Virginia

Virginia Strikes Deal on Retail Cannabis Sales

By Potomac Local News
Spanberger

“We will do it in a way that protects consumers, targets the illicit market with clear enforcement and regulatory authority, and creates a more competitive market for small businesses and farmers,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement, The Center Square.

The agreement would launch regulated adult-use cannabis sales on July 1, 2027, after license applications open Feb. 1. It includes a 350-store statewide cap, higher possession limits, new state and local taxes, advertising restrictions, and packaging rules, and is expected as part of the final two-year state budget due by June 30.

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Senate Leader Louise Lucas Blasts $1.9 Billion Data Center Tax Breaks at Manassas Listening Session; Backs Tougher Gun Law Enforcement

By Uriah Kiser

State Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), the powerful Senate President Pro Tempore and chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations, sharply criticized Governor Abigail Spanberger, Democrat, and House Democrats on Monday night for continuing to support massive tax breaks for data centers while residents grapple with rising energy costs, environmental strain, and effects on communities.

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Virginia Rural Hospitals Face Financial Peril

By Potomac Local News

“A Virginia legislative report found seven rural hospitals are at the highest risk of financial distress or closure under at least one national assessment model,” The Center Square reported. “All seven reported negative operating margins in 2024.”

Staff told commission members that rural hospitals face challenges including lower patient volumes, higher percentages of Medicare and Medicaid patients, workforce shortages and rising operating costs.

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Data Center Dispute Stalls Virginia Budget Talks

By Potomac Local News

“Just when I thought Chairman Torian and I were getting close to agreeing on a budget, we had a meeting with Data Center Diva this morning and she agrees with Amazon Don who doesn’t want to impact the richest corporations in the country,” The Center Square reported. “I have also been clear that data centers in Virginia need to pay their fair share for energy consumption,” Spanberger said.

“I have brought proposals to the table that would make data centers pay more for the energy they use and address environmental concerns,” Spanberger added.

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Trash Pickup Paused Due to Roads

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
[Submitted Photo].

“Due to current road conditions, service will be suspended on Tuesday,” American Disposal Services of VA [posted] on Facebook. “American Disposal Services of VA will continue to monitor road conditions closely and provide updates regarding service as they become available.”

Customers are encouraged to check the company’s website, mobile app, and Facebook page for the latest updates on when service may resume.

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Repealing Virginia right-to-work law could cost billions

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

 

“Repealing Virginia’s right-to-work law could lower the state’s economic output by tens of billions of dollars over the next decade,” The Center Square reported. “The report, prepared by Mangum Economics and commissioned by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, projects that Virginia’s gross state product would be about $36.8 billion lower over 10 years if the law were repealed.”

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Governor Youngkin announces major statewide results from “Operation Magic Dragon” targeting illegal drug activity in vape shops

By Uriah Kiser

“When illegal drugs, firearms, and organized criminal activity infiltrate retail businesses, frequented by the public—including youth—Virginia will respond with decisive enforcement and unwavering accountability,” Governor Glenn Youngkin stated. “The results of Operation Magic Dragon demonstrate the exceptional work of our Virginia State Police special agents and their steadfast commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

“Operation Magic Dragon remains a vital tool for identifying and dismantling criminal enterprises that use vape shops and other retail fronts to distribute illegal drugs,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson. “The Youngkin administration will continue to support these operations to ensure our families and communities are protected from those who profit off addiction and criminality.”

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Attorney General Miyares Announces Action Against Deceptive Cancer Charity Fundraising Scheme

By Press Release
Virignia Attorney General Jason Miyares

RICHMOND, Va. — Attorney General Jason Miyares today announced that his office, along with the Federal Trade Commission and 18 other states, has shut down a deceptive charity fundraising scheme and its operators who made false or deceptive claims to donors. This resolution restricts future fundraising and secures $550,000 for distribution to cancer-related charities.

Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. (Kars) and its operators solicited charitable donations nationwide on behalf of United Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (UBCF), a charity that claims to assist individuals affected by breast cancer, according to a complaint filed by Virginia, the FTC and other states. Kars claimed that vehicle donations would allow UBCF to “save lives” by providing free and low-cost breast cancer screenings. In reality, however, only $126,815 or 0.28% of the more than $45 million that Kars raised was used to provide breast cancer screenings, the complaint alleges.

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Virginia Marketplace Health Plans Could Jump 20% Next Year — One Insurer Wants 40%

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography/Unsplash]

Virginians who buy health insurance on the state’s marketplace could see big premium hikes in 2026, with most insurers proposing average increases of 20% or more — and one requesting twice that.

The State Corporation Commission says 10 insurers plan to sell individual marketplace plans in Virginia next year. Optimum Choice, Inc. has proposed the steepest average increase, 40.2%, according to SCC records. Rates in the small group market, which covers businesses with fewer than 50 workers, could rise an average of 11.2%.

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Youngkin Issues Executive Order Banning DeepSeek from Government Devices

By The Center Square
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) held a bill signing ceremony at Beanstalk, an indoor vertical farming company near Manassas. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch

(The Center Square) – Virginia is the second state in as many days to ban the artificial intelligence app DeepSeek on state devices and state-run networks.

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