Politics

The commissioner of the Virginia Department of Health faces backlash after stating that most white people are unconsciously “pro-white” and “anti-black.”

RICHMOND — Over 5,000 child care facilities around the state must start testing their drinking water for lead or use bottled water under a bill approved by the Virginia Senate.

SB 1622, introduced by Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, would require licensed child care facilities and other programs that serve preschoolers to implement a plan to test their potable water to ensure lead levels do not exceed 15 parts per billion.

RICHMOND — Virginia’s General Assembly hopes to address rising college tuition costs by offering public universities incentives to cap tuition rates and ensuring that the public can comment on proposed tuition increases.

State budget amendments proposed by the House Appropriations Committee include an additional $45 million in funding for universities that decide not to raise tuition.

RICHMOND — “Redemption.”

That word was used repeatedly as five black leaders from across Virginia gathered Monday urging state legislators to rescind statements calling for Gov. Ralph Northam’s resignation following his blackface photo scandal.

RICHMOND — Virginia bar patrons might soon see a slew of new advertisements from their favorite hangouts — ads that include prices for happy hour specials.

Legislation moving through this year’s General Assembly would allow restaurants and bars to include drink prices in their happy hour advertisements.

RICHMOND — Local governments that rely on commonwealth’s attorneys for legal advice can breathe a sigh of relief: State legislators have discarded a provision that would have prevented commonwealth’s attorneys from serving as county, city or town government attorneys.

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved two bills that require training for local elected officials. Both bills originally included clauses that would restrict the commonwealth’s attorney position, but the clauses were removed before the Senate passed the legislation.

RICHMOND — Democratic leaders called on Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax to resign after a second woman stepped forward Friday and accused him of sexual assault.

Meredith Watson said Fairfax raped her when they were both students at Duke University in 2000, according to a news release posted by her lawyers. “Mr. Fairfax’s attack was premeditated and aggressive,” the release said.

As the General Assembly’s session enters its second half, both the House and Senate have passed competing plans on how to redraw legislative districts.