Richmond
- Move over, sheep. Cattle are grazing solar sites, too, and that’s good news for Virginia.
Cows graze under solar panels at Silicon Ranch’s 3.5-MW solar farm in Rutherford County, Tennessee. (Photo courtesy Silicon Ranch) The conventional wisdom was wrong. And having helped spread the conventional wisdom, I was wrong, too. Mea culpa. It turns out sheep aren’t the only animals capable of handling the job of vegetation management on solar […]
- Virginia Democrats File Typo-Riddled Motion Seeking U.S. Supreme Court Review After State Court Strikes Down Redistricting Amendment
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Democrats have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a high-stakes redistricting dispute after the Virginia Supreme Court nullified a voter-approved constitutional amendment on procedural grounds, a development that preserves the state’s current congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on May 8, 2026, […]
- Supreme Court of Virginia strikes down redistricting amendment, keeps current maps in place
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday struck down the voter-approved redistricting amendment, upholding a lower court ruling that had declared the measure unconstitutional less than 24 hours after last week’s special election and briefly halted its implementation. The […]
- Virginia Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter-Approved Redistricting Amendment, Sparking Debate Over Procedural Rules Versus Voter Intent
RICHMOND, Va. — On May 8, 2026, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a Democrat-backed constitutional amendment authorizing temporary partisan redistricting of congressional districts violated the state constitution’s procedural requirements. The decision nullifies the results of the April 21 special election referendum, in which voters narrowly approved the measure by approximately 51.7% to 48.3
- State bus line debuts new east-west route that connects 10 cities across Virginia
The state’s bus line The Virginia Breeze launchd a new east-west route, The Tidewater Current, on April 20, 2026. Passengers may travel from Virginia Beach to Harrisonburg, with multiple stops along the way. (Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation) Travelers looking to traverse the commonwealth from east to west and vice versa […]
- Abigail Spanberger’s first 100 days are flashing a warning Virginia Democrats should not ignore
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs bills to set referendums for four constitutional amendments on Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of gun bills on April 10, including a ghost gun ban, an industry liability measure and a closure of the intimate partner loophole. The bills are […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia Supreme Court weighs challenge to redistricting amendment
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Monday heard arguments over whether Democrats followed constitutional requirements in advancing a voter-approved redistricting amendment, zeroing in on disputes over election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of a special session last […]
- Data center tax exemption changes still holding up Virginia budget
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (left) and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas speak with reporters on Wednesday. (Photo by Charles Paullin/Inside Climate News) This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News (hyperlink to the original story), a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- March for Life abortion opponents hit the streets in Virginia March for Life
Attendees of Virginia March For Life in downtown Richmond on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) As the governor, advocates and lawmakers celebrated the new maternal health laws inside the Patrick Henry Building Wednesday morning, about 1,000 people gathered outside for the Virginia March for Life Hosted with support from the Family […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Koran Saines Denies Data Center Financial Ties During April 7 Board Meeting, But VPAP Records Show $15,000 in Donations from Construction Firms Tied to Data Center Projects
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — In a pointed defense of his integrity amid ongoing public scrutiny of data center development in Loudoun County, Sterling District Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D) told fellow Board of Supervisors members and residents on April 7, 2026, that he has not accepted any campaign contributions from data center companies. Yet Virginia […]
- Spanberger acts on immigration bills, seeks changes to ICE-related measures
Protesters hold signs outside Richmond City Hall in August during a rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions, calling for the city to bar local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week signed several immigration-related bills into law and proposed changes to others, clarifying how Virgin
- Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills wife, then himself, police say
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax presides over the state Senate during the 2020 General Assembly session in Richmond; police say he fatally shot his wife early Thursday morning before taking his own life. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own […]
- 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 […]
- Uptick in continued Virginia General Assembly legislation reflects varied motivations
The State Capitol in Richmond. (Photo by Kacy Lee/Capital News Service) By Kacy Lee/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. — Hundreds of bills were continued to 2027 following the recent Virginia General Assembly session that concluded in mid-March, a method political experts say is increasingly used by lawmakers for several reasons. A total of 2,366 […]
- Marijuana testing challenges persist as Virginia retail market nears
Photo of Virginia Cannabis Control Authority graphic with campaign material on their website. (Photo courtesy Virginia Cannabis Control Authority) By Stef Anderson/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. –THC breathalyzers are often discussed as a way to detect drivers under the influence, especially as Virginia closes in on a retail cannabis market, but questions remain about […]
- Oakhill Farm, Monroe’s Loudoun County estate on pause
Landscape near Oak Hill Farm in Loudoun County, the former seat of President James Monroe, where legislators are trying to create a public park. (Photo by Alessandra Caceres Mendoza/VCU Capital News Service) By Alessandra Caceres Mendoza/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation to purchase the former estate of the fifth Founding Father for use […]
- Virginia sees 33,000 ACA enrollment drop since subsidies expired, more likely on the way
(Photo by Getty Images) What might be pocket change to some can be a breaking point for others — forcing tough choices between health insurance and everyday essentials. As Virginians, and Americans nationwide, face premium spikes in the Affordable Care Act marketplace after Congress failed to renew subsidies, many are weighing the cost of coverage […]
- ‘Skill’ slot machines are a risky bet for Virginia
Skill games in a Richmond corner store. The games popped up in gas stations, convenience stores and bars around the state before they were outlawed. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) After 32 years in the United States Army and Virginia Army National Guard, I now spend my time managing my VFW Post’s charitable gaming activities. […]
- Virginia Lawmakers Debate Sales Tax Impact on School Funding Amid Richmond-Suburb Shopping Patterns
Under Virginia law, localities collect a 1% share of the 6% sales tax on transactions occurring within their borders. This money supports general funds, including K-12 schools, which derive about 45-55% of operating costs from local sources. In the Richmond region, the city has long faced challenges attracting major retailers. Residents often travel to Henrico […]
- Minimum Wage to $15 by 2028 Amid Close Vote
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate gave final legislative approval to House Bill 1 on March 4, 2026, passing the measure by a narrow 21-19 vote and sending it to Governor Glenn Youngkin for consideration. The bill, which incrementally raises the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028, codifies the current […]
- Virginia Concealed Carry Reciprocity Reform Bill Falters in House Public Safety Committee
RICHMOND, Va. – Legislation aimed at tightening Virginia’s concealed handgun permit reciprocity standards met a roadblock in the House Public Safety Committee, where House Bill 24 was left in committee on February 18, 2026. The measure, introduced by Delegate Dan Helmer of Fairfax, sought to introduce a more rigorous evaluation process for out-of-state permits, potentially […]
- Virginia HB4 Clears Senate Committee, Poised to Expand Local Control Over Affordable Housing Sales
RICHMOND, Va. — House Bill 4, a measure designed to preserve affordable housing in Virginia, advanced through the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on March 4, 2026, with a 9-6 vote. The bill, which passed the House of Delegates on February 2 by a 65-34 margin, now moves closer to a full Senate vote […]
- Virginia Legislature Overwhelmingly Approves HB 312 to Safeguard Consumers in Auto Glass Repair Industry
RICHMOND — In a display of strong bipartisan consensus, the Virginia General Assembly has advanced House Bill 312, establishing clear notice requirements for motor vehicle glass repair shops to protect consumers and ensure vehicle safety. The legislation, which ties violations to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, passed the House of Delegates by a vote of […]
- Virginia House Bill HB311 Aims to Enhance Driver Protections in Photo Speed Monitoring Enforcement
In the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, House Bill 311, introduced by Delegate Otto Wachsmann, sought to amend state law governing photo speed monitoring devices by requiring more detailed information on mailed summonses for captured violations.
- Virginia General Assembly Advances HB54 to Bolster State Government Talent Pipeline with New Internship Coordinator
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia General Assembly has made significant progress on House Bill 54, a measure aimed at strengthening the Commonwealth’s public sector workforce by establishing a dedicated State Government Internship Coordinator within the Department of Human Resource Management. Introduced by Delegate Rip Sullivan of the Sixth District, the legislation seeks to attract top-tier […]
- Virginia House Passes HB52 Unanimously to Boost Beneficial Use of Dredged Material for Coastal Protection
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia House of Delegates delivered overwhelming support for House Bill 52, passing the measure on a unanimous block vote of 98-0 on February 3, 2026. Sponsored by Delegate Robert Bloxom Jr. of the 100th District on the Eastern Shore, the legislation establishes a statewide policy to promote the beneficial reuse of […]
- Virginia House Advances Legislation Expanding Medicaid Telemedicine Access for Patient-Initiated Consultations
In a unanimous vote, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 1284 on February 13, 2026, incorporating provisions from House Bill 87 to broaden access to consultations under the state Medicaid plan managed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
- Washington County Sets April Special Election on School Sales Tax Amid Holston Merger Fears
Supervisors vote 5-2 for an April 6 referendum after a packed hearing; superintendent cites $200 million facilities needs while Damascus residents link the tax to Holston High consolidation fears.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $6.2 Million in Growth and Opportunity Virginia Grants
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced $6.2 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants for 10 projects that advance Virginia’s economic competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and strategic industry growth. The awarded projects will leverage an additional $4 million in investment.
- Loudoun residents take fight against high-voltage power lines for Data Center Alley to SCC
All year, the residents of the Loudoun Valley Estates neighborhoods in Ashburn have been railing against a proposed high-voltage power line that could run through their community to energize dozens of data centers on the other side of town.
- Virginia Democrats Push Forward with Retail Marijuana Market Launch in 2026
Virginia lawmakers have advanced a revised legislative framework to establish a regulated retail marijuana market, with sales potentially beginning as early as November 1, 2026.
- Virginia Democrats Propose Sweeping Changes to Marijuana Regulations in Latest Budget Push
Virginia Democrats have introduced proposed changes to the state’s cannabis framework as part of ongoing budget considerations, aiming to enhance the retail marijuana market through a focus on equity and statewide uniformity. The proposals include allocating funds for licensing support, eliminating local veto options on dispensaries, and mandating labor agreements for industry participants.
- Virginia Senate Republicans Call Out Democrats for Attack on Right To Work
RICHMOND, VA – Democrats spent all year promising they would not touch right to work and that they would protect the money in Virginians’ pockets. Now one of their first priorities is dismantling Virginia’s right to work laws and pushing mandatory collective bargaining, even though Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger promised she would not sign a repeal. “Democrats […]
- Rein in federal health care program that raises costs for Virginians
Virginians often have to choose between paying high health care expenses and their daily living costs at the gas station and grocery store. As a clinic worker in Tysons Corner I understand how vital it is that patients with chronic illnesses receive the care they require when they need it.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin Celebrate Virginia’s 59% Drop in Fentanyl Overdose Deaths
Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin joined a wide array of stakeholders and allies today at the Patrick Henry Building to celebrate the nearly 59 percent reduction in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths in the Commonwealth of Virginia today versus January 2022.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Issues Executive Order to Reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test in Virginia Schools
Executive Order 55 restores national benchmark to strengthen student health, character development, and academic excellence in schools across the Commonwealth. RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order (EO) 55 to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test in the Commonwealth’s public school divisions, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to whole-child wellness and academic
- 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.
- John Reid’s unconventional campaign
John Reid, Republican candidate for Governor, visited the Roanoke valley last week, and did what few other candidates would do.
- Virginia community college enrollment down as career, technical education signups increase
The number of students registering for dual enrollment and career and technical education continues to grow in the commonwealth, but simultaneously, student enrollment at Virginia’s community colleges has declined by 7% over nearly a 10-year period, creating a financial strain on the system and negatively impacting smaller colleges, state researchers revealed Monday.
- Glenn Youngkin Signature Sets Stage for Virginia Health Insurance to Cover in vitro fertilization Treatment
A bill that can help people start and grow their families through fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization will become law, after Gov.
- Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association Endorses Winsome Earle-Sears, Jason Miyares and John Reid
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. — The Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association (VBPBA) announced its endorsement of Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, along with the entire GOP ticket, underscoring the importance of strong, principled leadership to keep Virginia’s communities safe. In its statement, the Virginia Beach PBA emphasized its independence from the statewide Virginia Police Be
- Abigail Spanberger Refuses to Condemn Antisemitism From the Democrat Party Leadership — It’s Not the First Time
RICHMOND, VA — In what is becoming an alarming pattern, Abigail Spanberger refuses to condemn radical antisemitism in the Democrat Party. This time, Spanberger refused to address antisemitic social media posts by state Del. Sam Rasoul, a Roanoke Democrat who heads the House Education Committee. Rasoul called Zionism “evil” and “a supremacist ideology created […]
- Protesters in Richmond call for ban on local cooperation with ICE after wave of detentions
Protesters hold signs outside Richmond City Hall on Monday during a rally against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions, calling for the city to bar local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside Richmond City Hall Monday afternoon to protest what they called an escalation of […]
- Addiction treatment as an economic development strategy? Dickenson County, ravaged by substance abuse and overdose deaths, says yes
Developer Greg May was pulling out of the parking lot of a barbecue lunch he throws every year in Dickenson County when he heard a commotion and saw a large man running toward him, waving his arms and yelling. May stopped and rolled down the window. “Are you Greg May?” the man asked, and May […]
- Headlines from across the state: Youngkin directs National Guard to help with immigration enforcement; more . . .
Here are some of the top headlines from other news outlets around Virginia. Some content may be behind a metered paywall: Politics: Amtrak Virginia ridership increased exponentially this year. But is future growth in jeopardy? — Virginia Mercury. (See Cardinal’s previous report on how ridership on the Roanoke route increased faster than any other Virginia […]
- Dominion Electricity Provider Spends More Dollars on Politicians
Dominion Energy Virginia contributed an additional $1 million to Virginia state level politicians as large, late donations for the pre-primary elections.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces U.S. Department of Education Action on Title IX Violations in Northern Virginia School Divisions
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) determined that the gender policies of five school divisions in Northern Virginia – Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Prince William County and the City of Alexandria – violate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The school […]