Charlotte Rene Woods
@charlottewords.bsky.social
Politics Reporter at Virginia Mercury.
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Trying to use this site more!
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Pulse Check Archives • Virginia Mercury
This series examines the state of health care in Virginia
virginiamercury.com
I traveled the state this summer exploring how federal funding changes affect Virginia's hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and the state health department. The three-part series launched this week. 🧵 1/4
virginiamercury.com/category/pul...
virginiamercury.com/category/pul...
I know there are some other UVA-related things making news today, but a qualitative research study that just dropped reveals some gun violence prevention strategies. People living in "hotspots" around the state were also interviewed for their insights. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/14/n...
New UVA research recommends gun violence prevention strategies for state, local governments • Virginia Mercury
New qualitative research from University of Virginia professors and law students explores contributing factors to youth gun violence in Virginia as well as solutions at the state and local levels.
virginiamercury.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I know there are some other UVA-related things making news today, but a qualitative research study that just dropped reveals some gun violence prevention strategies. People living in "hotspots" around the state were also interviewed for their insights. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/14/n...
Virginia’s South Side maternal health care desert is about to get a little drier as a Farmville hospital is closing its labor & delivery unit.
Longstanding challenges paired with federal funding changes in health care were among the reasons.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Longstanding challenges paired with federal funding changes in health care were among the reasons.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Centra South Side Community Hospital to close labor and delivery unit in Farmville • Virginia Mercury
Starting on Dec. 19, Farmville-area expectant parents will need to travel to Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg — a roughly hour-long drive west.
virginiamercury.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Virginia’s South Side maternal health care desert is about to get a little drier as a Farmville hospital is closing its labor & delivery unit.
Longstanding challenges paired with federal funding changes in health care were among the reasons.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Longstanding challenges paired with federal funding changes in health care were among the reasons.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
🚨Transition in motion: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin meet at the Executive Mansion to focus on food security, health care and living costs as Virginia gears up for "Day One" of the new administration.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
Youngkin, Spanberger talk administrative transition with an eye on food security and health care • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and Gov. Glenn Youngkin stepped out of the Executive Mansion on Thursday with their spouses, smiling as they paused to talk with reporters. The couples had just shared a ...
virginiamercury.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:39 PM
🚨Transition in motion: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin meet at the Executive Mansion to focus on food security, health care and living costs as Virginia gears up for "Day One" of the new administration.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
BREAKING: Democrat Jay Jones defeated Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in the attorney general race, completing the party's full sweep of statewide office elections in Virginia. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/d...
Democrats sweep Virginia’s statewide races, reclaiming full control of executive branch • Virginia Mercury
Democrats completed a clean statewide sweep in Virginia on Tuesday night, as former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond,…
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:13 AM
BREAKING: Democrat Jay Jones defeated Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in the attorney general race, completing the party's full sweep of statewide office elections in Virginia. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/d...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
“It's a big deal that the girls and the young women I have met along the campaign trail now know with certainty that they can achieve anything,” Democrat Abigail Spanberger said after defeating Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia governor race. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/b...
BREAKING: Democrat Abigail Spanberger wins Virginia governor's race • Virginia Mercury
The Associated Press has called the Virginia governor’s race in Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s favor, as of 8:00 p.m. Spanberger clenched a victory over Republican opponent Winsome Earle-Sears,…
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:49 AM
“It's a big deal that the girls and the young women I have met along the campaign trail now know with certainty that they can achieve anything,” Democrat Abigail Spanberger said after defeating Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia governor race. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/b...
Updates for now on SNAP and Virginia's state-level temporary version of it:
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/y...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/y...
Va. launches statewide food drive to counter federal government shutdown, delayed SNAP benefits • Virginia Mercury
Building on a temporary state-level version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) announced last week, state agencies are collaborating on a food drive effort to further bols...
virginiamercury.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Updates for now on SNAP and Virginia's state-level temporary version of it:
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/y...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/y...
Scenes from Saturday in Norfolk, Virginia as former president Barack Obama campaigned for Abigail Spanberger.
November 3, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Scenes from Saturday in Norfolk, Virginia as former president Barack Obama campaigned for Abigail Spanberger.
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
“Abigail does not just say the right thing,” former President Barack Obama said Saturday at a Norfolk Arena as Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger looked on and a crowd of 7,000 cheered. “As your governor, she will do the right thing.” virginiamercury.com/2025/11/01/s...
‘She will do the right thing’: Obama boosts Spanberger at Norfolk rally • Virginia Mercury
Saturday in Norfolk, former President Barack Obama lent a familiar and energizing presence to a campaign rally for Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for Virginia governor.
virginiamercury.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Some SNAP recipients walked me through how they stretch their dollars to feed themselves and their families. But worry grows amid the federal shutdown and new restrictions.
A Gov. Youngkin order could provide temporary relief if the shutdown lasts past October.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/i...
A Gov. Youngkin order could provide temporary relief if the shutdown lasts past October.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/i...
‘It goes quick’: Virginians stretch dollars and hope as SNAP funding freezes • Virginia Mercury
Each month, when his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds arrive, Daniel Garratt stocks up meats and pantry staples like canned goods in bulk at Walmart. He then visits local discount or do...
virginiamercury.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Some SNAP recipients walked me through how they stretch their dollars to feed themselves and their families. But worry grows amid the federal shutdown and new restrictions.
A Gov. Youngkin order could provide temporary relief if the shutdown lasts past October.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/i...
A Gov. Youngkin order could provide temporary relief if the shutdown lasts past October.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/i...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
New story from @virginiamercury.com @charlottewords.bsky.social discusses how Virginia registrars secure our votes, build trust & handle challenges on the frontlines of democracy.
These insights come from our new video series Behind the Ballot
Read here: virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/v...
These insights come from our new video series Behind the Ballot
Read here: virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/v...
Va. registrars share how they keep rolls accurate, reflect on their role in the democratic process • Virginia Mercury
Security is paramount, the registrars said, as they broke down how they pre-test voting equipment, create protocols for election worker conduct and access to ballots, and how they participate in the ...
virginiamercury.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:21 PM
New story from @virginiamercury.com @charlottewords.bsky.social discusses how Virginia registrars secure our votes, build trust & handle challenges on the frontlines of democracy.
These insights come from our new video series Behind the Ballot
Read here: virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/v...
These insights come from our new video series Behind the Ballot
Read here: virginiamercury.com/2025/10/27/v...
I traveled the state this summer exploring how federal funding changes affect Virginia's hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and the state health department. The three-part series launched this week. 🧵 1/4
virginiamercury.com/category/pul...
virginiamercury.com/category/pul...
Pulse Check Archives • Virginia Mercury
This series examines the state of health care in Virginia
virginiamercury.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I traveled the state this summer exploring how federal funding changes affect Virginia's hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and the state health department. The three-part series launched this week. 🧵 1/4
virginiamercury.com/category/pul...
virginiamercury.com/category/pul...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
Allegations that Centreville High School staff coerced minors into getting abortions and helped them get the procedure without their parents’ knowledge are “likely untrue,” per the Virginia school district's legal probe, by @charlottewords.bsky.social www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fair...
Fairfax County Public Schools lawyers’ internal probe refutes school-assisted abortion allegations
Allegations that Centreville High School staff coerced minors into getting abortions and assisted them in undergoing the procedure without their parents’ knowledge are “likely untrue,” Oct. 16 finding...
www.newsfromthestates.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Allegations that Centreville High School staff coerced minors into getting abortions and helped them get the procedure without their parents’ knowledge are “likely untrue,” per the Virginia school district's legal probe, by @charlottewords.bsky.social www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fair...
Democratic attorneys general remain one of a few checks on power against Republican majorities in Congress and the White House. Meanwhile, Jones' text scandal also looms over his race against Miyares.
Voters can glean more from both men in tonight's debate.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/15/j...
Voters can glean more from both men in tonight's debate.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/15/j...
Jones text scandal reshapes Virginia’s attorney general race — and tests Spanberger’s ticket • Virginia Mercury
Thursday’s attorney general debate will likely offer voters their clearest look yet at how both men defend their records — and how they define the office in a sharply divided Virginia.
virginiamercury.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Democratic attorneys general remain one of a few checks on power against Republican majorities in Congress and the White House. Meanwhile, Jones' text scandal also looms over his race against Miyares.
Voters can glean more from both men in tonight's debate.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/15/j...
Voters can glean more from both men in tonight's debate.
virginiamercury.com/2025/10/15/j...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
Under plans the Trump administration posted this weekend, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed during a government shutdown, while others will keep working without being paid. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/29/r...
Hundreds of thousands of federal employees face furloughs under Trump shutdown plans • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration began posting plans over the weekend that detail how hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed during a government shutdown, while others will…
virginiamercury.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Under plans the Trump administration posted this weekend, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed during a government shutdown, while others will keep working without being paid. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/29/r...
Federal funding for research that helps prevent maternal deaths nationwide is set to expire Sep. 30. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/29/f...
Federal funding for research to prevent maternal deaths in Va., nationwide set to expire Sept. 30 • Virginia Mercury
Seven years ago, Congress’ Preventing Maternal Deaths Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump — but the funding it provides to states to address maternal health disparities is set to expire ...
virginiamercury.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Federal funding for research that helps prevent maternal deaths nationwide is set to expire Sep. 30. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/29/f...
Democrats (and some Republicans) want to extend special tax credits people use to buy ACA marketplace health insurance. The proposals come as a potential government shutdown looms.
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/v...
Virginia Democrats and some Republicans want to extend ACA tax credits as shutdown looms • Virginia Mercury
About 400,000 Virginians purchase health insurance through the state’s exchange, and some of those people qualify for Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
virginiamercury.com
September 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Democrats (and some Republicans) want to extend special tax credits people use to buy ACA marketplace health insurance. The proposals come as a potential government shutdown looms.
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/v...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
I spoke with three medical experts to better understand the basics about autism, including how it's diagnosed, what the research shows and the biggest misconceptions.
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...
Trump and RFK Jr. are making claims about autism. What do medical experts say?
WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stirred up major concerns and considerable speculation earlier this year when he announced the administration would release a rep...
www.newsfromthestates.com
September 23, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I spoke with three medical experts to better understand the basics about autism, including how it's diagnosed, what the research shows and the biggest misconceptions.
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...
Ex-felons that earned an early release through a state program told me how they're not wasting their 2nd chance. With 19% of people released last year being re-convicted, AG Jason Miyares has ignited fresh opposition to the program in his reelection campaign.
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/17/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/17/s...
Sentence-trimming program inmates can earn under fresh scrutiny amid Va. attorney general race • Virginia Mercury
Beneficiaries watch with worry as Republican incumbent Miyares ignites fresh push to change it and challenges Democrat nominee Jones over support when the law passed
virginiamercury.com
September 18, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Ex-felons that earned an early release through a state program told me how they're not wasting their 2nd chance. With 19% of people released last year being re-convicted, AG Jason Miyares has ignited fresh opposition to the program in his reelection campaign.
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/17/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/17/s...
Breaking: Virginia Department of Health issues order to ease COVID-19 vaccine access as federal guidance shifts. (I asked VDH and the governor about this yesterday, as other states have done so in the interim)
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
Va. Department of Health issues order to ease COVID-19 vaccine access, as federal guidance shifts • Virginia Mercury
An order the Virginia Department of Health issued Wednesday now makes it easier for eligible Virginians to get vaccines in the weeks ahead.
virginiamercury.com
September 11, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Breaking: Virginia Department of Health issues order to ease COVID-19 vaccine access as federal guidance shifts. (I asked VDH and the governor about this yesterday, as other states have done so in the interim)
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
To get a COVID vaccine in Virginia, you now need a prescription or must be 65 or older. The change, triggered by shifting federal guidelines, is posing challenges for COVID shot seekers statewide. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/10/f...
Federal COVID vaccine access shifts reverberate statewide, Va. advocates, health care workers say • Virginia Mercury
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ended broad emergency authorizations for COVID vaccines in recent weeks, which had allowed people to be able to walk into pharmacies without prescriptions to get…
virginiamercury.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
To get a COVID vaccine in Virginia, you now need a prescription or must be 65 or older. The change, triggered by shifting federal guidelines, is posing challenges for COVID shot seekers statewide. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/10/f...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
Part two of our On the Record series: a deep dive into Democratic governor candidate Abigail Spanberger's stances on immigration, education, energy and environment, health care, housing, criminal justice and policing, voting rights and elections. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/09/o...
On the record: Abigail Spanberger • Virginia Mercury
Part two of The Virginia Mercury’s On the Record series examines Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger’s positions on some of the state’s most pressing issues: immigration, education,…
virginiamercury.com
September 9, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Part two of our On the Record series: a deep dive into Democratic governor candidate Abigail Spanberger's stances on immigration, education, energy and environment, health care, housing, criminal justice and policing, voting rights and elections. virginiamercury.com/2025/09/09/o...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
Part one of our On the Record series examines Republican governor candidate Winsome Earle-Sears’ positions on key Virginia issues: immigration, education, energy, environment, health care, housing, criminal justice and policing, voting rights and elections.
On the record: Winsome Earle-Sears • Virginia Mercury
Part one of The Virginia Mercury’s On the Record series examines Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears’ positions on some of the state’s most pressing issues: immigration, education,…
virginiamercury.com
September 8, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Part one of our On the Record series examines Republican governor candidate Winsome Earle-Sears’ positions on key Virginia issues: immigration, education, energy, environment, health care, housing, criminal justice and policing, voting rights and elections.
U.S. Sen. Warner, Va. House Speaker Scott say hospital systems should speak out about possible closures, staff reductions and health care coverage gaps spurred by federal reconciliation bill. 🧵1/3 virginiamercury.com/2025/09/03/f...
Federal, state lawmakers call on Va. hospitals to ‘be transparent’ about federal funding changes • Virginia Mercury
Alongside local health care workers and government leaders, Democrat Mark Warner, who represents Virginia in the U.S. Senate,and Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, delivered ...
virginiamercury.com
September 3, 2025 at 3:59 PM
U.S. Sen. Warner, Va. House Speaker Scott say hospital systems should speak out about possible closures, staff reductions and health care coverage gaps spurred by federal reconciliation bill. 🧵1/3 virginiamercury.com/2025/09/03/f...
Reposted by Charlotte Rene Woods
This is getting weird.
The COA issued yet another unpublished opinion in a FOIA case today. This one involves the Attorney General. And it's potentially kind of important. The court holds that the reference to the AG in the working papers exemption includes the entire OFFICE,...
The COA issued yet another unpublished opinion in a FOIA case today. This one involves the Attorney General. And it's potentially kind of important. The court holds that the reference to the AG in the working papers exemption includes the entire OFFICE,...
September 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
This is getting weird.
The COA issued yet another unpublished opinion in a FOIA case today. This one involves the Attorney General. And it's potentially kind of important. The court holds that the reference to the AG in the working papers exemption includes the entire OFFICE,...
The COA issued yet another unpublished opinion in a FOIA case today. This one involves the Attorney General. And it's potentially kind of important. The court holds that the reference to the AG in the working papers exemption includes the entire OFFICE,...
"Dreamers" are now excluded from ACA marketplace, per new HHS rule. A legal challenge in federal court has some other changes "up in the air" for now.
virginiamercury.com/2025/08/29/d...
virginiamercury.com/2025/08/29/d...
‘Dreamers’ now excluded from enrolling in ACA Marketplace, other changes ‘up in the air’ • Virginia Mercury
DACA populations, the children of undocumented immigrants popularly known as “Dreamers,” are now excluded from enrolling in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, following the effects of a new U.S. Hea...
virginiamercury.com
August 29, 2025 at 2:47 PM
"Dreamers" are now excluded from ACA marketplace, per new HHS rule. A legal challenge in federal court has some other changes "up in the air" for now.
virginiamercury.com/2025/08/29/d...
virginiamercury.com/2025/08/29/d...