Search
Volunteers keep watch over Smith Mountain Lake’s water quality for nearly four decades
For nearly 40 years, volunteers and environmental experts have made sure Smith Mountain Lake is ready for a season of fishing, swimming, and other recreational use. And while finding help over that time is rarely a problem, concerns about Harmful Algae Blooms are bringing new focus to their work. Ferrum College laboratory supervisor Carol Love has been monitoring Smith Mountain Lake since the late 1990’s.
10 Va. House of Delegates contests to watch Tuesday
With early voting already underway and primary day set for Tuesday, Virginia’s House of Delegates races are shaping up to be a revealing test of party identity, grassroots energy, and electoral ambition. For the first time in many years, Democrats have fielded candidates in all 100 House districts — a feat that underscores just how determined the party is to hold the majority it won back two years ago, and how fired up its base has become heading into another high-stakes election year. Many of the most compelling primaries are playing out in safely blue districts, where challengers are confronting Democratic incumbents from the left and prompting broader questions about the party’s ideological trajectory.
Appeals for federal relief funds for Va. schools uncertain
After the U.S. education secretary set a March deadline to use unspent pandemic relief funds, Virginia school officials are still awaiting a decision on their appeal whether the federal government will rescind the cutoff allowing them to use $33 million. Across the commonwealth, 14 school divisions, including Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Symth County, and the Department of Juvenile Justice have appealed to use $25 million. The Virginia Department of Education wants to use nearly $8 million.
The Virginia Mercury’s 2025 elections questionnaire: lieutenant governor
With seven contenders vying to become Virginia’s next lieutenant governor, the Mercury asked all the hopefuls to answer a questionnaire to outline their political and legislative experiences, their plans should they be elected to preside over the state senate and their positions on policy that shapes citizens’ lives. Here are their responses.
Alicia Atkins challenges Delores McQuinn in 81st House District primary
Del. Delores McQuinn has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since winning a 2009 special election. In that time, she has never received less than 73% of the vote in a Democratic primary or general election for the House, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. On Tuesday, she will face off with Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins — in a primary that takes place at a time when the Democratic Party across the country is considering whether to elevate new voices or continue to rely on seasoned political leaders.
From VPAP June Primary: Who’s on Your Ballot?
Enter your address to find out who is on your ballot and where your polling place is for today's primary elections. Statewide primaries are being held to choose the Democratic nominees for lieutenant governor and attorney general, and Republican and Democratic primaries are being held in some areas for the House of Delegates and local offices.
State health regulators fine Richmond $6.8K for violations related to January water crisis
Richmond has agreed to pay state water regulators a “civil charge” of $6,817 as part of an agreement to resolve violations related to January’s water crisis. [Last] week, the city announced it had reached an agreement with the State Board of Health to resolve a series of problems that contributed to the water outage earlier this year. The order of consent between the city and the state formalizes the steps being taken to address the issues at the city’s water treatment plant, including the financial penalty.
Shenandoah Valley leaders bracing for One Big Beautiful Bill fallout
Shenandoah Valley leaders say President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, now being considered in the U.S. Senate, will have a devastating impact on health care, higher education and workforce development. They voiced their concerns over the budget reconciliation bill to U.S. Sen. Mark Warner on Friday at a business policy roundtable just outside Staunton.
Crowd lines Abingdon sidewalks for ‘No Kings’ rally
Armed with signs and placards, protesters of all ages lined both sides of Main Street in the center of Abingdon Saturday, wanting their voices and feelings opposing President Donald Trump’s recent actions be heard. Organizers said about 700 people assembled near the federal courthouse for two hours to conduct a peaceful protest.
‘No Kings’ protest in Berryville attracts crowd of at least 1,000
At least 1,000 people protested Saturday afternoon in downtown Berryville against President Donald Trump as part of a "No Kings Day" demonstration. It was one of about 2,000 such events held nationwide. Not only did it attract Clarke County residents, but also people from Winchester and Frederick County as well as Warren, Fauquier and Loudoun counties.