By Charlotte Rene Woods
On Nov. 3, Virginians will elect their next slate of congressional representatives, and approve or reject three proposed constitutional amendments that would permanently protect same-sex marriage, reproductive health rights and voting rights for former felons.
These stories feature Virginians whose lived experiences intersect state policy and reflect the impact the amendments would have beyond the ballot.
Lt. Gov. Hashmi is joined by two lawmakers in Richmond, VA on Oct. 6 2026 for a press conference announcing she is opposing the merger of Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury)
By Shannon Heckt
The debate over whether Florida-based NextEra Energy should be allowed to acquire Dominion Energy and create the largest regulated utility in the country heated up Tuesday, with Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi pledging her opposition to the $67 billion merger.
She is the first elected official at the statewide level to formally oppose the creation of the energy titan.
A carpet designed with Virginia and the rest of the United States lies inside a classroom. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)
By Nathaniel Cline
Forty-four percent of Virginia schools earned the “distinguished” rating for exceeding state expectations in growth, achievement and readiness, a 21% performance leap from last year, as the state continues efforts to support more than 1,000 schools that fell short.
On Wednesday, the Virginia Department of Education released its accountability results, showing how schools are performing against state expectations. The data will be used to identify schools that need additional support.
By Markus Schmidt
Virginia Republican leaders on Tuesday called for Gov. Abigail Spanberger to summon lawmakers to Richmond and suspend the state’s gasoline and diesel taxes for 90 days, arguing that the temporary break would help families, farmers and trucking companies cope with high fuel prices.
Diesel prices have climbed sharply amid disruptions to global fuel supplies from the war with Iran and other pressures on the international market.
ICYMI
Spanberger announces $1.3 million in scholarships and incentives for nursing students | By Charlotte Rene Woods
Perriello seeks another 5th District upset as McGuire leans on Trump | By Markus Schmidt
Proposed Head Start changes would eliminate slots for Virginia children experiencing homelessness | By Charlotte Rene Woods
Warner, Mizusawa outline competing approaches to disability policy | By Markus Schmidt
Virginia Board of Education reinstates adult education advisory committee after 3 years | By Nathaniel Cline
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