Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
The amendments, if voters approve, will protect reproductive rights and same-sex marriages, permit automatic restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated people with felony convictions and allow a mid-decade redrawing of the state’s congressional maps. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/s...
Spanberger signs bills to send constitutional amendments to voters this year • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed bills to set a referendum for four constitutional amendments — some of which have been years in the making — officially sending them to Virginians to weigh in on this…
virginiamercury.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:15 PM
The amendments, if voters approve, will protect reproductive rights and same-sex marriages, permit automatic restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated people with felony convictions and allow a mid-decade redrawing of the state’s congressional maps. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/s...
Lawmakers want to ban the use of herbicide paraquat in Virginia, which has been linked to Parkinson's Disease and is banned in 70 countries worldwide. But farmers are pushing back, saying alternative weed killers are too pricy and not as effective. virginiamercury.com/briefs/bill-...
Bill to ban the use of herbicide paraquat in Va. advances with narrow vote • Virginia Mercury
The use of the controversial herbicide paraquat has been banned in 70 nations across the world but is used widely in Virginia.
virginiamercury.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Lawmakers want to ban the use of herbicide paraquat in Virginia, which has been linked to Parkinson's Disease and is banned in 70 countries worldwide. But farmers are pushing back, saying alternative weed killers are too pricy and not as effective. virginiamercury.com/briefs/bill-...
COMMENTARY: Democrats are asking voters to protect democracy by abandoning America’s most sacred of democratic principles: that voters get to choose their politicians, and that elections mean something, guest columnist Alex Keena writes. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/09/g...
Gerrymandering in Virginia is a strategic blunder for Democrats • Virginia Mercury
Democrats are asking voters to protect democracy by abandoning America’s most sacred of democratic principles: that voters get to choose their politicians, and that elections mean something, writes…
virginiamercury.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
COMMENTARY: Democrats are asking voters to protect democracy by abandoning America’s most sacred of democratic principles: that voters get to choose their politicians, and that elections mean something, guest columnist Alex Keena writes. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/09/g...
The bills would lift the $25,000 housing grant cap for government workers, which supporters say will help them buy homes in the areas they serve. Opponents say the measures could be too costly and unfairly benefit high-earning workers in Northern Virginia. virginiamercury.com/briefs/state...
State lawmakers want to lift local caps on housing grants for government employees • Virginia Mercury
Bills to eliminate the cap on local housing grants to help government employees live in the communities they serve have been advancing in Virginia’s Senate and House of Delegates — but not without…
virginiamercury.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:04 PM
The bills would lift the $25,000 housing grant cap for government workers, which supporters say will help them buy homes in the areas they serve. Opponents say the measures could be too costly and unfairly benefit high-earning workers in Northern Virginia. virginiamercury.com/briefs/state...
Bills that could allow by-right zoning for apartment buildings, townhomes and mixed-use developments in certain commercial corridors cleared the Senate Thursday, one of several proposals to boost housing supply working through the Virginia legislature. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/h...
‘Housing near jobs’ bills have cleared Virginia House and Senate • Virginia Mercury
Bills that could allow by-right zoning for apartment buildings, townhomes and mixed-use developments in certain commercial corridors cleared the Senate Thursday, one of several proposals to boost…
virginiamercury.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Bills that could allow by-right zoning for apartment buildings, townhomes and mixed-use developments in certain commercial corridors cleared the Senate Thursday, one of several proposals to boost housing supply working through the Virginia legislature. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/h...
Democratic legislators advanced a package of bills to tighten federal immigration operations in Virginia, including ones to require judicial warrants for courthouse arrests and restrict immigration enforcement in schools, polling places and other public spaces. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/h...
House panel advances bills limiting ICE activity in Virginia • Virginia Mercury
A Democratic House subcommittee early Friday morning advanced a broad slate of bills aimed at tightening how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can operate in Virginia. Lawmakers and supporters…
virginiamercury.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Democratic legislators advanced a package of bills to tighten federal immigration operations in Virginia, including ones to require judicial warrants for courthouse arrests and restrict immigration enforcement in schools, polling places and other public spaces. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/h...
A report found more than 5 million Virginians live in an area “without sufficient staffing to maintain the critical functions” of emergency management. Lawmakers punted a bill to set aside $5 million to help localities hire full-time emergency managers. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/b...
Bills to bolster local emergency management personnel funding punted • Virginia Mercury
Report shows millions of Virginians live in an area “without sufficient staffing to maintain the critical functions” of emergency management
virginiamercury.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:28 PM
A report found more than 5 million Virginians live in an area “without sufficient staffing to maintain the critical functions” of emergency management. Lawmakers punted a bill to set aside $5 million to help localities hire full-time emergency managers. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/b...
Virginia Democrats dropped their long-awaited congressional map Thursday, proposing a 10–1 split.
The plan largely keeps the 9th mostly intact, redraws Northern and central Virginia, and presses forward despite an ongoing court fight ahead of April referendum.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/v...
The plan largely keeps the 9th mostly intact, redraws Northern and central Virginia, and presses forward despite an ongoing court fight ahead of April referendum.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/v...
Virginia Democrats release long-awaited 10–1 congressional map • Virginia Mercury
After weeks of buildup and a missed self-imposed Jan. 30 deadline, Virginia Democrats on Thursday evening finally released their long-awaited revised congressional maps, proposing an aggressive 10–1 c...
virginiamercury.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Virginia Democrats dropped their long-awaited congressional map Thursday, proposing a 10–1 split.
The plan largely keeps the 9th mostly intact, redraws Northern and central Virginia, and presses forward despite an ongoing court fight ahead of April referendum.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/v...
The plan largely keeps the 9th mostly intact, redraws Northern and central Virginia, and presses forward despite an ongoing court fight ahead of April referendum.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/v...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
NEW: Virginia House Democrats pushed through a sweeping package of gun control bills Thursday — including an assault weapons ban, industry liability measures and tighter storage rules — over fierce GOP opposition. #Valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/h...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/h...
House Democrats pass sweeping gun control package over GOP objections • Virginia Mercury
Virginia House Democrats on Thursday muscled through a sweeping package of gun control legislation, passing more than half a dozen bills aimed at restricting access to certain firearms, tightening sto...
virginiamercury.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:30 PM
NEW: Virginia House Democrats pushed through a sweeping package of gun control bills Thursday — including an assault weapons ban, industry liability measures and tighter storage rules — over fierce GOP opposition. #Valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/h...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/h...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
A bill by outgoing Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, that would remove Confederate monuments from Virginia’s Capitol Square advanced in the state legislature Wednesday.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Bill, if successful, would remove Confederate monuments from Virginia’s Capitol Square
A bill by outgoing Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, that would remove Confederate monuments from Virginia’s Capitol Square advanced in the state legislature Wednesday.
www.newsfromthestates.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:01 PM
A bill by outgoing Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, that would remove Confederate monuments from Virginia’s Capitol Square advanced in the state legislature Wednesday.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
A Virginia Senate bill to remove Confederate monuments from Capitol Square advanced in committee, directing officials to take down and store the statues pending a final decision.
The measure reflects ongoing debates over how the state commemorates its past.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/b...
The measure reflects ongoing debates over how the state commemorates its past.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/b...
Bill, if successful, would remove Confederate monuments from Virginia's Capitol Square • Virginia Mercury
They were erected in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when laws disenfranchising Black Americans were enacted and memorials to the Confederacy were surfacing in public spaces like courthouses and other...
virginiamercury.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:16 PM
A Virginia Senate bill to remove Confederate monuments from Capitol Square advanced in committee, directing officials to take down and store the statues pending a final decision.
The measure reflects ongoing debates over how the state commemorates its past.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/b...
The measure reflects ongoing debates over how the state commemorates its past.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/b...
Dozens of Democratic tax bills are fueling GOP attacks on Gov. Spanberger — but most are still lingering in committee, and the governor hasn’t backed them.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have already advanced multiple bills tied to Spanberger’s affordability agenda.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/a...
Meanwhile, lawmakers have already advanced multiple bills tied to Spanberger’s affordability agenda.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/a...
Affordability or tax hikes? Spanberger agenda caught in political crossfire • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger made affordability the centerpiece of her 2026 agenda, promising relief for Virginians strained by high housing costs, rising energy bills and everyday expenses. But less than ...
virginiamercury.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Dozens of Democratic tax bills are fueling GOP attacks on Gov. Spanberger — but most are still lingering in committee, and the governor hasn’t backed them.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have already advanced multiple bills tied to Spanberger’s affordability agenda.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/a...
Meanwhile, lawmakers have already advanced multiple bills tied to Spanberger’s affordability agenda.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/05/a...
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ended an agreement allowing Virginia State Police and corrections officers to assist ICE, fulfilling a campaign promise to refocus law enforcement on state duties.
Republicans say the move puts politics over public safety.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/s...
Republicans say the move puts politics over public safety.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/s...
Spanberger ends ICE agreement involving Virginia State Police and corrections officers • Virginia Mercury
The agreement — which stems from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration — had effectively placed state law enforcement under federal control and supervision to conduct civil immigration enforcement.
virginiamercury.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ended an agreement allowing Virginia State Police and corrections officers to assist ICE, fulfilling a campaign promise to refocus law enforcement on state duties.
Republicans say the move puts politics over public safety.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/s...
Republicans say the move puts politics over public safety.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/s...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Unlikely allies worked to pass probation reform bills last year that created a workgroup to refine the proposal this year.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Virginia on track to reform probation following bipartisan bills
Unlikely allies worked to pass probation reform bills last year that created a workgroup to refine the proposal this year.
www.newsfromthestates.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Unlikely allies worked to pass probation reform bills last year that created a workgroup to refine the proposal this year.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Virginia is on track to revamp its probation system after bipartisan bills moved forward this session, aiming to reduce supervision lengths, cut revocations, and improve outcomes for people leaving the justice system.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/v...
Virginia on track to reform probation following bipartisan bills • Virginia Mercury
If enacted, the legislation will allow formerly incarcerated people to be released from probation after a year if they demonstrate their rehabilitation by meeting certain benchmarks laid out by their ...
virginiamercury.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Virginia is on track to revamp its probation system after bipartisan bills moved forward this session, aiming to reduce supervision lengths, cut revocations, and improve outcomes for people leaving the justice system.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/v...
Virginia lawmakers advance a bill to tighten biosolids rules amid rising concern over PFAS “forever chemicals,” with advocates saying the state shouldn’t become a dumping ground and critics warning of impacts on farms and wastewater costs.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/w...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/w...
‘We don't want to become the dumping grounds’: biosolids bill advances • Virginia Mercury
Community concerns over PFAS continues to grow across the commonwealth.
virginiamercury.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Virginia lawmakers advance a bill to tighten biosolids rules amid rising concern over PFAS “forever chemicals,” with advocates saying the state shouldn’t become a dumping ground and critics warning of impacts on farms and wastewater costs.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/w...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/04/w...
Virginia watermen are pushing back hard against proposed terrapin protections that would require devices on crab pots to keep northern diamondback turtles out, saying it adds cost and could hurt the crab fishery.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
Va. watermen push back against terrapin protections on crab pots • Virginia Mercury
Legislation looks to require devices on some crab pots to prevent turtles from getting stuck inside.
virginiamercury.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Virginia watermen are pushing back hard against proposed terrapin protections that would require devices on crab pots to keep northern diamondback turtles out, saying it adds cost and could hurt the crab fishery.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
Virginia lawmakers have introduced the Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act to ban toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury and PFAS from beauty products sold in the state.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
Virginia lawmakers seek ban on toxic chemicals used in cosmetics • Virginia Mercury
House Bill 122 seeks to bolster consumer protections by banning toxic ingredients used in the beauty industry.
virginiamercury.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Virginia lawmakers have introduced the Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act to ban toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury and PFAS from beauty products sold in the state.
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/v...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
🧨 As ICE eyes expansion in Virginia, former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s last-day directive to sell a shuttered Augusta County prison is drawing scrutiny over a potential detention site.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has since paused the sale. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/a...
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has since paused the sale. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/a...
As ICE seeks to expand footprint in Va., Youngkin’s final-day prison sale directive draws scrutiny • Virginia Mercury
On his last full day in office, outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin instructed state officials to move forward with selling the shuttered Augusta Correctional Center to a Florida-based asset management compa...
virginiamercury.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:59 AM
🧨 As ICE eyes expansion in Virginia, former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s last-day directive to sell a shuttered Augusta County prison is drawing scrutiny over a potential detention site.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has since paused the sale. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/a...
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has since paused the sale. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/02/03/a...
A bill that would set up a framework for siting solar projects that localities could follow and that prohibits the premature rejection of solar infrastructure development has passed the Virginia Senate. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/v...
Va. bill to boost local approvals of solar projects advances • Virginia Mercury
A bill that would set up a framework for siting solar projects that localities could follow and that prohibits the blocking solar projects.
virginiamercury.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:46 PM
A bill that would set up a framework for siting solar projects that localities could follow and that prohibits the premature rejection of solar infrastructure development has passed the Virginia Senate. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/v...
Attorney General Jay Jones has announced that Virginia will sue the EPA over its rollback of the Clean Air Act and last week he helped open the door for the state to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, marking early actions on environmental issues. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/v...
Va. AG Jones joins lawsuit against EPA effort to roll back Clean Air Act • Virginia Mercury
EPA lawsuit announcement marks second action Jones has taken on climate-related issues in recent days.
virginiamercury.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Attorney General Jay Jones has announced that Virginia will sue the EPA over its rollback of the Clean Air Act and last week he helped open the door for the state to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, marking early actions on environmental issues. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/v...
The 2025 annual report on Hampton Roads Ventures, a for-profit subsidiary of Norfolk’s housing authority, reveals a $15 million investment in two projects in other states — but none in Norfolk. Some City Council members are losing patience. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/n...
Norfolk council members losing patience with community funder’s failures • Virginia Mercury
Hampton Roads Ventures' 2025 annual report reveals a $15 million investment in two projects in other states, but none in Norfolk.
virginiamercury.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:33 PM
The 2025 annual report on Hampton Roads Ventures, a for-profit subsidiary of Norfolk’s housing authority, reveals a $15 million investment in two projects in other states — but none in Norfolk. Some City Council members are losing patience. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/n...
A Fairfax County Public Schools teacher says one of her colleagues helped students seek abortions without parental consent. The school system investigated and refutes her claims. Now the case is in federal court, as a Virginia State Police probe continues. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/f...
Fairfax case alleging school-assisted abortions now in federal court • Virginia Mercury
FCPS teacher Zenaida Perez, plaintiff in the case, is seeking to prove that school officials have defamed her and are in violation of the Virginia Whistleblower Protection Law. Perez alleged in 2025…
virginiamercury.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:43 PM
A Fairfax County Public Schools teacher says one of her colleagues helped students seek abortions without parental consent. The school system investigated and refutes her claims. Now the case is in federal court, as a Virginia State Police probe continues. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/02/f...
A case playing out before the State Corporation Commission over a controversial high-voltage transmission line in Northern Virginia has inspired legislation in the General Assembly designed to keep the powerful lines away from residential areas and schools. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/v...
Va. delegate’s bill would limit where high-voltage transmission lines can be built • Virginia Mercury
Lawmakers consider legislation to keep high-voltage transmission lines away from schools and residential areas.
virginiamercury.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:32 PM
A case playing out before the State Corporation Commission over a controversial high-voltage transmission line in Northern Virginia has inspired legislation in the General Assembly designed to keep the powerful lines away from residential areas and schools. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/30/v...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Virginia officials approved more than $545,000 in opioid settlement grants in January to support local treatment, recovery and prevention programs.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Five Virginia localities awarded opioid settlement funds for new programs
A committee of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority approved more than half a million dollars in new grants this month, directing settlement funds to five localities for programs aimed at reducing…
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Virginia officials approved more than $545,000 in opioid settlement grants in January to support local treatment, recovery and prevention programs.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com