Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Sen. Tim Kaine breaks ranks with most Senate Democrats to back a bipartisan deal reopening the federal gov’t — securing job protections + back pay for federal workers and a future Senate vote on ACA tax credits.
He calls it “a tough call, but the right one.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/k...
He calls it “a tough call, but the right one.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/k...
Kaine breaks with Democrats to back deal ending shutdown, securing protections for federal workers • Virginia Mercury
In a rare public split from his party, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., broke ranks with most Senate Democrats on Sunday to help advance a bipartisan deal to reopen the federal government — a package that ...
virginiamercury.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Sen. Tim Kaine breaks ranks with most Senate Democrats to back a bipartisan deal reopening the federal gov’t — securing job protections + back pay for federal workers and a future Senate vote on ACA tax credits.
He calls it “a tough call, but the right one.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/k...
He calls it “a tough call, but the right one.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/k...
Virginia social studies leaders are raising red flags as the Virginia State Board of Education considers a shift from inquiry-based assessments to multiple-choice exams — warning it could sideline critical thinking.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v...
Virginia social studies leaders warn proposed testing shift could sideline critical thinking • Virginia Mercury
Some Virginia social studies leaders are sounding the alarm over a proposed change to how student performance in history and social science is measured, warning it could swap critical-thinking assessm...
virginiamercury.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Virginia social studies leaders are raising red flags as the Virginia State Board of Education considers a shift from inquiry-based assessments to multiple-choice exams — warning it could sideline critical thinking.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/v...
After a six-hour meeting and more than 80 residents speaking out, Goochland County’s Board voted 4-1 to approve a Technology Overlay District aimed at luring data centers and tech firms.
But many locals say their rural character and peace took the back seat.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/g...
But many locals say their rural character and peace took the back seat.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/g...
Goochland approves tech overlay district after hours of resident backlash • Virginia Mercury
Goochland County, home to just over 28,000 residents and more than two hours south of Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley,” is the latest locality to face intense community pushback over plans to l...
virginiamercury.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:08 PM
After a six-hour meeting and more than 80 residents speaking out, Goochland County’s Board voted 4-1 to approve a Technology Overlay District aimed at luring data centers and tech firms.
But many locals say their rural character and peace took the back seat.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/g...
But many locals say their rural character and peace took the back seat.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/10/g...
Va. judges have so far refused to halt Democrats’ fast-tracked bid to redraw the state’s congressional maps.
Two lawsuits brought by court clerks and GOP lawmakers have already been scaled back or dropped, but Republicans say they may try new legal angles.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/j...
Two lawsuits brought by court clerks and GOP lawmakers have already been scaled back or dropped, but Republicans say they may try new legal angles.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/j...
Judges cool to legal challenges as Democrats move to redraw Virginia’s maps • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Democrats’ effort to jump-start the process of redrawing the state’s congressional maps is already tied up in court — but so far, judges don’t seem eager to stop it. A trio of court clerks vo...
virginiamercury.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Va. judges have so far refused to halt Democrats’ fast-tracked bid to redraw the state’s congressional maps.
Two lawsuits brought by court clerks and GOP lawmakers have already been scaled back or dropped, but Republicans say they may try new legal angles.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/j...
Two lawsuits brought by court clerks and GOP lawmakers have already been scaled back or dropped, but Republicans say they may try new legal angles.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/j...
Centra Southside Community Hospital will shut its labor & delivery unit on Dec. 19, forcing expectant parents in Farmville’s South Side to drive ~60 minutes to Lynchburg.
Hospital cites low birth-rates, recruitment struggles & cuts to federal funding.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Hospital cites low birth-rates, recruitment struggles & cuts to federal funding.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Centra South Side Community Hospital to close labor and delivery unit in Farmville • Virginia Mercury
Starting on Dec. 19, Farmville-area expectant parents will need to travel to Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg — a roughly hour-long drive west.
virginiamercury.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Centra Southside Community Hospital will shut its labor & delivery unit on Dec. 19, forcing expectant parents in Farmville’s South Side to drive ~60 minutes to Lynchburg.
Hospital cites low birth-rates, recruitment struggles & cuts to federal funding.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Hospital cites low birth-rates, recruitment struggles & cuts to federal funding.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/c...
Commentary: In Virginia’s 2025 election, voters decided that the texts of Jay Jones weren’t the biggest concern — it was the broader threats to our economy and democracy, Roger Chesley writes
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
Voters decided Jones’ texts paled in comparison to threats against economy, democracy • Virginia Mercury
Lance Watson, senior pastor of a large Baptist congregation in Richmond, must have spoken for hundreds of thousands of Virginians Sunday when he mentioned the prospects of Jay Jones, then the Democrat...
virginiamercury.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Commentary: In Virginia’s 2025 election, voters decided that the texts of Jay Jones weren’t the biggest concern — it was the broader threats to our economy and democracy, Roger Chesley writes
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
The Spanberger administration is gearing up to make energy policy a centerpiece — focusing on regulation reform, grid resilience and renewable growth amid rising costs and shifting federal policy. #VAGov
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/e...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/e...
With Democrats in charge, Spanberger targets lower energy bills — and higher costs for data centers • Virginia Mercury
Fresh off a decisive election night, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger is promising a sharp turn in Virginia’s energy policy.
virginiamercury.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The Spanberger administration is gearing up to make energy policy a centerpiece — focusing on regulation reform, grid resilience and renewable growth amid rising costs and shifting federal policy. #VAGov
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/e...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/e...
🚆Inflation is pinching transit in Northern Virginia — now lawmakers are recommending new revenue streams to meet a projected $400 million annual shortfall for WMATA, Virginia Railway Express and local bus systems.
But tax-hikes are splitting the room.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
But tax-hikes are splitting the room.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
Virginia lawmakers advance $400M transit funding plan as Metro costs surge • Virginia Mercury
As inflation drives up the cost of running buses and trains, a panel of Virginia lawmakers has finalized a list of recommendations to help shore up public transit in fast-growing jurisdictions north o...
virginiamercury.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:52 PM
🚆Inflation is pinching transit in Northern Virginia — now lawmakers are recommending new revenue streams to meet a projected $400 million annual shortfall for WMATA, Virginia Railway Express and local bus systems.
But tax-hikes are splitting the room.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
But tax-hikes are splitting the room.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/v...
🚨Transition in motion: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin meet at the Executive Mansion to focus on food security, health care and living costs as Virginia gears up for "Day One" of the new administration.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
Youngkin, Spanberger talk administrative transition with an eye on food security and health care • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and Gov. Glenn Youngkin stepped out of the Executive Mansion on Thursday with their spouses, smiling as they paused to talk with reporters. The couples had just shared a ...
virginiamercury.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:39 PM
🚨Transition in motion: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin meet at the Executive Mansion to focus on food security, health care and living costs as Virginia gears up for "Day One" of the new administration.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/06/y...
Voters in Virginia Beach approved a shift to a 10-district “10-1” electoral system for city council and school board by a 53% margin, marking a possible end to years of litigation and enabling formal adoption into the charter.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/v...
Virginia Beach voters back 10-district voting plan • Virginia Mercury
By John-Henry Doucette/WHRO City voters on Tuesday supported a 10-district voting system that has been used in two election cycles but was never codified in the city charter. The victory means the pro...
virginiamercury.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Voters in Virginia Beach approved a shift to a 10-district “10-1” electoral system for city council and school board by a 53% margin, marking a possible end to years of litigation and enabling formal adoption into the charter.
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/v...
Voters in Virginia appear to have rejected anti-trans platforms as Democrats scored a sweeping win in statewide races and grew their House majority to 64 seats.
The results mark what advocates call “a clear repudiation of a cynical political strategy.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/d...
The results mark what advocates call “a clear repudiation of a cynical political strategy.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/d...
Democrats say Virginia voters rejected anti-trans platforms • Virginia Mercury
For much of 2025, Democrats in Virginia campaigned on addressing affordability issues and federal funding cuts handed down by President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress. Virginia’s ...
virginiamercury.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Voters in Virginia appear to have rejected anti-trans platforms as Democrats scored a sweeping win in statewide races and grew their House majority to 64 seats.
The results mark what advocates call “a clear repudiation of a cynical political strategy.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/d...
The results mark what advocates call “a clear repudiation of a cynical political strategy.”
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/d...
The success of the the 10-district voting system means the process of formally including the system in the city's charter may go forward for state approval before Virginia Beach elections next year. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/v...
Virginia Beach voters back 10-district voting plan • Virginia Mercury
By John-Henry Doucette/WHRO City voters on Tuesday supported a 10-district voting system that has been used in two election cycles but was never codified in the city charter. The victory means the…
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:14 PM
The success of the the 10-district voting system means the process of formally including the system in the city's charter may go forward for state approval before Virginia Beach elections next year. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/v...
“And if I have one great piece of advice for anyone who is serving as governor, whether it’s Gov.-elect Spanberger, or 10 governors from now, it’s we must continue to drive economic prosperity through job creation,” outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Wednesday. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/a...
After stinging GOP losses, Youngkin pivots to legacy and transition • Virginia Mercury
Outgoing governor congratulates Spanberger while Democrats celebrate largest House majority in decades.
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 PM
“And if I have one great piece of advice for anyone who is serving as governor, whether it’s Gov.-elect Spanberger, or 10 governors from now, it’s we must continue to drive economic prosperity through job creation,” outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Wednesday. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/a...
Northumberland County’s school board will stay an elected body, after voters on Tuesday opposed a measure that called for converting it to one appointed by the Board of Supervisors. 1,200 petitioners had asked for the shift, claiming the board mismanaged funds. virginiamercury.com/briefs/north...
Northumberland school board referendum dies, board remains elected • Virginia Mercury
Northumberland County’s school board will remain an elected body after voters opposed a referendum to appoint board members
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Northumberland County’s school board will stay an elected body, after voters on Tuesday opposed a measure that called for converting it to one appointed by the Board of Supervisors. 1,200 petitioners had asked for the shift, claiming the board mismanaged funds. virginiamercury.com/briefs/north...
COMMENTARY: "Winsome Earle-Sears’ candidacy was a missed opportunity for reconciliation, a moment when symbolism could have become substance," write guest columnists Sophia Nelson and Colita Fairfax. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/t...
The meaning — and the duty — of a first • Virginia Mercury
Winsome Earle-Sears’ candidacy was a missed opportunity for reconciliation, a moment when symbolism could have become substance, write guest columnists Sophia Nelson and Colita Fairfax
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:37 PM
COMMENTARY: "Winsome Earle-Sears’ candidacy was a missed opportunity for reconciliation, a moment when symbolism could have become substance," write guest columnists Sophia Nelson and Colita Fairfax. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/05/t...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
In a Democratic sweep, Abigail Spanberger won the governor's race, Ghazala Hashmi won the lieutenant governor's contest and Jay Jones emerged as the next attorney general.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Democrats sweep Virginia’s statewide races, reclaiming full control of executive branch
Democrats completed a clean statewide sweep in Virginia on Tuesday night, as former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond,…
www.newsfromthestates.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In a Democratic sweep, Abigail Spanberger won the governor's race, Ghazala Hashmi won the lieutenant governor's contest and Jay Jones emerged as the next attorney general.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
With yesterday's election, Democrats now hold 64 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. Here's how the top 10 most competitive races turned out: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/b...
Blue wave rebuilds the House: Democrats soar to at least 64 seats in Virginia • Virginia Mercury
Suburban surge and abortion-rights messaging fuel sweeping gains as GOP bid to retake chamber falls flat, signaling a shifting electoral map ahead of 2026.
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:49 PM
With yesterday's election, Democrats now hold 64 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. Here's how the top 10 most competitive races turned out: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/b...
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
The Associated Press has called the Virginia governor’s race in Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s favor. She will be Virginia’s first woman governor.
From the @virginiamercury.com
From the @virginiamercury.com
Democrat Abigail Spanberger wins Virginia governor's race | Colorado Newsline
The Associated Press has called the Virginia governor's race in Democrat Abigail Spanberger's favor, as of 8 p.m.
coloradonewsline.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:26 AM
The Associated Press has called the Virginia governor’s race in Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s favor. She will be Virginia’s first woman governor.
From the @virginiamercury.com
From the @virginiamercury.com
Reposted by Virginia Mercury
Democrats completed a clean statewide sweep in Virginia on Tuesday night, as former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, reports @virginiamercury.com.
Democrats sweep Virginia’s statewide races, reclaiming full control of executive branch • Tennessee Lookout
Democrats completed a clean statewide sweep in Virginia on Tuesday, as former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger became the first woman governor.
tennesseelookout.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Democrats completed a clean statewide sweep in Virginia on Tuesday night, as former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, reports @virginiamercury.com.
BREAKING: Democrat Jay Jones defeated Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in the attorney general race, completing the party's full sweep of statewide office elections in Virginia. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/d...
Democrats sweep Virginia’s statewide races, reclaiming full control of executive branch • Virginia Mercury
Democrats completed a clean statewide sweep in Virginia on Tuesday night, as former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond,…
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:13 AM
BREAKING: Democrat Jay Jones defeated Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in the attorney general race, completing the party's full sweep of statewide office elections in Virginia. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/d...
“It's a big deal that the girls and the young women I have met along the campaign trail now know with certainty that they can achieve anything,” Democrat Abigail Spanberger said after defeating Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia governor race. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/b...
BREAKING: Democrat Abigail Spanberger wins Virginia governor's race • Virginia Mercury
The Associated Press has called the Virginia governor’s race in Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s favor, as of 8:00 p.m. Spanberger clenched a victory over Republican opponent Winsome Earle-Sears,…
virginiamercury.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:49 AM
“It's a big deal that the girls and the young women I have met along the campaign trail now know with certainty that they can achieve anything,” Democrat Abigail Spanberger said after defeating Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia governor race. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/b...
BREAKING: State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi has won the Virginia lieutenant governor's race, the Associated Press reports. More updates: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
November 5, 2025 at 1:39 AM
BREAKING: State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi has won the Virginia lieutenant governor's race, the Associated Press reports. More updates: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
BREAKING: The Associated Press has called the Virginia governor’s race in Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s favor, as of 8:00 p.m.
More updates from Spanberger’s victory party coming soon. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
More updates from Spanberger’s victory party coming soon. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
November 5, 2025 at 1:06 AM
BREAKING: The Associated Press has called the Virginia governor’s race in Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s favor, as of 8:00 p.m.
More updates from Spanberger’s victory party coming soon. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
More updates from Spanberger’s victory party coming soon. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
The Virginia Mercury’s own Markus Schmidt — senior politics reporter, deputy editor and all-around precinct-return whisperer — will join WWBT's election-night panel tonight at 8 p.m., offering live analysis as results roll in. Watch here: www.12onyourside.com/2025/11/04/d...
Decision Virginia: Live Election Day updates
Voters headed to the polls on Tuesday to make their choices for Virginia's top positions, House of Delegates and some local offices.
www.12onyourside.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:16 AM
The Virginia Mercury’s own Markus Schmidt — senior politics reporter, deputy editor and all-around precinct-return whisperer — will join WWBT's election-night panel tonight at 8 p.m., offering live analysis as results roll in. Watch here: www.12onyourside.com/2025/11/04/d...
Less than an hour until polls close, Virginia! If you're in line at 7 p.m., you can still vote.
PHOTOS of #ElectionDay 2025 in Virginia: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
PHOTOS of #ElectionDay 2025 in Virginia: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
November 4, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Less than an hour until polls close, Virginia! If you're in line at 7 p.m., you can still vote.
PHOTOS of #ElectionDay 2025 in Virginia: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...
PHOTOS of #ElectionDay 2025 in Virginia: virginiamercury.com/2025/11/04/e...