Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
George Mason University's president and rector said Thursday the school is still working with the Department of Justice to resolve four civil rights investigations, while professors pressed them to prioritize "academic freedom and our institutional autonomy." virginiamercury.com/2025/12/05/a...
Amid federal investigations, George Mason leaders say negotiations continue with Dept. of Justice • Virginia Mercury
George Mason University officials said Thursday that no settlement agreement has been proposed with the federal government as it navigates four civil rights investigations, which began in July and…
virginiamercury.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:17 PM
George Mason University's president and rector said Thursday the school is still working with the Department of Justice to resolve four civil rights investigations, while professors pressed them to prioritize "academic freedom and our institutional autonomy." virginiamercury.com/2025/12/05/a...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Sen. Mark Warner renews push for Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth’s removal after an IG report found he shared classified strike details in Signal chat.
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
Warner renews push for Hegseth’s removal as new IG report cites mishandled classified data • Virginia Mercury
Mounting questions over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of classified information and his role in ordering a lethal strike on alleged Venezuelan drug-running boats in the Caribbean have prom...
virginiamercury.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Sen. Mark Warner renews push for Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth’s removal after an IG report found he shared classified strike details in Signal chat.
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
🎄Christmas tree buyers might spend a little more this year — but don’t expect wild price hikes.
Growers say a bigger-than-normal supply of trees, especially in Hampton Roads, should soften cost increases.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/c...
Growers say a bigger-than-normal supply of trees, especially in Hampton Roads, should soften cost increases.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/c...
Christmas trees might be pricier this year, but growers say high supply will stave off big hikes • Virginia Mercury
Some growers in Hampton Roads keep tree prices low by saving on labor costs.
virginiamercury.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
🎄Christmas tree buyers might spend a little more this year — but don’t expect wild price hikes.
Growers say a bigger-than-normal supply of trees, especially in Hampton Roads, should soften cost increases.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/c...
Growers say a bigger-than-normal supply of trees, especially in Hampton Roads, should soften cost increases.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/c...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
New Roanoke College Poll:
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
Poll: Virginians back mail voting and photo ID as partisan anxiety holds steady • Virginia Mercury
Virginians remain firmly supportive of mail-in voting while also backing a photo ID requirement — a pairing that shows how residents continue to weigh access against security — according to a new Roan...
virginiamercury.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
New Roanoke College Poll:
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
AG-elect Jay Jones has filed a motion asking the Virginia Court of Appeals to extend the deadline to appeal a ruling that struck down Va.’s background-check law for private gun sales.
If approved, the state could still mount a legal defense and revive the law.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/j...
If approved, the state could still mount a legal defense and revive the law.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/j...
Jones moves to salvage appeal after judge strikes down Virginia background-check law • Virginia Mercury
With the clock ticking, Attorney General–elect Jay Jones filed a motion this week asking the Virginia Court of Appeals to extend the commonwealth’s deadline to appeal a recent ruling that struck down ...
virginiamercury.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:56 PM
AG-elect Jay Jones has filed a motion asking the Virginia Court of Appeals to extend the deadline to appeal a ruling that struck down Va.’s background-check law for private gun sales.
If approved, the state could still mount a legal defense and revive the law.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/j...
If approved, the state could still mount a legal defense and revive the law.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/j...
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denies he was present for the second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean — a hit that killed two survivors.
Lawmakers are now probing whether the follow-up strike broke the laws of war.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/r...
Lawmakers are now probing whether the follow-up strike broke the laws of war.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/r...
Hegseth denies he was present for deadly second strike on alleged Caribbean drug boat • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Tuesday he did not witness a controversial — and potentially illegal — second strike in early September that killed two survivors clinging to a burn...
virginiamercury.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denies he was present for the second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean — a hit that killed two survivors.
Lawmakers are now probing whether the follow-up strike broke the laws of war.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/r...
Lawmakers are now probing whether the follow-up strike broke the laws of war.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/r...
Special election set to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi set for Jan. 6 — two Democrats, Debra Gardner and Michael Jones, are already in the race. No Republican has filed to run.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/speci...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/speci...
Special election for Hashmi’s Richmond-area Senate seat set for Jan. 6 • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, has set a Jan. 6 special election to fill the soon-to-be vacant seat of Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, clearing the way for a fast, ...
virginiamercury.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Special election set to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi set for Jan. 6 — two Democrats, Debra Gardner and Michael Jones, are already in the race. No Republican has filed to run.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/speci...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/speci...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s joint cannabis commission rolled out a revamped retail plan — no local opt-outs, tougher ownership rules and a target launch of Nov. 1, 2026.
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
Joint Commission unveils changes to cannabis bill, setting stage for 2026 retail launch • Virginia Mercury
Virginia lawmakers took another decisive step Tuesday toward launching a legal cannabis retail market in 2026, unveiling a revised legislative blueprint that scraps local opt-outs, tightens ownership ...
virginiamercury.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Virginia’s joint cannabis commission rolled out a revamped retail plan — no local opt-outs, tougher ownership rules and a target launch of Nov. 1, 2026.
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine is leading a bipartisan push to expand digital-skills training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, aiming to help more Virginians gain the tech skills now needed for most jobs.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/k...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/k...
Kaine leads congressional effort to expand digital skills in workforce training • Virginia Mercury
A proposal to expand the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to fund digital-skills training, close the workforce skills gap and better prepare Virginians and citizens nationwide for mode...
virginiamercury.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:17 PM
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine is leading a bipartisan push to expand digital-skills training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, aiming to help more Virginians gain the tech skills now needed for most jobs.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/k...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/k...
Big day for the Bay: Virginia and regional partners approved the updated Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, pledging two decades of habitat work, pollution cuts and environmental restoration to protect the nation’s largest estuary.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/4...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/4...
Virginia joins Chesapeake Bay states, D.C. in new watershed agreement • Virginia Mercury
Officials enacted a new, 15-year agreement to reduce pollution, build habitats, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
virginiamercury.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Big day for the Bay: Virginia and regional partners approved the updated Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, pledging two decades of habitat work, pollution cuts and environmental restoration to protect the nation’s largest estuary.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/4...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/4...
Please join us in congratulating the Mercury's own Markus Schmidt, who was just named one of the best political reporters in the country by news commentator/former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza! 🎉 Read Markus' latest work here: virginiamercury.com/author/mschm...
Markus Schmidt, Author at Virginia Mercury
Markus is an award-winning journalist who covers Virginia politics from the state Capitol in Richmond. His coverage area includes the General Assembly, the executive branch and elections in Virginia.
virginiamercury.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Please join us in congratulating the Mercury's own Markus Schmidt, who was just named one of the best political reporters in the country by news commentator/former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza! 🎉 Read Markus' latest work here: virginiamercury.com/author/mschm...
🏛️ Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has tapped Marvin Figueroa — a veteran health-policy adviser with experience in Richmond and D.C. — to serve as Virginia’s next Health and Human Services secretary.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/s...
Spanberger announces seasoned policy advisor as next health and human services secretary • Virginia Mercury
As Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to take the helm of the state of Virginia, she has announced her pick for the next secretary of health and human services: Marvin Figueroa.
virginiamercury.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:07 PM
🏛️ Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has tapped Marvin Figueroa — a veteran health-policy adviser with experience in Richmond and D.C. — to serve as Virginia’s next Health and Human Services secretary.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/s...
American Farmland Trust is now accepting applications for its “Regenerate Virginia Grants,” offering up to $30,000 (Healthy Soils) or $25,000 (Farm Vitality) to help farms adopt regenerative practices. 🌾
Applications are open now until Dec. 19.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
Applications are open now until Dec. 19.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
Virginia farmers can now apply for grants to practice regenerative farming • Virginia Mercury
The American Farmland Trust has opened up applications for farmers and ranchers in Virginia and across the nation to apply for grants that encourage regenerative agriculture practices.
virginiamercury.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:24 PM
American Farmland Trust is now accepting applications for its “Regenerate Virginia Grants,” offering up to $30,000 (Healthy Soils) or $25,000 (Farm Vitality) to help farms adopt regenerative practices. 🌾
Applications are open now until Dec. 19.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
Applications are open now until Dec. 19.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
Leaders from federally recognized Virginia tribes will join Chesapeake Bay cleanup negotiators at the National Aquarium this week, offering wild rice as a symbolic gesture — and prompting a 7-month review of whether tribes should get a formal seat at the table.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/r...
Chesapeake Bay officials poised to study inclusion of Native American tribes • Virginia Mercury
When Chesapeake Bay leaders meet this week to take up a new bay clean-up plan, bay tribal leaders will be on hand to present a ceremonial gift -- and express hopes that their year-long quest to get a ...
virginiamercury.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Leaders from federally recognized Virginia tribes will join Chesapeake Bay cleanup negotiators at the National Aquarium this week, offering wild rice as a symbolic gesture — and prompting a 7-month review of whether tribes should get a formal seat at the table.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/02/r...
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...