approved House Bill 409, clarifying traffic rules for passing stopped school buses on divided highways, access roads and certain driveways.
- 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.”
- Virginia House and Senate Move to Speed Up Career and Technical Education Teachers
Virginia legislators are taking on a major issue to meet the growing demand for skilled workers: the shortage in career and technical education teachers.
- Virginia General Assembly Passes House Bill 191 to Protect Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking
RICHMOND, Va.
- Virginia Senate Committee Advances House Bill 37 to Make Permanent Protections for Developmental Disabilities Services
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Senate’s Education and Health Committee unanimously approved House Bill 37 on February 26, 2026, rereferring it to the Finance and Appropriations Committee as the 2026 legislative session progresses toward crossover. The measure, which seeks to repeal a July 1, 2026, sunset provision on financial eligibility standards for developmental disability waivers,
- Victor Angry Says Local Governments Should Lead on Collective Bargaining
In 2020, the General Assembly made a deliberate decision: it lifted Virginia’s longstanding prohibition on public-sector collective bargaining and gave local governments the authority to decide whether and how to implement it. That framework was intentional.
- 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
- Kelly Convirs-Fowler House Bill 189 on Standards of Learning Grade Weight Continued in Senate
RICHMOND, Va. – A bill seeking to eliminate the requirement that Standards of Learning test scores count toward at least 10 percent of final course grades for students in grades seven through 12 faced a significant setback in the Virginia Senate this week. House Bill 189, introduced by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler, passed the House of
- David Reid House Bill 182 on High School History Substitutions Clears Assembly
RICHMOND, Va. — House Bill 182, a measure altering high school graduation requirements by permitting substitutions in history and social studies credits, has successfully navigated the Virginia General Assembly and now awaits action from Governor Abigail Spanberger. The bill, introduced by Delegate David Reid of the 28th District in Loudoun County, seeks to provide students
- David Reid House Bill 183 Expands First-Time Home Buyer Savings Plan
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia House of Delegates has overwhelmingly approved House Bill 183, a measure designed to enhance the state’s First-Time Home Buyer Savings Plan by expanding eligible properties and doubling contribution limits, signaling strong legislative momentum toward bolstering individual pathways to homeownership. Introduced by Delegate David Reid on January 14, 2026, after being
- Dan Helmer House Bill 184 All-Payer Claims Database Evaluation Passes Senate
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate gave unanimous approval to House Bill 184 on March 4, 2026, passing the measure with a 40-0 block vote after adopting a substitute from the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. The legislation directs the Virginia Department of Health, in consultation with Virginia Health Information, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation
- Robert Bloxom House Bill 52 on Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material Passes Assembly
RICHMOND — In a unanimous display of bipartisan cooperation, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 52 on March 10, 2026, establishing a statewide policy to prioritize the beneficial use of dredged material from waterways. Sponsored by Delegate Robert Bloxom Jr., the mea
- Joshua Cole House Bill 34 Sexual Offense Response Program for State Military Clears Assembly
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia General Assembly has given final approval to legislation aimed at bolstering support for victims of sexual offenses within the state’s military forces.
- Louise Lucas and Don Scott Clash as Virginia Budget Talks Stall Over Data Center Tax Breaks
With just days remaining in the 2026 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers are running out of time to reach agreement on a new two-year state budget, even as Democrats control the governor’s office and both chambers of the General Assembly. As of Wednesday afternoon, budget con
- Atoosa Reaser House Bill 71 on Absentee Satellite Offices Continued to 2027
RICHMOND — In a move highlighting ongoing debates over election administration, the Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee voted on February 13, 2026, to continue House Bill 71 to the 2027 session by voice vote. The legislation, introduced by Delegate Atoosa Reaser as
- Amy Laufer House Bill 85 on Postsecondary Transition Counselors Deferred to 2027
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia House Committee on Education has continued House Bill 85 to the 2027 legislative session, signaling a cautious approach to expanding specialized certification programs for educators supporting students with disabilities in postsecondary transitions.
- Loudoun County Supervisors Hear Call to Fix Childcare Benefits Cliff
The speaker described a scenario involving a mother named Tiffany, who, despite diligent efforts including extra work hours, received a raise that disqualified her from subsidies. This led to unaffordable childcare costs, forcing potential withdrawal from the workforce.
- Michael Feggans Veteran Tax Relief Bill Stalls in House Appropriations
RICHMOND, Va. — A measure aimed at providing greater tax relief to military veterans and their families has met its end in the House Appropriations Committee during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session.
- Senate Finance Committee Continues Katrina Callsen House Bill 127 on Right to Counsel at Bail Hearings
RICHMOND, Virginia – The Virginia General Assembly has delivered a strong bipartisan endorsement to House Bill 52, sponsored by Delegate Robert Bloxom, passing it unanimously in both chambers.
- Marcia Price Bill Extending Landlord Eviction Wait Passes Senate, Heads to Abigail Spanberger
RICHMOND, Virginia – In a closely divided vote, the Virginia Senate approved House Bill 15 on March 10, 2026, by a tally of 21-19, sending the measure to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk.
- Public Comment at Loudoun County School Board Highlights Concerns Over Renaming Committee Process
The speaker stated that the group is expected to prioritize input coming specifically from this area and put forward recommendations reflective of community sentiments. Concerns were raised about past processes that became highly political, prompting the board to commit to closely monitoring the current effort to ensure it discourages such maneuvering.
- Housing Bills to Boost Supply, Protect Tenants on Way to Abigail Spanberger's Desk
While some of the most progressive housing bills did not survive this year’s legislative session, many housing proposals are on their way to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk — some of which she has already stated she will sign into law.
- Fernando Martinez Introduces Legislation Enabling Local Plastic Bag Fees for Environmental Education
The Board, chaired by Phyllis Randall with Mike Turner as vice chair, oversees districts including Algonkian, Ashburn, Blue Ridge, Broad Run, Catoctin, Dulles, Leesburg, Loudoun Valley, and Sterling. Recent meetings featured testimony on the plan’s merits and drawbacks.
- Testimony Highlights Debate on Gun-Free Zones in Virginia Senate Hearing
James Hemmings presented testimony at a Virginia State Senate session addressing a bill related to constitutional carry. He indicated support for the legislation by raising questions about the effects of gun-free zone designations. Hemmings described how these zones might influence personal security in everyday settings. The remarks centered on experiences in Fairfax where restrictions through […]
- Public Hearing Addresses Firearm Policies in Virginia Public Spaces
During a recent legislative hearing in Virginia, a resident provided testimony regarding restrictions on carrying firearms in certain public locations. The speaker described how laws designating stores and rest areas as sensitive zones require individuals to leave their firearms outside these spaces. This requirement was presented as creating potential vulnerabilities for those who hold permits. [
- Mark Peake Questions Speed Camera Use in Localities
Senator Mark Peake spoke during a recent legislative session about the implementation of speed cameras in various Virginia localities. He referenced specific revenue figures such as eight million dollars collected in Suffolk over the course of one year. Peake posed questions regarding whether these cameras primarily serve public safety objectives or function as sources of […]
- Amid major federal shifts, McMahon urges Virginia universities to reform practices, restore public trust
As students prepare to return to class, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is asking Virginia’s college and university presidents and governing boards to review how they operate and make changes, with a specific focus on whether universities are delivering affordable, high-quality education while maintaining free speech, academic standards, and accountability to the public. McMahon […]
- The main lesson from DEQ’s groundwater report: Virginia must budget to live within environmental limits
The timing of the release of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s report on groundwater availability last month was suspicious, given that it was completed in January but not made available to lawmakers or the public until several months after the General Assembly’s legislative session. The science presented in the report is impressive, while its […]
- Spotsylvania County School Board Maintains Stance Against Drug Testing Requirement
The Spotsylvania County School Board held a vote on a proposal to mandate drug testing for teachers and school staff who work directly with children. The board ultimately decided against adopting the requirement during this session. This marks the second occasion in which the measure failed to gain approval. Lorita Daniels changed her vote from […]
- Bill DeSteph Discusses Regulation Effects on Business Location Choices
Senator Bill DeSteph spoke in the Virginia Senate about the role of regulations in business decisions affecting the state. He referenced experiences from the 1990s and early periods when employers with over 600 employees considered locations in Virginia. The senator described how some of these companies ultimately selected other states for expansion. DeSteph pointed to […]
- What candidates have planned for Virginia’s coast could decide a key congressional race
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. With Virginia’s Aug. 4 primaries in the rearview mirror, the ballot is set in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts. In the state’s second congressional district, Republican […]
- Loudoun County Debates Extended Zoning Enforcement Hours
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors conducted a session focused on enforcing the code with possible 24/7 zoning oversight. Participants reviewed the operational aspects of extending enforcement beyond regular hours. The meeting addressed questions about implementation and resource allocation for such measures. Matt Letourneau participated in the discussion by questioning the safety and necessi
- Governor seeks participants for new corrections council to help shape Virginia prison reforms
Angel DeJesus spent much of his adolescence involved with Virginia’s Department of Juvenile Justice and a chunk of his adulthood in Virginia Department of Corrections facilities. He’s now a public speaker and youth mentor, after being pardoned by former Gov. Ralph Northam in January 2022. When he learned that Gov. Abigail Spanberger is assembling a […]
- Virginia Beach doctor pushes hospitals to establish protocols for dealing with Parkinson’s patients
By Yiqing Wang/WHRO Howard Weinberg keeps his Parkinson’s medication in a small container attached to his keychain, so he always has it wherever he goes. The retired doctor from Virginia Beach has to take the medication every six hours, at 1 o’clock and 7 o’clock, day and night. For him, that schedule is not optional. […]
- Rural Virginia has been kind to the GOP, yet Trump’s GOP allows rural healthcare to suffer
It would be easy to blame Republicans — especially the present White House occupant — for the steady atrophying of healthcare that’s readily accessible to Virginians in rural areas. You wouldn’t be wrong. You wouldn’t be totally right either. Policies put in place during President Donald Trump’s second term contribute substantially to the declining availability […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Discusses State Role in Data Center Zoning Decisions
Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner recently spoke about changes in how data center zoning decisions are being handled at the state level rather than locally. The discussion focuses on a shift where higher government bodies are assuming more control over these matters. This development has prompted questions about the balance between state and local responsibilities in […]
- Loudoun County Board Advances Legislative Position on Immigration Enforcement Cooperation
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a policy statement for its 2026 legislative program following a 6-3 vote on March 3. The statement supports state legislation encouraging transparency in civil immigration enforcement activities and limiting local law enforcement cooperation in immigration matters. This action was proposed by Algonkian District Supervisor Juli Briskman. Board member
- Loudoun County School Board Holds Discussions on School Safety and Operations
The Loudoun County School Board conducted meetings to discuss matters related to school resource officers in elementary schools and the renewal of agency nursing contracts. These sessions provided a forum for board members to review operational details and gather information from the community. No final decisions were reached during the initial discussions. Public participation is […]
- Congressional Candidate in Virginia’s 10th District Dave Beckwith Highlights Service Record
Dave Beckwith is running for the United States House of Representatives in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. In a recent statement, he noted that he swore an oath to defend the Constitution three decades ago and maintains that commitment in his current campaign. The district encompasses areas in northern Virginia where voters are preparing for primary […]