The historic facade of Virginia’s new General Assembly Building in Richmond. (Photo by Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)
By Nathaniel Cline
A new state law allowing localities to raise revenue for school construction has opened opportunities but also raised questions, with some local leaders and lawmakers asking if it could create funding shortfalls for localities that approve the measure.
Right before the July 1 deadline, Virginia passed a budget that included language allowing localities, pending voter support, to raise a 1% sales tax primarily to cover school construction due to unprecedented costs.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is asking state regulators to extend the review period for the Dominion Energy-NextEra Energy proposed merger, which would create the largest utility company in the country. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
‘A different deal on the table’: AG Jay Jones asks SCC to reset the clock on Dominion-NextEra merger
By Shannon Heckt
Attorney General Jay Jones told state regulators Friday that they should reset the 180-day review time period for the $67 billion Dominion Energy-NextEra Energy merger proposal, after the companies unveiled expanded conditions of the deal last week.
On Sept. 14, Dominion and NextEra jointly filed supplemental documents to the State Corporation Commission outlining new additions to the proposal, including extending residential customers’ bill credits to four years instead of two.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger, shown signing an executive order establishing a state AI task force on Sept. 18, called on Congress Tuesday to set federal safeguards for the technology. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury)
By Markus Schmidt
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday called on Congress to set national rules for artificial intelligence, warning that its rapid development could threaten jobs, privacy and public resources if oversight remains largely in the hands of the companies building it.
In a letter to congressional leaders, the Virginia Democrat urged federal action while pledging to pursue measures within the state’s authority. She sent the letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
By Virginia Mercury staff
Early voting is underway in Virginia or the 2026 midterm election, when the state's next slate of congressional representatives and local leaders will be elected.
If you're planning to vote, what are the top issues that will motivate you to cast a ballot? From rising energy prices and data centers, to unaffordable housing and fewer healthcare options, to costlier groceries and gas, we want to pinpoint the top-of-mind concerns Virginians are facing. This information will inform our reporting leading up to Election Day on Nov. 3, so please share your responses here.
ICYMI
Survey finds that more than half of Virginia families with children face food insecurity | By Charlotte Rene Woods
COMMENTARY: If you enjoy Virginia’s wildlife, thank a hunter or angler | By Cyrus Baird
COMMENTARY: The battle over data centers isn’t just about data centers, but they’re the battleground we have. | By Ivy Main
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