Governor Abigail Spanberger speaks on the state of Smith Mountain Lake region
Read full article: Governor Abigail Spanberger speaks on the state of Smith Mountain Lake regionThe Roanoke region and more than a dozen surrounding localities are now under a drought emergency declaration after more than a year of below-average rainfall pushed state officials from monitoring to action.
Gov. Spanberger asks Roanoke Valley, Southside residents to conserve water amid worsening drought
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger asks Roanoke Valley, Southside residents to conserve water amid worsening droughtAs much of the commonwealth continues to fight through an ongoing drought, Gov. Abigail Spanberger and statewide leaders are urging residents to conserve water when possible.
Virginia SNAP enrollment drops 100K as federal cuts strain food pantries
Read full article: Virginia SNAP enrollment drops 100K as federal cuts strain food pantriesOne year after Congress approved major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, enrollment in Virginia has dropped by more than 100,000 people compared with the same time last year ā and advocates say families and the organizations that feed them are feeling the pressure.
Gov. Spanberger announces āenergy affordability initiativeā with solar energy program
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger announces āenergy affordability initiativeā with solar energy programOn Monday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a new optional solar energy program that could result in a reduction of utility costs.
Gov. Spanberger signs legislation aimed at addressing high energy costs, rejoins RGGI
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs legislation aimed at addressing high energy costs, rejoins RGGIGovernor Abigail Spanberger signed a package of legislation on Tuesday, including bipartisan bills from her Affordable Virginia Agenda to address high energy costs for Virginians, meet rising energy demand and take steps to make sure data centers do not drive up costs for families, her office announced.
Rural King to invest $40 million into Henry County distribution facility, 150 new jobs expected
Read full article: Rural King to invest $40 million into Henry County distribution facility, 150 new jobs expectedGov. Abigail Spanberger announced on Tuesday that Rural King, a national retail brand that specializes in farm and home supplies, is set to invest $40 million to establish a new distribution facility in Henry County.
Star City Motor Madness set to roll into Roanoke with 300 classic and modern cars this weekend
Read full article: Star City Motor Madness set to roll into Roanoke with 300 classic and modern cars this weekendRev up those engines! More than 300 vehicles are set to roll into downtown Roanoke for the DMVās Star City Motor Madness this weekend.
New Virginia Laws: Changes that could impact you starting July 1
Read full article: New Virginia Laws: Changes that could impact you starting July 1Several new Virginia laws take effect July 1, touching nearly every corner of daily life ā from gun sales and criminal records to job applications, speeding and even takeout containers.
Gov. Spanberger signs legislation aimed at guaranteeing access to contraception
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs legislation aimed at guaranteeing access to contraceptionGovernor Spanbergerās office announced Wednesday that the governor had signed landmark legislation to protect reproductive freedoms, reaffirm the right to access contraception in Virginia and make sure more women can access critical reproductive healthcare.
Gov. Spanberger, Virginia lawmakers reveal retail cannabis market compromise, sales to begin July 2027
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger, Virginia lawmakers reveal retail cannabis market compromise, sales to begin July 2027After years of planning, proposals and vetoes, a retail cannabis market in Virginia now seems to be on the horizon.
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages Virginians to buy local during Agriculture Week
Read full article: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages Virginians to buy local during Agriculture WeekVirginia Agriculture Week is June 7 to 13, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is encouraging Virginians to celebrate by shopping local.
Gov. Spanberger signs bills aimed at protecting patients, medical care professionals from violence at hospitals
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs bills aimed at protecting patients, medical care professionals from violence at hospitalsGovernor Spanberger signed legislation Thursday aimed at making Virginia hospitals and medical care facilities safer for patients, their families, nurses, doctors and medical care professionals who serve Virginia, the Governorās Office announced.
Spanberger tours Rocky Mount factory, signs affordable housing laws
Read full article: Spanberger tours Rocky Mount factory, signs affordable housing lawsAs the national debate over affordable housing continues, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of housing bills Monday aimed at expanding access to affordable housing options and strengthening protections for residents of manufactured homes.
Traveling for Memorial Day weekend? Hereās when to expect the worst traffic
Read full article: Traveling for Memorial Day weekend? Hereās when to expect the worst trafficNationwide, record-breaking travel is expected this Memorial Day weekend, with 39 million drivers hitting the road, according to AAA.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia's bid to restore congressional map favoring Democrats
Read full article: Supreme Court rejects Virginia's bid to restore congressional map favoring DemocratsThe Supreme Court has rejected Virginiaās bid to restore a congressional map that would have given Democrats a chance to pick up four seats in the closely divided House of Representatives.
Spanberger signs, vetoes key bills in first major legislative decisions
Read full article: Spanberger signs, vetoes key bills in first major legislative decisionsGovernor Abigail Spanberger is putting her signature on some of the most high-profile issues of this legislative session - signing some bills into law while rejecting others.
Gov. Spanberger signs bills aimed at capping cost of insulin, lowering healthcare and prescription drug costs
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs bills aimed at capping cost of insulin, lowering healthcare and prescription drug costsGovernor Spanbergerās Office announced Wednesday that Gov. Spanberger signed a package of bipartisan legislation to tackle the high cost of healthcare, make prescription drugs more affordable and ensure more Virginians have access to the care they need.
Gov. Spanberger signs Paid Family and Medical Leave program into law, first southern state to do so
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs Paid Family and Medical Leave program into law, first southern state to do soVirginia is set to become the first southern state with a paid family and medical leave program.
Trump's disdain for wind projects creates a political storm for Republicans in coastal Virginia
Read full article: Trump's disdain for wind projects creates a political storm for Republicans in coastal VirginiaPresident Donald Trump's attempts to cancel offshore wind projects have drawn opposition not only from environmentalists but also from Republicans.
Gov. Spanberger joins bipartisan Climate Alliance on Earth Day
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger joins bipartisan Climate Alliance on Earth DayGovernor Spanberger announced Virginiaās entry in the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 states focused on responding to the dangers of climate change, growing Americaās economy, and safeguarding public health.
Gov. Spanberger celebrates new paid family medical leave law, other worker protections in Virginia
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger celebrates new paid family medical leave law, other worker protections in VirginiaGovernor Abigail Spanberger is celebrating a series of new laws designed to protect workers during health and family emergencies, while also strengthening workplace protections across Virginia.
Virginia votes āyesā on redistricting referendum, allowing redrawing of congressional districts
Read full article: Virginia votes āyesā on redistricting referendum, allowing redrawing of congressional districtsIn a tight race, Virginians have voted āyesā on a ballot referendum in a major special election that has been closely watched by the nation.
LIST: Which schools will close in Central, Southwest Virginia for the April 21 special election?
Read full article: LIST: Which schools will close in Central, Southwest Virginia for the April 21 special election?As Virginians head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether the state should redraw its congressional maps, several school districts will be closed on April 21.
How the April 21 special election on redistricting could reshape Virginiaās political landscape
Read full article: How the April 21 special election on redistricting could reshape Virginiaās political landscapeVirginia voters have approved a congressional redistricting plan that could help Democrats win up to four additional U.S. House seats in this yearās midterm elections.
Virginia redistricting vote: Whatās on the ballot for Tuesdayās special election
Read full article: Virginia redistricting vote: Whatās on the ballot for Tuesdayās special electionVirginia voters head to the polls Tuesday, April 21, for a special election centered on a proposed redistricting amendment that could dramatically reshape the stateās congressional map.
Gov. Spanberger announces $15.3 million in GO Virginia funding to grow Virginiaās economy
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger announces $15.3 million in GO Virginia funding to grow Virginiaās economyThe Governorās Office announced Friday that Gov. Spanberger awarded more than $15.3 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support new projects across the Commonwealth, including some projects in our area.
Virginia lawmakers react to tragic deaths of former Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, wife
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers react to tragic deaths of former Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, wifeFormer Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at their Northern Virginia home, authorities said Thursday.
Virginia wildfire risk grows as April drought and early heat combine
Read full article: Virginia wildfire risk grows as April drought and early heat combineThe first two weeks of April have been unusually dry across Virginia, and an early heatwave this week is making conditions worse ā and potentially dangerous.
Spanberger to decide fate of allowing ICE partnerships with local law enforcement
Read full article: Spanberger to decide fate of allowing ICE partnerships with local law enforcementA debate over immigration enforcement agreements is intensifying across Virginia as Gov. Abigail Spanberger weighs whether to continue partnerships that allow local law enforcement to act on behalf of federal immigration authorities.
Gov. Spanberger signs bills into law to raise minimum wage, boost workforce training and support economic growth
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs bills into law to raise minimum wage, boost workforce training and support economic growthGov. Spanbergerās Office announced Thursday that the Governor had signed into law legislation to incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour, secure stronger wages for Virginians who feed and fuel the Commonwealth and connect more Virginians with career opportunities.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger responds to criticism, focuses on delivering for Virginians
Read full article: Gov. Abigail Spanberger responds to criticism, focuses on delivering for VirginiansGov. Abigail Spanberger is responding to recent criticism and says she remains committed to delivering results for Virginians and strengthening the Commonwealth, according to NBC affiliate WWBT.
Gov. Spanberger signs bills into law to address high housing, healthcare and utility costs
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs bills into law to address high housing, healthcare and utility costsGovernor Spanbergerās office announced Wednesday that the governor had signed legislation to address the high cost of housing, healthcare and utilities across the Commonwealth.
Gov. Spanberger signs bills into law aimed at accelerating economic development across the state
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs bills into law aimed at accelerating economic development across the stateGovernor Spanbergerās office announced Monday that she had signed bipartisan legislation to grow the economy, create new jobs and support business investment within the commonwealth including two bills aimed at growth in our region.
Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation to host Blacksburgās first āMake Moves Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Runā
Read full article: Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation to host Blacksburgās first āMake Moves Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk/RunāA new event in Southwest Virginia aims to make an impact in the fight against breast cancer while bringing the community together.
Governor Spanberger announces new cabinet-level Chief Energy officer
Read full article: Governor Spanberger announces new cabinet-level Chief Energy officerGov. Abigail Spanberger has appointed Josephus Allmond as chief energy officer, a cabinet-level position focused on addressing rising energy costs for families.
Gov. Spanberger signs executive order aimed at protecting election integrity, rejoins ERIC
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs executive order aimed at protecting election integrity, rejoins ERICOn Tuesday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 13, which is aimed at protecting election integrity in the Commonwealth.
Spanberger weighs contraception rights bill ahead of November reproductive rights amendment vote
Read full article: Spanberger weighs contraception rights bill ahead of November reproductive rights amendment voteWith hundreds of bills awaiting action, Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing legislation tied to reproductive rights, including a measure that involves reproductive rights.
Locals and Legislators React to Virginiaās Assault Firearms and Magazine Legislation
Read full article: Locals and Legislators React to Virginiaās Assault Firearms and Magazine LegislationVirginia lawmakers have approved a controversial bill that would restrict the sale, transfer, importation, and manufacture of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, sending it to the governorās desk for final consideration. Senate Bill 749, if signed into law, would prohibit these activities for firearms defined in the legislation as āassault firearms,ā along with certain large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. Violations could be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Severe Weather Awareness Week returns to Virginia with tornado drill and safety reminders
Read full article: Severe Weather Awareness Week returns to Virginia with tornado drill and safety remindersAs spring approaches, meteorologists say itās time for Virginians to start preparing for severe weather again.
Virginia weighs plan to tie electoral Votes to national popular vote
Read full article: Virginia weighs plan to tie electoral Votes to national popular voteA bill moving through the Virginia General Assembly could change the how the Commonwealthās Electoral College votes work in presidential elections.
Early voting begins Friday, March 6 on Virginiaās proposed redistricting amendment
Read full article: Early voting begins Friday, March 6 on Virginiaās proposed redistricting amendmentEarly voting begins Friday, March 6, in the Commonwealth, with many Virginians ready to cast their vote on the stateās redistricting amendment.
Obama throws his support behind Virginia Democrats' redistricting plan as it heads to voters
Read full article: Obama throws his support behind Virginia Democrats' redistricting plan as it heads to votersFormer President Barack Obama is promoting a Democratic effort to redraw congressional lines in Virginia, the latest front in a nationwide redistricting battle ahead of this yearās midterm elections.
Gov. Spanberger issues proclamation celebrating 100 years of Black History Month
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger issues proclamation celebrating 100 years of Black History MonthOn Friday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued a proclamation that recognized Feb. 2026 as the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
Douglas Wilder, 95, Reflects on His Historic Governorship and Shares Advice for Virginiaās First Female Gov. Spanberger
Read full article: Douglas Wilder, 95, Reflects on His Historic Governorship and Shares Advice for Virginiaās First Female Gov. SpanbergerAbout 36 years ago, Douglas Wilder made history as the first African American elected governor in the United States when he took office in Virginia. Serving from 1990 to 1994, Wilderās victory was a landmark moment not only for the Commonwealth but for the nation. Before becoming governor, he had already broken barriers as the first African American state senator in Virginia since Reconstru
Virginiaās first Black governor, now 95, shares advice for Abigail Spanberger as she makes history, Pt. 1
Read full article: Virginiaās first Black governor, now 95, shares advice for Abigail Spanberger as she makes history, Pt. 1Former Virginia Governor Doug Wilder is sharing hardāearned wisdom with the Commonwealthās newest historyāmaker.
Virginians sound off on their political opinions before President Trumpās State of the Union address
Read full article: Virginians sound off on their political opinions before President Trumpās State of the Union addressAhead of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, many Virginians gave their thoughts and opinions on the direction of the country
Governor Spanberger pledges to sign legislation to raise minimum wage
Read full article: Governor Spanberger pledges to sign legislation to raise minimum wageGovernor Spanberger released the following statement on Monday after both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed legislation that would incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2028.
$17 million approved for widening, safety upgrades on Virginiaās Interstate 81
Read full article: $17 million approved for widening, safety upgrades on Virginiaās Interstate 81The highway handles an enormous volume of freight and passenger traffic. More than 12 million commercial trucks travel the interstate annually, moving over $300 billion in goods.
Gov. Spanberger signs bills that send redistricting, same-sex marriage, voting rights, abortion amendments to voters
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger signs bills that send redistricting, same-sex marriage, voting rights, abortion amendments to votersOn Friday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed multiple bills that will result in ballot measures being sent to Virginians in 2026, regarding abortion, voting rights, same-sex marriage, and redistricting.
Gov. Spanberger updates Virginians on storm response, thanks response crews
Read full article: Gov. Spanberger updates Virginians on storm response, thanks response crewsOn Monday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger updated the Commonwealth on the winter storm, and thanked response teams and those who were cooperative with the cleanup efforts.
Virginia data center industry booming, leaders gather in Lynchburg to plan future
Read full article: Virginia data center industry booming, leaders gather in Lynchburg to plan futureVirginiaās data center industry is experiencing rapid growth, and leaders from across the commonwealth gathered in Lynchburg to chart its future at the Emerging Industry Summit on Data Center Development.
AARP Virginia pushes for lower drug costs, paid leave and crypto fraud protections at General Assembly
Read full article: AARP Virginia pushes for lower drug costs, paid leave and crypto fraud protections at General AssemblyAARP announced that volunteer advocates will urge lawmakers to act on the organizationās legislative agenda when the General Assembly convenes on Jan. 14.
New Virginia Bird Atlas opens window into conservation
Read full article: New Virginia Bird Atlas opens window into conservationFor more than a decade, hundreds of volunteers, scientists and conservationists across Virginia have worked together to document the commonwealthās bird life, according to Virginia Tech officials.
Last-minute shoppers in Roanoke face crowded stores, rising prices as they hunt for Christmas gifts
Read full article: Last-minute shoppers in Roanoke face crowded stores, rising prices as they hunt for Christmas giftsDespite economic pressures, Roanoke shoppers are determined to keep the Christmas spirit alive, with local businesses hoping for a seasonal boost.
Virginia Department of Emergency Management and National Weather Service partner up for Winter Weather Awareness Week
Read full article: Virginia Department of Emergency Management and National Weather Service partner up for Winter Weather Awareness WeekThe Virginia Department of Emergency Management in partnership with the National Weather Service, will recognize Winter Weather Awareness Week from Dec. 8-12, 2025, VDEM announced Tuesday.
Friendship Health and Rehab North and South recognized among Americaās Best Nursing Homes for 2026
Read full article: Friendship Health and Rehab North and South recognized among Americaās Best Nursing Homes for 2026Friendship Health and Rehab North and Friendship Health and Rehab South have been honored as two of Americaās Best Nursing Homes 2026 by Newsweek.
Thanksgiving travel tips: how 2.1 million Virginians can avoid traffic and ensure safety
Read full article: Thanksgiving travel tips: how 2.1 million Virginians can avoid traffic and ensure safetyNearly 2.1 million Virginians will travel this Thanksgiving holiday, marking a 1.1% increase from last year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. The surge comes despite economic uncertainties, as Americans continue to prioritize holiday travel and family gatherings.
Virginia sees 59% drop in fentanyl overdose deaths since January 2022
Read full article: Virginia sees 59% drop in fentanyl overdose deaths since January 2022The Commonwealth has seen a 59% reduction in fentanyl-related overdose deaths since January 2022, a significant decrease Gov. Glenn Youngkin is touting as leading the nation.
Gov. Youngkin submits Virginiaās application for $1 billion in Federal Funding to transform rural healthcare
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin submits Virginiaās application for $1 billion in Federal Funding to transform rural healthcareGovernor Youngkin announced Nov. 7 that Virginia submitted its application for $1 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation funding under H.R. 1, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump.
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.
EXPLAINER: The federal government has reopened - whatās next?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: The federal government has reopened - whatās next?President Donald Trump signed legislation Wednesday night that officially reopened the federal government, ending a tumultuous 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. Now, many are asking: what happens next?
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 election winners break race and gender barriers amid national scrutiny on diversity
Read full article: Virginia election winners break race and gender barriers amid national scrutiny on diversityVirginia voters have made history by electing candidates who broke race and gender barriers in this week's elections.
Gov. Youngkin launches Virginia Care Initiative to support Virginians impacted by government shutdown
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin launches Virginia Care Initiative to support Virginians impacted by government shutdownGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday the launch of the Virginia Cares Initiative, a Commonwealth-wide food drive to support Virginians impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Obama rallies Virginia and New Jersey in weekend campaign push before Election Day
Read full article: Obama rallies Virginia and New Jersey in weekend campaign push before Election DayFormer President Barack Obama is urging voters to use Tuesday's elections in Virginia and New Jersey to rebuke President Donald Trump and candidates loyal to him.
Gov. Youngkin declares state of emergency for hunger relief in Virginia amid government shutdown
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin declares state of emergency for hunger relief in Virginia amid government shutdownGovernor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency to provide emergency hunger relief for Virginia in response to the government shutdown.
WATCH: Virginia community health centers face funding crisis
Read full article: WATCH: Virginia community health centers face funding crisisAs federal healthcare tax credits are set to expire, Virginia community health centers are warning of a crisis that could leave thousands without access to basic care.
Merck to bring 500 new jobs with $3 billion pharmaceutical plant in Virginia
Read full article: Merck to bring 500 new jobs with $3 billion pharmaceutical plant in VirginiaMerck is set to create 500 new jobs in Virginia with the construction of a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, the company and state officials announced Monday.
