Virginia
- Kratom product sales to be regulated in Virginia
Del. Joshua Cole, D-Fredericksburg, never expected social media posts about a recreational drug would inspire a new consumer protection law, which he sponsored and was approved by Gov. Abigail Spanberger last month. Spanberger ceremonially signed Cole’s House Bill 360 on Tuesday, which creates new safeguards for the sale of kratom, a legal substance often used […]
- 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 […]
- Loudoun County Schools Nutrition Fund Faces Projected $6.6M Shortfall
Loudoun County Public Schools has identified a projected operating loss of $6.6 million in the School Nutrition Fund for fiscal year 2026. The projection accounts for cost increases driven by personnel that continue to exceed revenue growth rates. Fewer serving days contribute to the shortfall by reducing revenue while fixed costs persist. The ending fund […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia joins lawsuit to block EPA rollback of emission standards
Attorney General Jay Jones has joined 13 other attorneys general in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its proposal to repeal emissions standards for ethylene oxide, or EtO — a chemical often used by commercial sterilization facilities for medical supplies and considered one of the most toxic chemicals regulated under the Clean […]
- Supervisor Juli Briskman Voices Opposition to 50 New Substations in Loudoun
Loudoun County Supervisor Juli Briskman stated that 50 more substations are planned for the county. She indicated her plan to vote against the proposals because of the appearance of current designs. These structures have been described as visually unappealing to nearby residents. The issue has arisen in the context of ongoing county development activities. Briskman […]
- Private equity companies buy more apartment units in Virginia
Private equity firms own nearly 3 million apartment units, about 13% of the total apartments across the country, according to a new analysis from watchdog group Private Equity Stakeholder Project. And most have been fairly recent purchases. The companies acquired more than 1.7 million of those, or 57%, since 2018, and about 45% of them […]
- Virginia House, Senate to meet Monday as budget deadline inches closer
The Virginia House of Delegates will convene Monday afternoon in Richmond, House Clerk Paul Nardo confirmed Friday. The state Senate will meet the same day, as both chambers work towards resolving the state budget, which must be finalized by June 30 or risk a government shutdown. The House had been scheduled to meet Thursday but […]
- Loudoun County School Board Discusses Year-Round Schooling Proposal
During a meeting of the Loudoun County School Board, member Jon Pepper addressed the topic of year-round schooling. Pepper stated that he is vehemently against the idea and believes it would represent a mistake for the district. He outlined specific reasons for his position during the discussion. Pepper mentioned that year-round schooling could lead to […]
- Teacher Raises Concerns Over Prince William County School Scheduling Changes
A teacher spoke at a recent Prince William County School Board meeting regarding the district’s upcoming scheduling decisions. The comments focused on the challenges the changes would create for staff members across multiple schools. The presentation noted that the system as currently designed does not align with the practical needs of the teaching workforce. Details […]
- 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 eyes toll revenue for transit as express lane debate grows
Virginia is pushing to reinvest express lane and toll revenue into public transit instead of road projects, even as public concerns persist about using priced roadways. The focus on reinvesting express lane revenue is reflected in the estimated $46.5 million the commonwealth expects to generate from its express lanes, which are designed to mitigate congestion […]
- Debate Emerges Over Off-the-Record Meetings in Virginia
Virginia Democrats are considering allowing secret meetings out of the public eye. This consideration has led to a debate on whether transparency in state government might be affected. The discussion focuses on the implications for open proceedings. The topic involves the nature of off-the-record political meetings. One aspect highlighted is that gatherings involving more than […]
- Fairfax County Considers Affordable Housing Near Gas Stations Amid Health Discussions
Plans for affordable housing development in Fairfax County have drawn attention to the site’s location next to five gas stations. Community members have raised questions regarding possible health implications tied to emissions from these facilities. The discussion centers on benzene and other compounds associated with petroleum operations in the area. Visual materials include a map […]
- Jason Miyares Discusses Impact of Local Immigration Policies in Fairfax County
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares provided testimony regarding the effects of sanctuary policies in Fairfax County. The presentation centered on instances where local authorities did not comply with ICE detainer requests. Miyares referenced a series of cases that demonstrate outcomes from such non-cooperation. He described how these decisions relate to public safety concerns within the […]
- Fairfax County Weighs Affordable Housing Amid Gas Station Proximity Issues
Fairfax County is considering the development of affordable housing in an area situated next to five gas stations, as highlighted in recent presentations and maps. The location, shown on detailed maps with the Government Center at the center, features gas stations marked along Franconia Road and adjacent thoroughfares, creating a cluster that has drawn attention […]
- Testimony Presented to Prince William County School Board on Coach Conduct Allegations
Prince William County, VA — During a recent Prince William County School Board meeting, parent Mr. McDade delivered public testimony regarding his son’s treatment by a high school basketball coach. McDade stated that the coach has engaged in ongoing retaliation against his son over a period of several months. He told the board that despite […]
- House Passes Updates to Senate Bill 126 on Incumbent Filings
Richmond, VA — The Virginia House of Delegates has passed modifications to Senate Bill 126, introducing targeted adjustments to election filing deadlines for incumbent officeholders. During chamber proceedings, Delegate Marcia Price presented details on the legislation, which establishes clearer parameters for how current officeholders must manage their candidacy paperwork. Key Provisions of t
- The bald eagle’s comeback and centuries as national symbol
The bald eagle became a national symbol in 1782, appearing on the U.S. seal and government documents. But despite representing the country for almost 250 years, the raptor did not officially become the nation’s bird until 2024, when Congress passed legislation declaring it so and then-President Joe Biden signed it into law. Virginia lawmakers, conservationists […]
- 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 […]
- Starting next year, public bathrooms in new Virginia buildings must have diaper-changing stations
A baby changing table in a public restroom. (Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, had an “ah-ha” moment when her daughter, now three, was a newborn. She’d been at a restaurant and needed to change her diaper but there was no changing station in the bathroom. Virginia law […]
- Fairfax County School Board Examines Complete Cell Phone Ban in Schools
Moon directed a question to Superintendent Michelle Reid about potential disruptions from a bell-to-bell ban, determining that school systems would remain unaffected. Anderson supported this view, stating alongside Moon that the policy is sound, particularly as elementary and middle school students already operate without devices from kindergarten through eighth grade. The Fairfax County School Bo
- Prince William County Redirects Development Focus to Innovation Districts Near George Mason University
Historically, the Manassas Mall served as the community’s commercial core. Recent discourse acknowledges shifts in land-use patterns and zoning that have opened new growth avenues, particularly developments near George Mason since 2018 and 2019. These changes include recognition of downtown Manassas’ potential alongside university-linked innovation zones. Key projects include the Nexus234 Innovati
- Mother Testifies to Alleged Abuse, Fraud in Franklin City Public Schools Special Education Program
During the public comment period at a recent school board meeting, the parent, accompanied by a supporter, accused school officials of filing fraudulent truancy charges against her family after she reported abuse against her nonverbal autistic son, identified in related discussions as Elijah. She claimed the school submitted false statements to the court, resulting in […]
- Fairfax County Public Schools Employee Charged with Embezzling Over $40,000 from Hayfield Secondary School
Fairfax County, VA — A finance technician employed by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been charged with embezzling more than $40,000 from Hayfield Secondary School, according to authorities. The case, which came to light during a routine audit, highlights ongoing concerns about financial oversight in one of the nation’s largest school districts. fox5dc.com Stephanie […]
- Fairfax County Reports 58,000 School Bus Camera Findings on Stop Violations
Fairfax County has deployed cameras on school buses to document cases where drivers do not stop for the extended stop arm. The system activates when the bus displays its stop signal and records passing vehicles. This approach allows authorities to identify and address specific traffic infractions. Data from the cameras shows more than 58,000 incidents […]
- Fairfax County Counselor Addresses Concerns Over Excessive Screen Time for Young Children
Specifically, the counselor recounted experiences on a bus ride from the airport, while waiting in airport locations, and on planes, where every such child appeared to have a tablet in hand. ‘Stop handing tablets to kids everywhere,’ she urged, framing this as evidence of an unintended trend toward screen dependency from an early age. The […]
- Albemarle County Public Schools Employee Indicted on 11 Felony Counts in Sex Crimes Case Involving Multiple Juvenile Victims
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A 37-year-old employee of the Albemarle County Public Schools system has been charged with 11 felony counts related to alleged sex crimes involving children, according to the Albemarle County Police Department. Michael J. Swiney of Buckingham County was indicted by a grand jury on Monday, June 1, 2026, on seven counts of […]
- Loudoun County Supervisor Advocates Innovation in Data Center Infrastructure
Loudoun County Supervisor Laura TeKrony spoke at a Board of Supervisors meeting about advancing innovation in data center infrastructure. She stated that it is time to move away from constructing unattractive substations in favor of designs that better serve community interests. TeKrony highlighted the role of companies such as Dominion in exploring new methods for […]
- Richmond city and schools face scrutiny over 2 FOIA laws
One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealth’s leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed doors. While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act presumes all government business is by default public and requires officials to justify why exceptions should be made, too many Virginia leaders in […]
- Franklin City Launches Comprehensive Mentorship Programs for Student Success
The initiatives feature a prom experience designed to offer a safe and special environment. Students across the city receive suits, dresses, and sneakers sourced from Hampton Roads partners, enabling full participation without financial burden. Visuals of student groups in formal wear with sashes underscore the program’s reach, gathering dozens of young people for these events. […]
- Loudoun Board Chair Addresses Dominion Energy Stance at Supervisors Session
Loudoun County Board Chair Phyllis Randall spoke at a Board of Supervisors meeting about interactions with Dominion Energy. She characterized the company’s attitude as intransigent and dismissive in her statements. Randall described the challenges posed by this approach during discussions on local matters. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors includes Chair Phyllis Randall along with […]
- Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik Opposes Tysons Casino Proposal
In Fairfax County, a supervisor has slammed the proposed Tysons casino as a Senator’ Scott Surovell’s vanity project. The criticism highlights massive community opposition to the development. Economic concerns have been cited as a key factor in the resistance. Residents are fighting to protect the local vision for the area. The supervisor’s remarks underscore the […]
- Virginia officials urge hurricane preparedness as 2026 storm season begins
With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season underway, Virginia officials are urging residents to prepare now for severe weather that can bring flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes and prolonged power outages across the commonwealth. State leaders gathered Wednesday at the Virginia Emergency Operations Center in Richmond for hurricane preparedness briefings and tabletop simulations meant to test coordi
- Virginia Senator Richard Stuart Discusses Urban-Rural Policy Challenges
Senator Richard Stuart spoke before the Virginia legislature about distinctions between rural and urban areas in the state. He described how certain daily practices common in rural settings differ from those in cities, leading to potential misunderstandings in lawmaking. These observations focused on practical elements of life outside urban centers. The presentation highlighted examples such […]
- Local Mother Raises Retaliation Claims Against Franklin City School Board Over Child’s Removal
During her remarks, the speaker held documents and emphasized her repeated requests for assistance, presenting text messages, phone calls, and paperwork as evidence. She characterized the school’s response as an abuse of authority and bully tactics, questioning whether this constitutes the treatment parents receive for speaking out. The mother called for immediate corrective action, stating […]
- Fairfax County School Board Reviews O-Days Policy on Instructional Time
The Fairfax County School Board held discussions on the role of O-Days within the county’s public school system. These designated periods impose limits on assessments and teacher planning activities. Participants in the meeting evaluated how the restrictions influence the amount of instructional time provided to students. During the session board members examined the structure of […]
- Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs wetlands, PFAS and flooding bills
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs an environmental bill into law in Stafford, VA on May 6, 2026. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) On the banks of Aquia Creek in Stafford, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday signed a slew of bills designed to protect Virginia’s clean water from harmful forever chemicals and aid communities as sea levels […]
- House Judiciary Committee Launches Investigation into Arlington County Prosecutor Parisa Dehghani-Tafti Over Alleged Sanctuary Policies and Public Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON — The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has opened a formal oversight investigation into Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church, Virginia, accusing her office of implementing sanctuary-style policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens and endanger local communities. In a letter dated May 4, 2026,
- 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
- Virginia House Bill 53 Proposes Adjustments to School Bullying Definition
The Virginia House of Delegates took up House Bill 53 during its 2026 regular session, focusing on adjustments to the definition of student bullying in public schools. The legislation, introduced on December 29, 2025, seeks to amend and reenact Section 22.1-276.01 of the Code of Virginia. Specifically, the bill addresses student bullying by adjusting the […]
- Loudoun County Board Advances Data Center Approval on Consent Agenda
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors moved a data center approval to its consent agenda during a recent session. Phyllis Randall participated in the decision along with other Democratic members of the board. This action resulted in the item receiving approval without extended discussion or individual votes. The procedural choice has led to comments from […]
- Fairfax County Schools Install Stop-Arm Cameras for Bus Safety
Fairfax County Schools have placed fifty stop-arm cameras into active use on school buses. Fifty additional cameras are set to come online by the fall. The effort targets illegal passing of buses stopped for student loading and unloading. This development aims to enhance overall traffic safety around schools. The safety of students receives focused attention […]
- Virginia’s colleges and universities brace for major accreditation overhaul
Virginia’s colleges and universities may soon face heightened competition and political scrutiny, educators and related groups say, as the U.S. Department of Education advanced draft rules last week that could change how institutions are accredited under stronger federal oversight and stricter accountability measures. This process plays a central role in U.S. higher education because it […]
- Separate Tax Rates for Land and Improvements in Fredericksburg
The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session featured the introduction of House Bill 72, a piece of legislation focused on modifying real property tax rules for the City of Fredericksburg. The bill was prefiled on December 31, 2025, and officially offered on January 14, 2026, after being ordered printed. Upon introduction, it was referred to the […]
- Virginia farmers talk meat production, fertilizer costs with USDA officials
United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy traveled to Doswell Wednesday to meet with Virginia farmers and meat producers and discuss the challenges they face – and what the federal government can do to help. Limited access to local meat processors is a persistent challenge […]
- Student Testifies on Smartphone Impacts at Fairfax County School Board
During a meeting of the Fairfax County School Board a student delivered testimony regarding the effects of smartphones on middle school students. The speaker recounted receiving a smartphone at age 12 in seventh grade. She described how this introduction led to interactions with media and public content that differed from typical adolescent experiences. The account […]
- New law will enhance emergency response for people with disabilities
Two things inspired Del. Leslie Mehta, D-Chesterfield, the most when she sought public office: her now-deceased eldest daughter Brooke and her passion for healthcare policy. Both converged in the first piece of Mehta’s legislation to be signed into law by Gov. Abigail Spanberger. House Bill 1370, she said, is about “making sure that those with […]
- Fairfax County School Board Recognizes Coach Vaughn Lewis Contributions
Ricardy Anderson, the Mason District representative on the Fairfax County School Board, spoke during a formal resolution to dedicate the Vaughn Lewis Field. Her comments focused on the idea that coaching for Lewis amounted to more than a job and instead represented a calling that extended beyond typical duties. The remarks formed part of the […]
- Measure Allowing Localities to Revert Local Election Schedules
Delegate Rob Bloxom has introduced House Bill 51 in the 2026 Virginia House of Delegates session to amend provisions governing the timing of certain local elections. The legislation would alter Section 15.2-1400 of the Code of Virginia and repeal the second enactment clause from Chapter 103 of the 2021 Acts of Assembly. This change targets […]