Markus Schmidt

RICHMOND — Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday warned that Virginia regulators should reject the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy

Virginia's top elections official says voters can have confidence in both the integrity of the Nov. 3 midterms and the results, even if President

Virginia’s top elections official says voters can have confidence in both the integrity of the Nov. 3 midterms and the results, even if President Donald Trump or his allies challenge Republican losses or attempt to interfere with the election process. “I think Virginia voters should be very confident in the level of preparation and experience that their local election officials have in administering elections,” Steve Koski, the state’s new elections commissioner, said in a lengthy interview with The Mercury. Appointed by Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger after she took office in January, Koski said election officials have prepared for potential disruptions but would not speculate about how the Trump administration might respond if Democrats capture congressional seats now held by Republicans.

State Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, one of Virginia's most powerful Democrats, was indicted on federal racketeering, marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy charges, with prosecutors alleging she used her legislative influence to protect and enrich a cannabis business she co-owns.

Prosecutors allege the powerful Portsmouth Democrat used her office to benefit a marijuana enterprise; Lucas says she “won’t be intimidated.’

State Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, one of Virginia's most powerful Democrats, was indicted on federal racketeering, marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy charges, with prosecutors alleging she used her legislative influence to protect and enrich a cannabis business she co-owns.

Rising bills, concerns about the state of democracy and frustration with both political parties are weighing on Virginia Mercury readers ahead of

Rising bills, concerns about the state of democracy and frustration with both political parties are weighing on Virginia Mercury readers ahead of next week’s midterm elections, with many questioning whether the candidates can deliver the changes they want. More than 350 readers responded to The Mercury’s online survey between Sept. 22 and Oct. 17, describing the issues that matter most to them and whether congressional candidates are paying attention. The voluntary survey was not a scientific poll, and its findings do not represent Virginia voters as a whole. Many respondents voiced opposition to President Donald Trump alongside concerns about healthcare, food prices and energy costs.

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from defense contractors and reported stock holdings in

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from defense contractors and reported stock holdings in companies with military ties, as he seeks another