Michael Pope

Members of the Virginia General Assembly are back at the Capitol this week to put the final pieces together on a two-year budget. One significant part of that document moves forward with a new marketplace for adult use cannabis.

Marijuana is currently decriminalized in Virginia. If you’re caught in public consuming it, you can be hit with a $25 civil penalty. But a new budget compromise struck this week increases that fine to $250 and adds new criminal penalties for a second offense and a third offense.

The floor of the House of Delegates during the 2026 General Assembly session.

Student journalists across Virginia are forming a new coalition to create protections for free speech in the classroom.

Leaders in the alcoholic beverage industry are asking Governor Abigail Spanberger for a budget amendment – days before the July 1st deadline.

Companies that own or operate data centers are some of the most influential businesses in Virginia.They are also some of the most widely held stocks by members of the General Assembly.

"Any elected official is going to find themselves in a pretty tough situation with their constituents if they vote to approve power lines through the community," says George Mason University professor David Ramadan.

The fight against expanded polystyrene, commonly called styrofoam, dates back to the 1980s.

Earlier this year, Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed a bill that would have allowed some public sector workers to engage in collective bargaining.

Elections officials across Virginia are prepping for the start of mail-in voting in September. They are preparing for an election season during a time of uncertainty.