“Virginia’s electricity generation is led by natural gas and nuclear power, with solar, wood, and coal contributing smaller shares,” The Center Square reported. “As the largest net importer, the state supplements substantial in-state generation with regional purchases to meet growing demand.”

“Virginia officials have indicated intent to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative cap-and-trade program, with the Legislature recently passing legislation to solidify this action,” the American Legislative Exchange Council stated in its Energy Affordability 2026 report. “Mandate-driven energy requirements like the ones imposed by RGGI can place pressure on long-term electricity costs upward, even in states with diverse generation portfolios.”


Fredericksburg City Council discussed recommended 8% increases in both water and sewer rates for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 during a budget work session on March 31, 2026. The proposals aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the city’s utility funds.

PFM consultants, working with city staff, presented the rate study. The primary goals are to make the water and sewer funds self-supporting—covering operating expenses and capital needs without general-fund subsidies—and to maintain minimum cash reserves of about 150 days of operating expenses.


Fire and rescue crews in Dumfries helped rescue a dog Wednesday afternoon after she slid several hundred feet down an ice-covered embankment near her home, according to a Prince William County press release.

Units from Fire Station 23 in River Oaks were dispatched at 12:39 p.m. on January 28, 2026, and found the dog, a 10-year-old black Labrador named Shelby, unable to climb back up the steep, frozen slope. Firefighters worked to safely retrieve her and carried her back to her owners.


Fire & Rescue officials said the program was developed in partnership with the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System and Inova Blood Donor Services. The initiative allows specially trained EMS supervisors to provide whole blood in the field, improving care for patients with severe bleeding before they reach a hospital.


“Due to the potential impacts of weather conditions, Prince William County government facilities will be closed on Sunday, January 25,” Prince William County Government announced. “This includes the Landfill and Compost Facility.”

County officials advised residents who need to visit a county facility this weekend to do so on Saturday, when offices remain open.


A Manassas-area lawmaker has introduced legislation that would allow Virginians to sue police officers and other government officials in state court for alleged civil rights violations.

House Bill 1314, filed by Del. Michelle Lopes Maldonado, would establish a new section of Virginia law creating a state-level civil cause of action for people who say their constitutional or legal rights were violated by officials acting under government authority.


“Most of Virginia’s Democratic congressional delegation is making the case for Virginia to be one of the early primary states in the 2028 presidential race,” Virginia Scope reported. “According to the New York Times, the Democratic National Committee … has said that one state from each of four regions will hold nominating contests in the early window before Super Tuesday.”

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