Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
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State lawmakers will decide the fate of a measure to restore Hampton University's land-grant status.
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Va. lawmakers seek to restore Hampton University’s land-grant status after a century
The federal government denied Hampton University special funds for over 100 years because it believed that only one Black institution in Virginia could receive land-grant funding.Now, state lawmakers…
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
State lawmakers will decide the fate of a measure to restore Hampton University's land-grant status.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
A bipartisan group of Virginia lawmakers is moving legislation to curb soaring utility bill costs in Southwest Virginia — aiming to ease energy burdens on residents and bolster economic stability in the region.
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Bipartisan group of lawmakers look to curb southwest Virginia utility bill costs • Virginia Mercury
As utility bills surge for ratepayers in Virginia, bills are being considered to curb Appalachian Power Company costs on ratepayers.
virginiamercury.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:31 PM
A bipartisan group of Virginia lawmakers is moving legislation to curb soaring utility bill costs in Southwest Virginia — aiming to ease energy burdens on residents and bolster economic stability in the region.
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Home health workers — the “backbone” of public health work — rallied behind collective bargaining legislation in the Virginia General Assembly, saying the bill would help address workforce shortages and improve conditions for caregivers.
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Home health workers, 'backbone’ of public health work, support collective bargaining legislation • Virginia Mercury
While the bill broadly applies to public employees like government workers, it would also create the Virginia Home Care Authority within the state’s Department of Medical Assistance Services.
virginiamercury.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Home health workers — the “backbone” of public health work — rallied behind collective bargaining legislation in the Virginia General Assembly, saying the bill would help address workforce shortages and improve conditions for caregivers.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/21/h...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/21/h...
Virginia lawmakers advanced a package of voting access bills as Democrats blocked Republican proposals to limit early voting, keeping election-related reforms moving forward in the 2026 General Assembly.
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Voting access bills move forward as Democrats block GOP early voting limits • Virginia Mercury
With the 2026 General Assembly session in full swing, Democrats on Tuesday advanced a slate of voting and campaign finance measures aimed at expanding access to the ballot box and increasing transpare...
virginiamercury.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Virginia lawmakers advanced a package of voting access bills as Democrats blocked Republican proposals to limit early voting, keeping election-related reforms moving forward in the 2026 General Assembly.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/21/v...
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NEW: Democrat Garrett McGuire defeated Republican Christopher Cardiff in a special election in #HD17, keeping the Fairfax-based seat in Democratic hands after former Del. Mark Sickles joined Gov. Spanberger’s administration as secretary of finance.
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Democrat McGuire wins Virginia House District 17 special election • Virginia Mercury
Democrat Garrett McGuire on Tuesday defeated Republican Christopher Cardiff in a special election to represent Virginia House of Delegates District 17, filling the vacancy left by longtime Democratic ...
virginiamercury.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:02 AM
NEW: Democrat Garrett McGuire defeated Republican Christopher Cardiff in a special election in #HD17, keeping the Fairfax-based seat in Democratic hands after former Del. Mark Sickles joined Gov. Spanberger’s administration as secretary of finance.
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Commentary: Gov. Spanberger and lawmakers have a chance to approve a new funding tool to help localities repair and build aging school facilities — a move long overdue to serve students and communities across Virginia, Roger Chesley writes
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Gov. Spanberger, lawmakers can approve new funding tool for aging school buildings • Virginia Mercury
It never made sense that the Assembly granted nine localities the option to raise money for school construction and repairs but denied it elsewhere, writes columnist Roger Chesley.
virginiamercury.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Commentary: Gov. Spanberger and lawmakers have a chance to approve a new funding tool to help localities repair and build aging school facilities — a move long overdue to serve students and communities across Virginia, Roger Chesley writes
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On Day 1 in office, Gov. Spanberger appointed 27 people to governing boards at UVA, George Mason and VMI and ordered a review of how members are selected.
Her move follows battles with the previous administration over college board appointments.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/20/s...
Her move follows battles with the previous administration over college board appointments.
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Spanberger appoints 27 to university boards, orders study of selection process • Virginia Mercury
Shortly after being sworn in on Saturday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed members to the Boards of Visitors for George Mason University, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Military Institute. ...
virginiamercury.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:35 PM
On Day 1 in office, Gov. Spanberger appointed 27 people to governing boards at UVA, George Mason and VMI and ordered a review of how members are selected.
Her move follows battles with the previous administration over college board appointments.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/20/s...
Her move follows battles with the previous administration over college board appointments.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/20/s...
Nearly 1,000 gun rights supporters turned out Monday in Richmond for Lobby Day, organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, as Virginia Democrats pushed to revive a gun safety agenda during the start of the 2026 legislative session.
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Lobby Day draws larger pro-gun crowd as Virginia Democrats revive gun-safety agenda • Virginia Mercury
Standing just outside the iron fencing surrounding Virginia’s Capitol in downtown Richmond on Monday, Alexandria resident Gerald Vandendries hoisted a semi-automatic rifle and scanned the crowd gather...
virginiamercury.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Nearly 1,000 gun rights supporters turned out Monday in Richmond for Lobby Day, organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, as Virginia Democrats pushed to revive a gun safety agenda during the start of the 2026 legislative session.
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NEW: In her first address to the Virginia legislature, Gov. Spanberger backs four constitutional amendments already passed — including redistricting — and presses lawmakers to act on a broad affordability agenda.
#valeg #vagov
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#valeg #vagov
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Spanberger urges action on democracy, costs in first address to Virginia lawmakers • Virginia Mercury
Two days after taking the oath of office as the first woman to lead Virginia, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Monday urged lawmakers to move quickly on a slate of constitutional amendments and cost-of-livi...
virginiamercury.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:26 PM
NEW: In her first address to the Virginia legislature, Gov. Spanberger backs four constitutional amendments already passed — including redistricting — and presses lawmakers to act on a broad affordability agenda.
#valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/s...
#valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/s...
Virginia lawmakers will debate how the state can get the most out of the data center tax exemptions, expand ratepayer protections and get enough power on the grid to keep the lights on for everyone. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/t...
These bills aim to regulate Virginia data center siting, generator use and SCC oversight • Virginia Mercury
As Virginia grapples with an energy crisis fueled by the proliferation of data centers and growing local concern about permitting for the facilities, lawmakers are mulling how to manage the…
virginiamercury.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Virginia lawmakers will debate how the state can get the most out of the data center tax exemptions, expand ratepayer protections and get enough power on the grid to keep the lights on for everyone. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/t...
COMMENTARY: Spanberger's inaugural speech took in the vast sweep of Virginia’s history — for better and for worse — and paired it seamlessly to today’s divisive strife and tomorrow’s daunting challenges for her and her government, writes columnist Bob Lewis. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/h...
Historically noted: Gov. Spanberger’s shining moment • Virginia Mercury
In her first speech as governor, Abigail Spanberger staked out an ambitious agenda — and she’s got 1,454 days and nights to achieve it, writes columnist Bob Lewis.
virginiamercury.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:48 PM
COMMENTARY: Spanberger's inaugural speech took in the vast sweep of Virginia’s history — for better and for worse — and paired it seamlessly to today’s divisive strife and tomorrow’s daunting challenges for her and her government, writes columnist Bob Lewis. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/h...
From fertility treatments to contraception access to the ability to obtain an abortion, “this amendment protects families’ entire scope of reproductive needs,” Sen. Jennifer Boysko said. The proposal ultimately leaves the decision up to voters. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/v...
Virginia lawmakers send reproductive rights amendment toward November vote • Virginia Mercury
“It’s our responsibility to go out there and tell the voters this is what this means and help everybody understand what they're voting for,” she said
virginiamercury.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:07 PM
From fertility treatments to contraception access to the ability to obtain an abortion, “this amendment protects families’ entire scope of reproductive needs,” Sen. Jennifer Boysko said. The proposal ultimately leaves the decision up to voters. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/v...
Spanberger's exec. orders confront rising costs, reinforce public education and prep the state for disruptions from federal policy shifts. Her tenth order redirects Virginia law enforcement to focus on core public safety duties, not federal immigration operations.
Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s first woman governor, moves swiftly to set agenda • Virginia Mercury
Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s 75th governor, making history as the first woman to hold the commonwealth’s highest office and pledging to lead with unity,…
virginiamercury.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Spanberger's exec. orders confront rising costs, reinforce public education and prep the state for disruptions from federal policy shifts. Her tenth order redirects Virginia law enforcement to focus on core public safety duties, not federal immigration operations.
PHOTOS: Abigail Spanberger inaugurated as Virginia’s 75th governor at the state Capitol in Richmond, Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/p...
PHOTOS: Abigail Spanberger inaugurated as Virginia's 75th governor • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger shakes hands with a member of one of the state’s Native American tribes during a parade following her inauguration on Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/…
virginiamercury.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:43 PM
PHOTOS: Abigail Spanberger inaugurated as Virginia’s 75th governor at the state Capitol in Richmond, Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/p...
After being sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor, Abigail Spanberger signed 10 executive orders. “We are setting the tone for what Virginians can expect over the next four years: pragmatic leadership focused on lowering costs and delivering results," she said. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s first woman governor, moves swiftly to set agenda • Virginia Mercury
Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s 75th governor, making history as the first woman to hold the commonwealth’s highest office and pledging to lead with unity,…
virginiamercury.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:17 PM
After being sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor, Abigail Spanberger signed 10 executive orders. “We are setting the tone for what Virginians can expect over the next four years: pragmatic leadership focused on lowering costs and delivering results," she said. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
Spanberger sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor, Jay Jones sworn in as attorney general and Ghazala Hashmi sworn in as lieutenant governor at the state Capitol in Richmond. (Photos by @mschmidtrva.bsky.social).
January 17, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Spanberger sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor, Jay Jones sworn in as attorney general and Ghazala Hashmi sworn in as lieutenant governor at the state Capitol in Richmond. (Photos by @mschmidtrva.bsky.social).
Spotted at the #SpanbergerInauguration: U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff of California and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
January 17, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Spotted at the #SpanbergerInauguration: U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff of California and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
About 5,000 people registered to attend Abigail Spanberger's inauguration as the 75th governor of Virginia. By 10:45 a.m., hundreds had gathered at the state Capitol. More updates: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
January 17, 2026 at 4:11 PM
About 5,000 people registered to attend Abigail Spanberger's inauguration as the 75th governor of Virginia. By 10:45 a.m., hundreds had gathered at the state Capitol. More updates: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
Follow @charlottewords.bsky.social and @mschmidtrva.bsky.social's #SpanbergerInauguration coverage here: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
January 17, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Follow @charlottewords.bsky.social and @mschmidtrva.bsky.social's #SpanbergerInauguration coverage here: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
Abigail Spanberger will make history when she becomes Virginia’s first woman governor today. The inauguration ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. and Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones will also be sworn in. Follow our special coverage: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Inauguration of Virginia's 75th governor, Abigail Spanberger • Virginia Mercury
Spanberger, the first woman governor in Virginia's history, will be sworn in to office on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
virginiamercury.com
January 17, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Abigail Spanberger will make history when she becomes Virginia’s first woman governor today. The inauguration ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. and Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones will also be sworn in. Follow our special coverage: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
The Made in Virginia Market, held Friday afternoon in Richmond, kicked off Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger's inauguration weekend. Spanberger, seen here greeting market attendees, will be sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor on Saturday. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury)
January 16, 2026 at 10:14 PM
The Made in Virginia Market, held Friday afternoon in Richmond, kicked off Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger's inauguration weekend. Spanberger, seen here greeting market attendees, will be sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor on Saturday. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury)
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NEW: Virginia Senate Democrats advance a controversial amendment allowing mid-decade congressional redistricting.
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
Virginia Senate Democrats advance mid-decade redistricting amendment • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Senate Democrats on Friday approved a controversial constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly to redraw the state’s congressional districts mid-decade, advancing a long-s...
virginiamercury.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:44 PM
NEW: Virginia Senate Democrats advance a controversial amendment allowing mid-decade congressional redistricting.
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
“Without federal action these salamanders will go extinct on our watch," said Will Harlan of the Center for Biological Diversity, which is suing the US. Fish & Wildlife Service for failing to issue federal protections for rare, yellow-spotted woodland salamanders. virginiamercury.com/briefs/lawsu...
Lawsuit filed to protect rare Appalachian salamander found in Virginia, neighboring states • Virginia Mercury
A lawsuit has been filed for a rare Appalachian salamander that waits for potential protections.
virginiamercury.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:24 PM
“Without federal action these salamanders will go extinct on our watch," said Will Harlan of the Center for Biological Diversity, which is suing the US. Fish & Wildlife Service for failing to issue federal protections for rare, yellow-spotted woodland salamanders. virginiamercury.com/briefs/lawsu...
Youngkin touted $157 billion in capital investments, record job growth and major state regulation cuts during his tenure. An analyst says "he has no legislative legacy" and top Democrats say his focus on culture war issues and alignment with Trump define his term. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/y...
Youngkin looks back on four years as governor and sees transformation, not regret • Virginia Mercury
As he prepares to hand the keys of the Executive Mansion to his Democratic successor, Gov. Glenn Youngkin says his four years leading Virginia exceeded even his own expectations — a tenure he…
virginiamercury.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Youngkin touted $157 billion in capital investments, record job growth and major state regulation cuts during his tenure. An analyst says "he has no legislative legacy" and top Democrats say his focus on culture war issues and alignment with Trump define his term. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/y...
Rep. Rob Wittman was one of just 17 House Republicans who joined Democrats in backing a 3-year extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits in a 230-196 vote — a rare GOP break as health insurance costs rise and the Senate now faces pressure to act.
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Virginia Congressman Wittman among just 17 Republicans nationally to back ACA credits extension • Virginia Mercury
As debate about reviving the lapsed subsidies continues on Capitol Hill, the issue could test Virginia Republican representatives Wittman and Kiggans in 2026 congressional midterm elections later this...
virginiamercury.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Rep. Rob Wittman was one of just 17 House Republicans who joined Democrats in backing a 3-year extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits in a 230-196 vote — a rare GOP break as health insurance costs rise and the Senate now faces pressure to act.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/15/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/15/v...