Margaret Barthel
@margaretbarthel.bsky.social
Northern Virginia reporter for WAMU 88.5, the D.C. NPR station. Talk to me at mbarthel@wamu.org or find me on Signal margaretbarthel.37
Pinned
Hello Bluesky, it's me, Margaret. I'm a public radio reporter covering Northern Virginia for WAMU 88.5 ... and also a millennial who is slow to adopt new social media platforms.
You can find me kicking around Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William with one of these:
You can find me kicking around Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William with one of these:
Big thanks to @jahd.bsky.social and @deanmirshahi.bsky.social for letting me crash the VPM news election night post party - always love a public media co-byline.
Btw VPM is a treasure and their coverage of the election this year was the gold standard www.vpm.org/elections/20...
Btw VPM is a treasure and their coverage of the election this year was the gold standard www.vpm.org/elections/20...
Democrats sweep Virginia's statewide offices, expand House majority
Voters sent Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones to the Capitol.
www.vpm.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Big thanks to @jahd.bsky.social and @deanmirshahi.bsky.social for letting me crash the VPM news election night post party - always love a public media co-byline.
Btw VPM is a treasure and their coverage of the election this year was the gold standard www.vpm.org/elections/20...
Btw VPM is a treasure and their coverage of the election this year was the gold standard www.vpm.org/elections/20...
The number of times I've said "Virginia is home to hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors" on NPR national this morning
November 5, 2025 at 11:08 AM
The number of times I've said "Virginia is home to hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors" on NPR national this morning
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
Democrats swept Virginia's top three statewide offices and flipped about a dozen seats in the House of Delegates Tuesday, according to unofficial results from The Associated Press.
More from @jahd.bsky.social and WAMU's @margaretbarthel.bsky.social on a big night for Dems in the commonwealth:
More from @jahd.bsky.social and WAMU's @margaretbarthel.bsky.social on a big night for Dems in the commonwealth:
Democrats sweep Virginia’s statewide offices, expand House majority
Voters sent Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones to the Capitol.
www.vpm.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:26 AM
Democrats swept Virginia's top three statewide offices and flipped about a dozen seats in the House of Delegates Tuesday, according to unofficial results from The Associated Press.
More from @jahd.bsky.social and WAMU's @margaretbarthel.bsky.social on a big night for Dems in the commonwealth:
More from @jahd.bsky.social and WAMU's @margaretbarthel.bsky.social on a big night for Dems in the commonwealth:
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
Virginia voters will hit the polls tomorrow with electricity bills, data centers and renewable energy front of mind.
One potential outcome? A Democratic triefcta control with questions over a commitment to the state's decarbonization law.
insideclimatenews.org/news/0311202...
One potential outcome? A Democratic triefcta control with questions over a commitment to the state's decarbonization law.
insideclimatenews.org/news/0311202...
In Virginia, Voters Head to the Polls Hot Over Data Centers, Solar Facilities and Rising Electric Bills - Inside Climate News
Virginia, birthplace of the Internet, has more data centers than anywhere else in the world, bringing in billions in tax revenues. But continued data center development is forcing electric rates up, a...
insideclimatenews.org
November 4, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Virginia voters will hit the polls tomorrow with electricity bills, data centers and renewable energy front of mind.
One potential outcome? A Democratic triefcta control with questions over a commitment to the state's decarbonization law.
insideclimatenews.org/news/0311202...
One potential outcome? A Democratic triefcta control with questions over a commitment to the state's decarbonization law.
insideclimatenews.org/news/0311202...
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
VA's got to spend $3.2 bn more on Medicaid than it has currently budgeted over the next 3 years, according to a DMAS document I obtained.
$410 mn this year (FY26), $1.1 bn in FY27, $1.7 bn in FY28. This isn't HR1 related, but its another cost that piles onto federal changes
$410 mn this year (FY26), $1.1 bn in FY27, $1.7 bn in FY28. This isn't HR1 related, but its another cost that piles onto federal changes
November 3, 2025 at 10:50 PM
VA's got to spend $3.2 bn more on Medicaid than it has currently budgeted over the next 3 years, according to a DMAS document I obtained.
$410 mn this year (FY26), $1.1 bn in FY27, $1.7 bn in FY28. This isn't HR1 related, but its another cost that piles onto federal changes
$410 mn this year (FY26), $1.1 bn in FY27, $1.7 bn in FY28. This isn't HR1 related, but its another cost that piles onto federal changes
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
Earlier this year, "quiet" was one word to describe the Virginia race for governor. Then came DOGE, a text message scandal down ballot, a redistricting surprise, the government shutdown and more.
The breakdown you need from @jahd.bsky.social @margaretbarthel.bsky.social @bradkutner.bsky.social
The breakdown you need from @jahd.bsky.social @margaretbarthel.bsky.social @bradkutner.bsky.social
How this week's elections in Virginia became about ... everything
Earlier this year, "quiet" was one word to describe the Virginia race for governor. Then came DOGE, a text message scandal down ballot, a redistricting surprise, the government shutdown and more.
www.npr.org
November 3, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Earlier this year, "quiet" was one word to describe the Virginia race for governor. Then came DOGE, a text message scandal down ballot, a redistricting surprise, the government shutdown and more.
The breakdown you need from @jahd.bsky.social @margaretbarthel.bsky.social @bradkutner.bsky.social
The breakdown you need from @jahd.bsky.social @margaretbarthel.bsky.social @bradkutner.bsky.social
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
How this week's elections in Virginia became about ... everything. By your four favorite public radio reporters @margaretbarthel.bsky.social @theshabomb.com @bradkutner.bsky.social www.npr.org/2025/11/02/n...
How this week's elections in Virginia became about ... everything
Earlier this year, "quiet" was one word to describe the Virginia race for governor. Then came DOGE, a text message scandal down ballot, a redistricting surprise, the government shutdown and more.
www.npr.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:45 PM
How this week's elections in Virginia became about ... everything. By your four favorite public radio reporters @margaretbarthel.bsky.social @theshabomb.com @bradkutner.bsky.social www.npr.org/2025/11/02/n...
Premium increases with a side of politics wamu.org/story/25/10/...
Health Hub: Virginia voters head to the polls as health insurance premiums rise
Health care has been a consistent talking point in the campaign for governor in the commonwealth.
wamu.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Premium increases with a side of politics wamu.org/story/25/10/...
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
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...
Virginia's economy is showing initial impacts from cuts to the federal government and the shutdown, but it's been more muted than some analysts initially expected.
One reason: the defense industry.
One reason: the defense industry.
October 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Virginia's economy is showing initial impacts from cuts to the federal government and the shutdown, but it's been more muted than some analysts initially expected.
One reason: the defense industry.
One reason: the defense industry.
"I don’t even know how we’re staying open. Sometimes I think it’s God, or I think it’s my late wife, just watching over this place."
A day program for disabled adults in Manassas grapples with coming cuts to Medicaid: wamu.org/story/25/10/...
A day program for disabled adults in Manassas grapples with coming cuts to Medicaid: wamu.org/story/25/10/...
What Medicaid cuts could mean for one day program for disabled adults in Manassas
The Bright Center was already operating on a shoestring. Now the program's sustainability is even more in doubt.
wamu.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:23 PM
"I don’t even know how we’re staying open. Sometimes I think it’s God, or I think it’s my late wife, just watching over this place."
A day program for disabled adults in Manassas grapples with coming cuts to Medicaid: wamu.org/story/25/10/...
A day program for disabled adults in Manassas grapples with coming cuts to Medicaid: wamu.org/story/25/10/...
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
Youngkin administration keeps details of paused federal grants under wraps from me and @margaretbarthel.bsky.social www.vpm.org/news/2025-10...
Youngkin administration keeps details of paused federal grants under wraps
The governor's office has twice cited "working papers" in response to records requests.
www.vpm.org
October 14, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Youngkin administration keeps details of paused federal grants under wraps from me and @margaretbarthel.bsky.social www.vpm.org/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
Natural gas prices are relatively low now, but residential gas utility rates are nearing record highs. Customers are paying more for infrastructure, construction, utility costs and taxes than they are for the actual fuel. My @npr.org story: www.npr.org/2025/10/13/n...
October 13, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Natural gas prices are relatively low now, but residential gas utility rates are nearing record highs. Customers are paying more for infrastructure, construction, utility costs and taxes than they are for the actual fuel. My @npr.org story: www.npr.org/2025/10/13/n...
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
A good piece on HD-22 in middle Prince William County
Harris narrowly carried it but tends to be more red down ballot
Article has interviews with GOP Del. Ian Lovejoy and challenger former Del. Elizabeth Guzman
Type of NOVA seat where shutdown could have impact
statenavigate.org/voters-utili...
Harris narrowly carried it but tends to be more red down ballot
Article has interviews with GOP Del. Ian Lovejoy and challenger former Del. Elizabeth Guzman
Type of NOVA seat where shutdown could have impact
statenavigate.org/voters-utili...
October 13, 2025 at 3:03 PM
A good piece on HD-22 in middle Prince William County
Harris narrowly carried it but tends to be more red down ballot
Article has interviews with GOP Del. Ian Lovejoy and challenger former Del. Elizabeth Guzman
Type of NOVA seat where shutdown could have impact
statenavigate.org/voters-utili...
Harris narrowly carried it but tends to be more red down ballot
Article has interviews with GOP Del. Ian Lovejoy and challenger former Del. Elizabeth Guzman
Type of NOVA seat where shutdown could have impact
statenavigate.org/voters-utili...
It's a measure of how siloed the information environment is that this story is all over my X feed but has not yet surfaced over here.
www.nationalreview.com/news/dem-ag-...
www.nationalreview.com/news/dem-ag-...
Dem AG Nominee Jay Jones Fantasized About Shooting Former Virginia GOP Speaker: ‘He Receives Both Bullets’ | National Review
NR has obtained a string of disturbing text messages sent by the former state lawmaker in 2022.
www.nationalreview.com
October 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM
It's a measure of how siloed the information environment is that this story is all over my X feed but has not yet surfaced over here.
www.nationalreview.com/news/dem-ag-...
www.nationalreview.com/news/dem-ag-...
Including a teensy tiny bit of analysis about what a federal shutdown could mean for the race -
Early voting for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates is officially open in Virginia. Here's the state of the race.
Early voting is in full swing in Virginia. Here’s what’s on your ballot
Races include governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and the House of Delegates, along with a handful of local contests in Northern Virginia.
buff.ly
September 23, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Including a teensy tiny bit of analysis about what a federal shutdown could mean for the race -
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
NEW: GOP-leaning House of Delegates districts are outpacing Democratic ones in Virginia’s first week of early voting.
Of the 20 districts with the highest turnout, 11 are strongly or lean Republican, 5 strongly Democratic, 4 are competitive. #VALeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/g...
Of the 20 districts with the highest turnout, 11 are strongly or lean Republican, 5 strongly Democratic, 4 are competitive. #VALeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/g...
GOP districts take early lead in Virginia’s first week of early voting • Virginia Mercury
Early voting in Virginia began just last week, but the first wave of ballots already shows Republican-leaning House of Delegates districts pulling ahead of their Democratic counterparts.
virginiamercury.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:11 PM
NEW: GOP-leaning House of Delegates districts are outpacing Democratic ones in Virginia’s first week of early voting.
Of the 20 districts with the highest turnout, 11 are strongly or lean Republican, 5 strongly Democratic, 4 are competitive. #VALeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/g...
Of the 20 districts with the highest turnout, 11 are strongly or lean Republican, 5 strongly Democratic, 4 are competitive. #VALeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/g...
Snaps from the first day of early voting at Fairfax Government Center, where voters got to hear from John Reid and Abigail Spanberger.
It was sunny, it was hot, it was bustling: a good beginning to our annual festival of democracy in Virginia.
It was sunny, it was hot, it was bustling: a good beginning to our annual festival of democracy in Virginia.
September 19, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Snaps from the first day of early voting at Fairfax Government Center, where voters got to hear from John Reid and Abigail Spanberger.
It was sunny, it was hot, it was bustling: a good beginning to our annual festival of democracy in Virginia.
It was sunny, it was hot, it was bustling: a good beginning to our annual festival of democracy in Virginia.
Thoughtful opinion piece in the Times-Dispatch from Miyares advisor Shaun Kenney on engaging in good faith:
richmond.com/opinion/colu...
richmond.com/opinion/colu...
September 17, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Thoughtful opinion piece in the Times-Dispatch from Miyares advisor Shaun Kenney on engaging in good faith:
richmond.com/opinion/colu...
richmond.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
James Walkinshaw is trying to get seated ASAP
Will have to turn to government funding deadline in 20 days
He has a lot of Federal workers in VA-11
But also a Dem base that wants to take a stand
Will there be a deal or does a shutdown actually happens this time?
Will have to turn to government funding deadline in 20 days
He has a lot of Federal workers in VA-11
But also a Dem base that wants to take a stand
Will there be a deal or does a shutdown actually happens this time?
Democrat James Walkinshaw is headed to Congress, having won about 75% of the vote in the #VA11 special election this evening.
Once he's there, what are his thoughts on the looming federal spending bill deadline? I asked -
Once he's there, what are his thoughts on the looming federal spending bill deadline? I asked -
September 10, 2025 at 11:05 AM
James Walkinshaw is trying to get seated ASAP
Will have to turn to government funding deadline in 20 days
He has a lot of Federal workers in VA-11
But also a Dem base that wants to take a stand
Will there be a deal or does a shutdown actually happens this time?
Will have to turn to government funding deadline in 20 days
He has a lot of Federal workers in VA-11
But also a Dem base that wants to take a stand
Will there be a deal or does a shutdown actually happens this time?
Democrat James Walkinshaw is headed to Congress, having won about 75% of the vote in the #VA11 special election this evening.
Once he's there, what are his thoughts on the looming federal spending bill deadline? I asked -
Once he's there, what are his thoughts on the looming federal spending bill deadline? I asked -
September 10, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Democrat James Walkinshaw is headed to Congress, having won about 75% of the vote in the #VA11 special election this evening.
Once he's there, what are his thoughts on the looming federal spending bill deadline? I asked -
Once he's there, what are his thoughts on the looming federal spending bill deadline? I asked -
Wrote this up here: wamu.org/story/25/09/...
September 9, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Wrote this up here: wamu.org/story/25/09/...
The Virginia Court of Appeals has *again* sent the Arlington 'missing middle' lawsuit back to the circuit court.
September 5, 2025 at 10:43 PM
The Virginia Court of Appeals has *again* sent the Arlington 'missing middle' lawsuit back to the circuit court.
The Virginia ACLU sent an emergency letter to ICE about conditions for detainees at the processing center in Chantilly, where people detained in D.C. and NoVA usually pass through on the way to the agency's actual detention facilities.
September 4, 2025 at 9:59 PM
The Virginia ACLU sent an emergency letter to ICE about conditions for detainees at the processing center in Chantilly, where people detained in D.C. and NoVA usually pass through on the way to the agency's actual detention facilities.
Reposted by Margaret Barthel
Kudos to the Post for pushing back on this because the anecdotal evidence we have just doesn’t support any surge in policing in wards 7 and 8.
I’ll put this to my followers in those neighborhoods: are you seeing federal agents/the National Guard? If so, what’re they doing?
I’ll put this to my followers in those neighborhoods: are you seeing federal agents/the National Guard? If so, what’re they doing?
President Donald Trump's crusade against crime in the nation’s capital has resulted in more than 450 arrests since Aug. 7.
But a full picture about who has been arrested, where, for what and by whom is not yet clear. https://wapo.st/41d7khc
But a full picture about who has been arrested, where, for what and by whom is not yet clear. https://wapo.st/41d7khc
On Trump’s order, dozens arrested daily in D.C. The details are hidden.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to tout the progress of the operation — progress that, without publicly available arrest data, is difficult to measure.
wapo.st
August 20, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Kudos to the Post for pushing back on this because the anecdotal evidence we have just doesn’t support any surge in policing in wards 7 and 8.
I’ll put this to my followers in those neighborhoods: are you seeing federal agents/the National Guard? If so, what’re they doing?
I’ll put this to my followers in those neighborhoods: are you seeing federal agents/the National Guard? If so, what’re they doing?