Spanberger Appoints 27 To University Boards, Orders Study Of Selection Process

New governor’s actions follow fights between lawmakers and the Youngkin administration over college board appointees.

Virginia Lawmakers Send Reproductive Rights Amendment Toward November Vote

The measure advances after a party-line debate as Democrats cite urgency amid regional abortion restrictions.

Spanberger Sworn In As Virginia's First Woman Governor, Moves Swiftly To Set Agenda

Within hours of taking the oath as Virginia's first woman governor, Spanberger moved swiftly to define the priorities of her administration.

Abigail Spanberger Becomes VA's 1st Female Governor In Historic Inauguration

Spanberger defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in November's election to succeed Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Virginia Launches Website To Make Wetland Credits More Transparent

The new platform does not change how mitigation banks are operated in Virginia, but could make it easier to move through the process.

Virginia Senate Democrats Advance Mid-Decade Redistricting Amendment

A party-line vote advances a plan to redraw congressional maps, ending approval by incoming Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

VA Lawmakers Pass Redistricting Plan, Sending It To Voters

The amendment, which could give the Democratic Party three or four more seats in Congress, will likely appear on the ballot this spring.

Youngkin Looks Back On Four Years As Governor And Sees Transformation, Not Regret

In a wide-ranging interview, the outgoing governor defends his record on jobs, education and public safety amid criticism.

Lawsuit Filed To Protect Rare Appalachian Salamander Found In Virginia, Neighboring States

The Fish and Wildlife Service found in 2024 that there is a possibility the salamander may qualify for special protections under the Act.

Virginia Congressman Wittman Among Just 17 Republicans Nationally To Back ACA Credits Extension

The issue could test Virginia Republican representatives Wittman and Kiggans in the 2026 congressional midterm elections later this year.

After More Than 600 Days, Va. Lawmakers Adjourn 2024 Special Session

“I’m proud of the fact that we were able to get the redistricting amendment completed,” Speaker Scott said at a Wednesday press conference.

Democrats Retain House Districts 11 And 23 In Tuesday's Special Elections

Bulova and Franklin prevail as vacancies mount from Spanberger's cabinet picks.

Virginia Senate Democrats Pledge Action On Affordability As 2026 Session Begins

Leaders cite rising costs for housing, health care and energy, and signal openness to tax changes amid looming budget pressures.

Federal Lawmakers Try To Protect Va. Forests As Trump Administration Moves To Repeal Roadless Rule

400,000 acres of Virginia forest land are at risk of development if the rule is repealed.

Va. Senators Grill UVA Leaders Over DOJ Deal, Leadership Search, Diversity Programs

Senators urged UVA to demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering a diverse and equitable campus culture.

After Youngkin's Veto, Lawmakers Hope Spanberger Will Warm To Cost-Cutting Prescription Drug Board

Eleven states have set up Prescription Drug Affordability Boards to mixed success since 2019, as the novel concept continues proving itself.

What To Watch As Virginia's 2026 General Assembly Returns To Richmond

With Spanberger taking office, lawmakers reconvene this week to tackle abortion, voting rights, redistricting and a new state budget.

FOIA Friday: Records Show How Va. Is Trying To Reduce SNAP Error Rates

What Virginia officials withheld or disclosed, Jan. 1-Jan. 8, 2026.

Battery Storage Bills Make A Return After Previous Vetoes

Lawmakers aim to speed up renewable energy connections and expand dispatchable solar power.

Va. Transportation Board Transfers Rail And Trail Project Amid Public Concerns

After the board voted in support, the project was transferred to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.

As Federal Shifts Bump Up Va. Social Service Workloads, A Bill Proposing Tech Upgrades Could Help

1990’s-era IT adds to growing strains as federal mandates hand social service workers more work.

After Virginia Judges' Misconduct Became Public, Lawmakers Reinstated Secrecy

A 2025 law unwound a short-lived glimpse into judicial discipline in Virginia, leaving the public in the dark for judge conduct violations.

Here's What Virginia Is Doing So Far To Reduce Its SNAP Error Rate

States must reduce rates to 6% over the next year, or lose federal funding that supports the program.

The Virginia Mercury's Top 10 Stories Of 2025

Here is a roundup of our most-read stories and columns.

Social Security Payments To Increase In January: What VA Residents Should Know

​Social Security recipients in VA will see a larger January deposit as the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment kicks in. Here's what to expect.

Here Are 7 New VA Laws Going Into Effect On New Year's Day

From the minimum wage to expanded insurance coverage for cancer screening, these laws affecting Virginians go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Federally Qualified Health Centers In Va. Sue State For Low Medicaid Reimbursements

The suit claims that DMAS has “systematically understated the statutorily mandated PPS rate.”

Virginia DMV Launches New Online System For Highway Safety Grants

eGrants platform will open Feb. 1 as agency begins accepting applications for federal funding aimed at reducing traffic deaths and injuries.

Virginia Awarded $189 Million Rural Health Grant

Federal award falls short of the state’s $1 billion “VA Rural Vitality” proposal.

Study: Virginia Faces $23 Million Revenue Loss Due To International Student Enrollment Changes

“I think schools are really trying to be flexible with all the uncertainty,” Rachel Banks, director of public policy for NAFSA, said.

VA Student Loan Borrowers Could See Their Wages Garnished In 2026: What To Know

Millions of borrowers nationwide are considered in default.

As Supreme Court Pulls Back On Gerrymandering, State Courts May Decide Fate Of Maps

The U.S. Supreme Court’s brief, unsigned majority decision voiced concern about inserting federal courts into an “active primary campaign."

Dominion Offshore Wind Project Paused Over Cited National Security Concerns

Interior Department orders 90-day halt as the utility company warns delay could strain grid reliability.

Appointments Of Two Key Cabinet Roles Will Trigger Another Special Election In House District 17

Spanberger taps longtime budget writer Del. Mark Sickles as finance secretary, names Traci Deshazor to administration post.

Va. Delegation Teams Up To Back Reauthorization Of NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office Amid Budget Cuts

The bill will be considered when Congress returns to work after the holidays.

Future Of Federal Support For Va. Minority-, Women-Owned Businesses In Transportation In Question

Business owners in Virginia and Arkansas say the program has offered systemic corrections, created jobs, and built a workforce pipeline.

Amid Lawmaker Concerns, Va. Transportation Board To Consider Rail And Trail Plan In January

A plan to purchase a historic Shenandoah Valley rail line that includes developing a trail moved forward on Tuesday.

Va. Dept. Of Wildlife Resources Proposes Reducing Protections For Fish At Water Intakes

Researchers and conservationists say it could harm aquatic wildlife.

Va. Considers Nearly $700 Million Rail And Trail Plan In Shenandoah Valley

Delegate Tony Wilt asks VPRA board to delay any action.

Former ACLU Attorney Charlie Schmidt Wins Democratic Nomination In House District 77

Schmidt framed his victory as part of a broader political shift in Virginia, pointing to Democratic gains statewide.