Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
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An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
Lawmakers want to ban the use of herbicide paraquat in Virginia, which has been linked to Parkinson's Disease and is banned in 70 countries worldwide. But farmers are pushing back, saying alternative weed killers are too pricy and not as effective.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/bill-...
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Bill to ban the use of herbicide paraquat in Va. advances with narrow vote ⢠Virginia Mercury
The use of the controversial herbicide paraquat has been banned in 70 nations across the world but is used widely in Virginia.
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/bill-to-ban-the-use-of-herbicide-paraquat-in-va-advances-with-narrow-vote/
about 1 hour ago
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COMMENTARY: Democrats are asking voters to protect democracy by abandoning Americaâs most sacred of democratic principles: that voters get to choose their politicians, and that elections mean something, guest columnist Alex Keena writes.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/09/g...
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Gerrymandering in Virginia is a strategic blunder for Democrats ⢠Virginia Mercury
Democrats are asking voters to protect democracy by abandoning Americaâs most sacred of democratic principles: that voters get to choose their politicians, and that elections mean something, writesâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/09/gerrymandering-in-virginia-is-a-strategic-blunder-for-democrats/
about 4 hours ago
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The bills would lift the $25,000 housing grant cap for government workers, which supporters say will help them buy homes in the areas they serve. Opponents say the measures could be too costly and unfairly benefit high-earning workers in Northern Virginia.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/state...
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State lawmakers want to lift local caps on housing grants for government employees ⢠Virginia Mercury
Bills to eliminate the cap on local housing grants to help government employees live in the communities they serve have been advancing in Virginiaâs Senate and House of Delegates â but not withoutâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/state-lawmakers-want-to-lift-local-caps-on-housing-grants-for-government-employees/
about 6 hours ago
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Bills that could allow by-right zoning for apartment buildings, townhomes and mixed-use developments in certain commercial corridors cleared the Senate Thursday, one of several proposals to boost housing supply working through the Virginia legislature.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/h...
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âHousing near jobsâ bills have cleared Virginia House and Senate ⢠Virginia Mercury
Bills that could allow by-right zoning for apartment buildings, townhomes and mixed-use developments in certain commercial corridors cleared the Senate Thursday, one of several proposals to boostâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/housing-near-jobs-bills-have-cleared-virginia-house-and-senate/
3 days ago
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Democratic legislators advanced a package of bills to tighten federal immigration operations in Virginia, including ones to require judicial warrants for courthouse arrests and restrict immigration enforcement in schools, polling places and other public spaces.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/h...
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House panel advances bills limiting ICE activity in Virginia ⢠Virginia Mercury
A Democratic House subcommittee early Friday morning advanced a broad slate of bills aimed at tightening how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can operate in Virginia. Lawmakers and supportersâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/house-panel-advances-bills-limiting-ice-activity-in-virginia/
3 days ago
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A report found more than 5 million Virginians live in an area âwithout sufficient staffing to maintain the critical functionsâ of emergency management. Lawmakers punted a bill to set aside $5 million to help localities hire full-time emergency managers.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/b...
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Bills to bolster local emergency management personnel funding punted ⢠Virginia Mercury
Report shows millions of Virginians live in an area âwithout sufficient staffing to maintain the critical functionsâ of emergency management
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/bills-to-bolster-local-emergency-management-personnel-funding-punted/
3 days ago
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Virginia Democrats dropped their long-awaited congressional map Thursday, proposing a 10â1 split. The plan largely keeps the 9th mostly intact, redraws Northern and central Virginia, and presses forward despite an ongoing court fight ahead of April referendum.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/v...
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Virginia Democrats release long-awaited 10â1 congressional map ⢠Virginia Mercury
After weeks of buildup and a missed self-imposed Jan. 30 deadline, Virginia Democrats on Thursday evening finally released their long-awaited revised congressional maps, proposing an aggressive 10â1 c...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/virginia-democrats-release-long-awaited-10-1-congressional-map/
4 days ago
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reposted by
Virginia Mercury
Markus Schmidt
4 days ago
NEW: Virginia House Democrats pushed through a sweeping package of gun control bills Thursday â including an assault weapons ban, industry liability measures and tighter storage rules â over fierce GOP opposition.
#Valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/h...
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House Democrats pass sweeping gun control package over GOP objections ⢠Virginia Mercury
Virginia House Democrats on Thursday muscled through a sweeping package of gun control legislation, passing more than half a dozen bills aimed at restricting access to certain firearms, tightening sto...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/house-democrats-pass-sweeping-gun-control-package-over-gop-objections/
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Virginia Mercury
States Newsroom
4 days ago
A bill by outgoing Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, that would remove Confederate monuments from Virginiaâs Capitol Square advanced in the state legislature Wednesday. via
@virginiamercury.com
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Bill, if successful, would remove Confederate monuments from Virginiaâs Capitol Square
A bill by outgoing Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, that would remove Confederate monuments from Virginiaâs Capitol Square advanced in the state legislature Wednesday.
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bill-if-successful-would-remove-confederate-monuments-virginias-capitol-square
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A Virginia Senate bill to remove Confederate monuments from Capitol Square advanced in committee, directing officials to take down and store the statues pending a final decision. The measure reflects ongoing debates over how the state commemorates its past.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/b...
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Bill, if successful, would remove Confederate monuments from Virginia's Capitol Square ⢠Virginia Mercury
They were erected in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when laws disenfranchising Black Americans were enacted and memorials to the Confederacy were surfacing in public spaces like courthouses and other...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/bill-if-successful-would-remove-confederate-monuments-from-virginias-capitol-square/
4 days ago
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Dozens of Democratic tax bills are fueling GOP attacks on Gov. Spanberger â but most are still lingering in committee, and the governor hasnât backed them. Meanwhile, lawmakers have already advanced multiple bills tied to Spanbergerâs affordability agenda.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/a...
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Affordability or tax hikes? Spanberger agenda caught in political crossfire ⢠Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger made affordability the centerpiece of her 2026 agenda, promising relief for Virginians strained by high housing costs, rising energy bills and everyday expenses. But less than ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/affordability-or-tax-hikes-spanberger-agenda-caught-in-political-crossfire/
4 days ago
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Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ended an agreement allowing Virginia State Police and corrections officers to assist ICE, fulfilling a campaign promise to refocus law enforcement on state duties. Republicans say the move puts politics over public safety.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/s...
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Spanberger ends ICE agreement involving Virginia State Police and corrections officers ⢠Virginia Mercury
The agreement â which stems from Gov. Glenn Youngkinâs administration â had effectively placed state law enforcement under federal control and supervision to conduct civil immigration enforcement.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/spanberger-ends-ice-agreement-involving-virginia-state-police-and-corrections-officers/
5 days ago
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reposted by
Virginia Mercury
States Newsroom
5 days ago
Unlikely allies worked to pass probation reform bills last year that created a workgroup to refine the proposal this year. via
@virginiamercury.com
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Virginia on track to reform probation following bipartisan bills
Unlikely allies worked to pass probation reform bills last year that created a workgroup to refine the proposal this year.
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/virginia-track-reform-probation-following-bipartisan-bills
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Virginia is on track to revamp its probation system after bipartisan bills moved forward this session, aiming to reduce supervision lengths, cut revocations, and improve outcomes for people leaving the justice system.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/v...
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Virginia on track to reform probation following bipartisan bills ⢠Virginia Mercury
If enacted, the legislation will allow formerly incarcerated people to be released from probation after a year if they demonstrate their rehabilitation by meeting certain benchmarks laid out by their ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/virginia-on-track-to-reform-probation-following-bipartisan-bills/
5 days ago
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Virginia lawmakers advance a bill to tighten biosolids rules amid rising concern over PFAS âforever chemicals,â with advocates saying the state shouldnât become a dumping ground and critics warning of impacts on farms and wastewater costs.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/w...
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âWe don't want to become the dumping groundsâ: biosolids bill advances ⢠Virginia Mercury
Community concerns over PFAS continues to grow across the commonwealth.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/we-dont-want-to-become-the-dumping-grounds-biosolids-bill-advances/
5 days ago
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Virginia watermen are pushing back hard against proposed terrapin protections that would require devices on crab pots to keep northern diamondback turtles out, saying it adds cost and could hurt the crab fishery.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
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Va. watermen push back against terrapin protections on crab pots ⢠Virginia Mercury
Legislation looks to require devices on some crab pots to prevent turtles from getting stuck inside.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/va-watermen-push-back-against-terrapin-protections-on-crab-pots/
6 days ago
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Virginia lawmakers have introduced the Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act to ban toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury and PFAS from beauty products sold in the state.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
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Virginia lawmakers seek ban on toxic chemicals used in cosmetics ⢠Virginia Mercury
House Bill 122 seeks to bolster consumer protections by banning toxic ingredients used in the beauty industry.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/virginia-lawmakers-seek-ban-on-toxic-chemicals-used-in-cosmetics/
6 days ago
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reposted by
Virginia Mercury
Markus Schmidt
6 days ago
𧨠As ICE eyes expansion in Virginia, former Gov. Glenn Youngkinâs last-day directive to sell a shuttered Augusta County prison is drawing scrutiny over a potential detention site. Gov. Abigail Spanberger has since paused the sale.
#vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/a...
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As ICE seeks to expand footprint in Va., Youngkinâs final-day prison sale directive draws scrutiny ⢠Virginia Mercury
On his last full day in office, outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin instructed state officials to move forward with selling the shuttered Augusta Correctional Center to a Florida-based asset management compa...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/as-ice-seeks-to-expand-footprint-in-va-youngkins-final-day-prison-sale-directive-draws-scrutiny/
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A bill that would set up a framework for siting solar projects that localities could follow and that prohibits the premature rejection of solar infrastructure development has passed the Virginia Senate.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/v...
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Va. bill to boost local approvals of solar projects advances ⢠Virginia Mercury
A bill that would set up a framework for siting solar projects that localities could follow and that prohibits the blocking solar projects.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/va-bill-to-boost-local-approvals-of-solar-projects-advances/
7 days ago
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Attorney General Jay Jones has announced that Virginia will sue the EPA over its rollback of the Clean Air Act and last week he helped open the door for the state to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, marking early actions on environmental issues.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/v...
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Va. AG Jones joins lawsuit against EPA effort to roll back Clean Air Act ⢠Virginia Mercury
EPA lawsuit announcement marks second action Jones has taken on climate-related issues in recent days.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/va-ag-jones-joins-lawsuit-against-epa-effort-to-roll-back-clean-air-act/
7 days ago
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The 2025 annual report on Hampton Roads Ventures, a for-profit subsidiary of Norfolkâs housing authority, reveals a $15 million investment in two projects in other states â but none in Norfolk. Some City Council members are losing patience.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/n...
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Norfolk council members losing patience with community funderâs failures ⢠Virginia Mercury
Hampton Roads Ventures' 2025 annual report reveals a $15 million investment in two projects in other states, but none in Norfolk.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/norfolk-council-members-losing-patience-with-community-funders-failures/
7 days ago
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A Fairfax County Public Schools teacher says one of her colleagues helped students seek abortions without parental consent. The school system investigated and refutes her claims. Now the case is in federal court, as a Virginia State Police probe continues.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/f...
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Fairfax case alleging school-assisted abortions now in federal court ⢠Virginia Mercury
FCPS teacher Zenaida Perez, plaintiff in the case, is seeking to prove that school officials have defamed her and are in violation of the Virginia Whistleblower Protection Law. Perez alleged in 2025âŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/fairfax-case-alleging-school-assisted-abortions-now-in-federal-court/
7 days ago
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A case playing out before the State Corporation Commission over a controversial high-voltage transmission line in Northern Virginia has inspired legislation in the General Assembly designed to keep the powerful lines away from residential areas and schools.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/v...
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Va. delegateâs bill would limit where high-voltage transmission lines can be built ⢠Virginia Mercury
Lawmakers consider legislation to keep high-voltage transmission lines away from schools and residential areas.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/va-delegates-bill-would-limit-where-high-voltage-transmission-lines-can-be-built/
10 days ago
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reposted by
Virginia Mercury
States Newsroom
10 days ago
Virginia officials approved more than $545,000 in opioid settlement grants in January to support local treatment, recovery and prevention programs. via
@virginiamercury.com
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Five Virginia localities awarded opioid settlement funds for new programs
A committee of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority approved more than half a million dollars in new grants this month, directing settlement funds to five localities for programs aimed at reducingâŚ
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/five-virginia-localities-awarded-opioid-settlement-funds-new-programs
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Clarke, Franklin, Henrico and Patrick counties and the city of Fairfax just got a $545,429 cash infusion from the state to expand opioid abatement programs and strengthen community-based responses to addiction and overdoses.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/f...
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Five Virginia localities awarded opioid settlement funds for new programs ⢠Virginia Mercury
A committee of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority approved more than half a million dollars in new grants this month, directing settlement funds to five localities for programs aimed at reducingâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/five-virginia-localities-awarded-opioid-settlement-funds-for-new-programs/
10 days ago
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A bill that would provide more protections to renters whose landlords don't remedy critical maintenance issues or unlivable conditions is up for debate, and another that would allow localities to set caps on how much landlords are allowed to raise rents each year.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/d...
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Democrats try to âbalanceâ rentersâ rights with landlordsâ rights in proposed housing bills ⢠Virginia Mercury
âWe know that we are not going to be able to build our way immediately, and we know that this is a real burden and an affordability issue that all of us care about in Virginia, for the families whoâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/democrats-try-to-balance-renters-rights-with-landlords-rights-in-proposed-housing-bills/
10 days ago
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Virginia lawmakers are reviving long-stalled paid sick leave and family & medical leave bills in the 2026 General Assembly as Democratic control and a supportive new governor boost chances of passage.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/v...
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Va. lawmakers try again on paid sick leave and family medical leave bills ⢠Virginia Mercury
In Virginia, there is no state policy that sets a minimum for paid sick days, so itâs up to companies whether they offer them or not. A multi-year effort to require paid sick leave for workers is up f...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/va-lawmakers-try-again-on-paid-sick-leave-and-family-medical-leave-bills/
11 days ago
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Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joins 21 other attorneys general in condemning what they call unconstitutional federal pressure on Minnesota, warning DOJ demands tied to immigration enforcement threaten state sovereignty, public safety and community trust.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/v...
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Virginia AG Jones joins 21 attorneys general condemning DOJ pressure on Minnesota ⢠Virginia Mercury
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined 21 colleagues on Thursday in sharply condemning the U.S. Department of Justiceâs latest push to force Minnesota officials to surrender sensitive state data a...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/virginia-ag-jones-joins-21-attorneys-general-condemning-doj-pressure-on-minnesota/
11 days ago
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Virginia lawmakers and Native tribes teamed up to push education and sovereignty reforms aimed at confronting the legacy of a racist 1920s law that barred Native children from schooling in the state for decades.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/l...
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Lawmakers, Va. Native tribes pitch education, sovereignty reforms to address historic injustices ⢠Virginia Mercury
The Virginia legislature plans to address the impact of a racist 1920s policy that for decades prohibited Native American children from pursuing education beyond 7th or 8th grade.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/lawmakers-va-native-tribes-pitch-education-sovereignty-reforms-to-address-historic-injustices/
11 days ago
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Hundreds packed a Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday as the board pushed back against a DHS plan to convert an Ashland warehouse into an ICE processing facility. Supervisors cited land-use conflicts, lack of consultation and fiscal impacts.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/n...
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âNot the right location:â Hanover supervisors, residents oppose DHS ICE facility ⢠Virginia Mercury
Amid nationwide shock over recent ICE-related deaths in Minneapolis that have ignited protests and debate over federal immigration enforcement, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday pus...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/29/not-the-right-location-hanover-supervisors-residents-oppose-dhs-ice-facility/
11 days ago
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Virginia Mercury
Markus Schmidt
12 days ago
NEW: Virginia Democrats roll out slate of bills to curb federal immigration enforcement, citing public safety concerns after deadly actions in Minnesota. Republicans argue Virginia has no say in federal actions.
#valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/28/d...
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Democrats push restrictions on federal immigration enforcement in Virginia ⢠Virginia Mercury
Virginia Democrats on Wednesday introduced a package of bills designed to curb federal immigration enforcement activities in the commonwealth. The lawmakers framed their effort as a public safety meas...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/28/democrats-push-restrictions-on-federal-immigration-enforcement-in-virginia/
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Commentary: âSolar can save Virginia farms â if government gets out of the way.â â Ivy Main urges smarter policy to help farmers survive by embracing solar energy and cutting red tape that limits installations on agricultural land.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/solar...
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Solar can save Virginia farms â if government gets out of the way ⢠Virginia Mercury
Itâs not easy to be a farmer in Virginia. Pests, weather, uncertain markets and access to capital are a perennial problem. This year farmers have also had to contend with disruptions from President Do...
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/solar-can-save-virginia-farms-if-government-gets-out-of-the-way/
12 days ago
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Virginia House panel advances a bill to create a task force to examine whether the Virginia Military Institute should continue to receive public funding. The move follows broader debate in the General Assembly over VMIâs governance.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/28/h...
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House committee advances bill to study VMIâs public funding status ⢠Virginia Mercury
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...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/28/house-committee-advances-bill-to-study-vmis-public-funding-status/
12 days ago
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GOP Reps. Jen Kiggans and Rob Wittman are pressing the federal government for transparency after the 90-day pause on offshore wind projects, including Dominionâs Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/kigga...
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Kiggans, Wittman seek answers after federal pause of offshore wind projects ⢠Virginia Mercury
After a major Virginia offshore wind project was halted by the federal government due to "national security concerns" some representatives want answers.
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/kiggans-wittman-seek-answers-after-federal-pause-of-offshore-wind-projects/
12 days ago
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reposted by
Virginia Mercury
Markus Schmidt
13 days ago
NEW: A Virginia circuit court struck down Democratsâ proposed redistricting amendment, ruling lawmakers violated constitutional requirements and their own rules. The decision blocks an April referendum and sets up an appeal.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/v...
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Virginia court strikes down redistricting amendment headed for April ballot ⢠Virginia Mercury
A Virginia circuit court on Tuesday struck down a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at giving lawmakers the option to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, dealing a major setback to Democr...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/virginia-court-strikes-down-redistricting-amendment-headed-for-april-ballot/
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Del. Dan Helmer says he has settled with all parties in a defamation lawsuit tied to sexual assault allegations that surfaced days before the June 2024 Democratic primary in Virginiaâs 10th Congressional District.
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Helmer settles with final defendant in defamation lawsuit tied to sexual allegations in 2024 primary ⢠Virginia Mercury
Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax has reached a settlement with all parties in a defamation lawsuit he filed more than a year ago, ending a legal battle tied to sexual assault allegations that surfaced days ...
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/helmer-settles-with-final-defendant-in-defamation-lawsuit-tied-to-sexual-assault-allegations-during-2024-primary/
13 days ago
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Bills targeting governance and oversight at the Virginia Military Institute are advancing in the 2026 General Assembly session. One proposal would form a task force to examine VMIâs funding and future as a state institution.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/b...
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Bills targeting VMI governance gain traction in General Assembly ⢠Virginia Mercury
Legislation aimed at reshaping Virginia Military Instituteâs governance, policies and oversight is gaining momentum, after a House subcommittee last week advanced a bill that could directly affect the...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/bills-targeting-vmi-governance-gain-traction-in-general-assembly/
13 days ago
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Va. state senator is proposing a bill that would keep future data centers in industrial zones â blocking them from being built near residential areas amid growing community concern over noise, power use and local impacts.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/v...
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Va. state senator seeks to keep future data centers away from residential areas ⢠Virginia Mercury
With rising concerns over where data centers are able to be built, one bill looks to keep them in industrial areas.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/va-state-senator-seeks-to-keep-future-data-centers-away-from-residential-areas/
13 days ago
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A Virginia Senate panel advanced a slate of gun safety bills Monday that were previously vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, marking significant legislative movement in the new session.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/v...
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Virginia Senate panel advances gun safety bills once vetoed by Youngkin ⢠Virginia Mercury
Democratic lawmakers on Monday advanced a sweeping slate of gun safety proposals â many of them previously vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkinâs veto pen â as they test whether Virginiaâs new Democra...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/virginia-senate-panel-advances-gun-safety-bills-once-vetoed-by-youngkin/
13 days ago
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A bill moving through the VA General Assembly would standardize visitation policies at state correctional facilities â including clearer rules on dress code, extended access for long-distance visitors and public reporting by the Dept. of Corrections.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/pendi...
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Pending bill could clarify visitation standards for Va. correctional facilities ⢠Virginia Mercury
House Bill 173 would require that the Virginia Department of Corrections provide extended visitation access for long-distance travelers who live at least 150 miles outside of the correctional facility...
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/pending-bill-could-clarify-visitation-standards-for-va-correctional-facilities/
14 days ago
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Virginia lawmakers are moving to create a volunteer cyber civilian corps â a team of trained volunteers to help respond to cybersecurity threats and strengthen defenses â joining several other states with similar programs as cyber risks rise.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/26/v...
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Virginia to consider joining states creating volunteer cyber civilian corps ⢠Virginia Mercury
A proposal to create a volunteer cybersecurity incident response team, investigating and troubleshooting threats targeting digital systems around the commonwealth, will be considered again in this yea...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/26/virginia-to-consider-joining-states-creating-volunteer-cyber-civilian-corps/
14 days ago
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Virginia Mercury
Markus Schmidt
14 days ago
NEW: In newly Democratic Virginia, immigration enforcement is shaping up as an early test for Gov. Abigail Spanberger, as she reins in state cooperation with ICE amid GOP backlash and growing pressure from advocates.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/26/i...
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In newly Democratic Virginia, immigration enforcement becomes early test for Spanberger ⢠Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger, sworn in earlier this month as Virginiaâs 75th governor, has moved quickly to draw a line between state law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement, while acknowledgin...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/26/in-newly-democratic-virginia-immigration-enforcement-becomes-early-test-for-spanberger/
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A lawsuit alleging that the Virginia Department of Corrections improperly keeps people confined solitarily for long periods of time will be allowed to move forward, a federal district judge ruled this week. Another lawsuit against the agency is also progressing.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/23/f...
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Federal judge allows Va. inmates rightsâ lawsuits to move forward ⢠Virginia Mercury
A class action lawsuit alleging that the Virginia Department of Corrections has violated its âStep Downâ program by arbitrarily keeping people confined solitarily for long periods of time will beâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/23/federal-judge-allows-va-inmates-rights-lawsuits-to-move-forward/
17 days ago
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Virginia AG Jay Jones has launched a national search to recruit university counsels for three of Virginiaâs public colleges and universities to stop the Trump administrationâs âcontinued politically-motivated assaultsâ on Va.âs academic institutions, Jones said.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/ag-jo...
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AG Jones searches for higher ed counsel to halt âpolitically-motivated assaultsâ on Va. colleges ⢠Virginia Mercury
After 2025 proved to be a tumultuous year in Virginiaâs higher education landscape, the Virginia Attorney General's office, now under Democratic leadership, has launched a national search to recruitâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/ag-jones-searches-for-higher-ed-counsel-to-halt-politically-motivated-assaults-on-va-colleges/
17 days ago
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An effort to provide k-12 students with free breakfast is again moving forward in Virginiaâs legislature. The bill has advanced a few years in a row but fell short of becoming law due to some legislatorsâ concerns over cost.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/23/c...
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Could a free school breakfast bill become law this year? ⢠Virginia Mercury
Senate Bill 4 by Danica Roem, D-Prince William, and House Bill 96 by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, narrows the scope of free meals provided to students to just breakfast, and wouldâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/23/could-a-free-school-breakfast-bill-become-law-this-year/
17 days ago
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Spanbergerâs declaration of a state of emergency due to the anticipated severe winter weather triggered Virginiaâs anti-gouging statutes, which protect consumers from paying âoutrageously high pricesâ for essential goods like water and food during an emergency.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/price...
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Price-gouging law activates in Virginia after state of emergency declared ⢠Virginia Mercury
As Virginians prepare for this weekendâs winter storm that is forecast to blanket the region with inches of snow, freezing rain and sleet, consumers are being asked to report suspected cases of priceâŚ
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/price-gouging-law-activates-in-virginia-after-state-of-emergency-declared/
17 days ago
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NEW: Virginia is bracing for a major winter storm this weekend, with snow, sleet and ice expected to make travel hazardous across the commonwealth. Officials urge preparation and caution as the storm moves in.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/22/w...
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Winter storm bears down on Virginia, slated to bring snow and icy conditions ⢠Virginia Mercury
A major winter storm is set to sweep across Virginia this weekend bringing accumulations of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Gov. Abigail Spanberger, leading the state during her first major weather ev...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/22/winter-storm-bears-down-on-virginia-slated-to-bring-snow-and-icy-conditions/
18 days ago
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Virginia Mercury
Rhode Island Current
18 days ago
Construction resumes on $11.2 billion offshore wind project by Dominion Energy three weeks after the federal government called for a pause on the work citing national security concerns. Via
@shannonheckt.bsky.social
@virginiamercury.com
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/22/w...
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Work resumes on Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project after court order ends federal pause ⢠Rhode Island Current
Construction has resumed on the $11.2 billion offshore wind project by Dominion Energy three weeks after the federal government called for a pause on the work citing national security concerns.
https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/22/work-resumes-on-coastal-virginia-offshore-wind-project-after-court-order-ends-federal-pause/
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Parents and advocates packed the Virginia General Assembly Wednesday urging lawmakers to expand early childhood care options and improve access as the 2026 session gets underway â signaling growing pressure on child care policy in Virginia.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/22/p...
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Parents flood Va. General Assembly to advocate for more early childhood care options and access ⢠Virginia Mercury
On Wednesday, parents and supporters at the state Capitol on Wednesday urged lawmakers to expand early childhood care options. The group addressed the urgent demand for high-quality child care and pre...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/22/parents-flood-va-general-assembly-to-advocate-more-for-early-childhood-care-options-and-access/
18 days ago
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