Governor 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.

Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly are set to reconvene in Richmond on Monday to consider 14 budget amendments sent by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Friday.

Virginia lawmakers approved a state budget agreement Monday, sending the deal to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk just days before a potential government shutdown deadline.

Governor Spanberger’s 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.

Governor 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 Governor’s Office announced.

Gov. Spanberger’s office announced Wednesday that she had signed a package of bipartisan legislation Wednesday focused on lowering childcare costs for parents, strengthening early childhood education and empowering small businesses to better recruit and retain talented employees.

Virginia is set to become the first southern state with a paid family and medical leave program.

In a sweeping 46-page decision, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled the General Assembly did not follow the required constitutional process when it put the redistricting amendment before voters.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has issued a flag order in memory of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax and victims of domestic violence.

The legal fight over Virginia’s redistricting referendum is in the hands of the state’s highest court. The Virginia Supreme Court has already refused to lift a block on certifying the results and now, justices are weighing whether the amendment can stand at all.

Governor Abigail Spanberger was in Roanoke Monday and signed a series of new education bills, focused on preparing students for real-world careers.

Governor Abigail Spanberger will mark 100 days in office on Monday, April 27, with events planned in Roanoke and Richmond.

Frustration is building in Richmond, as lawmakers leave another session without a state budget.

A Virginia university has approved funding for a memorial for dozens of people, most of African descent, whose bodies were taken from their graves for use by medical students and then dumped in a forgotten well.

Gov. Spanberger’s office announced Wednesday that the governor signed a package of bipartisan legislation, commonly known as the Momnibus, to improve and expand healthcare coverage for Virginia mothers and families.

On Monday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced four new appointments to Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors.

The Governor’s 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.

Governor Spanberger on Monday passed HB167 into law, which will eliminate tax exemptions for Confederate organizations.

A 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.

Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation that would have legalized skill gaming, according to the Governor’s Office.

The veteran coach has spent the last seven seasons at nearby Richmond.

Virginia State Parks is looking to hire more than 900 rangers for the upcoming summer season.

On Friday, Attorney General Jay Jones announced that he has joined 20 other attorneys general in a lawsuit to challenge an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on March 31.

On Tuesday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed her first large group of bills into law since taking office.

A bipartisan group of Virginia lawmakers has formed the state’s first motorsports caucus, aiming to preserve racetracks and strengthen the industry’s economic impact across the commonwealth.

Denny Hamlin earned his fifth pole position at Martinsville Speedway and 49th of his Cup Series career, tying him with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Isaac for 10th all time.

On Tuesday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 13, which is aimed at protecting election integrity in the Commonwealth.

Another Virginia Department of Corrections K9, Elly, has received bullet and stab protective vests donated by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., VADOC said on Friday.

The Galax girls basketball team made program history Friday night, defeating Luray 57–39 to capture the school’s first state championship in girls basketball.

The state may be missing out on an estimated $1.9 billion a year because of a sales tax exemption for data centers. Lawmakers are considering scaling back or ending the incentive, which currently exempts certain equipment and software from sales tax.

A strong chemical smell has forced a temporary halt to flights at four major airports near Washington, D.C. The FAA says air traffic controllers cannot manage traffic safely during the incident.

A new Virginia law banning certain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines has passed the General Assembly and is now heading to Governor Spanberger for her signature.

The Virginia Supreme Court has again ruled that voters will get to cast ballots on a congressional redistricting plan that could help Democrats in this year’s midterm elections.

Five Virginia Department of Corrections K9s have received bullet and stab protective vests donated by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., VADOC said on Friday.

A bill that could affect how data centers and other large projects are approved in Virginia is advancing at the state Capitol.

Governor Spanberger issued an order for all flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday in respect and memory of Virginia Delegate Barry Knight.

The Virginia Department of Elections announced Tuesday that primary elections for all offices appearing on the 2026 November General Election ballot will be held on Aug. 4, 2026. There will be no primary elections held on June 16, 2026.

Police in Richmond, Virginia, say an apparent fight on a street in an entertainment district has ended with a shooting that killed two people and wounded seven others.

Virginia Democrats have passed a new congressional map that aims to flip four U.S. House seats, but the courts and voters still must have a say before the maps are official.

A Virginia court is temporarily blocking Democrats from preparing for an April voter referendum to redraw the state’s congressional maps.

The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation Friday that will give all Virginians the same discounts on durg prices now available to people on medicare.

Virginia voters will get to cast ballots on a congressional redistricting plan that could help Democrats in this year's midterm elections.

Democrats placed a voter referendum on the ballot in April that could pave the way for a new congressional. But a final ruling on the effort will likely come after the special election.

A Brazilian au pair got the maximum 10-year sentence after confessing to scheming with her lover to kill his wife and another man.

Lawmakers in Virginia are considering legislation that could change the future of fantasy sports in the Commonwealth.

Virginia 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.

Shares 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.

A 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.

A Virginia judge has ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment letting Democrats redraw the state’s Congressional maps was illegal.

Virginia’s governors traditionally wear morning suits for their inaugurations.

Abigail Spanberger has become Virginia's first female governor after centuries of men holding the state's top office.

Virginia’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.

The 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 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.

The 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.

Governor-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.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin celebrated the unveiling of the Governor’s official portrait Monday.

The 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.

A baby seal has caused chaos by wandering into a bar in Richmond, New Zealand.

William Fleming is becoming accustomed to deep postseason runs, having reached back-to-back region finals.

Governor 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 Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday that Modine will invest $19.6 million through 2029 in planned capital expenditures to expand its presence in Buena Vista.

Governor 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 Glenn Youngkin announced Monday $15.5 million in Virginia Land Conservation Funding to conserve 8,606 acres across the Commonwealth.

Republican candidates stressed the importance of high turnout in Southwest Virginia to counteract Democratic strength elsewhere in the state.

State 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.

After 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.

Former 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 is the No. 1 team in the country in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason women's basketball poll.

A 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.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch spoke with multiple people listed as donors who said they never gave money to Floyd’s campaign.

Taylor Swift fans around the world are celebrating her latest album release, “The Life of a Showgirl.”.

The winner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup was women’s rugby.

Governor 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.

Richmond leaders and members of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church are coming together to address the need for affordable housing.

Richmond 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 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 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 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.

New data shows Virginia students are making gains in the classroom, but state leaders say there’s still work to do.

The 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.

A routine Lyft ride turned into a nightmare for Richmond driver Lamar McCray this weekend.

Ten Virginia Department of Corrections K9s have received bullet and stab protective vests donated by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., VADOC said on Friday.

Dillon makes playoffs for the first time in three years.

Virginia 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.

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that MerryGoRound Inc, a fulfillment company, would establish operations in Pittsylvania County.

Governor 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.

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 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.

DuPont 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 Glenn Youngkin announced that Fiscal Year 2025 general fund revenues exceeded the official forecast assumed in the 2025 Appropriation Act by $572 million.

Consumer 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.

"Many Hokie faithful here in the area,” Pry said.

The Virginia Commonwealth Games are wrapping up in Lynchburg.

Richmond is taking action to combat the ongoing opioid crisis with its recent launch of the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response (OOSUR).

Governor 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.

Virginia Commonwealth Games to move to Richmond in 2026 after decade in Lynchburg

Governor 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 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 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.