Virginia Democrats share proposed US House map despite court ruling against redistricting push
Read full article: Virginia Democrats share proposed US House map despite court ruling against redistricting pushVirginia Democrats have unveiled a new U.S. House map that aims to give the party four more seats in Congress. The boundaries were revealed even as an ongoing legal challenge makes use of that map for the midterm elections far from certain. The map released Thursday would dilute Republicans’ hold in Virginia’s conservative areas while giving Democrats a better footing in the districts they would like to flip. And it could give Democrats nationwide an edge in the redistricting battle with President Donald Trump that began when he pushed to redraw districts in Republican-controlled states such as Texas.
Altria earnings fall short amid lower cigarette sales and competition for nicotine products
Read full article: Altria earnings fall short amid lower cigarette sales and competition for nicotine productsShares of Altria dipped Thursday after the tobacco giant reported flat earnings due to declining cigarettes sales and challenging competition for newer products, including flavored nicotine pouches.
Judge finds Virginia Democrats’ redistricting resolution illegal
Read full article: Judge finds Virginia Democrats’ redistricting resolution illegalA Virginia judge has ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment allowing Democrats to redraw their Congressional maps is illegal. Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. says Virginia lawmakers’ proposed constitutional amendment was not valid under a technicality under state laws that such proposals must be passed and published by the clerk’s office at least three months before a general election. In October, lawmakers advanced their mid-decade redistricting resolution less than a week before their statewide races. The order potentially foils Democrats’ efforts to pick up seats in the U.S. House this November.
Virginia lawmakers back redrawing congressional maps, paving the way for a voter referendum
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers back redrawing congressional maps, paving the way for a voter referendumVirginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly is advancing a constitutional amendment to allow redistricting ahead of the midterm elections. This means Virginia voters will now be tasked with deciding whether lawmakers should redraw the state's congressional map ahead of the midterm elections. Officials say the legislature's proposed congressional map will be made public by the end of January, ahead of the referendum in April. The redistricting resolution has sparked raucous debate among lawmakers on the merits of gerrymandering a battleground state known to have moderate and independent voters. The state currently is represented in the U.S. House by six Democrats and five Republicans.
Supreme Court will decide on use of warrants that collect the location history of cellphone users
Read full article: Supreme Court will decide on use of warrants that collect the location history of cellphone usersThe Supreme Court has agreed to decide the constitutionality of broad search warrants that collect the location history of cellphone users to find people near crime scenes.
Virginia Lawmakers Return for 2026 Session with Abortion, Taxes, Schools and Redistricting on the Agenda
Read full article: Virginia Lawmakers Return for 2026 Session with Abortion, Taxes, Schools and Redistricting on the AgendaVirginia lawmakers are back in Richmond for the start of the 2026 General Assembly session, with major issues on the table, including abortion access, redistricting, tax relief, and education.
VDH reports the state’s second measles case of 2026 in northern Virginia
Read full article: VDH reports the state’s second measles case of 2026 in northern VirginiaThe Virginia Department of Health has confirmed the state’s second measles case of 2026 in Northern Virginia. The patient is a preschool-age child from the northern area who recently traveled internationally, according to officials.
Former Bedford Fire Chief reappointed as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs by Spanberger
Read full article: Former Bedford Fire Chief reappointed as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs by SpanbergerGovernor-elect Abigail Spanberger announced Monday that she had appointed Brad Creasy as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Creasy began his career with the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department before becoming a career firefighter with the Roanoke Fire and EMS Department.
Roanoke’s $6,000 monthly lobbying for casino criticized amidst education budget issues
Read full article: Roanoke’s $6,000 monthly lobbying for casino criticized amidst education budget issuesThe City of Roanoke is spending at least $6,000 monthly on a Richmond lobbying firm to advance its proposed casino project at the state level, even as local education advocates question the expenditure amid school budget constraints.
Gov. Youngkin rescinds executive order issued during government shutdown, ending temporary State of Emergency
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin rescinds executive order issued during government shutdown, ending temporary State of EmergencyGovernor Youngkin signed an Executive Order rescinding Executive Order 54 Wednesday, officially ending the State of Emergency that was declared on Oct. 23 in the midst of the Government Shutdown.
Governor Youngkin announces Modine to establish heating division headquarters in Buena Vista
Read full article: Governor Youngkin announces Modine to establish heating division headquarters in Buena VistaGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday that Modine will invest $19.6 million through 2029 in planned capital expenditures to expand its presence in Buena Vista.
Gov. Youngkin announces Elbit Systems of America to expand Roanoke County manufacturing facility
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin announces Elbit Systems of America to expand Roanoke County manufacturing facilityGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that Elbit Systems of America will expand its Roanoke County manufacturing facility. The facility, which produces low-light night vision devices for the defense industry, will undergo a historic $30 million expansion that will add 288 new jobs
Governor Youngkin announces $15.5 million in land conservation grants across the state
Read full article: Governor Youngkin announces $15.5 million in land conservation grants across the stateGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Monday $15.5 million in Virginia Land Conservation Funding to conserve 8,606 acres across the Commonwealth.
Virginia candidates campaign across commonwealth ahead of Tuesday’s election
Read full article: Virginia candidates campaign across commonwealth ahead of Tuesday’s electionRepublican candidates stressed the importance of high turnout in Southwest Virginia to counteract Democratic strength elsewhere in the state.
Virginia legislators return to Richmond as Democrats push to change congressional map
Read full article: Virginia legislators return to Richmond as Democrats push to change congressional mapState legislators are back in Richmond as Democrats seek to change Virginia’s congressional map. But Republicans promised the changes won’t happen without a fight.
Remains of former President James Monroe’s daughter return to America
Read full article: Remains of former President James Monroe’s daughter return to AmericaAfter spending nearly two centuries in an unmarked grave, the remains of Eliza Monroe Hay, the daughter of President James Monroe, were returned to American Soil, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced Thursday.
Obama will campaign with Spanberger and Sherrill in high stakes governor’s races
Read full article: Obama will campaign with Spanberger and Sherrill in high stakes governor’s racesFormer President Barack Obama will campaign alongside Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill in the final stretch of their statewide campaigns for governor in Virginia and New Jersey.
UConn tops women's preseason AP Top 25 ahead of South Carolina, UCLA; SEC has 5 teams in top 10
Read full article: UConn tops women's preseason AP Top 25 ahead of South Carolina, UCLA; SEC has 5 teams in top 10UConn is the No. 1 team in the country in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason women's basketball poll.
Project connects Americans to the Dutch people who honor their relatives at World War II cemetery
Read full article: Project connects Americans to the Dutch people who honor their relatives at World War II cemeteryA new initiative aims to increase the number of connections between the family members of those buried and remembered at a World War II cemetery in the Netherlands and the Dutch people who have adopted each one.
From tequila cocktails to themed pop-ups, Taylor Swift fans celebrate 'The Life of a Showgirl'
Read full article: From tequila cocktails to themed pop-ups, Taylor Swift fans celebrate 'The Life of a Showgirl'Taylor Swift fans around the world are celebrating her latest album release, “The Life of a Showgirl.”.
Governor Youngkin announces tax rebates for Virginia taxpayers
Read full article: Governor Youngkin announces tax rebates for Virginia taxpayersGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that eligible taxpayers will receive tax rebates up to $200 this fall if they filed individually and up to $400 if they filed jointly.
Over 50 affordable housing units under construction in Richmond church’s backyard
Read full article: Over 50 affordable housing units under construction in Richmond church’s backyardRichmond leaders and members of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church are coming together to address the need for affordable housing.
Richmond’s Jamaal Brown rushes for career-high 153 yards in 38-14 win over VMI
Read full article: Richmond’s Jamaal Brown rushes for career-high 153 yards in 38-14 win over VMIRichmond secures a 38-14 victory over VMI on Saturday night. Jamaal Brown rushes for a career-high 153 yards, while Andrew King adds 100 yards on the ground. Isaiah Dawson scores two touchdowns for Richmond. The game faces a weather delay due to lightning with 5:48 left in the first quarter. VMI ties the game at 14 with a touchdown pass to Owen Sweeney, who scores both of their touchdowns. Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham throws for 166 yards and a touchdown. Richmond's Lee Bruner IV records his first collegiate interception in the second quarter.
Virginia State Superintendent releases statement on comments following assassination of Charlie Kirk
Read full article: Virginia State Superintendent releases statement on comments following assassination of Charlie KirkVirginia State Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson released a statement on Friday following reports that various Virginia school personnel made controversial statements regarding the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
Nathan Trotter to invest $65 million in first U.S. tin production facility in Henry County
Read full article: Nathan Trotter to invest $65 million in first U.S. tin production facility in Henry CountyNathan Trotter will invest about $65 million to build Tin Ridge, the nation’s first large-scale tin production and recycling facility in Henry County, Virginia.
Governor Youngkin orders flags at half-staff to honor victims of Minneapolis school shooting
Read full article: Governor Youngkin orders flags at half-staff to honor victims of Minneapolis school shootingGovernor Youngkin announced Wednesday that he had ordered flags to be flown at half-staff beginning Wednesday and concluding at sunset on Sunday, in memory and respect of the victims of the school shooting in Minneapolis.
Virginia students making gains in the classroom, but leaders say more work is needed
Read full article: Virginia students making gains in the classroom, but leaders say more work is neededNew data shows Virginia students are making gains in the classroom, but state leaders say there’s still work to do.
Labrador joins Virginia State Police to support the wellness of troopers
Read full article: Labrador joins Virginia State Police to support the wellness of troopersThe VSP announced Tuesday a Labrador Retriever named Vader has officially joined the VSP nd will support the Critical Incident Stress Management team within the department’s wellness program.
Youngkin praises Virginia’s economy, dismissing Democrats’ concerns over Medicaid and job cuts
Read full article: Youngkin praises Virginia’s economy, dismissing Democrats’ concerns over Medicaid and job cutsVirginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin says Virginia’s economy is thriving after ending its fiscal year with high revenues. He says the state netted a $572 million surplus and a $4.7 billion rainy-day fund. It's a characterization Democrats are criticizing as rose-colored in light of budgetary decisions neighboring Washington, D.C. They are particularly concerned about Medicaid after Congress passed a reconciliation bill making federal cuts to the program. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell cites an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office this year estimating that roughly 11 million Americans will lose access to Medicaid.
E-commerce company to establish fulfilment and logistics center in Pittsylvania County, creating 203 jobs
Read full article: E-commerce company to establish fulfilment and logistics center in Pittsylvania County, creating 203 jobsGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that MerryGoRound Inc, a fulfillment company, would establish operations in Pittsylvania County.
Governor Youngkin signs executive order aimed at strengthening oversight of Virginia nursing homes
Read full article: Governor Youngkin signs executive order aimed at strengthening oversight of Virginia nursing homesGovernor Glenn Youngkin’s office announced Monday that he had signed Executive Order 52 launching a series of initiatives to strengthen oversight of nursing homes in Virginia.
Gov. Youngkin declares August 9 as Commonwealth “Day of Play”
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin declares August 9 as Commonwealth “Day of Play”On Friday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared Aug. 9, 2025, as Commonwealth Day of Play. The day is meant to bring recognition to active and “screen-free” play to children and families.
Governor Youngkin announces record-setting tourism spending in Virginia in 2024
Read full article: Governor Youngkin announces record-setting tourism spending in Virginia in 2024Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday that Virginia’s tourism industry generated a record high $35.1 billion in visitor spending in 2024, marking a 5.4% increase from 2023.
New Jersey says 3 chemical makers agree to 'forever chemical' settlement worth up to $2 billion
Read full article: New Jersey says 3 chemical makers agree to 'forever chemical' settlement worth up to $2 billionDuPont and two other companies will pay New Jersey up to $2 billion to settle environmental claims stemming from PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.”.
Governor Youngkin reports General Fund Revenues for 2025 Fiscal Year
Read full article: Governor Youngkin reports General Fund Revenues for 2025 Fiscal YearGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced that Fiscal Year 2025 general fund revenues exceeded the official forecast assumed in the 2025 Appropriation Act by $572 million.
P&G to increase prices in part due to tariffs as shoppers remain cautious and delay purchases
Read full article: P&G to increase prices in part due to tariffs as shoppers remain cautious and delay purchasesConsumer products giant Procter & Gamble offered an annual earnings outlook that was below analysts’ projections and said it would raise prices on about a quarter of its products in the U.S. in part due to costs of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Richmond launches office to combat opioid crisis, rolls out harm reduction vending machines
Read full article: Richmond launches office to combat opioid crisis, rolls out harm reduction vending machinesRichmond is taking action to combat the ongoing opioid crisis with its recent launch of the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response (OOSUR).
Governor Youngkin issues executive order launching agentic artificial intelligence empowered statewide regulatory review
Read full article: Governor Youngkin issues executive order launching agentic artificial intelligence empowered statewide regulatory reviewGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Friday that he had issued an executive order launching a first of its kind agentic artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory reduction pilot to ensure that the Commonwealth captures the benefits of the latest AI technology in reducing regulatory burdens and keeping regulation and guidance documents streamlined and up to date.
Governor Glenn Youngkin Awards 12 Grants to Local Food Production Projects
Read full article: Governor Glenn Youngkin Awards 12 Grants to Local Food Production ProjectsGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday that he would be awarding 12 infrastructure grants totalling more than $497,000, to support local food production and agriculture facilities in the state, including 3 places in our region.
Local law enforcement agencies attend swearing-in ceremony for 13-year-old battling brain cancer Tuesday
Read full article: Local law enforcement agencies attend swearing-in ceremony for 13-year-old battling brain cancer TuesdayLocal law enforcement agencies in our area attended the honorary swearing-in of D.J. Daniel as a Virginia State Trooper in Richmond on Tuesday.
Democrats in Virginia have a big fundraising advantage in the race for governor this year
Read full article: Democrats in Virginia have a big fundraising advantage in the race for governor this yearDemocrats in Virginia have built up a big fundraising advantage in this year's race for governor. It's an election seen as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms. The Democratic nominee is Abigail Spanberger, a congresswoman who is a former CIA case officer. She has a more than 2-to-1 fundraising edge over the Republican candidate, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Virginia and New Jersey are the two states with statewide elections this year. The Democrats’ fundraising lead may reflect Democratic enthusiasm and the party's ability to push voters to the polls.
Gov. Youngkin signs executive order to support victims of sexual offenses in Virginia’s National Guard and Defense Force
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin signs executive order to support victims of sexual offenses in Virginia’s National Guard and Defense ForceGov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 50 on Friday.
Pampers maker Procter & Gamble to cut up to 7,000 jobs as companies are buffeted by higher costs
Read full article: Pampers maker Procter & Gamble to cut up to 7,000 jobs as companies are buffeted by higher costsProcter & Gamble will cut up to 7,000 jobs, or approximately 6% of its global workforce, over the next two years as the maker of Tide detergent and Pampers diapers implements a restructuring program amid an environment dealing with trade wars and customers anxious about the economy.
Governor Youngkin signs bill that will enforce Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free Education Policy
Read full article: Governor Youngkin signs bill that will enforce Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free Education PolicyGovernor Glenn Youngkin joined legislators, educators, parents and students at a Hopewell Middle school for a ceremonial bill signing which will codify the Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free education policy established by Youngkin’s Executive Order 33.
Virginia Department of Corrections K9’s receive donation of body armor
Read full article: Virginia Department of Corrections K9’s receive donation of body armorThe Virginia Department of Corrections’ K9s, including Anubis, Ben, Chako, Cyrus, Doc, Eros, Faro, Farron, Gus, Hector, Jeff, Max, Mickey, Rio, Speedy, Tango, Tommy, and Woodrow, have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Each vest is embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Rivan, Virginia DOC, EOW 4-2-24.”
WATCH: Governor Youngkin ceremonially signs child welfare legislation
Read full article: WATCH: Governor Youngkin ceremonially signs child welfare legislationGov. Glenn Youngkin held a ceremonial signing Thursday for a series of new laws aimed at strengthening Virginia’s child welfare system. The legislation enhances support for children in foster care and improves access to community services.
No out-of-pocket costs in Virginia for certain breast cancer screenings
Read full article: No out-of-pocket costs in Virginia for certain breast cancer screeningsWhen Keen was 30 years old, she was diagnosed with BRCA2 mutation. She said her risk of breast cancer was 83%. So, she chose to do a preventative mastectomy. She has to get a breast MRI but they can range anywhere from $1000 to $1800 preventing her from getting them every year.
Gov. Youngkin announced as keynote speaker at Liberty University’s commencement on Friday
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin announced as keynote speaker at Liberty University’s commencement on FridayGov. Glenn Youngkin is set to be Liberty University’s keynote speaker for their 52nd commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Richmond Diocese releases statement celebrating election of Pope Leo XIV
Read full article: Richmond Diocese releases statement celebrating election of Pope Leo XIVThe Catholic Diocese of Richmond released a statement on Thursday celebrating the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope.
FBI’s Operation Restore Justice leads to arrests in Virginia
Read full article: FBI’s Operation Restore Justice leads to arrests in VirginiaThe Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has concluded a significant nationwide initiative aimed at combating child exploitation. This operation, known as Operation Restore Justice, took place from April 28 to May 1, resulting in the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children across the country.
Chesterfield horse tests positive for Equine Infectious Anemia
Read full article: Chesterfield horse tests positive for Equine Infectious AnemiaThe Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has confirmed that a horse stabled at a private residence in Chesterfield, Virginia, has recently tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The horse is currently quarantined on the property and does not pose a risk to other horses in the area.
Virginia GOP candidate for lieutenant governor says he won’t exit race despite governor’s push
Read full article: Virginia GOP candidate for lieutenant governor says he won’t exit race despite governor’s pushRepublican John Reid said Friday he will continue his campaign to be Virginia’s lieutenant governor and denied he had anything to do with a social media account containing sexually explicit photos that had prompted GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin to call for him to quit the race.
Youngkin announces arrest of over 500 illegal immigrants
Read full article: Youngkin announces arrest of over 500 illegal immigrantsGov. Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force passed 500 arrests this week. The VHSTF is a “federal-state partnership established by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat transnational organized crime, gang violence, and immigration violations across the Commonwealth.”
Virginia Democrats reap fundraising gains as they center campaigns around Elon Musk
Read full article: Virginia Democrats reap fundraising gains as they center campaigns around Elon MuskVirginia Democrats are vying to shield their statehouse majority while flipping the governor’s mansion in November, and new reports show they have a cash advantage in those races against Republicans.
‘Completely avoidable’: VDH report on Richmond’s 2025 water crisis released
Read full article: ‘Completely avoidable’: VDH report on Richmond’s 2025 water crisis releasedThe water crisis that struck Virginia’s capital and surrounding areas in January and left hundreds of thousands without drinkable tap water for nearly a week was “completely avoidable,” according to a newly released report from the Virginia Department of Health.
Trump Administration cancels $12 million grant planned for Richmond water plant
Read full article: Trump Administration cancels $12 million grant planned for Richmond water plantThe Trump Administration has canceled a $12 million federal grant aimed at helping Richmond upgrade its aging water treatment.
Liberty University students to lead the 7th Annual Virginia March for Life
Read full article: Liberty University students to lead the 7th Annual Virginia March for LifeAs part of a consistent tradition for Liberty University, a group of 100 students is set to lead the way in the seventh annual Virginia March for Life.
Betts, Lee and Prince are posting up in women's March Madness. There are fewer players like them
Read full article: Betts, Lee and Prince are posting up in women's March Madness. There are fewer players like themAP All-America center Lauren Betts, Ayoka Lee and Sedona Prince are traditional post players.
Governor Youngkin and Congressman Griffith announce $11 million in funding to AMLER
Read full article: Governor Youngkin and Congressman Griffith announce $11 million in funding to AMLERGovernor Glenn Youngkin along with Congressman Morgan Griffith announced Thursday that $11 million in federal funding is now available to drive economic development in Southwest Virginia’s coalfield communities.
AG Miyares co-leads multi-state effort to lift temporary deportation block on alleged Venezuelan gang members
Read full article: AG Miyares co-leads multi-state effort to lift temporary deportation block on alleged Venezuelan gang membersVirginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson are spearheading an amicus brief.
Flight makes emergency landing at Richmond International Airport due to maintenance issues
Read full article: Flight makes emergency landing at Richmond International Airport due to maintenance issuesA Charlotte-bound flight made an emergency landing at Richmond International Airport Sunday afternoon due to maintenance issues.
Gov. Youngkin signs Executive Order 47, orders police to fully cooperate with ICE
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin signs Executive Order 47, orders police to fully cooperate with ICEGov. Youngkin signed Executive Order 47 on Thursday, titled "Keep Virginians Safe from Dangerous Criminal Illegal Immigrants."
Virginia legislature finishes session amid anxiety over federal job cuts
Read full article: Virginia legislature finishes session amid anxiety over federal job cutsThe Virginia legislature has ended its 45-day session by addressing a slew of budget amendments ranging from tax cuts to child care. But some lawmakers say they will likely need to return to the Capitol later this year to address a mounting threat: massive federal government layoffs planned by the Trump administration. Virginia in December was home to nearly 315,000 federal workers and many more government contractors, behind only Washington, D.C., and California. So far fewer than 300 Lawmakers said such sweeping changes to the state’s workforce by the White House would deeply impact the state’s economy.
