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Elections, blue catfish, huge trees, education: The Mercury’s most-read stories of 2024
The Mercury’s top 10 most-read stories this year reflect our readers’ interests in a range of issues that most affect them and communities across the commonwealth. Since January, over 2.7 million people have visited our site and read our stories on state politics and government, local, congressional and presidential elections, Virginia’s environment and evolving energy […]
How Virginia plays into the history of campaign finance laws and more state headlines
• “Spanberger faces reckoning with left in bid for Va. governor.”—Washington Post • “How Virginia plays into the history of campaign finance laws.”—VPM News • “Gov. Youngkin announces funding for events, festivals to increase visitation in 2025.”—WAVY • “Boil water advisory issued in Washington County, Virginia.”—WCYB • “A Virginia zoo welcomes newborn pygmy hippopotamus as […]
Minimum wage increases, other new Va. laws that go into effect in 2025 and more state headlines
• “Minimum wage increases and other new Virginia laws that go into effect in 2025.”—WSET • “As drone sightings multiply, a Virginia Tech team is working on better ways to detect and identify the unmanned fliers.”—Cardinal News • “Another former Richmond employee files whistleblower suit alleging retaliation.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch • “Miss Virginia sheds light on disparities […]
Virginia Beach woman plays Santa for teens experiencing homelessness and more state headlines
• “Virginia Democrats see next month’s special elections as first major test of 2025.”—The Hill • “Biden death sentence commutation ‘reprehensible,’ says Virginia victim’s father.”—NBC4 • “Accreditor issues warning to University of Lynchburg over fiscal responsibility, student outcome standards.”—Cardinal News • “Former NFL great Michael Vick introduced as Norfolk State coach.”—ESPN • “Virginia Beach woman […]
Va. Beach condo sale botched by discrimination drives nationwide campaign and more state headlines
• “Virginia gets ‘D’ grade in protecting families from debt collectors, nonprofit says.”—WRIC • “ODU’s State of the Commonwealth Report reveals good news about Virginia’s economy.”—WAVY • “Winter weather advisory in effect; icy Christmas Eve possible across Northern Virginia.”—InsideNoVa • “Racial housing discrimination over Virginia Beach condo sale focus of new $1.3 million nationwide education […]
Intruding owl perches atop Virginia family’s Christmas tree and more state headlines
• “Virginia lawmakers react after congress passes legislation to keep government funded.”—WSET • “Arlington resident announces bid for Virginia lieutenant governor.”—ARLnow • “Richmond woman falls victim to bitcoin scam, loses more than $30,000.”—WTVR • “Three Black men were lynched. A rural Virginia county has cleared their names.”—Washington Post • “Owl I want for Christmas: Intruding […]
FOIA Friday: Tony Bennett FOIA delay sparks transparency concerns at UVa
One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealth’s leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed doors. While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act presumes all government business is by default public and requires officials to justify why exceptions should be made, too many Virginia leaders in […]
Virginia State Police issue statement about drones and more headlines
• “Virginia State Police issue statement about drones.” — WDBJ • “Potential threat against Virginia State University prompts increased police presence.” — WRIC • “Virginia’s largest high school cancels 2 days of classes after fights.” — abc News • “Stafford supervisors meeting yields apologies, questions.” — FXBG Advance • “County leaders add data center policy […]
Democrats’ first test after November drubbing will take place in Virginia and more headlines
• “Democrats’ first test after November drubbing will take place in Virginia.” — Politico • “Nike just dropped a Virginia Union University-branded sneaker.” — Axios • “Virginia teacher says ‘a lot’ of staff disagreed, some quit over mandate to use students’ preferred pronouns.” — FOX News • “Wilder: Democrats risk same mistake that gave them […]
Virginia’s cannabis regulator moves Richmond HQ to Henrico and more headlines
• “Virginia’s cannabis regulator moves Richmond HQ to Henrico.” — Richmond BizSense • “Virginia Rep. Wexton, stepping away due to severe illness, gives final speech in Congress.” — WTOP • “Jill Biden says she has closed the book on teaching at Northern Virginia Community College.” — NBC4 • “Virginia State Police says scam impersonating troopers […]
Lucas looks for tax relief, but no ‘sanctuary city’ ban and more Virginia headlines
• “Lucas looks for tax relief, but no ‘sanctuary city’ ban.” — Richmond Times-Dispatch • “Two Virginia women who came to Congress on a mission prepare to leave at a critical moment.” — The Associated Press • “Virginia senator used Chesapeake address to run for office, but wasn’t listed on property’s lease.” — The Virginian-Pilot […]
Gov. Youngkin releases statement on drone sightings in Virginia and more headlines
• “Gov. Youngkin releases statement on drone sightings in Virginia.” — WDBJ • “Bobby Scott explores Virginia gubernatorial run.” — Punchbowl News • “Shoppers ‘shaken’ after shooting at Virginia mall: ‘It was terrifying.’” — WTVR • “Virginia Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Award winners announced.” — The Roanoke Star • “Danville PD looking for escaped […]