Virginia Town Crier

A Virginia political and governmental news aggregation website. Follow me on Bluesky @lrmartinjr.bsky.social‬ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lrmartinjr. Click on the headline to read the full story.

[virginiatowncrier]

Three-judge panel declines to consolidate gun lawsuits

The three-judge panel formed by the Virginia Supreme Court declined to consolidate the lawsuits challenging the assault weapons ban in Virginia.

[virginiatowncrier]

Spanberger still undecided on support for NextEra and Dominion merger

Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she has not decided whether to support the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy.

[virginiatowncrier]

With Hiram Davis proposed to close, finding new homes for patients is the issue

They’re some of the frailest people in the state behavioral health system and now they have to move from an aging medical center that’s struggled with legionella bacteria and failing heating and air-conditioning systems.

[virginiatowncrier]

Industrial boom slows, but Richmond remains a magnet for growth

Vacancy is rising and leasing has slowed, but Amazon, LEGO and other companies continue to fuel one of Richmond's largest development pipelines in years.

[virginiatowncrier]

DEQ suspends MVP compressor station permit

Virginia regulators have put the brakes on efforts by Mountain Valley Pipeline to build a natural gas compressor station in Montgomery County.

[virginiatowncrier]

How Data Centers Preserved Their $2 Billion Virginia Tax Break

After months of legislative chaos, the industry saved a $2 billion sales tax break for data centers in Virginia by agreeing to a novel tax that could offer a possible road map to other states.

[virginiatowncrier]

State budget extends Virginia higher education displacement commission funding for two years • Virginia Mercury

The additional funding comes as the commission broadens its research, public engagement and work toward recommendations on the long-term impacts of university-led displacement of Black communities.

[virginiatowncrier]

Affordability, jobs, election integrity take center stage in Va.’s 7th Congressional District race • Virginia Mercury

Two years after a close election, voters in Virginia’s 7th District are considering plans from Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman and three Republican challengers to lower costs, improve affordability, and protect jobs.

[virginiatowncrier]

How Virginia became the world's data center capital and how it's going • Virginia Mercury

From AOL’s arrival in Ashburn to today’s AI-driven boom, Virginia became the backbone of the internet economy. Now lawmakers look to regulate the blooming industry.

[virginiatowncrier]

A look at the changes in higher education since Gov. Spanberger took office

Within hours of taking office, Spanberger appointed 27 members total across the governing boards at the University, George Mason and VMI.

[virginiatowncrier]

New study ranks Del. Hope as most effective legislator in Richmond; Rep. Kiggans is tops in Washington

The report from the Center for Effective Lawmaking attempts to measure how legislators perform. Not surprisingly, majority party members outrank minority ones.

[virginiatowncrier]

Abrams voted as starting All-Star shortstop, Wood selected as outfield reserve

The Nationals will have two 2026 All-Stars, with CJ Abrams winning the fan vote and James Wood voted in by fellow players

[virginiatowncrier]

Dozens of immigrants brave heat wave, become US citizens at Monticello

America's 74 newest citizens took their oaths Saturday at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate, braving triple-digit temperature amid a statewide heat wave.

[virginiatowncrier]

74 new American citizens naturalized at annual Monticello ceremony - Cville Right Now

Gov. Abigail Spanberger gave the keynote address at the 64th annual event.

[virginiatowncrier]

MLB scheduling dictates RVA baseball, fireworks miss bond for second straight July 4

The Flying Squirrels did not play at The Diamond on July 4, 2025, and they will be in Harrisburg June 30 through July 5 this year.

[virginiatowncrier]

Max Kranick is progressing nicely and could make an impact for the Washington Nationals

Max Kranick’s rehab process has been going smoothly, and the Nationals new righty could be part of the bullpen soon

[virginiatowncrier]

Cities, towns in Virginia and across the nation revive teen curfews amid summer crowds • Virginia Mercury

As communities prepare for crowded July Fourth celebrations, cities and towns across the country have revived juvenile curfews and increased police patrols in response to an apparent uptick in large teen gatherings and fights organized through social media.