POLITICS

Spanberger, Dem leaders release ‘Affordable Virginia Agenda’
By Michael O'Connor |
Published December 18, 2025
Gov-elect Abigail Spanberger and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly announced their priorities for the upcoming legislative session at a press conference in Richmond on Thursday.

Youngkin touts strength of Virginia economy despite warning signs
By Michael O'Connor |
Published December 17, 2025
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin offered a rosy assessment of Virginia’s economy in Richmond on Wednesday while unveiling his proposed budget, but Democratic lawmakers disagreed with his assessment amid growing economic warning signs.

Who’s driving up your energy bill? It’s not you
By Jessica F. Simmons |
Published December 17, 2025
A new report says Virginians could save hundreds each year if state leaders clear grid delays for clean energy and make data centers pay their fair share.

Trump tries to block AI regulations as Virginia lawmakers eye reforms
By Michael O'Connor |
Published December 16, 2025
President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week aiming to curb state regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, but one lawmaker in Virginia says reform is still needed.
Meet Queen Suzie, the Bible Belt’s biggest ally
By Guest Author |
Published December 13, 2025
From the Bible Belt to New York City, Suzanne Graydon chronicles a decades-long allyship that reshaped her understanding of faith.

Virginia lawmakers weigh proposal to safeguard contraception access
By Jessica F. Simmons |
Published December 12, 2025
With Democrats set to take full control of Virginia’s House, lawmakers are advancing legislation that would codify the right to contraception statewide.

Virginia’s retail cannabis market is coming. Will it be fair to workers and small businesses?
By Michael O'Connor |
Published December 11, 2025
A union and marijuana justice nonprofit are fighting for protections for workers and fairness for small operations as the multi-billion dollar industry gets closer to coming online in Virginia.

As energy demand grows, gas falls short for Virginians
By Dogwood Staff |
Published December 10, 2025
Federal forecasts predict higher heating and electricity costs in Virginia this winter as natural gas prices continue to rise— and because gas generates much of the state’s power, these increases directly spill into electric bills. Under Commonwealth law, utility companies can recover fuel costs by adding them to customer bills, meaning gas price spikes are ultimately paid by residents.
While companies like Dominion continue proposing new gas plants that won’t be operational until 2030, state projections show clean energy is cheaper, faster to build, and could save the average household thousands over time.
🖊️: Jessica F. Simmons

Progressive Dem eyes Virginia congressional bid amid possible redistricting
By Michael O'Connor |
Published December 9, 2025
State Del. Sam Rasoul of Roanoke says he supports Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and an end to US military support for Israel.

Youngkin plays rural healthcare hero after supporting Medicaid cuts
By Dogwood Staff |
Published December 9, 2025
Gov. Youngkin applied for $1 billion in federal funding to help Virginia's struggling rural hospitals. But the need for these funds are stems partly from Medicaid cuts that Youngkin himself supported, which stripped rural hospitals of much-needed funding—creating damage that this new reserve is unlikely to fully offset.
Follow us for updates.

Spanberger won on clean energy–now the real work begins
By Dogwood Staff |
Published December 9, 2025
Incoming Gov. Spanberger won on her clean energy promises—now she and Virginia's Delegates are tasked with fulfilling those commitments after years of stalled progress.
Follow @vagdogwood news as we stay updated on their progress.

House Speaker: ‘We don’t like Kings in Virginia’
By Dogwood Staff |
Published December 8, 2025
‘Sic Semper Tyrannis’ is a motto Virginians hold with pride. Saturday, October 18, millions of Americans across the country went to peacefully protest the Trump administration as part of the “No Kings” demonstrations.
Find the closest protest near you here: nokings.org/#maps
