Author: Markus Schmidt

Warner, Mizusawa outline competing approaches to disability policy
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., called for federal artificial intelligence regulations and stronger healthcare funding Wednesday as he and Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa outlined competing approaches to protecting Virginians with disabilities at a virtual candidate forum. Mizusawa emphasized enforcing existing discrimination laws and cracking down on waste in federal programs.

Voters in midterm elections identify a culprit for rising cost of living: Trump’s tariffs
WASHINGTON — Rebecca Myers lives in one of the nation’s most hotly contested congressional districts, and tariffs were on her mind as she voted early and in-person in Suffolk, Virginia in late September. The 44-year-old trained social worker said she and her husband, who recently retired after 25 years in

Richmond forecast shows budget gaps ahead
(The Center Square) – Richmond could spend more than it brings in for three straight years, according to a new forecast of the city’s finances. The outlook projects a $17.3 million general fund shortfall in fiscal 2028, which begins July 1. The gap would be $16.2 million the following year and $19.4 million in fiscal…

Americans’ water bills are growing faster than groceries, overall inflation
Household water bills are increasing faster than inflation and income, according to a new analysis. The environmental advocacy nonprofit Food and Water Watch analyzed water bill data among the nation’s 500 largest community water providers. Those systems serve a collective 155 million people — nearly half the nation’s population. Between

Regulator determines Google a wholesale power seller in PJM area
(The Center Square) – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday officially designated Google Energy as a Category 2 seller of wholesale electricity in the PJM power market, marking the tech giant’s transition from energy buyer to potential seller as the company’s total power generation capacity exceeded 500 megawatts. Google, to meet the huge energy…

Roanoke region remains in emergency drought conditions despite rain in other areas
Despite cooling temperatures and repeated rain storms in central and northern portions of Virginia that have eased the drought conditions that were pervasive in the late spring and summer, Roanoke and the surrounding region is still experiencing emergency drought conditions. According to the latest drought indicators, Campbell, Halifax, Charlotte,

Spanberger announces $1.3 million in scholarships and incentives for nursing students
Three hundred and fifty prospective nursing students around Virginia will be able to tap into $1.3 million in scholarships and incentives, new funding that Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Thursday. The financial boost stems from the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center, which was created by state lawmakers this year to support the

Constitutional: The amendment that could safeguard same-sex marriage in Virginia
Rachel Leyco had to adopt her biological sons. As she and her wife Jenn Jackson sat in their Chesterfield County living room recently, the couple recalled how their marriage and parenthood journey was complicated by state and federal legal landscapes. Their love story is why they are backing an effort

Virginia plan lays out options to meet clean energy goals and rising demand and more headlines
• “Virginia plan lays out options to meet clean energy goals and rising demand.” — Bay Journal • “Abandoned boats removal from Virginia Waterways continues.” — WAVY • “Department of Veterans Affairs awards $114K in grants for adaptive sports programs in Virginia.” — WSLS • “Acting Virginia Beach city attorney

Hashmi urges rejection of Dominion acquisition
(The Center Square) – Virginia regulators are being urged to reject NextEra Energy’s proposed acquisition of Dominion Energy over concerns about long-term electric bills and customer protections. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi announced her opposition and released a report documenting five public listening sessions held across the commonwealth in September. Hashmi said the companies have not…










