virginia

Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger spar over abortion in Virginia

By Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America, Bill Barrow, Associated Press

The winner of the election will likely influence abortion law in the only Southern state that's maintained broad access to abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 eliminated a national right to the procedure.

Candidates in Virginia governor’s debate clash over government shutdown, violent rhetoric

By Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America, Steve Peoples, Thomas Beaumont, Associated Press

Virginia gubernatorial candidates Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger faced off Thursday for the first and only time on the debate stage in a fiery affair that was combative from the very first answer.

What to watch for as Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates Spanberger and Earle-Sears debate

By Steve Peoples, Associated Press, Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America

Virginia is one of two states choosing governors this November, and its election is often seen as a bellwether for the party in power across the Potomac River ahead of midterm elections next year.

WATCH: Trump, Hegseth speak at Navy’s 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk

By Josh Boak, Ben Finley, Associated Press

President Donald Trump did not let the government shutdown interfere with a stop in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday to salute the Navy as it celebrates its 250th anniversary — using his speech to praise both the Navy and himself.

WATCH: ‘Do the honorable thing and resign,’ Hegseth tells military leaders who dislike new approach

By Dan Cooney

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed hundreds of U.S. military officials on Tuesday to announce several directives aimed at removing what he calls “woke garbage” in the armed forces.

WATCH: Trump, Hegseth address rare gathering of U.S. military leaders from around the world

By Ben Finley, Konstantin Toropin, Evan Vucci, Associated Press

President Donald Trump revealed that he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the armed forces and joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday in declaring an end to “woke” culture before an unusual gathering of hundreds of…

U.S. attorney pressured to charge Letitia James in mortgage fraud case has resigned

By Alanna Durkin Richer, Eric Tucker, Associated Press

A federal prosecutor in Virginia whose monthslong mortgage fraud investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James has not resulted in criminal charges resigned Friday under pressure from the Trump administration.

East Coast vineyards threatened by invasive spotted lanternflies

By Deema Zein, Maea Lenei Buhre

They’re on pavement, in gardens and in parks. If you’re in the Northeast, you’ve probably seen a spotted lanternfly this summer. The invasive species has spread to 19 states where they chow down on dozens of plants, especially grape vines.

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Virginia city councilman set on fire in attack over ‘personal matter’

By Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America

A city councilmember in Virginia was set on fire by a man who had entered a local magazine's office through a locked door, authorities said Wednesday.

Virginia Democrats go to the polls in closely watched 2025 primaries

By Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America

In the race for governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, whose candidacy thwarted prospective primary challengers, will go up against Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears — the only Republican who qualified for the ballot.