News Politics

Virginia monitoring cases amid surge in measles infections

The Virginia Department of Health launched a statewide measles dashboard on May 21, prompted by a spike in cases. At press time, Virginia has recorded 40 measles cases in 2026—up from the five cases documented in 2025. Among the known infections, 17 are connected to an ongoing outbreak in Buckingham County, which the VDH confirmed […]

Catie Ratliff | May 27, 2026

News

Wave of vetoes from Gov. Spanberger tables Democratic priorities

Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a slate of Democratic priorities on May 19, surprising the Democratically controlled Virginia General Assembly. Several bills carried and supported by local legislators, covering everything from Board of Visitors reform to immigration enforcement regulations, were among those struck down. The latest string of vetoes follows the legislature’s reconvened session, during which […]

Catie Ratliff | May 27, 2026

Health Care News

SCOTUS stays circuit court’s block of telehealth mifepristone access

The United States Supreme Court indefinitely extended telehealth access to the abortion medication mifepristone on May 14, pending further litigation in federal court. While the challenge to telehealth access comes from Louisiana, the case has already resulted in nationwide impacts—including states with abortion protections, like Virginia. Louisiana argues that a 2023 U.S. Food and Drug […]

Catie Ratliff | May 20, 2026

News

Despite holding a trifecta, Virginia Dems split on key legislative issues

In a surprise move, Gov. Abigail Spanberger struck down collective bargaining legislation passed by the Democratically controlled General Assembly on May 14. The governor sent the amended bill back to the legislature on April 13. The House of Delegates returned the bill as originally passed to the governor’s desk on April 23, forcing Spanberger to […]

Catie Ratliff | May 20, 2026

News

SPLC faces new legal scrutiny from Alabama attorney general’s office

Legal woes continue to mount for the Southern Poverty Law Center. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a civil investigation into the nonprofit on May 11, four days after it pleaded not guilty on all counts filed by the Department of Justice. The DOJ alleges that SPLC engaged in wire fraud, false statements, and conspiracy […]

Catie Ratliff | May 13, 2026

Housing News

Service providers and city leaders say immediate action should be taken to address affordable housing and local unhoused population

At its May 4 meeting, Charlottesville City Council received an update on “The State of Homelessness” from a coalition of service providers. Led by continuum-of-care coordinator Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless, the conversation covered everything from the latest data on the local unhoused population to ambitious plans for shelter and housing programs. Every […]

Catie Ratliff | May 6, 2026

News

Congressional candidates figure out next steps after redistricting

On April 21, Virginia voters approved state Democrats’ bid to redraw congressional maps, with roughly 51.64 percent voting “yes” in the special election. While legal challenges to the constitutional amendment persist at press time, congressional candidates are turning their attention to the primaries. The Virginia Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the amendment on April […]

Catie Ratliff | April 29, 2026