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Richmond janitors file federal complaints alleging discrimination and retaliation
Two Richmond janitors have filed federal complaints against Nu-Tech Janitorial Services, accusing the company of disability discrimination and retaliation linked to their union activity. Clarissa McGhee, a janitor at the Marshall Plaza municipal building, says she intermittently uses a cane due to arthritis but has never let it interfere with her work — until she […]
Youngkin reintroduces proposal to end state-funded abortions for fetal anomalies
For the third consecutive year, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed budget includes language seeking to eliminate state-funded abortions for severe fetal anomalies. Virginia law currently allows state insurance to cover abortions if a physician certifies that a fetus would be born with a “gross and totally incapacitating physical deformity or with a gross and totally incapacitating […]
Youngkin unveils ambitious budget proposal for his final year as governor
On the cusp of his last full year in office, Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping budget proposal that he hopes will define his legacy as Virginia’s 74th governor. Focused on tax cuts, infrastructure, education, and public health, the plan sets the stage for what could be a high-stakes 2025 legislative session as […]
Youngkin unveils plan to improve maternal health in Virginia
When Jasmine Storrs took the stage Tuesday, she didn’t hold back: She nearly died after childbirth because she ignored her body’s warning signs. Now, she wants other women to listen. Storrs, who suffered a heart attack after days of chest tightness, shared her harrowing experience before Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a slate of investments aimed […]
In bipartisan push, Virginia lawmakers target rural healthcare crisis
Lawmakers criss-crossing rural Virginia this year heard a common refrain: Rural communities are struggling with healthcare workforce shortages and transportation challenges. After months of meetings and site visits, the bipartisan House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care on Tuesday released its report with a slate of legislative and budgetary recommendations aimed […]
Virginia’s new corrections ombudsman to prioritize Red Onion prison probe
Virginia’s top investigatory body is turning its attention to Red Onion State Prison following alarming reports of self-harm and poor conditions at the supermax facility in Wise County. Andrea Sapone, the state’s new corrections ombudsman, announced Monday that her office will prioritize an investigation into living conditions and the health and safety of incarcerated individuals […]
‘Momnibus’ package aims to close maternal health gaps across Virginia
Virginia lawmakers are gearing up for a renewed push to tackle maternal health disparities in the 2025 session, with a slate of bills and budget amendments focused on improving outcomes for parents across the state. A key proposal is a bipartisan effort to mandate unconscious bias training for nursing license renewals, which previously passed the […]
Youngkin pitches tax relief for tipped workers in budget plan
Gov. Glenn Youngkin served more than pancakes and coffee at McLean’s Restaurant in Richmond Monday morning. He also unveiled another key part of his budget proposal: eliminating state taxes on tipped employees. Describing the measure as a “foundational piece” of his budget, which he is expected to present before a joint meeting of the legislature’s […]
New Virginia investigator to streamline complaint filing for incarcerated people and their families
Virginia’s new corrections ombudsman, Andrea Sapone, is hitting the ground running, pledging to investigate allegations of mistreatment and address health and safety concerns raised by incarcerated people and their families. Hired in late September by the Office of the State Inspector General, Sapone said her office has already begun tracking letters and emails from those […]
‘Meet people where they are’: Special teams aid Va.’s efforts to expand mental health care services
Editor’s note: The Mercury is not identifying the name of Asheley Tuck’s son to protect the child’s identity. Tuck’s statements were substantiated through interviews with mental health professionals with knowledge of her family’s situation. With books, toys and artwork strewn about, Asheley Tuck’s son’s room is the typical sort one might expect from an 11-year-old […]
Youngkin wants to restrict funding for localities that don’t comply with immigration enforcement
Ahead of his annual budget presentation to lawmakers next week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Thursday announced a proposal to block state funding from any locality implementing a “sanctuary city” policy and “refusing to comply with federal law to deport” undocumented immigrants who have committed a crime. The term sanctuary city refers to localities that choose […]
Early voting kicks off in Virginia’s key special elections as reproductive rights take center stage
Early voting began on Wednesday for two key special elections in Virginia’s General Assembly, with reproductive rights groups urging support for the Democratic nominees. Voters in House District 26 and Senate District 32, many of whom had just cast ballots in last month’s presidential and congressional elections, are now being called back to the polls. […]