USA
- Eight school-based health clinics close in Southwest Virginia as federal funding pressures mount
Federally Qualified Health Centers in Southwest Virginia have shut down eight school-based health clinics, prompting the Virginia Community Healthcare Association to urge U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, to intervene. The association, which represents FQHCs across the state, sent Griffith a letter Thursday about the closures. The outreach program had served as an extension of health […]
- Feds launch groundbreaking electric plane pilot program in Virginia
A view of BETA Technologies’ Alia A250 Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft in Charlottesville. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Virginia hosted the first flight of the federal government’s advanced air mobility pilot program in Charlottesville on Friday, an electric aviation initiative that sets the stage for the nation to improve air transportation while boosting health […]
- Bert Mizusawa Suggests Capital Gains Exclusion Update for Housing Relief
Senate candidate Bert Mizusawa has presented a proposal to modify capital gains tax exclusions related to the sale of principal residences as a means to address housing supply issues. The suggestion focuses on revising limits that have stayed fixed since the late nineteen nineties. This adjustment is intended to encourage more property transactions and expand […]
- Virginia Senate Race Features Republican David Williams Challenging Incumbent Mark Warner
David Williams, a Republican, is seeking the party’s nomination for U.S. Senate in Virginia ahead of the 2026 elections. His campaign focuses on opposing the reelection of incumbent Senator Mark Warner. Williams has been active in connecting with voters through various events and online platforms. The Republican primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026, with […]
- Resident Voices Concerns Over Proposed Rosslyn Boathouse at Arlington Meeting
During a public comment period at an Arlington County Board meeting, a resident presented objections to the proposed Rosslyn Boathouse project. The comments centered on the use of bond funding and the timing relative to other planned work in the area. The speaker suggested that neighborhood improvements should receive higher priority in budget decisions. The […]
- Virginia Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Addresses Questions on Donations and Advocacy Ties
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, Democrat from Virginia, engaged in a discussion covering his sponsorship of House Resolution 69 condemning Hinduphobia and his participation in an event hosted by the Coalition of Hindus of North America. The Coalition has been referenced in external reports as connected to networks advancing Hindu nationalism in the United States. During the […]
- Physician Addresses Prince William County School Board on Screen Time in Elementary Education
A physician delivered remarks to the Prince William County School Board regarding the use of iPads in elementary classrooms. She described how these devices affect young students by limiting access to other forms of learning. The speaker noted that children develop visually and cognitively through a variety of methods. Her presentation outlined reasons for reconsidering […]
- Observation at State Fair Notes Virginia Booth Status
During the America 250 Great American State Fair, an event marking the nation’s quarter-millennium anniversary, one state’s exhibit drew attention for its closed appearance. Virginia’s booth remained locked and without staff present, unlike those of other participating states that operated with open access. This detail emerged from direct observations shared widely online and in media […]
- George Mason University President Receives Reported Annual Compensation of $1.245 Million
The president of George Mason University receives a compensation package reported at $1,245,000 per year in addition to several benefits. This amount comprises a salary of $870,000, a potential annual bonus reaching $125,000, $50,000 in annual accrual, and $200,000 in deferred compensation. Additional provisions include support for travel, a vehicle, club access, and housing. The […]
- Amid Virginia drought conditions, data centers face same restrictions as all water customers
About one-third of the state of Virginia is under extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and Gov. Abigail Spanberger is urging citizens to conserve water. So when local water authorities implement restrictions on water use, are there specific carve outs and rules for data centers, which use hundreds of thousands of gallons […]
- Senator Scott Surovell calls out Governor Spanberger for allegedly bypassing the law
During a legislative session Senator Scott Surovell raised points about revenue forecasting procedures. He referenced a veto that had already taken place on a related bill. Surovell discussed a press release concerning the committee on revenue estimates. The board’s role on that committee was noted in his comments. He inquired about the possibility of independent […]
- Concerns Emerge About Content Access on School Devices
During a recent public meeting, a parent presented observations about content discovered on a school-issued iPad assigned to a child. The material was described as brain rot and linked to unrestricted access on YouTube. This report has drawn attention to practices surrounding the use of such devices in educational settings. The parent detailed how the […]
- Fairfax County School Board Discusses Technology Integration for Early Learners
Melanie Meren participated in a Fairfax County School Board meeting focused on technology in early elementary classrooms. The session addressed parent questions regarding the provision of tablets to students in kindergarten through second grade. Officials reviewed how devices support learning objectives in those age groups. The Fairfax County School Board manages educational policies for the […]
- Virginia class action proposal dies after Spanberger veto
Virginia will remain one of only two states without a formal class action process in its state courts after Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week vetoed legislation that would have allowed groups of Virginians with similar legal claims to sue collectively in a single case. The veto followed lawmakers’ rejection of a significant rewrite of the […]
- Fairfax School Board Discusses AI Integration in Education
Kathy Smith, serving on the 12-member Fairfax County School Board in Virginia, presented observations regarding artificial intelligence in educational environments. She drew comparisons to the integration of social media and advocated for instruction on safety and literacy. The board includes Chair Sandy Anderson, Karl Frisch representing the Providence District, Melanie Meren of the Hunter Mill [
- Virginia braces for dangerous heat wave ahead of Fourth of July weekend
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday urged Virginians to prepare for dangerous heat and humidity expected to blanket much of the commonwealth through the Fourth of July weekend, with forecasters warning heat index values could reach as high as 115 degrees in some areas. The National Weather Service said Virginia is expected to face a prolonged […]
- Fairfax School Bus Camera Program Documents Thousands of Violations in Fairfax County
Fairfax County has installed cameras on school buses to catch stop-arm violators. The results include more than 58,000 incidents captured in just months. This data collection effort aims to address traffic safety concerns involving stopped school buses. The camera system records instances where drivers fail to stop for extended stop arms on school buses. Such […]
- Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice Reports 173 Committed Youth Admissions Including Cases at Bon Air
The Department of Juvenile Justice for fiscal year 2025 recorded 39,882 juvenile intake complaints across Virginia. Of those complaints 6,354 resulted in detainments and 2,241 led to probation placements. A total of 173 youth received committed admissions which account for less than one percent of the overall population served by the department. Bon Air Juvenile […]
- Prince William County School Board Faces Allegations Over NDA Proposal
The Prince William County School Board has been the subject of recent disclosures regarding an offer extended to a parent. This offer consisted of a payment amounting to twenty thousand dollars. The payment was linked to the execution of a nondisclosure agreement. The agreement sought to restrict the parent from making additional statements about certain […]
- Fairfax County Spotlights Historical Women Leaders in Science and Social Change
Katherine Johnson, born in 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability from a young age. Her parents emphasized education, enabling her to complete high school by age 13 and attend West Virginia State College, where she exhausted the available mathematics curriculum. After teaching, Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics […]
- Miyares Testimony Addresses Fairfax Immigration Detainer Issues
Attorney General Jason Miyares presented details regarding the effects of sanctuary policies in Fairfax County during a recent public testimony. The remarks centered on cases where local authorities declined to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests, leading to the release of individuals later associated with additional criminal activity. Miyares referenced a woman ident
- Questions Raised on Fairfax County ICE Notification Practices
Stacey Kincaid and Steve Descano have addressed their practices concerning notifications to ICE in Fairfax County. The officials have maintained that certain legal considerations prevent routine contact with federal immigration authorities. These positions were examined during recent public discussions where questions focused on the handling of released suspects. The refusal to notify ICE has been
- Fairfax County Steve Descano and Stacey Kincaid Under Scrutiny Following Fatal Stabbing of Stephanie Minter
Hybla Valley, Va. — The February 23, 2026, stabbing death of 41-year-old Stephanie Minter at a Northern Virginia bus stop has intensified national debate over local immigration enforcement, prosecutorial discretion, and public safety in sanctuary-style jurisdictions. Minter, a mother from Fredericksburg, was found dead at a bus stop on Richmond Highway in Fairfax County’s Hybla […]
- Abigail Spanberger signs rideshare safety bills tightening driver-checks, in-app protections
(Photo courtesy of Uber) Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation aimed at tightening safety standards for rideshare services in Virginia, accelerating new requirements for driver vetting, identity verification and in-ride protections. The two measures — House Bills 1273, sponsored by Del. Jackie Glass, D-Norfolk, and HB 1469 by Del. Lily Franklin, D-Montgomery — target companies […]
- Fairfax County Data Shows Releases of Deportable Individuals Despite Detainers
Available reports detail that Fairfax County holds a national ranking of third when it comes to the release of deportable individuals even when Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued detainers. This ranking is based on patterns observed over recent years, specifically involving more than one thousand such releases recorded between 2022 and 2025. The information […]
- Survey Data Highlights Concerns Over Fairfax County Schools’ Early Release Days and Absenteeism Trends
The discussion centered on Fairfax County School Board matters, with the board comprising Chair Sandy Anderson of Springfield District, Ricardy Anderson of Mason District, Melanie Meren of Hunter Mill District, Robyn Lady as Vice Chair from Dranesville District, Seema Dixit of Sully District, Tom Dannan, Marcia St. John-Cunning, Mateo Dunne, Karl Frisch, Kyle McDaniel, Ryan […]
- “You Have to Stop the Finger Pointing”: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay Unleashes New Barrage of Texts at School Board Member Melanie Meren, Defends “Bimbo” Insult and Demands End to Public Criticism
Fairfax County, Virginia (May 14, 2026) — The bitter feud between Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay and Hunter Mill District School Board member Melanie Meren intensified Thursday with the release of additional iMessage screenshots showing McKay repeatedly lashing out at Meren over her public opposition to the elimination of high school crossing […]
- SEIU Union Funds Fuel Expensive Virginia Redistricting Referendum That Was Later Struck Down
In early April 2026, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Virginia State Council announced a $500,000 contribution from member dues to Virginians for Fair Elections, the primary committee supporting a “Yes” vote on a controversial constitutional amendment for temporary legislative redistricting of congressional districts. The donation, highlighted in campaign finance disclosures on VPA
- Fairfax County School Board Considers Amendment to Reduce Elementary Early Release Days
The board, consisting of Chair Sandy Anderson (Springfield District), Ricardy Anderson (Mason District), Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District), Robyn Lady (Vice Chair, Dranesville District), Seema Dixit (Sully District), Tom Dunn (Dranesville District representative), Karl Frisch (Providence District), Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock District), Mateo Dunne, Marcia St. John-Cunning, Kyle McDaniel,
- Heated Exchange with Melanie Meren Fairfax County School Board Meeting Centers on Tech Contract Disclosure
During the session, Melanie Meren took the floor, holding a small potted plant adorned with pink flowers, to demand prompt transparency on the contract. She drew comparisons to previous board processes, such as the recompeting of the chief financial officer role, where information was shared directly. ‘In other instances like when we were recompeting our […]
- Concerns Mount Over Mold and HVAC Issues in Virginia Public Schools
A notable case cited involves schools in Chesterfield County’s Douglas District. There, significant delays in HVAC maintenance reportedly resulted in the release of Legionella bacteria, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially deadly pneumonia. Legionella proliferates in water droplets from cooling towers and ventilation systems when not regularly cleaned and disinfected. This i
- Tensions Escalate at Fairfax County School Board Meeting Over Vote on Unfinished Calendar
Hunter Mill District’s Melanie Meren voiced strong reservations, noting past instances where motions passed without full review but insisting she required a complete view before voting. ‘We’ve had motions voted,’ she said, adding, ‘until I see it… that is part of this process.’ Meren argued that proper presentation to the board enables informed decision-making, a […]
- George Washington University Hires Judge Overseeing Antisemitism Case Against It to Teach Discretionary and Ethics Judgment
The Washington Free Beacon showed that George Washington University hired a federal judge who is presiding a lawsuit accusing GW Law of “pervasive antisemitic harassing” to teach a GW Law class on “ethics, discretionary judgment and social media posts.” The judge, Biden’s appointee Loren AlKhan, is yet to recuse from the case. Legal experts have […]
- Loudoun County Approves Zoning Amendments to Facilitate Reconstruction of Agricultural Buildings
Rural zoning in Loudoun County is designed to promote and protect agricultural land use. Essential structures like barns support daily farm activities, including crop storage and animal care. Under the former rules, however, farmers encountered barriers if prior activities on the property conflicted with zoning classifications, preventing rebuilds despite clear natural disaster origins. Board disc
- 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 […]
- ‘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 Republicans Unanimously Approves Bill Easing Rental Lease Terminations for Military Personnel
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia General Assembly has delivered a strong show of support for the state’s military community by passing House Bill 174, which streamlines the process for active-duty service members to terminate their rental agreements when faced with permanent changes of station, deployments, or other official orders. HB174 amends the Virginia Residential Landlord […]
- 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 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 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.
- Op-Ed: Budget amendment would triple General Assembly member salaries, cost taxpayers more in retirement and frills
OINK, OINK — the hog is now the symbol of the Democratic Party in Virginia. Not even in power for two weeks, Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) introduced a budget amendment to triple the salaries of state senators and delegates to $45,000, effective January 2028. According to the budget amendment, taxpayers would be on the hook […]
- 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.
- They Promised Affordability. Then Came the Tax Hikes—and the Pay Raise
Promises of Affordability? More Like Broken Promises Virginia Democrats spent the campaign season hammering one message: affordability. Voters were told that Democrats would ease the financial burden on working families and make the state more affordable to live in. But since retaking control of Virginia’s government, their actions tell a very different story. Tax Hikes […]
- Powerless by Design: How the Virginia Clean Economy Act Sacrifices Affordability for Ideology
The VCEA: A Partisan Law with Sweeping Energy Mandates In 2020, the Virginia Legislature passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) in a vote largely along party lines. Democrats voted for the measure, and Republicans voted against it. The legislation was signed into law by Democratic Governor Ralph Northam. Do Virginians know what this law […]
- Virginia’s future higher education chapter should be collaborative and not competitive, says a university official
Virginia will face a workforce shortage in 2026 that cannot be resolved by doing business as usual. The region’s hospitals are facing some of the most high nursing vacancy rates. teacher shortages continue to strain classrooms, accelerating burnout and affecting school divisions from Hampton Roads to Southwest Virginia.
- Can farmland thrive with solar? This Virginia nonprofit is finding out.
More than a decade ago, residents of Loudoun County, Virginia, banded together to buy up treasured open space before it became a strip mall and housing development, donating the land to the Piedmont Environmental Council instead. The nonprofit has maintained it as a unique blend of cattle pasture, a nature preserve, and a community farm that donates its yield to a local food pantry.
- Southwest Virginia lands $11M boost to reclaim abandoned coal mines
Southwest Virginia has been making strides to bring new life to abandoned mine sites. Millions of dollars have been invested in the region to plug the old coal mines, restore the land, and repurpose the space for economic development.
- Chesterfield community members sustain opposition to proposed gas plant Dominion calls necessary
Members of the Chesterfield community gather before a DEQ meeting about the proposed Dominion Energy gas plant. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) “Enough is enough,” Jason Woodby said in a crowd of Chesterfield residents at the Department of Environmental Quality’s Aug. 7 informational meeting for a new Dominion Energy gas plant air permit. The utility […]
- NPR CEO Katherine Maher Who Said Once ‘America is Addicted to White Supremacy’ Now Says NPR needs federal funding to support ‘Rural Communities.’
Maher asked Republicans to provide examples of left-wing bias. They delivered
- Virginia agencies assist Texas flood recovery, share how state prepares for dangerous weather events
After tragic flooding in Texas claimed dozens of lives and wreaked havoc in several communities, Virginia weather and emergency officials are pitching in to the Lone Star State’s recovery efforts and sharing how they prepare for major weather events here at home.. Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Sunday announced two of the state’s swift water rescue […]