Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
Virginia is home to over 500 data centers and counting. In today's episode of States Newsroom's podcast Stories from the States, Virginia Mercury Energy and Environment reporter Shannon Heckt shares insights about the fast-growing, energy-intensive industry. www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/stru...
The struggle inside and outside of data centers | News From The States
The struggle inside and outside of data centers
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Virginia is home to over 500 data centers and counting. In today's episode of States Newsroom's podcast Stories from the States, Virginia Mercury Energy and Environment reporter Shannon Heckt shares insights about the fast-growing, energy-intensive industry. www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/stru...
The U.S. House voted to resurrect enhanced tax credits for people who purchase health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman was the only Republican in Virginia’s congressional delegation to vote yea on the measure. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/09/r...
US House backs extension of health insurance subsidies after Dems force vote • Virginia Mercury
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman was the only Republican in Virginia's congressional delegation to vote yea on the measure.
virginiamercury.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:09 PM
The U.S. House voted to resurrect enhanced tax credits for people who purchase health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman was the only Republican in Virginia’s congressional delegation to vote yea on the measure. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/09/r...
A Virginia survey shows 88% of employers report worker lateness or absences due to child care shortages, with high costs and limited access hurting hiring and retention. Lawmakers propose bills to expand support and subsidies. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/09/i...
In statewide survey, employers say Virginia child care crisis negatively impacts businesses • Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s employers say the lack of affordable, high-quality child care is hurting businesses, with 88% of survey respondents reporting employee lateness or absences, and 65% reporting reduced work…
virginiamercury.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:05 PM
A Virginia survey shows 88% of employers report worker lateness or absences due to child care shortages, with high costs and limited access hurting hiring and retention. Lawmakers propose bills to expand support and subsidies. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/09/i...
U.S. Senate advances a war powers resolution aimed at curbing Trump’s authority to conduct further military action in Venezuela without Congress’ approval.
The vote was 52-47, with 5 GOP senators joining Democrats — a rare rebuke.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/r...
The vote was 52-47, with 5 GOP senators joining Democrats — a rare rebuke.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/r...
US Senate with GOP support advances war powers resolution rebuking Trump on Venezuela • Virginia Mercury
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia was one of the measure's sponsors.
virginiamercury.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:04 PM
U.S. Senate advances a war powers resolution aimed at curbing Trump’s authority to conduct further military action in Venezuela without Congress’ approval.
The vote was 52-47, with 5 GOP senators joining Democrats — a rare rebuke.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/r...
The vote was 52-47, with 5 GOP senators joining Democrats — a rare rebuke.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/r...
Virginia Transportation Board transfers a key rail and trail project amid public pushback and concerns over planning and community impact — a flashpoint as officials balance mobility and local voices.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/v...
Va. transportation board transfers rail and trail project amid public concerns • Virginia Mercury
A controversial transfer of a trail project to Virginia’s passenger rail authority was pushed through by Transportation Secretary Shep Miller on Tuesday after a vote by the Commonwealth Transportation...
virginiamercury.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Virginia Transportation Board transfers a key rail and trail project amid public pushback and concerns over planning and community impact — a flashpoint as officials balance mobility and local voices.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/v...
Virginia lawmakers are reviving solar battery and storage bills in the 2026 session after similar measures were vetoed — signaling renewed momentum on clean energy and grid resilience.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/s...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/s...
Battery storage bills make a return after previous vetoes • Virginia Mercury
Lawmakers aim to speed up renewable energy connections and expand dispatchable solar power
virginiamercury.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Virginia lawmakers are reviving solar battery and storage bills in the 2026 session after similar measures were vetoed — signaling renewed momentum on clean energy and grid resilience.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/s...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/08/s...
An ICE officer fatally shot a driver through a car window in Minneapolis during an attempted arrest, raising fresh questions about use of force and law enforcement accountability.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/r...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/r...
ICE officer fatally shoots driver through car window in Minneapolis • Virginia Mercury
The driver then slowly backs up and appears to be leaving, when another officer fires three shots.
virginiamercury.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:46 PM
An ICE officer fatally shot a driver through a car window in Minneapolis during an attempted arrest, raising fresh questions about use of force and law enforcement accountability.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/r...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/r...
NEW: State health officials say a suspected cancer cluster in Southwest Virginia has been ruled out, but more data collection and monitoring are on the horizon as residents and lawmakers seek clarity.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/cance...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/cance...
Cancer cluster ruled out in Southwest Virginia, though more data collection is on the horizon • Virginia Mercury
Since last summer the Virginia Department of Health has been investigating a potential pediatric cancer cluster in Southwest Virginia. On Wednesday, the agency announced it determined that the cancer ...
virginiamercury.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:45 PM
NEW: State health officials say a suspected cancer cluster in Southwest Virginia has been ruled out, but more data collection and monitoring are on the horizon as residents and lawmakers seek clarity.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/cance...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/cance...
Virginia lawmakers are confronting rising workloads in social services as federal shifts increase demand and strain outdated systems.
A bill to modernize tech and update 1990s-era IT could help ease bottlenecks and improve service delivery.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/a...
A bill to modernize tech and update 1990s-era IT could help ease bottlenecks and improve service delivery.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/a...
As federal shifts bump up Va. social service workloads, a bill proposing tech upgrades could help • Virginia Mercury
While the federal shifts make it timely, the departments’ old tech isn’t a new issue. The Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS) — first built in the 1990s — is outdated, a 2024 state-commissioned st...
virginiamercury.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Virginia lawmakers are confronting rising workloads in social services as federal shifts increase demand and strain outdated systems.
A bill to modernize tech and update 1990s-era IT could help ease bottlenecks and improve service delivery.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/a...
A bill to modernize tech and update 1990s-era IT could help ease bottlenecks and improve service delivery.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/a...
Virginia lawmakers are sharply divided over the U.S. strike in Venezuela and whether Congress has adequate oversight of war powers.
Democrats warn the military action could set a dangerous precedent; Republicans defend U.S. security interests.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/v...
Democrats warn the military action could set a dangerous precedent; Republicans defend U.S. security interests.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/v...
Venezuela strike sharpens war powers debate among Virginia lawmakers • Virginia Mercury
As Virginia lawmakers prepare to return to Richmond next week for the start of the 2026 General Assembly, Democratic officials across the state and congressional delegation are mounting a unified push...
virginiamercury.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Virginia lawmakers are sharply divided over the U.S. strike in Venezuela and whether Congress has adequate oversight of war powers.
Democrats warn the military action could set a dangerous precedent; Republicans defend U.S. security interests.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/v...
Democrats warn the military action could set a dangerous precedent; Republicans defend U.S. security interests.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/07/v...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
#breaking Former Del. Mike Jones wins Tuesday’s special election for the Richmond-area Senate District 17 seat vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi, while Democrat Charlie Schmidt captures Jones’ former House District 77 seat.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
Democrats retain two Richmond-area seats in back-to-back special elections • Virginia Mercury
Former Del. Mike Jones captures Senate District 17, while Charlie Schmidt wins Jones’ vacated House seat in District 77.
virginiamercury.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:11 AM
#breaking Former Del. Mike Jones wins Tuesday’s special election for the Richmond-area Senate District 17 seat vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi, while Democrat Charlie Schmidt captures Jones’ former House District 77 seat.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
New report on conditions at Red Onion State Prison doesn’t rule out racism or retaliation in some allegations, even as other complaints were unsubstantiated.
The findings come after multiple self-burning incidents drew scrutiny over treatment and oversight.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/r...
The findings come after multiple self-burning incidents drew scrutiny over treatment and oversight.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/r...
Report doesn’t rule out racism or retaliation at Red Onion, finds other complaints ‘unsubstantiated’ • Virginia Mercury
When a handful of Red Onion State Prison inmates burned themselves in late 2024 amid allegations of racism and abuse, the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) launched an investigation into i...
virginiamercury.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:39 PM
New report on conditions at Red Onion State Prison doesn’t rule out racism or retaliation in some allegations, even as other complaints were unsubstantiated.
The findings come after multiple self-burning incidents drew scrutiny over treatment and oversight.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/r...
The findings come after multiple self-burning incidents drew scrutiny over treatment and oversight.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/r...
One year after Richmond’s 2025 water crisis, city leaders say upgrades at the treatment plant have reduced risks and improved reliability, but they’re still seeking state funding to support ongoing upgrades.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/one-y...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/one-y...
A year after Richmond water crisis, leaders tout improvements, hold out hope for state funding • Virginia Mercury
Richmond officials detail how water treatment facility has improved since water crisis.
virginiamercury.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:11 PM
One year after Richmond’s 2025 water crisis, city leaders say upgrades at the treatment plant have reduced risks and improved reliability, but they’re still seeking state funding to support ongoing upgrades.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/one-y...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/one-y...
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has nominated longtime educator Jeffrey Smith as Virginia’s next secretary of education, tapping a former school superintendent to lead K-12 policy and school improvement efforts as her administration takes shape.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/spanb...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/spanb...
Spanberger nominates Jeffrey Smith as Virginia’s next secretary of education • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger announced on Tuesday morning that long-time educator Jeffrey Smith would be Virginia’s next secretary of education.
virginiamercury.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has nominated longtime educator Jeffrey Smith as Virginia’s next secretary of education, tapping a former school superintendent to lead K-12 policy and school improvement efforts as her administration takes shape.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/spanb...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/spanb...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Midcycle redistricting deepens America’s divide, writes David J. Toscano in a commentary republished by the @alaskabeacon.com via our sibling publication @virginiamercury.com alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/05/r...
Midcycle redistricting deepens America’s divide | Alaska Beacon
Since the early 1900s, states have almost never redrawn congressional maps outside the decennial census.
alaskabeacon.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:25 AM
Midcycle redistricting deepens America’s divide, writes David J. Toscano in a commentary republished by the @alaskabeacon.com via our sibling publication @virginiamercury.com alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/05/r...
VDOT has paused activities tied to its Minority & Women-Owned Business program as new federal rules require all firms to re-certify and prove economic disadvantage — regardless of race or gender.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/v...
VDOT pauses minority-, women-owned businesses program activities amid federal changes • Virginia Mercury
States including Virginia are responding to changes by the U.S. Department of Transportation that removed the presumption that women- or minority-owned businesses are socially and economically disadva...
virginiamercury.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:56 PM
VDOT has paused activities tied to its Minority & Women-Owned Business program as new federal rules require all firms to re-certify and prove economic disadvantage — regardless of race or gender.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/v...
COMMENTARY: The Southern Environmental Law Center says by approving Dominion's proposed gas plant, regulators flouted environmental justice, the burden of proof on reliability and the legal mechanism for cost recovery. Columnist Ivy Main explains their reasoning: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/t...
The SCC approved Dominion’s gas plant. Now it’s reconsidering. What’s going on? • Virginia Mercury
A Southern Environmental Law Center suit alleges state regulators erred in four areas in approving the plant: environmental justice, the cost of the gas plant compared to alternatives, the burden of…
virginiamercury.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:45 PM
COMMENTARY: The Southern Environmental Law Center says by approving Dominion's proposed gas plant, regulators flouted environmental justice, the burden of proof on reliability and the legal mechanism for cost recovery. Columnist Ivy Main explains their reasoning: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/t...
Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, is pitching a bill for the sixth time that would tighten limits on how much state and local governments can charge for public records and clarify how agencies seek court relief when responding to large or complex requests. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/p...
Push to rein in Virginia FOIA costs heads back to General Assembly • Virginia Mercury
When state Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, talks about Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act, she often does so from experience — both as a former journalist and as a lawmaker who says she has…
virginiamercury.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, is pitching a bill for the sixth time that would tighten limits on how much state and local governments can charge for public records and clarify how agencies seek court relief when responding to large or complex requests. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/p...
States must reduce their SNAP error rates to 6% over the next year, or lose federal funding that supports the program. Virginia's rate is 11%; here's how officials are working to reduce it and what SNAP recipients need to know: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/h...
Here’s what Virginia is doing so far to reduce its SNAP error rate • Virginia Mercury
States must reduce rates to 6% over the next year, or lose federal funding that supports the program.
virginiamercury.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:55 PM
States must reduce their SNAP error rates to 6% over the next year, or lose federal funding that supports the program. Virginia's rate is 11%; here's how officials are working to reduce it and what SNAP recipients need to know: virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/h...
A 2025 law unwound a short-lived glimpse into judicial discipline in Virginia, leaving the public in the dark on local judges who’ve violated the state’s judicial cannons. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/a...
After Virginia judges’ misconduct became public, lawmakers reinstated secrecy • Virginia Mercury
A 2025 law unwound a short-lived glimpse into judicial discipline in Virginia, leaving the public in the dark on local judges who’ve violated the state’s judicial cannons.
virginiamercury.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:39 PM
A 2025 law unwound a short-lived glimpse into judicial discipline in Virginia, leaving the public in the dark on local judges who’ve violated the state’s judicial cannons. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/a...
COMMENTARY: History suggests that midcycle gerrymanders lead to greater public polarization and more congressional volatility. If Virginia voters uphold Democratic lawmakers’ current effort to reshape the state’s political maps, the impact could hit close to home. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/02/m...
Midcycle redistricting deepens America’s divide • Virginia Mercury
A 19th-century tactic returns — with 21st-century consequences
virginiamercury.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:15 PM
COMMENTARY: History suggests that midcycle gerrymanders lead to greater public polarization and more congressional volatility. If Virginia voters uphold Democratic lawmakers’ current effort to reshape the state’s political maps, the impact could hit close to home. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/02/m...
The new rule says mail might not receive a postmark on the same day USPS takes possession of it. That could impact Virginia, 13 other states and Washington, D.C., which count ballots arriving after Election Day if they are postmarked on or before that day. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/02/r...
USPS says mail-in ballots might not get postmark on same day they’re dropped off • Virginia Mercury
The U.S. Postal Service has adopted a new rule that could create doubt about whether some ballots mailed by voters by Election Day will receive postmarks in time to be counted.
virginiamercury.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:44 PM
The new rule says mail might not receive a postmark on the same day USPS takes possession of it. That could impact Virginia, 13 other states and Washington, D.C., which count ballots arriving after Election Day if they are postmarked on or before that day. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/02/r...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Fifteen Virginia health centers are suing the state government, claiming it has violated state and federal law through underpayments on Medicaid reimbursements.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Federally Qualified Health Centers in Va. sue state for low Medicaid reimbursements
Fifteen Virginia health centers on Tuesday announced they are suing the state government, claiming it has violated state and federal law through underpayments on Medicaid reimbursements. The…
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Fifteen Virginia health centers are suing the state government, claiming it has violated state and federal law through underpayments on Medicaid reimbursements.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
From water crises in Richmond to historic elections and education and climate coverage, these were The Virginia Mercury’s Top 10 stories of 2025 — chronicling big policy battles, political upsets and issues that shaped our year in the commonwealth.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/31/t...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/31/t...
The Virginia Mercury's top 10 stories of 2025 • Virginia Mercury
A roundup of the Mercury's most-read stories of 2025.
virginiamercury.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:46 PM
From water crises in Richmond to historic elections and education and climate coverage, these were The Virginia Mercury’s Top 10 stories of 2025 — chronicling big policy battles, political upsets and issues that shaped our year in the commonwealth.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/31/t...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/31/t...