Good morning from the Mercury.
“People are not getting third-trimester abortions for preeclampsia. People are getting third-trimester abortions for things like fatal fetal anomalies, where they know that the fetus does not have a chance of survival.” — Dr. Kimi Chernoby, a Northern Virginia emergency medicine doctor
Kacia Kriener Putman stands outside the Bank Street entrance to the Virginia State Capitol with her children in January 2026. (Photo courtesy of Putman)
By Charlotte Rene Woods
Kacia Kriener Putman credits abortion access with her ability to grow her family.
Three weeks before first pregnancy’s due date, the Alexandria resident developed pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening high blood pressure condition that occurs in some pregnancies and can cause organ damage. She also developed HELLP, a syndrome that affects blood clotting and liver function.
Doctors rushed her into an emergency cesarean section. The joy of bringing her son Malcolm into the world was marked by the terror she and her husband experienced, Putman said.
A caregiver feeds a disabled man in a wheelchair. (Photo by Getty Images)
By Markus Schmidt
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., called for federal artificial intelligence regulations and stronger healthcare funding Wednesday as he and Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa outlined competing approaches to protecting Virginians with disabilities at a virtual candidate forum.
Mizusawa emphasized enforcing existing discrimination laws and cracking down on waste in federal programs.
Both candidates said they support helping people remain in their homes and improving voting access for people with disabilities. But they differed over mail voting, with Warner opposing restrictions sought by President Donald Trump’s administration and Mizusawa raising concerns about potential fraud in ballots cast outside of polling places.
A small group of toddlers sit on the carpet in a home daycare as they play together with toy animals. (Photo by Getty Images)
By Charlotte Rene Woods
Pending changes to Head Start initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration could make it harder for Virginia families to utilize the program, including those whose families lack permanent shelter.
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposal would eliminate a rule that allows Head Start centers to reserve admission spots for homeless students and those in the foster care system. Currently, about 3% of slots are reserved for such families.
Additionally, families would lose the ability to self-affirm they are homeless.
By Ashley Murray
Rebecca Myers lives in one of the nation’s most hotly contested congressional districts, and tariffs were on her mind as she voted early and in-person in Suffolk, Virginia in late September.
The 44-year-old trained social worker said she and her husband, who recently retired after 25 years in the U.S. Navy, are raising two children, ages 7 and 9, and forgoing a family vacation to save money.
“I’m an educated person, but I’m not going to pretend to be an expert in the economy. All I can say is I know my family’s finances very well and I know everything we spend money on has gone up in price.
NEWS TO KNOW
Our daily roundup of headlines from Virginia and elsewhere.
“ICF International to lay off 82 employees.” | Virginia Business
“Louisa, Charlottesville, Albemarle ranked among Virginia’s best school districts.” | Cville Right Now
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