Good morning from The Mercury.
“Virginia election officials have had to continuously adapt to changing election landscapes, and their ability to do so quickly showcases their significant experience and dedication to running accurate and secure elections.” — Ashley Coles, deputy commissioner of elections
Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm elections begins Friday in Virginia. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
By Markus Schmidt
Early voting begins Friday across Virginia, kicking off more than six weeks of voting for the Nov. 3 midterms just days after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked new mail-ballot restrictions sought by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Voters will choose a U.S. senator and representatives in all 11 of Virginia’s congressional districts, and approve or reject three proposed amendments to the state constitution. Depending on where they live, some voters will also see local races, referendums and special elections.
Construction work along the Dulles Connector in Northern Virginia, with roadwork equipment and activity visible along the roadway. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)
By Nathaniel Cline
Virginia faces a funding gap of at least $1.7 million for highway maintenance work, with roads falling into disrepair creating an economic and safety liability that could affect future construction projects across the commonwealth, state transportation department staff reported this week.
Over the past 20 years, Virginia’s bridge inventory has grown by 400, with a current total of 21,200 bridges. Pavement has increased by 2,000 miles, to 59,700 miles, while pavement lane miles have increased by 5,000 to 130,400 lane miles. All of them require millions annually for maintenance and repair.
A campsite is seen in Anchorage, Alaska, last year. The Trump administration has proposed a major shift in homelessness grants. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
By Robbie Sequeira
In its latest effort to overhaul federal homelessness funding, the Trump administration is proposing to provide more money to localities that prioritize treatment-first policies such as sober living, more cooperation with law enforcement and more temporary and transitional housing.
It’s a reversal from a decade-long federal approach known as Housing First that sought to permanently house people experiencing homelessness without requiring sobriety or participation in treatment programs as a condition.
By Ashley Murray
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation continues to dog the economy, largely driven by soaring gas and fuel oil prices while the war in Iran drags on.
The central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to increase its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, reaching the new range from 3.75% to 4% and making the cost of borrowing more expensive for Americans.
The committee released an upbeat statement touting economic growth at “a solid pace.”
NEWS TO KNOW
Our daily roundup of headlines from Virginia and elsewhere.
“5 Virginia Billionaires Make ‘Forbes’ 400 Richest in America List.” — Northern Virginia Magazine
Thanks for reading Virginia Mercury. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.