Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
At a Monday hearing, UVA Interim President Paul Mahoney told state senators signing an agreement to end Department of Justice investigations at the school "was the best option available to us" because it preserves institutional autonomy and academic freedom. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/u...
UVA interim president to senators: Agreement with DOJ to pause probes was ‘best option available’ • Virginia Mercury
In a rare moment in Virginia’s legislative history, the Senate invited higher education leaders from the University of Virginia and Virginia Military Institute to speak in an open forum on Monday…
virginiamercury.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:56 PM
At a Monday hearing, UVA Interim President Paul Mahoney told state senators signing an agreement to end Department of Justice investigations at the school "was the best option available to us" because it preserves institutional autonomy and academic freedom. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/u...
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told CBS News’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday the follow-on strike could rise “to the level of a war crime if it’s true.” virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/r...
Congress to probe U.S. strikes on boats in Caribbean • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate and House Armed Services committees will open bipartisan inquiries into U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea, with a focus on an…
virginiamercury.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told CBS News’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday the follow-on strike could rise “to the level of a war crime if it’s true.” virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/r...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
A new legislative plan would create Virginia’s first legal adult-use retail system while phasing in stricter testing and labeling rules.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
After months of hearings, Virginia panel set to roll out blueprint for legal cannabis market
After months of hearings and study, the legislature’s Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales is poised to roll out a final proposal Tuesday that would launch a legal, regulated adult-use…
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
A new legislative plan would create Virginia’s first legal adult-use retail system while phasing in stricter testing and labeling rules.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
COMMENTARY: Like so much spoiled by today’s necrotic politics, there’s no clear path from the present chaos back to norms of sanity and reason in the governance of Virginia's exemplary universities. We’re all the poorer for it, writes columnist Bob Lewis. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/h...
Ham-handed politics with Virginia’s excellent universities risks ruin for them all • Virginia Mercury
Here we sit, in a state long hailed for the quality of its colleges and universities, consumed in enough contrived drama to keep reality-TV addicts glued to Bravo for months on end, writes columnist…
virginiamercury.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:42 PM
COMMENTARY: Like so much spoiled by today’s necrotic politics, there’s no clear path from the present chaos back to norms of sanity and reason in the governance of Virginia's exemplary universities. We’re all the poorer for it, writes columnist Bob Lewis. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/h...
University of Virginia leaders are meeting with the state Senate today, after the school signed an agreement with the federal government to suspend several civil rights investigations — a move that drew criticism from the UVA community and state lawmakers. virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-se...
Va. Senate to meet with UVA leaders over arrangement to suspend DOJ investigations • Virginia Mercury
State senators will meet with representatives from the University of Virginia on Monday, after the institution signed an agreement with the federal government to suspend multiple civil rights…
virginiamercury.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:38 PM
University of Virginia leaders are meeting with the state Senate today, after the school signed an agreement with the federal government to suspend several civil rights investigations — a move that drew criticism from the UVA community and state lawmakers. virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-se...
The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales is set to roll out its proposal for a legal, regulated adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia, which a lawmaker leading the group says prioritizes "independent Virginia-based businesses." Key details: virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/a...
After months of hearings, Virginia panel set to roll out blueprint for legal cannabis market • Virginia Mercury
After months of hearings and study, the legislature’s Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales is poised to roll out a final proposal Tuesday that would launch a legal, regulated adult-use…
virginiamercury.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales is set to roll out its proposal for a legal, regulated adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia, which a lawmaker leading the group says prioritizes "independent Virginia-based businesses." Key details: virginiamercury.com/2025/12/01/a...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
🚨A high-school assistant principal in Va. Beach and his brother were arrested after allegedly plotting to “kill police officers and ICE agents.”
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
Va. assistant principal, brother arrested in alleged plot to kill ICE agents, police officers • Virginia Mercury
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday announced the arrests of two Virginia brothers accused of plotting violent attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — a case that immediat...
virginiamercury.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM
🚨A high-school assistant principal in Va. Beach and his brother were arrested after allegedly plotting to “kill police officers and ICE agents.”
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
George Washington’s first national Thanksgiving in 1789 wasn’t just about gratitude — it was a push to unite a young, divided country.
He called for a day of “thanksgiving and prayer,” and he even aided debt-prisoners to show the new republic’s compassion. 🇺🇸
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/h...
He called for a day of “thanksgiving and prayer,” and he even aided debt-prisoners to show the new republic’s compassion. 🇺🇸
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/h...
How George Washington used his first Thanksgiving as president to unite a new country • Virginia Mercury
In 1789, Washington urged the people of the United States to celebrate “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.”
virginiamercury.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:20 PM
George Washington’s first national Thanksgiving in 1789 wasn’t just about gratitude — it was a push to unite a young, divided country.
He called for a day of “thanksgiving and prayer,” and he even aided debt-prisoners to show the new republic’s compassion. 🇺🇸
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/h...
He called for a day of “thanksgiving and prayer,” and he even aided debt-prisoners to show the new republic’s compassion. 🇺🇸
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/h...
Virginia just got a safety upgrade 🚗 As holiday drivers hit the roads, a new law requires every passenger, front and back seat, to buckle up.
Meanwhile, a new 2.5-mile extension of the I-495 express lanes opens just in time for Thanksgiving travel.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/v...
Meanwhile, a new 2.5-mile extension of the I-495 express lanes opens just in time for Thanksgiving travel.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/v...
Virginia drivers navigate new seat belt law, express lanes during Thanksgiving week • Virginia Mercury
Travelers will experience significant changes when moving around Virginia this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, one of the busiest times of the year, including a new seat belt law and the opening of...
virginiamercury.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Virginia just got a safety upgrade 🚗 As holiday drivers hit the roads, a new law requires every passenger, front and back seat, to buckle up.
Meanwhile, a new 2.5-mile extension of the I-495 express lanes opens just in time for Thanksgiving travel.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/v...
Meanwhile, a new 2.5-mile extension of the I-495 express lanes opens just in time for Thanksgiving travel.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/26/v...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s financial analysts say education costs are poised to rise over the next two years — but with enrollment still in flux, lawmakers don’t yet know how much the state will ultimately have to spend.
via @virginiamercury.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fall...
via @virginiamercury.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fall...
Falling enrollment, higher expenses complicate Virginia’s K-12 budget outlook
Virginia’s financial analysts say education costs are poised to rise over the next two years — but with enrollment still in flux, lawmakers don’t yet know how much the state will ultimately have to…
www.newsfromthestates.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Virginia’s financial analysts say education costs are poised to rise over the next two years — but with enrollment still in flux, lawmakers don’t yet know how much the state will ultimately have to spend.
via @virginiamercury.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fall...
via @virginiamercury.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fall...
A US House committee is investigating Fairfax County Public Schools over allegations Jewish students faced harassment and antisemitism.
FCPS says it will cooperate and has been asked to provide records by Dec. 8.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/u...
FCPS says it will cooperate and has been asked to provide records by Dec. 8.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/u...
US House committee launches antisemitism probe into Fairfax County Public Schools • Virginia Mercury
Fairfax County Public Schools is one of just three districts nationwide facing a federal investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce, which alleges Jewish students are being h...
virginiamercury.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:31 PM
A US House committee is investigating Fairfax County Public Schools over allegations Jewish students faced harassment and antisemitism.
FCPS says it will cooperate and has been asked to provide records by Dec. 8.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/u...
FCPS says it will cooperate and has been asked to provide records by Dec. 8.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/u...
Virginia’s K-12 budget faces headwinds:
Falling enrollment and rising costs are complicating funding forecasts even as analysts warn of millions in new education expenses ahead.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/f...
Falling enrollment and rising costs are complicating funding forecasts even as analysts warn of millions in new education expenses ahead.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/f...
Falling enrollment, higher expenses complicate Virginia’s K-12 budget outlook • Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s financial analysts say education costs are poised to rise over the next two years — but with enrollment still in flux, lawmakers don’t yet know how much the state will ultimately have to sp...
virginiamercury.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Virginia’s K-12 budget faces headwinds:
Falling enrollment and rising costs are complicating funding forecasts even as analysts warn of millions in new education expenses ahead.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/f...
Falling enrollment and rising costs are complicating funding forecasts even as analysts warn of millions in new education expenses ahead.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/f...
Va. House Dems are spotlighting energy efficiency heading into the 2026 session — proposing a task force to untangle barriers to low-income weatherization programs and requiring utilities to deliver efficiency upgrades to 30% of eligible households by 2031.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/v...
Va. House Democrats make energy efficiency a key priority for legislative session • Virginia Mercury
Lawmakers have filed bills to create an energy efficiency task force and to mandate utilities give qualified customers efficiency upgrades by 2031.
virginiamercury.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Va. House Dems are spotlighting energy efficiency heading into the 2026 session — proposing a task force to untangle barriers to low-income weatherization programs and requiring utilities to deliver efficiency upgrades to 30% of eligible households by 2031.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/v...
A senior federal judge dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s former personal attorney as a prosecutor doomed the cases. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/r...
Judge drops James Comey and Letitia James charges, saying prosecutor served 'unlawfully' • Virginia Mercury
A senior federal judge dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s…
virginiamercury.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:55 PM
A senior federal judge dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s former personal attorney as a prosecutor doomed the cases. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/r...
Under a rule taking effect in July, employers that participate in “unlawful activities such that they have a substantial illegal purpose” would be excluded from Public Service Loan Forgiveness, designed to encourage college grads to pursue public service careers. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/r...
New federal student debt rule seen as tool to enforce Trump agenda • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — A new U.S. Department of Education regulation to narrow eligibility for a key student debt relief program for public service workers has drawn strong opposition from advocates who argue…
virginiamercury.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Under a rule taking effect in July, employers that participate in “unlawful activities such that they have a substantial illegal purpose” would be excluded from Public Service Loan Forgiveness, designed to encourage college grads to pursue public service careers. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/r...
COMMENTARY: Republicans like Virginia U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans, who promised to protect health care access, should lead the effort to extend health insurance subsidies in a mid-December congressional vote, guest columnist Jim Spencer writes. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/i...
It's time for Wittman and Kiggans to serve constituents, not Trump • Virginia Mercury
Republicans who promised to protect health care access should lead the effort to protect Medicaid and extend health insurance subsidies in a mid-December congressional vote, guest columnist Jim…
virginiamercury.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:45 PM
COMMENTARY: Republicans like Virginia U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans, who promised to protect health care access, should lead the effort to extend health insurance subsidies in a mid-December congressional vote, guest columnist Jim Spencer writes. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/i...
Biosolids, derived from waste, can be converted to agricultural fertilizer. By using it, farmers in Virginia may be unknowingly spreading toxic chemicals on their land that could end up in crops and the state’s waterways, researchers and community members say. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/v...
Virginia communities push back against sewage sludge on agricultural land as PFAS concerns grow • Virginia Mercury
As worry mounts about health risks from exposure to ‘forever chemicals,’ Virginia communities push for testing and limits for biosolids.
virginiamercury.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Biosolids, derived from waste, can be converted to agricultural fertilizer. By using it, farmers in Virginia may be unknowingly spreading toxic chemicals on their land that could end up in crops and the state’s waterways, researchers and community members say. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/v...
Virginia Republicans are facing a deep identity crisis following Democrats’ return to power. “There needs to be a fundamental rewriting of the Republican Party in Virginia. If they don’t get their act together, it’s over," Loudoun County GOP chair Scott Pio said. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/w...
‘We’re toast’: Virginia GOP erupts in finger-pointing after sweeping Democratic wins • Virginia Mercury
Rick Buchanan didn’t expect to walk out before the first session even ended.The chair of the 5th Congressional District GOP Committee had arrived at the Donald W. Huffman Advance — the Republican…
virginiamercury.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Virginia Republicans are facing a deep identity crisis following Democrats’ return to power. “There needs to be a fundamental rewriting of the Republican Party in Virginia. If they don’t get their act together, it’s over," Loudoun County GOP chair Scott Pio said. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/24/w...
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a reexamination of the 42 million people who get federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers, coming days after recipients began to see benefits that had been stalled during the government shutdown. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/21/r...
The Trump administration wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean? • Virginia Mercury
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a close reexamination of the 42 million people who receive federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers, coming mere days after…
virginiamercury.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:58 PM
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a reexamination of the 42 million people who get federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers, coming days after recipients began to see benefits that had been stalled during the government shutdown. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/21/r...
COMMENTARY: Public pools give people of all races and income levels opportunities to learn how to swim, prevent drowning and gain a lifelong skill. That Virginia's second-largest city resisted one for so long has been stupefying, writes columnist Roger Chesley. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/21/v...
Virginia’s second-largest city is finally building a pool; it shouldn’t have taken so long • Virginia Mercury
Public pools provide opportunities for people of all races and income levels to learn how to swim, prevent drowning, and acquire a skill that will last a lifetime, writes columnist Roger Chesley.
virginiamercury.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
COMMENTARY: Public pools give people of all races and income levels opportunities to learn how to swim, prevent drowning and gain a lifelong skill. That Virginia's second-largest city resisted one for so long has been stupefying, writes columnist Roger Chesley. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/21/v...
A $3 billion data center campus is coming to Caroline County, consisting of three hyperscale data centers at 490,000 square feet each, using 600 MW of power. The project will generate 50 jobs and is the largest business investment in the county's history. virginiamercury.com/briefs/clean...
CleanArc Data Centers invests whopping $3 billion in Caroline County • Virginia Mercury
Three major data centers break ground in Caroline County, making it the largest initial business investment in the county.
virginiamercury.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
A $3 billion data center campus is coming to Caroline County, consisting of three hyperscale data centers at 490,000 square feet each, using 600 MW of power. The project will generate 50 jobs and is the largest business investment in the county's history. virginiamercury.com/briefs/clean...
Lawsuits over the abortion medication Mifepristone – incl. in Virginia – are sharpening on multiple fronts.
Some challenge restrictions to make it easier to access, others aim to tighten it further.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/r...
Some challenge restrictions to make it easier to access, others aim to tighten it further.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/r...
Mifepristone on trial: Where lawsuits about a key abortion medication stand • Virginia Mercury
If plaintiffs succeed in a case currently playing out in Virginia, mifepristone could become easier to dispense and access.
virginiamercury.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Lawsuits over the abortion medication Mifepristone – incl. in Virginia – are sharpening on multiple fronts.
Some challenge restrictions to make it easier to access, others aim to tighten it further.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/r...
Some challenge restrictions to make it easier to access, others aim to tighten it further.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/r...
Virginia lawmakers and women’s-rights groups are sounding the alarm over the military’s new fitness standards, calling them “misogynistic” for effectively raising the bar to the highest male standard and risking exclusion of women from combat roles.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/v...
Virginia lawmaker says new military fitness standards are ‘misogynistic’ • Virginia Mercury
By Maxwell Walpole/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. — Advocates for women’s rights, including a state senator, are pushing back against what they deem as “misogynistic” changes to the fitness st...
virginiamercury.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Virginia lawmakers and women’s-rights groups are sounding the alarm over the military’s new fitness standards, calling them “misogynistic” for effectively raising the bar to the highest male standard and risking exclusion of women from combat roles.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/v...
Health advocates and lawmakers warn ending enhanced ACA subsidies could spike premiums and push thousands of Virginians off coverage.
Trump opposes renewing the credits; Democrats say the fallout would hit pregnant women and low-income families hardest.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/c...
Trump opposes renewing the credits; Democrats say the fallout would hit pregnant women and low-income families hardest.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/c...
Clock runs down on ACA subsidies as families brace for rising health-care costs • Virginia Mercury
One of Virginia’s federal lawmakers and advocates on Wednesday renewed their warnings that allowing enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire at the end of the year would drive up premiums and ...
virginiamercury.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Health advocates and lawmakers warn ending enhanced ACA subsidies could spike premiums and push thousands of Virginians off coverage.
Trump opposes renewing the credits; Democrats say the fallout would hit pregnant women and low-income families hardest.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/c...
Trump opposes renewing the credits; Democrats say the fallout would hit pregnant women and low-income families hardest.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/20/c...
A Va. joint committee recommends new bills for the 2026 session to fight sea-level rise and recurring flooding, including a fund to help localities meet nonfederal cost shares, updated stormwater design standards and using dredged materials for habitat building.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/flood...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/flood...
Flooding board recommends legislation aimed at fighting rising seas • Virginia Mercury
Lawmakers are setting their priorities ahead of the next General Assembly session in January, which will begin days before a new governor takes office. As a new legislative era begins, climate issues ...
virginiamercury.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A Va. joint committee recommends new bills for the 2026 session to fight sea-level rise and recurring flooding, including a fund to help localities meet nonfederal cost shares, updated stormwater design standards and using dredged materials for habitat building.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/flood...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/flood...