Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
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...
With Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi leaving her Richmond-area Senate seat, a special election is coming — and Democrats are gearing up for a fast firehouse primary.
Del. Debra Gardner and Del. Michael Jones are in, and no GOP candidate has stepped forward yet.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/19/d...
Del. Debra Gardner and Del. Michael Jones are in, and no GOP candidate has stepped forward yet.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/19/d...
Democrats brace for quick special election in deep-blue Senate District 15 • Virginia Mercury
A special election to fill the state Senate seat being vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi is expected to take place before the General Assembly convenes for its 2026 session in January, setting ...
virginiamercury.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:53 PM
With Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi leaving her Richmond-area Senate seat, a special election is coming — and Democrats are gearing up for a fast firehouse primary.
Del. Debra Gardner and Del. Michael Jones are in, and no GOP candidate has stepped forward yet.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/19/d...
Del. Debra Gardner and Del. Michael Jones are in, and no GOP candidate has stepped forward yet.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/19/d...
Members of the U.S. House Democratic caucus are pressing ICE for answers on the detention of pregnant women in Virginia — demanding transparency about how many are held, their health care access, and whether U.S. citizen babies have been born in custody.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
Members of Democratic caucus press ICE for answers on detainment of pregnant women • Virginia Mercury
Virginia's U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, signed onto the lawmakers' letter
virginiamercury.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Members of the U.S. House Democratic caucus are pressing ICE for answers on the detention of pregnant women in Virginia — demanding transparency about how many are held, their health care access, and whether U.S. citizen babies have been born in custody.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
Local communities in Virginia and beyond are pushing back against the surge of data-centers — citing too little say in zoning decisions, overwhelming energy demands and a shrinking “community voice.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
Data center growth drives locals to fight for more say • Virginia Mercury
Even as some state lawmakers are rushing to pass legislation that would accelerate the development of data center infrastructure, communities across the country are taking steps to ensure they have a ...
virginiamercury.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Local communities in Virginia and beyond are pushing back against the surge of data-centers — citing too little say in zoning decisions, overwhelming energy demands and a shrinking “community voice.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/r...
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has named her Energy Policy Transition Team.
With surging demand, rising utility costs and data-center growth pressing the grid, the team signals her intent to overhaul reform on renewables, energy efficiency, and infrastructure.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/s...
With surging demand, rising utility costs and data-center growth pressing the grid, the team signals her intent to overhaul reform on renewables, energy efficiency, and infrastructure.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/s...
Spanberger appoints energy policy transition team • Virginia Mercury
A former SCC commissioner, Southern Environmental Law Center lawyer, and a Google lobbyist head up the start of the policy shift
virginiamercury.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has named her Energy Policy Transition Team.
With surging demand, rising utility costs and data-center growth pressing the grid, the team signals her intent to overhaul reform on renewables, energy efficiency, and infrastructure.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/s...
With surging demand, rising utility costs and data-center growth pressing the grid, the team signals her intent to overhaul reform on renewables, energy efficiency, and infrastructure.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/s...
Eastern District of Virginia Federal Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick gave a scathing account of the government’s mishandling, and possibly illegal access to, evidence presented to grand jurors in Comey's case, including a potential Fourth Amendment violation. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/r...
Judge cites ‘profound investigative missteps’ in court case against James Comey • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey has been granted access to all grand jury materials in his case after a federal judge found “profound investigative missteps”…
virginiamercury.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Eastern District of Virginia Federal Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick gave a scathing account of the government’s mishandling, and possibly illegal access to, evidence presented to grand jurors in Comey's case, including a potential Fourth Amendment violation. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/r...
COMMETARY: Montgomery County, Maryland, is considering exporting its large volume of trash — and the resulting pollution — to a landfill in Virginia. Here’s what residents of both states should consider, write guest columnists Vivian Thomson and Kit Gage. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/d...
Dear Virginia, here’s lots more of our trash. All the best, Maryland • Virginia Mercury
Montgomery County, Maryland, is considering exporting its large volume of trash — and the resulting pollution — to a landfill in Virginia. Here's what residents of both states should consider, write…
virginiamercury.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
COMMETARY: Montgomery County, Maryland, is considering exporting its large volume of trash — and the resulting pollution — to a landfill in Virginia. Here’s what residents of both states should consider, write guest columnists Vivian Thomson and Kit Gage. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/d...
The Federal Aviation Administration early Monday lifted an order that airlines cut domestic flights to 40 major U.S. airports, as air traffic control staffing levels improve following the six-week government shutdown. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/r...
Trump administration’s FAA chief clears normal operations in the skies post-shutdown • Virginia Mercury
The Federal Aviation Administration early Monday lifted an order that airlines cut domestic flights to 40 major U.S. airports, as air traffic control staffing levels improve following the six-week…
virginiamercury.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:36 PM
The Federal Aviation Administration early Monday lifted an order that airlines cut domestic flights to 40 major U.S. airports, as air traffic control staffing levels improve following the six-week government shutdown. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/r...
The Virginia Supreme Court won't take up a case that suspended several appointees by Gov. Glenn Youngkin from serving on three university governing boards. The court's decision shows "MAGA rules don't work in Virginia," Sen. Scott Surovell posted on Twitter. virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
Virginia Supreme Court refuses to review AG's appeal in college board appointees case • Virginia Mercury
The Virginia Supreme Court has refused to take up a case that suspended multiple appointees by Gov. Glenn Youngkin from serving on three Virginia university governing boards.
virginiamercury.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM
The Virginia Supreme Court won't take up a case that suspended several appointees by Gov. Glenn Youngkin from serving on three university governing boards. The court's decision shows "MAGA rules don't work in Virginia," Sen. Scott Surovell posted on Twitter. virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
State senators may summon UVA leaders to Richmond to discuss the school's agreement with the Department of Justice to suspend several federal civiil rights investigations, which sparked fierce opposition from legislators, alumni and faculty.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/s...
State senators may call UVA leaders to the carpet over agreement to end DOJ investigations • Virginia Mercury
State senators are considering asking representatives from the University of Virginia to meet with lawmakers in Richmond after school leaders signed an agreement with the federal government to…
virginiamercury.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:32 PM
State senators may summon UVA leaders to Richmond to discuss the school's agreement with the Department of Justice to suspend several federal civiil rights investigations, which sparked fierce opposition from legislators, alumni and faculty.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/s...
With Dems in control of both chambers and an incoming governor who has promised to support it, a legal adult-use cannabis market is finally on the horizon. The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales' final proposed framework will be released next month. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/a...
After years of vetoes, Virginia poised to launch adult-use cannabis market • Virginia Mercury
After four years of stalled efforts and repeated vetoes from outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia lawmakers now see a clear path to finally standing up a legal adult-use cannabis market.During her…
virginiamercury.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:06 PM
With Dems in control of both chambers and an incoming governor who has promised to support it, a legal adult-use cannabis market is finally on the horizon. The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales' final proposed framework will be released next month. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/a...
Virginia will delay raising its reading and math academic benchmarks until the following school year, giving teachers and schools a breather before higher proficiency standards kick in. Critics say it could lower graduation rates and increase teacher burnout. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/14/h...
Higher SOL cut scores coming, but not this year, Virginia board says • Virginia Mercury
Virginia will delay raising its academic benchmarks in reading and math until the following school year — a pause that gives teachers and school divisions a brief breather before higher proficiency…
virginiamercury.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Virginia will delay raising its reading and math academic benchmarks until the following school year, giving teachers and schools a breather before higher proficiency standards kick in. Critics say it could lower graduation rates and increase teacher burnout. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/14/h...