Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
Conservation group Wild Virginia is suing the EPA, accusing the agency of approving Virginia’s water quality report without protecting rivers and streams from PFAS “forever chemicals” and violating the Clean Water Act.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/24/c...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/24/c...
Conservation group sues EPA over PFAS contamination in Virginia waterways • Virginia Mercury
The conservation group Wild Virginia has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alleging the agency failed to protect Virginia’s rivers and streams from PFAS, commonly known...
virginiamercury.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Conservation group Wild Virginia is suing the EPA, accusing the agency of approving Virginia’s water quality report without protecting rivers and streams from PFAS “forever chemicals” and violating the Clean Water Act.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/24/c...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/24/c...
Newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents include several references to President Donald Trump, according to court records unsealed this week.
The files do not allege criminal wrongdoing, but renew scrutiny over Epstein’s ties to powerful figures.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/r...
The files do not allege criminal wrongdoing, but renew scrutiny over Epstein’s ties to powerful figures.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/r...
Trump appears in several files of latest Epstein release • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice early Tuesday released thousands more files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with several referencing President Donald Trump. The latest t...
virginiamercury.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents include several references to President Donald Trump, according to court records unsealed this week.
The files do not allege criminal wrongdoing, but renew scrutiny over Epstein’s ties to powerful figures.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/r...
The files do not allege criminal wrongdoing, but renew scrutiny over Epstein’s ties to powerful figures.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/r...
Virginia helped pioneer IVF — now the state must lead again on expanding access and coverage for family-building care, says Elizabeth Carr, the nation’s first IVF baby.
Urgent action from lawmakers can make fertility care equitable for all Virginians.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/v...
Urgent action from lawmakers can make fertility care equitable for all Virginians.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/v...
Virginia helped pioneer IVF. It’s time to lead again • Virginia Mercury
Forty-four years ago today on Dec. 28, my mother gave birth to me, the first baby in the U.S. conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). I exist because of science, and most importantly, because ...
virginiamercury.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Virginia helped pioneer IVF — now the state must lead again on expanding access and coverage for family-building care, says Elizabeth Carr, the nation’s first IVF baby.
Urgent action from lawmakers can make fertility care equitable for all Virginians.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/v...
Urgent action from lawmakers can make fertility care equitable for all Virginians.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/v...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
NEW: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger names Del. Mark Sickles as secretary of finance and Traci Deshazor as secretary of administration, adding two senior cabinet members and setting up another special election in Fairfax County.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
Appointments of two key cabinet roles will trigger another special election in House District 17 • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday announced two additional cabinet appointments, tapping longtime Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, to serve as Virginia’s next secretary of finance and public admin...
virginiamercury.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
NEW: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger names Del. Mark Sickles as secretary of finance and Traci Deshazor as secretary of administration, adding two senior cabinet members and setting up another special election in Fairfax County.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
The Trump admin has paused Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project over national security concerns, ordering a 90-day review even as construction was ramping up.
Dominion warns the delay could threaten grid reliability and raise costs for ratepayers.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/d...
Dominion warns the delay could threaten grid reliability and raise costs for ratepayers.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/d...
Dominion offshore wind project paused over cited national security concerns • Virginia Mercury
Interior Department orders 90-day halt as the utility company warns delay could strain grid reliability.
virginiamercury.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:10 PM
The Trump admin has paused Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project over national security concerns, ordering a 90-day review even as construction was ramping up.
Dominion warns the delay could threaten grid reliability and raise costs for ratepayers.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/d...
Dominion warns the delay could threaten grid reliability and raise costs for ratepayers.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/d...
The U.S. Justice Department has sent a confidential draft agreement to more than a dozen states that would require election officials to remove voters flagged as potentially ineligible after a federal review of voter rolls.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
Trump’s DOJ offers states confidential deal to remove voters flagged by feds • Virginia Mercury
The U.S. Department of Justice has sent confidential draft agreements on voter data sharing to more than a dozen states, part of the Trump administration’s effort to obtain unredacted voter rolls, wit...
virginiamercury.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:21 PM
The U.S. Justice Department has sent a confidential draft agreement to more than a dozen states that would require election officials to remove voters flagged as potentially ineligible after a federal review of voter rolls.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
Remembering William “Billy” Flora, a free Black Virginian and Revolutionary War patriot whose courage at the Battle of Great Bridge helped shape Virginia’s fight for independence.
An overlooked American story worth knowing, per Tom Ewing.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
An overlooked American story worth knowing, per Tom Ewing.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
Remembering William 'Billy' Flora, a free Black Virginian and American patriot • Virginia Mercury
Appreciating Flora’s role in the revolutionary era leads to a more nuanced understanding of American history as we look ahead to the semiquincentennial observations in 2026, writes guest columnist E T...
virginiamercury.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Remembering William “Billy” Flora, a free Black Virginian and Revolutionary War patriot whose courage at the Battle of Great Bridge helped shape Virginia’s fight for independence.
An overlooked American story worth knowing, per Tom Ewing.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
An overlooked American story worth knowing, per Tom Ewing.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/r...
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger tapped retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams as Va.’s next secretary of veterans and defense affairs.
A former adjutant general, he led the Va. National Guard through the COVID-19 response and other high-tempo missions.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/s...
A former adjutant general, he led the Va. National Guard through the COVID-19 response and other high-tempo missions.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/s...
Spanberger names longtime National Guard leader as next veterans secretary • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Monday announced she has selected retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Williams to serve as Virginia’s next secretary of veterans and defense affairs, tapping a longtim...
virginiamercury.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger tapped retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams as Va.’s next secretary of veterans and defense affairs.
A former adjutant general, he led the Va. National Guard through the COVID-19 response and other high-tempo missions.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/s...
A former adjutant general, he led the Va. National Guard through the COVID-19 response and other high-tempo missions.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/s...
Federal support for programs that help Virginia’s minority- and women-owned transportation businesses is in jeopardy — raising concerns from owners who say the funding boosts jobs and equity.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/f...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/f...
Future of federal support for Va. minority-, women-owned businesses in transportation in question • Virginia Mercury
Business owners in Virginia, Illinois and Arkansas say the program has offered systemic corrections, created jobs, and built a workforce pipeline, but fear all of it is at risk with the pending federa...
virginiamercury.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Federal support for programs that help Virginia’s minority- and women-owned transportation businesses is in jeopardy — raising concerns from owners who say the funding boosts jobs and equity.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/f...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/22/f...
The University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors on Friday chose Scott Beardsley as the institution’s 10th president, despite calls from lawmakers, UVA faculty and community organizations and Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger to suspend the months-long search. virginiamercury.com/briefs/unive...
University of Virginia Board of Visitors announces tenth president • Virginia Mercury
The University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors on Friday chose Scott Beardsley as the institution's 10th president, despite calls from lawmakers, UVA faculty and community organizations and…
virginiamercury.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors on Friday chose Scott Beardsley as the institution’s 10th president, despite calls from lawmakers, UVA faculty and community organizations and Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger to suspend the months-long search. virginiamercury.com/briefs/unive...
COMMENTARY: The cost of human suffering by those forced into bankruptcy due to illness or who forego treatment because they can't afford to pay is hard to calculate. What's certain: the increased cost will devastate people of all political persuasions. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/19/r...
Republican voters in Virginia will blame their party for health insurance increases • Virginia Mercury
The cost of human suffering by those forced into bankruptcy due to illness or those who forego treatment because they cannot afford to pay is hard to calculate. What is certain is that the increased…
virginiamercury.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:45 PM
COMMENTARY: The cost of human suffering by those forced into bankruptcy due to illness or who forego treatment because they can't afford to pay is hard to calculate. What's certain: the increased cost will devastate people of all political persuasions. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/19/r...
Thursday, incoming governor Spanberger laid out policy plans aimed at expanding battery storage to boost solar energy's availability, making energy efficiency and home weatherization methods more accessible and reducing the need for new power transmission lines. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/19/g...
Gov.-elect Spanberger outlines energy priorities with focus on efficiency, battery storage • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger detailed how she plans to work with legislators to make utility bills more affordable, as the cost of electricity continues to rise.
virginiamercury.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Thursday, incoming governor Spanberger laid out policy plans aimed at expanding battery storage to boost solar energy's availability, making energy efficiency and home weatherization methods more accessible and reducing the need for new power transmission lines. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/19/g...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Thursday rolled out her “Affordable Virginia Agenda,” outlining a slate of legislative proposals aimed at lowering health care, energy and housing costs as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
Spanberger makes affordability centerpiece of 2026 agenda as legislative session nears • Virginia Mercury
Less than a month before she takes the oath of office, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Thursday rolled out a comprehensive legislative blueprint she said will lower costs for Virginia families — from...
virginiamercury.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Thursday rolled out her “Affordable Virginia Agenda,” outlining a slate of legislative proposals aimed at lowering health care, energy and housing costs as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
In a prime time address to the nation Wednesday night, Trump announced he will send a $1,776 “warrior dividend” to every U.S. servicemember. The amount is in honor of the year of the country’s founding, Trump said, adding that checks are “already on the way.”
Trump claims economic turnaround, after blasting Dems’ affordability focus • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — As Americans continue to face rising prices ahead of year-end holidays, President Donald Trump blamed inflation and health care costs on his predecessor during a prime-time speech…
virginiamercury.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM
In a prime time address to the nation Wednesday night, Trump announced he will send a $1,776 “warrior dividend” to every U.S. servicemember. The amount is in honor of the year of the country’s founding, Trump said, adding that checks are “already on the way.”
COMMENTARY: Civil rights icon Barbara Johns now represents Virginia in the U.S. Capitol, replacing a Robert E. Lee statue. Virginia students galvanized the change, writes guest columnist and former state Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Matt Stickler. virginiamercury.com/briefs/why-b...
Why Barbara Johns belongs in the US Capitol • Virginia Mercury
On Tuesday, the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol got its newest addition. Civil rights icon Barbara Rose Johns now represents Virginia, filling a vacancy that's been open since 2020, when…
virginiamercury.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:20 PM
COMMENTARY: Civil rights icon Barbara Johns now represents Virginia in the U.S. Capitol, replacing a Robert E. Lee statue. Virginia students galvanized the change, writes guest columnist and former state Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Matt Stickler. virginiamercury.com/briefs/why-b...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
NEW: Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin rolled out his final 2-year budget Wednesday, pitching pay raises for teachers and state workers, $730M in tax relief and a $50M child welfare overhaul.
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
Youngkin pitches final budget, touts strong revenues as he prepares to leave office • Virginia Mercury
Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday rolled out his final two-year budget proposal before a joint meeting of the General Assembly’s money committees, pitching a plan built on what he called Virgi...
virginiamercury.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM
NEW: Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin rolled out his final 2-year budget Wednesday, pitching pay raises for teachers and state workers, $730M in tax relief and a $50M child welfare overhaul.
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
Officials say a proposed change to Virginia’s water intake guidelines will bring the commonwealth in line with other states.
Researchers and conservationists say it will likely harm already-vulnerable wildlife like river herring, American shad, and striped bass. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/v...
Researchers and conservationists say it will likely harm already-vulnerable wildlife like river herring, American shad, and striped bass. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/v...
Va. Dept. of Wildlife Resources proposes reducing protections for fish at water intakes • Virginia Mercury
A newly proposed guidance document from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) would impact how Virginia’s leading wildlife conservation agency advises the state on the best practices to…
virginiamercury.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Officials say a proposed change to Virginia’s water intake guidelines will bring the commonwealth in line with other states.
Researchers and conservationists say it will likely harm already-vulnerable wildlife like river herring, American shad, and striped bass. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/v...
Researchers and conservationists say it will likely harm already-vulnerable wildlife like river herring, American shad, and striped bass. virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/v...
Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans' sustained support for the Trump administration's aggressive campaign to curb government spending while slashing federal jobs may put her in a precarious position with voters, political analysts and Democrats say. Here's why: virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Musk’s doubts about DOGE spotlight political risks for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans • Virginia Mercury
Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach is heading into the 2026 election cycle with one of the most precarious political balancing acts in the country, as her strong support for the…
virginiamercury.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans' sustained support for the Trump administration's aggressive campaign to curb government spending while slashing federal jobs may put her in a precarious position with voters, political analysts and Democrats say. Here's why: virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
NEW: Rep. Jen Kiggans backed DOGE from day one.
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Musk’s doubts about DOGE spotlight political risks for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans • Virginia Mercury
Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach is heading into the 2026 election cycle with one of the most precarious political balancing acts in the country, as her strong support for the Depart...
virginiamercury.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:59 AM
NEW: Rep. Jen Kiggans backed DOGE from day one.
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s recently published enrollment data indicates that state schools will need about $1.2 billion over the next two years.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Virginia Dept. of Ed projects K-12 schools will need $1.2 billion over next two years
Virginia’s recently published enrollment data indicates that state schools will need about $1.2 billion over the next two years, more than was projected just weeks ago amid challenges in funding…
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Virginia’s recently published enrollment data indicates that state schools will need about $1.2 billion over the next two years.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Virginia regulators are weighing whether to allow broader use of on-site diesel generators at data centers — a move critics warn could worsen air pollution as the industry continues to rapidly expand across the state.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
Virginia regulators weigh expanded use of data centers' polluting generators • Virginia Mercury
The state’s Department of Environmental Quality would expand permissible uses during emergencies to include “planned outages” by grid operators, presumably for power line upgrades.
virginiamercury.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Virginia regulators are weighing whether to allow broader use of on-site diesel generators at data centers — a move critics warn could worsen air pollution as the industry continues to rapidly expand across the state.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
The Virginia Department of Education projects schools will need about $1.2 billion over the next two years for building repairs, construction and modernization — underscoring growing pressure on lawmakers to address aging school infrastructure.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
Virginia Dept. of Ed projects K-12 schools will need $1.2 billion over next two years • Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s recently published enrollment data indicates that state schools will need about $1.2 billion over the next two years, more than was projected just weeks ago amid challenges in funding other...
virginiamercury.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:18 PM
The Virginia Department of Education projects schools will need about $1.2 billion over the next two years for building repairs, construction and modernization — underscoring growing pressure on lawmakers to address aging school infrastructure.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...
Loudoun County residents are taking their fight against a proposed high-voltage power line for Data Center Alley to the State Corporation Commission, warning it would cut through neighborhoods and harm quality of life.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/l...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/l...
Loudoun residents take fight against high-voltage power lines for Data Center Alley to SCC • Virginia Mercury
Dominion Energy looks to build a new route of high-voltage transmission lines. However, the surrounding Loudoun County community has worries.
virginiamercury.com
December 16, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Loudoun County residents are taking their fight against a proposed high-voltage power line for Data Center Alley to the State Corporation Commission, warning it would cut through neighborhoods and harm quality of life.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/l...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/l...
A decade ago, Virginia Republicans pushed an aggressive redistricting plan that ultimately collapsed.
That ill-fated effort is now serving as a cautionary — and instructive — backdrop as Democrats consider a possible redistricting redo heading into 2026.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/15/i...
That ill-fated effort is now serving as a cautionary — and instructive — backdrop as Democrats consider a possible redistricting redo heading into 2026.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/15/i...
Ill-fated GOP plot foreshadowed Democrats' plans for 2026 redistricting redo • Virginia Mercury
In 2013, Senate Republicans sprung a surprise mid-decade effort to redraw district boundaries in their favor. Democrats lacked the votes to stop it, but the controversial move was short-circuited by G...
virginiamercury.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:03 PM
A decade ago, Virginia Republicans pushed an aggressive redistricting plan that ultimately collapsed.
That ill-fated effort is now serving as a cautionary — and instructive — backdrop as Democrats consider a possible redistricting redo heading into 2026.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/15/i...
That ill-fated effort is now serving as a cautionary — and instructive — backdrop as Democrats consider a possible redistricting redo heading into 2026.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/15/i...
Charlie Schmidt, a former ACLU attorney, won the Democratic nomination for the Jan. 6 special election in House District 77, defeating former Richmond City Council President Michelle Mosby 639–488, with Gregory Powers also in the race.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/forme...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/forme...
Former ACLU attorney Charlie Schmidt wins Democratic nomination in House District 77 • Virginia Mercury
Charlie Schmidt, a former American Civil Liberties Union attorney and self-described progressive Democrat, won the Democratic nomination Sunday for the Jan. 6 special election in Virginia’s House Dist...
virginiamercury.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Charlie Schmidt, a former ACLU attorney, won the Democratic nomination for the Jan. 6 special election in House District 77, defeating former Richmond City Council President Michelle Mosby 639–488, with Gregory Powers also in the race.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/forme...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/forme...