POLITICS

OPINION: A Virginia veteran’s perspective on Venezuela
By Ken Mitchell |
Published January 30, 2026
Without Congressional oversight, where do Virginia families turn for accountability?

Virginia expanded school vouchers through a new federal program. Here’s what that means for public schools
By Jessica F. Simmons |
Published January 30, 2026
Virginia became the first state to opt into a new federal vouchers program. Supporters call it “choice,” but educators say the impact may not be felt evenly.

Virginia groups join call for nationwide general strike on Friday
By Michael O'Connor |
Published January 29, 2026
The killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti this month by federal immigration agents have galvanized the movement in Virginia fighting back against President Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda.

Oppose ICE? Here’s how you can take action
By Dogwood Staff |
Published January 29, 2026
Here are some action tools to help stop ICE funding, halt detention expansion, and demand accountability from Congress.

Virginia Democrat looks to restrain ICE operations in state
By Michael O'Connor |
Published January 27, 2026
A Virginia state senator has filed three bills aimed at putting constraints on how local law enforcement can enter into agreements with ICE, preventing ICE agents from wearing masks, and making people feel safer about visiting courthouses.

What winter storms reveal about Virginia’s power grid—and where clean energy fits in
By Jessica F. Simmons |
Published January 26, 2026
As snow and freezing temperatures strain Virginia’s power grid, energy experts say winter storms reveal why long-distance, fuel-dependent systems are vulnerable—and how local clean energy resources can help reduce outages.

Richmond workers protest ICE as DHS proposes new detention facility in Hanover
By Michael O'Connor |
Published January 23, 2026
Virginia union members led a rally and march in downtown Richmond on Friday as part of a national day of protest against abductions and killings by agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is eyeing expanding its operations in the region.

Virginia declares state of emergency for weekend winter storm, threatens power and travel
By Jessica F. Simmons |
Published January 22, 2026
A winter storm is expected to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain across Virginia this weekend, prompting Gov. Abigail Spanberger to declare a State of Emergency.

Virginia campus workers rally to end union restrictions rooted in Jim Crow
By Michael O'Connor |
Published January 22, 2026
Former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin last year blocked legislation that would give collective bargaining rights to public sector workers. Now, some of those workers are pushing Democrats to get the job done this year.

Immigration officers assert sweeping power to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, memo says
By Associated Press |
Published January 22, 2026
Federal immigration officers are asserting sweeping power to forcibly enter people's homes without a judge's warrant, according to an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press.

$15 minimum wage inches closer to becoming law in Virginia
By Michael O'Connor |
Published January 20, 2026
The House Labor and Commerce Committee advanced a bill to raise Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028. The bill will next be taken up by the House Appropriations committee.

Virginia Senate Dems advance constitutional amendments
By Michael O'Connor |
Published January 16, 2026
The amendments to redraw the Virginia's congressional map, protect reproductive rights and gay marriage, and restore voting rights for the formerly incarcerated will next go to voters for approval.
