Va.'s workforce training program ranks No. 1

Good morning from the Mercury.

By Markus Schmidt

Virginia’s workforce training program has earned another No. 1 national ranking as the commonwealth competes for companies looking for workers trained for specialized jobs.

Area Development, a major national trade publication, ranked Virginia first for workforce training programs in its 2026 Top States for Doing Business report. The recognition highlights the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which provides customized recruitment and training at no cost to qualifying companies opening or expanding operations in the commonwealth. 

By Shannon Heckt

The Virginia State Corporation Commission will allow documents detailing an internal investigation into NextEra Energy’s failed attempt to acquire Jacksonville, Florida’s public utility to be included in deliberations of the company’s $67 billion proposed merger with Dominion Energy.  

“I find the requested information is discoverable in the instant case, although the Commission will ultimately decide the admissibility of any information offered into the record as evidence,” Chief Hearing Examiner Mathias Roussey Jr. wrote Oct. 2, adding that the utility must furnish the requested information within four days. 

By Nathaniel Cline

The Virginia Board of Education recently reestablished its adult education advisory committee after a three-year hiatus to guide how the state uses resources to improve its adult education and literacy program.

The programs combine education and job training that can help enrollees earn recognized industry credentials and provide academic and parenting support for adults and their children. They also help learners strengthen English proficiency, develop civic and workplace skills, and improve basic academic skills through in-person or remote classes.

By Jennifer Shutt

Democrats expect they’ll gain a majority of seats in the U.S. House following November’s midterm elections, giving the party a platform to serve as a check on the president’s power.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene said during an interview Monday that curbing the war in Iran and working on legislation to address the costs of healthcare would be at the top of the party’s agenda if it is able to flip that chamber.  

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