We’re at the midway point of the 2026 legislative session. Here are some of the themes that have emerged.
Dwayne Yancey
Yancey is founding editor of Cardinal News. His opinions are his own. You can reach him at dwayne@cardinalnews.org or 540-529-1136.
Posted inOpinion
Spanberger says Virginia is losing nearly half its college graduates. Here’s who they are.
The retention rate of STEM grads has stayed the same or, in the case of biomedical jobs, improved. It’s the non-STEM grads who tend to leave, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Posted inOpinion
Jesse Jackson won Virginia’s first Democratic presidential primary. There wasn’t another for 16 years.
One footnote in his career is how he upended a Southern Democratic primary in 1988 intended to nominate a more moderate candidate.
Posted inCardinal News 250
Dispatch from 1776: Insulted by his military rank, Patrick Henry quits the army
For some, this resignation — at a moment of crisis — shows exactly why Henry was not suited for the military. Too temperamental. It’s said that General George Washington, who knows Henry better than others, did not think him fit for a high command.
Posted inOpinion
5 reasons why the redistricting referendum will pass; 5 reasons why it will fail
The Virginia Supreme Court may yet throw out the results after the fact, but for now, let’s assume that the referendum on April 21 on whether Virginia should redraw the state’s congressional lines mid-decade to give Democrats an overwhelmingly partisan advantage in the state’s delegation will count.
Posted inOpinion
Census: Roanoke’s population decline is accelerating, city on pace to rival its steep drop in the 1960s
To find a bigger population loss, you have to go back to the 1960s during a period of suburbanization and white flight.
Posted inOpinion
Court says Virginians can vote on redistricting but timing means their votes may not count
The Virginia Supreme Court has acted more quickly in the past. Why is it intentionally putting off a ruling here until after Virginians vote?
Posted inOpinion
The Confederacy is losing again, this time in the General Assembly
Multiple bills are moving through the General Assembly to purge remnants of Confederate reverence from Virginia.
Posted inOpinion
Unsung heroes? Or mass murderers? The General Assembly turns its attention to … fungi
One legislator wants to create a state fungi expert. Another wants` a Virginia Fungi Task Force. Here’s why.
Posted inOpinion
Prospect of new congressional map prompts two exits and one entrance
The Virginia Supreme Court and voters have yet to weigh in, but some congressional candidates are already making moves in anticipation of redistricting.