Virginia Mercury
@virginiamercury.com
An independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news source covering Virginia government and policy.
COMMENTARY: Jim Spencer examines the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation of William & Mary over alleged race-based scholarship policies and argues it is part of a broader Trump administration campaign targeting DEI programs at colleges and universities.
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Another day, another Virginia university targeted by the feds for 'racial discrimination.' • Virginia Mercury
The DOJ probe at William & Mary follows a pattern of federal investigations at Virginia institutions that follow President Trump's anti-DEI national strategy, writes guest columnist Jim Spencer.
virginiamercury.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
COMMENTARY: Jim Spencer examines the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation of William & Mary over alleged race-based scholarship policies and argues it is part of a broader Trump administration campaign targeting DEI programs at colleges and universities.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/a...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/a...
Seven community colleges in Virginia’s “rural horseshoe” have received $5.93 million to expand nursing, behavioral health and physical therapist assistant programs as rural communities work to address health care workforce shortages.
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virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/s...
Seven rural community colleges receive $5.93 million for healthcare training • Virginia Mercury
Because community colleges can serve as an entry point for aspiring medical professionals, the RHTF funding for rural colleges is intended to help grow the healthcare workforce in areas of the state…
virginiamercury.com
September 16, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Seven community colleges in Virginia’s “rural horseshoe” have received $5.93 million to expand nursing, behavioral health and physical therapist assistant programs as rural communities work to address health care workforce shortages.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/s...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/s...
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam are pushing a slate of bills aimed at regulating data centers, with proposals addressing siting, energy and water use, infrastructure costs, environmental impacts and security threats.
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Virginia’s federal lawmakers lock in on regulating data centers • Virginia Mercury
Two members of Virginia’s congressional delegation have introduced bills creating more standards for data centers.
virginiamercury.com
September 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam are pushing a slate of bills aimed at regulating data centers, with proposals addressing siting, energy and water use, infrastructure costs, environmental impacts and security threats.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/v...
A King George County school board has settled a lawsuit brought by the families of two students and reversed a policy that blocked an LGBTQ+ student club, opening the door for middle school students to form non-curricular clubs.
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Virginia school board settles with parents, reverses policy that blocked LGBTQ+ student club • Virginia Mercury
King George School Board updates policy to expand non-curricular clubs, enhance parental input
virginiamercury.com
September 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM
A King George County school board has settled a lawsuit brought by the families of two students and reversed a policy that blocked an LGBTQ+ student club, opening the door for middle school students to form non-curricular clubs.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/v...
Virginia is directing more than $12.3 million in opioid settlement funds to 39 prevention, treatment and recovery projects across 18 state agencies and public institutions, including naloxone distribution, youth education and campus recovery programs.
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virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/o...
Opioid authority awards $12.3 million for prevention, treatment and recovery in Virginia • Virginia Mercury
Virginia will steer more than $12.3 million in opioid settlement money toward state programs ranging from naloxone distribution and treatment services to youth education and recovery support on…
virginiamercury.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Virginia is directing more than $12.3 million in opioid settlement funds to 39 prevention, treatment and recovery projects across 18 state agencies and public institutions, including naloxone distribution, youth education and campus recovery programs.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/o...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/16/o...
Updated state guidance says Virginians no longer incarcerated for a felony are automatically eligible to register to vote unless convicted of murder or manslaughter.
The change follows a federal court ruling rooted in Reconstruction-era law.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/n...
The change follows a federal court ruling rooted in Reconstruction-era law.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/n...
New guidance limits voting disqualifications to murder, manslaughter convictions • Virginia Mercury
Among Virginians who are no longer incarcerated, only those convicted of murder and voluntary or involuntary manslaughter remain disqualified from voting under new guidance from the Virginia…
virginiamercury.com
September 15, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Updated state guidance says Virginians no longer incarcerated for a felony are automatically eligible to register to vote unless convicted of murder or manslaughter.
The change follows a federal court ruling rooted in Reconstruction-era law.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/n...
The change follows a federal court ruling rooted in Reconstruction-era law.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/n...
Efforts to restrict no-fault divorce are gaining ground in some states as conservatives push policies they say would strengthen families.
Opponents warn the changes could make it harder for people, particularly abuse survivors, to leave marriages.
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Opponents warn the changes could make it harder for people, particularly abuse survivors, to leave marriages.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/r...
Divorce becomes next battleground as Virginia, other states debate family values • Virginia Mercury
Cerina Fairfax, a Virginia dentist and mother of two, spent nearly two years living in the same house as her husband while she was trying to divorce him. Virginia state law required couples with…
virginiamercury.com
September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Efforts to restrict no-fault divorce are gaining ground in some states as conservatives push policies they say would strengthen families.
Opponents warn the changes could make it harder for people, particularly abuse survivors, to leave marriages.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/r...
Opponents warn the changes could make it harder for people, particularly abuse survivors, to leave marriages.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/r...
Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have introduced a bill aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety at Reagan National Airport.
It would cap hourly arrivals, spread flights more evenly and eliminate 30 daily slots.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/v...
It would cap hourly arrivals, spread flights more evenly and eliminate 30 daily slots.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/v...
Va.’s US Sens. Kaine, Warner introduce bill to curb overcrowding at Reagan National Airport • Virginia Mercury
Federal lawmakers will consider a proposal to reduce congestion around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the nation. No survivors found in…
virginiamercury.com
September 15, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have introduced a bill aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety at Reagan National Airport.
It would cap hourly arrivals, spread flights more evenly and eliminate 30 daily slots.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/v...
It would cap hourly arrivals, spread flights more evenly and eliminate 30 daily slots.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/v...
Democrat Shannon Taylor, who is challenging Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in VA-1, says she would rein in private equity’s role in health care, restore Medicaid funding and revive expired ACA subsidies.
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Taylor aims to rein in private equity in healthcare, restore Medicaid funding and ACA subsidies • Virginia Mercury
Taylor, who was first elected to her current role as Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2011 and who is vying to unseat longtime Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, would also explore…
virginiamercury.com
September 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Democrat Shannon Taylor, who is challenging Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in VA-1, says she would rein in private equity’s role in health care, restore Medicaid funding and revive expired ACA subsidies.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/t...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/15/t...
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday kept in place a lower court’s order blocking President Donald Trump’s embattled plan to place new restrictions on mail ballots for this year’s midterm elections. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/r...
BREAKING: US Supreme Court blocks Trump rule limiting mail voting, sides with Dem states • Virginia Mercury
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday kept in place a lower court’s order blocking President Donald Trump’s embattled plan to place new restrictions on mail ballots for this year’s midterm elections. The…
virginiamercury.com
September 15, 2026 at 12:47 AM
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday kept in place a lower court’s order blocking President Donald Trump’s embattled plan to place new restrictions on mail ballots for this year’s midterm elections. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/r...
Virginia’s general fund revenues rose by $58 million in August compared with the same month last year, keeping collections slightly ahead of the state’s forecast. The labor market showed recent signs of weakness, with the state losing 9,600 jobs in July. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/s...
State revenues climb 2.8% in August, remain ahead of forecast • Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s general fund revenues rose by $58 million in August compared with the same month last year, keeping collections slightly ahead of the state’s forecast despite signs of weakness in…
virginiamercury.com
September 14, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Virginia’s general fund revenues rose by $58 million in August compared with the same month last year, keeping collections slightly ahead of the state’s forecast. The labor market showed recent signs of weakness, with the state losing 9,600 jobs in July. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/s...
Virginia is moving closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, with lawmakers drafting proposals to establish a framework to implement autonomous vehicle policy and create an ongoing advisory committee on the expanding technology. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/v...
Virginia lawmakers move closer to regulating self-driving vehicles • Virginia Mercury
Virginia is moving closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, with lawmakers and experts recently agreeing on a plan ahead of the next legislative session as the technology expands and safety…
virginiamercury.com
September 14, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Virginia is moving closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, with lawmakers drafting proposals to establish a framework to implement autonomous vehicle policy and create an ongoing advisory committee on the expanding technology. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/v...
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, backs President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense spending budget, as the nation marks its eighth month in a war with Iran that Trump launched without congressional approval. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/w...
Wittman, running again in VA-01, supports Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense spending budget • Virginia Mercury
As Wittman seeks an eighth term in Congress, he also aims to chair the Armed Forces Committee, as democratic critics caution against rising deficit and Trump’s ‘war of choice’ with Iran.
virginiamercury.com
September 14, 2026 at 3:31 PM
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, backs President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense spending budget, as the nation marks its eighth month in a war with Iran that Trump launched without congressional approval. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/w...
Virginia Code § 30-5 gives state lawmaker-lawyers power to delay court cases during legislative periods, which they say is essential to navigate the state's part-time legislature. Critics say it can delay resolving legal disputes and needs stricter limits. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/c...
Century-old law gives Virginia legislator-lawyers broad power to delay court cases • Virginia Mercury
The statute has postponed criminal and civil proceedings, while lawmakers who practice law say it is essential to serving in a part-time legislature.
virginiamercury.com
September 14, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Virginia Code § 30-5 gives state lawmaker-lawyers power to delay court cases during legislative periods, which they say is essential to navigate the state's part-time legislature. Critics say it can delay resolving legal disputes and needs stricter limits. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/c...
Powerful U.S. officials past and present faced families, survivors and first responders Friday at ceremonies to honor the 25th anniversary of the day 2,977 Americans died in terrorist attacks in Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/r...
Frustrations, remorse and pain surface on 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks • Virginia Mercury
Powerful U.S. officials past and present faced families, survivors and first responders Friday at ceremonies to honor the 25th anniversary of the day 2,977 Americans died in terrorist attacks in…
virginiamercury.com
September 11, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Powerful U.S. officials past and present faced families, survivors and first responders Friday at ceremonies to honor the 25th anniversary of the day 2,977 Americans died in terrorist attacks in Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/r...
Twenty-five years after 9/11, the surveillance infrastructure built and expanded in its aftermath has become part of a far larger digital ecosystem — producing tools that can collect and analyze information on a scale unimaginable in 2001. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/r...
How 9/11 changed the way America surveils its citizens • Virginia Mercury
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, transformed how American intelligence and law enforcement agencies collect, share and analyze information. Twenty-five years later, that infrastructure has…
virginiamercury.com
September 11, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Twenty-five years after 9/11, the surveillance infrastructure built and expanded in its aftermath has become part of a far larger digital ecosystem — producing tools that can collect and analyze information on a scale unimaginable in 2001. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/r...
COMMENTARY: "On a TV in the press office of Gov. Jim Gilmore on the third floor of the Virginia Capitol, I watched as the first of the twin towers collapsed in Lower Manhattan." Columnist Bob Lewis reflects on lasting lessons from the catastrophic 9/11 attacks. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/t...
The day terror changed us and a Virginia governor stepped up to lead and restore confidence • Virginia Mercury
Reflections and lasting lessons from the catastrophic Sept. 11 attack, through the eyes of columnist Bob Lewis.
virginiamercury.com
September 11, 2026 at 3:40 PM
COMMENTARY: "On a TV in the press office of Gov. Jim Gilmore on the third floor of the Virginia Capitol, I watched as the first of the twin towers collapsed in Lower Manhattan." Columnist Bob Lewis reflects on lasting lessons from the catastrophic 9/11 attacks. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/t...
Virginia is debuting chip-enabled food assistance benefit cards that make it harder for thieves to steal SNAP benefits from families. The first round of replacement cards will be mailed directly to recipients in 22 localities most impacted by benefits theft. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/v...
Virginia rolls out more secure EBT cards to curb SNAP benefit theft • Virginia Mercury
Virginia is replacing traditional food-assistance benefit cards with chip-enabled versions designed to make it harder for thieves to steal SNAP benefits from families. About 749,000 state residents…
virginiamercury.com
September 11, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Virginia is debuting chip-enabled food assistance benefit cards that make it harder for thieves to steal SNAP benefits from families. The first round of replacement cards will be mailed directly to recipients in 22 localities most impacted by benefits theft. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/v...
COMMENTARY: In a commentary marking 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, Bob Lewis looks back at the day terror changed America — and how then-Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore responded to the attack on the Pentagon and the uncertainty that followed.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/t...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/t...
The day terror changed us and a Virginia governor stepped up to lead and restore confidence • Virginia Mercury
Reflections and lasting lessons from the catastrophic Sept. 11 attack, through the eyes of columnist Bob Lewis.
virginiamercury.com
September 11, 2026 at 12:46 PM
COMMENTARY: In a commentary marking 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, Bob Lewis looks back at the day terror changed America — and how then-Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore responded to the attack on the Pentagon and the uncertainty that followed.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/t...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/11/t...
President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada is creating new headaches for Republican candidates ahead of the midterms, as tariffs and retaliatory measures put economic concerns front and center for voters.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/09/r...
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Trump’s Canadian trade war stirs up trouble for Republican candidates • Virginia Mercury
President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada is creating headaches for Republicans ahead of November’s midterms as high prices remain a top concern among voters. Canadian officials have…
virginiamercury.com
September 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada is creating new headaches for Republican candidates ahead of the midterms, as tariffs and retaliatory measures put economic concerns front and center for voters.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/09/r...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/09/r...
In a rare move, Virginia regulators have ordered three in-person public hearings on the proposed $67 billion NextEra-Dominion Energy merger, including one Nov. 5 in Richmond and two others elsewhere in the state.
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In rare move, SCC orders three in-person hearings for NextEra-Dominion merger case • Virginia Mercury
The State Corporation Commission has ordered additional chances for the public to officially testify in the case for the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger.
virginiamercury.com
September 10, 2026 at 4:53 PM
In a rare move, Virginia regulators have ordered three in-person public hearings on the proposed $67 billion NextEra-Dominion Energy merger, including one Nov. 5 in Richmond and two others elsewhere in the state.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/10/i...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/10/i...
The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS are proposing to revoke federal tax-exempt status from private schools and universities that use race-based policies in admissions, scholarships or other programs.
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Feds float ending tax-exempt status for private universities that have race-based policies • Virginia Mercury
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have formally proposed revoking tax-exempt status from private educational institutions that use race-based policies in…
virginiamercury.com
September 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS are proposing to revoke federal tax-exempt status from private schools and universities that use race-based policies in admissions, scholarships or other programs.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/10/f...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/10/f...
New food safety rules take effect in Virginia today, adding sesame to the list of major food allergens and requiring restaurants and other food establishments to disclose major allergens in the foods they serve.
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Va. health dept. updates food allergen list, food establishment guidance • Virginia Mercury
Businesses are not required to reprint existing menus and can offer a standalone handout or a QR code so customers can access the information. The protocols stem from the most recent food code update…
virginiamercury.com
September 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM
New food safety rules take effect in Virginia today, adding sesame to the list of major food allergens and requiring restaurants and other food establishments to disclose major allergens in the foods they serve.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/10/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/10/v...
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Jennifer McClellan say the outcome of November’s midterms could push Congress to revisit healthcare changes enacted under H.R. 1, including cuts and new requirements affecting Medicaid.
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virginiamercury.com/2026/09/09/v...
Voters could move Congress to revisit H.R. 1 healthcare overhaul, Kaine and McClellan say • Virginia Mercury
It would still be a long shot, he and U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, noted. But since H.R. 1 passed, every member of Congress has spent time in their districts hearing from their constitue...
virginiamercury.com
September 9, 2026 at 9:14 PM
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Jennifer McClellan say the outcome of November’s midterms could push Congress to revisit healthcare changes enacted under H.R. 1, including cuts and new requirements affecting Medicaid.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/09/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/09/v...
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods took effect Tuesday, escalating its trade war with the United States as tensions between President Donald Trump and one of the country’s largest trading partners continue to grow.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/08/r...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/08/r...
Trump’s trade war with Canada escalates as new tariffs launch • Virginia Mercury
WASHINGTON — Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods kicked in Tuesday, escalating a trade war with one of the largest U.S. trading partners that President Donald Trump continued to antagonize…
virginiamercury.com
September 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods took effect Tuesday, escalating its trade war with the United States as tensions between President Donald Trump and one of the country’s largest trading partners continue to grow.
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/08/r...
virginiamercury.com/2026/09/08/r...