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

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

VA Wagers Billions Of Dollars On Sports: What To Know

How does Virginia rank in amount spent on sports gambling? And how much has it made the state?

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.

Cancer Cluster Ruled Out In Southwest Virginia, Though More Data Collection Is On The Horizon

Since last summer, the Virginia Department of Health has been investigating a potential pediatric cancer cluster in Southwest Virginia.

Flu Cases Surging In VA: What To Know About Subclade K Mutation

Virginia has high influenza rates, with hospitalizations soaring. What to know about the new “subclade K” mutation.

Major Changes To Childhood Vaccine Schedule Announced By CDC: What To Know In VA

​The CDC took the unprecedented step Monday of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for children. What it means for VA families.

Drastic Temperature Shift For NoVA As Winter Warms: Forecasters

After cold and blustery conditions at times during the holidays, a significant warm-up is in the forecast for the DC-Baltimore region.

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.

Virginia State Parks Open For Annual ‘First Day Hike' On New Year's Day

Virginia is again joining the nationwide First Day Hikes initiative on Thursday, Jan. 1, to encourage residents to explore its state parks.

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.

First Day Hikes 2026 In VA: 44 State Parks To Visit

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative to draw people outdoors on New Year's Day 2026. Check out where to hike in Virginia.

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.

3 VA Cities Among The Best Places To Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Analysts Say

Three Virginia towns plus DC are among the top cities for celebrating New Year's Eve 2026, but which U.S. city was No. 1? Find out here.

Winter Commuting Hazard Issued For VA With Snow In Forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a winter commuting hazard for the DC-Baltimore region since snow is possible Wednesday morning.

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.

Multiple VA Retailers Planning 2026 Closures: See List

Hundreds of big-name retail stores have announced plans to close locations in the U.S. in 2026. Here's what the Virginia impact could be.

House Fire Displaces 8 | Bomb Suspect Blames Trump Loss | School Staffer Charged: VA Weekend

Here are the headlines you may have missed from the weekend in Virginia.

These Beloved Retailers Permanently Closed In VA In 2025

Throughout the year, several retailers and chains announced plans to close or potentially close Virginia locations. See the full list.

These 15 VA Hospitals Are Ranked Among Best For Maternity Care

U.S. News has been evaluating hospitals that provide labor and delivery service since 2021, and this year evaluated a record 901 hospitals.

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."

Conservation Group Sues EPA Over PFAS Contamination In Virginia Waterways

Wild Virginia alleges the federal agency failed to require stronger protections for rivers and streams despite years of pollution data.

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.

Opening Of VA's Second Buc-ee's Travel Center Delayed: See Proposed New Date

The Texas-based​ company first announced its plans to build a Virginia location off Exit 211 on Interstate 64 in 2023.

Round Of Snow Possible In VA Ahead Of Christmas: Forecast

A wintry mix of snow and rain could impact some of the busiest travel days of the year for Virginia drivers. Here's the latest forecast.

Missing Man's Body Found | Holiday Lights Guide | Deadly DUI: VA Weekend

Here are the headlines you may have missed from the weekend in Virginia.

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.

These VA Restaurants Will Be Open, Offering Deals For Christmas 2025

It's a good idea to make holiday reservations now. Several Virginia restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

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.

Virginia Dept. Of Ed Projects K-12 Schools Will Need $1.2 Billion Over Next Two Years

The House and Senate estimated the baseline cost to cover schools was at least $844 million.