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Virginia Mercury
Youngkin signs executive order to establish ‘cell phone-free education’ in Va. public schools
Virginia will soon establish guidance to restrict or eliminate student cell phone use during instructional time at school. On Tuesday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33, which directs his administration to “heed the call” of parents, public health professionals, educators and others by establishing cell phone-free policies and procedures for school divisions, in light […] The post Youngkin signs executive order to establish ‘cell phone-free education’ in Va. public schools appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Federal government awards pollution cleanup funding to Dublin, Dumfries
Brownfields, previously disturbed lands that present environmental concerns but could be turned into future economic development projects, may soon be cleaned up and repurposed in some Virginia communities, following a fresh infusion of federal funds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $1 million each to the towns of Dublin and Dumfries through the Multipurpose, Assessment […] The post Federal government awards pollution cleanup funding to Dublin, Dumfries appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Confusion, clinic closures may have caused big declines in contraception use, study shows
Clinic closures in the wake of the Dobbs decision and questions about the legality of emergency contraceptives, including disinformation that some are abortion drugs, may have contributed to a sharp drop in the rate of prescriptions for contraceptives in states with the most restrictive abortion bans, according to a University of California Los Angeles study. The […] The post Confusion, clinic closures may have caused big declines in contraception use, study shows appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
What’s driving up gas prices in Virginia and more state headlines
• “Why Virginia drivers are facing higher gas prices.”—Axios • “Counties and states are ending single-family zoning. Homeowners are suing.”—Washington Post • “Danville’s growth has outpaced its comprehensive plan. Here’s how the city is dealing with it.”—Cardinal News • “Trump investment in Virginia wine country bears new fruit: Apples.”—Daily Progress • “Kings Dominion gets approval […] The post What’s driving up gas prices in Virginia and more state headlines appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Dominion to purchase second offshore wind lease area off coast of North Carolina
Dominion Energy announced Monday afternoon the acquisition of a second offshore wind project area that could put the utility closer to achieving renewable energy goals outlined in state law. In a news release, the utility stated it will purchase from Avangrid a 40,000-acre lease area that could produce 800 megawatts of electricity off the coast […] The post Dominion to purchase second offshore wind lease area off coast of North Carolina appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus expresses support for Biden’s continued candidacy
More than a week after President Joe Biden’s “bad night” in a debate with former President Donald Trump, some national Democrats have reportedly called for Biden to suspend his reelection campaign. In response, the 32 members of Virginia’s Legislative Black Caucus on Monday voiced their support for Biden to stay in the race. “As policy makers, […] The post Virginia Legislative Black Caucus expresses support for Biden’s continued candidacy appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Migrant children in Virginia: Where are they and are they getting an education?
Data visualizations by JW Caterine. Bryan Viera, who arrived in America unaccompanied, and Millie Okoro, who arrived with family, migrated from different countries to the U.S. as teenagers, both to make a better life for themselves and to make their mothers proud. They enrolled in and graduated from public high schools in Virginia, leaning […] The post Migrant children in Virginia: Where are they and are they getting an education? appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Central Virginia bus riders reap benefits of zero fare and new services
On a recent Friday, Joshua Webb and several of his landscaping co-workers were doing their best to escape the late afternoon sun and humidity as they waited for the bus on Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County to take them home. That bus – the 1A – has been a lifeline for Webb, who started riding […] The post Central Virginia bus riders reap benefits of zero fare and new services appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Why we’re actually fighting over a medical procedure that allows the infertile to have children
There’s no shortage of things to quarrel about these days, yet we keep finding more. Not long ago, in vitro fertilization — the medical process by which human sperm and ovum are united in clinical conditions outside a woman’s body and later implanted, giving the otherwise childless a chance at having a child — would […] The post Why we’re actually fighting over a medical procedure that allows the infertile to have children appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Warner tries to gather U.S. Senate Democrats to ask Biden to leave race and more Va. headlines
• “Sen. Mark Warner works to gather Senate Democrats to ask Biden to exit race.”—Washington Post • “‘Barkeologist’ searches Hanover farm for slaves of Patrick Henry’s family.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch • “At least 15 firefighters injured battling South Hill fertilizer plant fire, crews to remain on property for ‘several days.’”—WRAL • “Louise Lucas upset by statement Missy […] The post Warner tries to gather U.S. Senate Democrats to ask Biden to leave race and more Va. headlines appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Biden in first TV interview since debate denies medical condition: ‘It was a bad episode’
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Friday in his first televised interview since the presidential debate defended his reelection bid and rejected calls that he should step aside amid growing anxiety among some Democrats about his mental and physical state. The 22-minute interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos came as some lawmakers and other prominent Democrats have […] The post Biden in first TV interview since debate denies medical condition: ‘It was a bad episode’ appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Dominion, Chesterfield County weigh ‘site suitability’ for natural gas plant proposal
Aliya Farooq lives in Chesterfield County within a three-mile radius of a proposed site of a natural gas-fueled electricity generation plant, a potential source of air toxins she’s concerned about after 20 years of living with her late in-laws, who had lung issues. She, her physician husband and their kids saw the toll of those […] The post Dominion, Chesterfield County weigh ‘site suitability’ for natural gas plant proposal appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Youngkin administration denies FOIA request from member of own task force
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has called for more transparency as the state looks for new ways to handle the growing costs of a program that provides tuition-free college to spouses and children of military veterans killed or disabled as a result of their service. However, Youngkin’s administration isn’t practicing full transparency itself. Kayla Owen — a […] The post Youngkin administration denies FOIA request from member of own task force appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Va. traffic fatalities increased 24% over past decade and more state headlines
• “ACLU of Virginia sues Hanover School Board on behalf of transgender student allegedly banned from sports team.”—WRIC • “Virginia traffic fatalities increase 24% over past decade and it’s costing the Commonwealth billions.”—13NewsNow • “Virginia allocates record $207M for soil and water conservation.”—Times Virginian • “Virginia offshore wind lease sale planned for August.”—Virginian-Pilot • “When […] The post Va. traffic fatalities increased 24% over past decade and more state headlines appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
The Supreme Court just limited federal power. Health care Is feeling the shockwaves.
By Stephanie Armour A landmark Supreme Court decision that reins in federal agencies’ authority is expected to hold dramatic consequences for the nation’s health care system, calling into question government rules on anything from consumer protections for patients to drug safety to nursing home care. The June 28 decision overturns a 1984 precedent that said […] The post The Supreme Court just limited federal power. Health care Is feeling the shockwaves. appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Freedom isn’t free
You can’t understand the scope of 122,000 names until you see them on a wall. Stand at the foot of the National Monument to Freedom, recently dedicated by the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, and you’ll see all of them, soaring three or four stories above your head. Each name, taken from the 1870 census, belonged to a […] The post Freedom isn’t free appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Virginia Energy leveraging federal funding to diversify Southwest region’s economic profile
This is Part 2 of a three-part series on efforts to develop on abandoned mine lands in Southwest Virginia. Read Part 1 here. Part 3 will be published in the coming days. NORTON – Many miners in Virginia’s coalfield region may have avoided going underground and remained topside of the earth to procure coal through […] The post Virginia Energy leveraging federal funding to diversify Southwest region’s economic profile appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Kaine bolsters voters’ confidence about Biden on first stop of campaign tour and more Va. headlines
• “Kaine kicks off campaign tour by reassuring voters about Biden.”—USA Today • “Court orders Unite the Right planners to pay millions in damages.”—Daily Progress • “Nottoway woman in wheelchair handcuffed for missing jury duty.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch • “Judge dismisses Spotsylvania School Board member’s assault and battery charge.”—Fredericksburg Free Press • “Arthur Crudup: What to know […] The post Kaine bolsters voters’ confidence about Biden on first stop of campaign tour and more Va. headlines appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
COVID-19 infiltrated every socio-economic divide in Virginia. The next pandemic doesn’t have to.
Just a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic, data began to suggest that disparities, especially disproportionate death rates, were forming on top of all too familiar divisions of race, economics and geography. This prompted Al Sharpton to opine, “I am not saying the pandemic is a conspiracy to kill or target Blacks, but it is […] The post COVID-19 infiltrated every socio-economic divide in Virginia. The next pandemic doesn’t have to. appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Good to seek recount after officials certify results showing McGuire won
Having likely lost to challenger state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, 5th Congressional District Rep. Bob Good is seeking a recount. The Virginia State Board of Elections certified primary election results Tuesday — which opened a window of opportunity for candidates appearing to have lost by less than 1% of the vote to pursue a recount […] The post Good to seek recount after officials certify results showing McGuire won appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
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The Virginia Mercury is an independent, nonprofit online news organization covering state government and policy. From the push to remove Confederate statues to big shifts in health care and energy policy, the Old Dominion is changing. The Mercury aims to bring a fresh perspective to coverage of the state’s biggest issues. The news outlet, which also features original and guest commentary on a range of topics, is staffed full-time by five veteran Virginia newspaper journalists. The Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. We retain full editorial independence and are a proud member of the Virginia Press Association.
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