Elizabeth Beyer
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Articles by Elizabeth Beyer
Land adjacent to Buffalo Mountain to become a state conservation area
Land adjacent to Buffalo Mountain will be designated as a state conservation area to preserve the popular hiking summit and 14 miles of native trout streams in Floyd and Carroll counties, according to a Thursday announcement from the governor’s office. Buffalo Mountain was included in the 2,211 acres acquired by the state from the Lawson Co. in the two counties through a $9.5 million federal Forest Legacy Grant and in partnership with The Conservation Fund and the Virginia Department of Forestry.
If Virginia passes the proposed amendment on reproductive health, what happens to the state’s laws on abortion? Here’s what legal experts say.
Virginians will have the opportunity to change the commonwealth’s constitution three times this fall. But what happens if a constitutional amendment passed by voters could be considered at odds with current state statute?
Lawmaker Rasoul has become a licensed lawyer
Del. Sam Rasoul achieved a goal Friday that few knew he had been working on for the past four and a half years: The Roanoke lawmaker became a licensed lawyer. Rasoul, who has represented Roanoke in the General Assembly’s House of Delegates since 2014, quietly began attending law school in 2022. He graduated in May from a part-time, year-round hybrid program administered by the University of Dayton in Ohio.
National Democrats say Virginia’s 6th District is now ‘in play’ for the midterm elections
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Friday added Virginia’s 6th District to its list of those considered “in play” for Democratic candidates, with just over one month left before the midterm elections. Under this new designation, the national campaign committee will provide staffing and support for get-out-the-vote efforts for Beth Macy, the Democratic challenger to Republican incumbent Rep. Ben Cline of Botetourt Court, in the last stretch of the race.
Cline and Macy appear aligned on one issue in the 6th District race: the need for a data center moratorium
The two major party candidates on the ballot this fall in Virginia’s 6th Congressional District appear miles apart on nearly all issues except for one: data centers. Incumbent Republican Rep. Ben Cline and Democratic challenger Beth Macy have both said that they support a moratorium or pause on the construction of data centers in the state until measures are in place to provide transparency and protections for residents and the environment regarding the operation of the technology infrastructure.
Legislators say window has closed to call for a special session to extend review of Dominion-NextEra merger
The window to call a special session regarding the proposed merger of Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy has closed without action from Gov. Abigail Spanberger, state Sen. David Suetterlein and Del. Joe McNamara said Wednesday. The Sept. 30 procedural deadline passed without a call from the governor for a special session of the General Assembly to extend the time limit for the Virginia State Corporation Commission to review the proposed $67 billion merger of Dominion Energy and NextEra.
The Trump administration proposed sweeping changes to Head Start. Advocates in Virginia say they would lead to lower-quality services.
As a young, single mother, Kira Lowe had struggled to find childcare for the first of her three daughters. She was in her early 20s when she had her first child, Keri, and Lowe relied on her grandmother for childcare so that she could work to support her daughter. But after her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, Lowe had to seek help elsewhere. She had a difficult time finding care for Keri because the little girl was not yet potty trained.
Inaugural fall free fishing weekend starts Friday across Virginia
Virginia will hold its inaugural fall free fishing days starting Friday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Thursday. From Friday through Sunday, Virginians will be able to fish the commonwealth’s fresh and saltwater without purchasing a fishing license. The weekend is designed to provide an opportunity for “anyone interested in trying it out and getting hooked on angling,” the governor’s office said in a news release.
State to increase funding caps for work on bridges and retaining walls under proposed changes to flood relief program
The state plans to increase the funding caps in a flood recovery program for people in Southwest Virginia as they continue to rebuild from the inland effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024 and flooding in February 2025. The Department of Housing and Community Development on Friday published pending changes to the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund that included a higher cap for people seeking help to rebuild retaining walls and access bridges.
Spanberger issues executive order to hold data centers ‘accountable,’ form AI task force
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Friday unveiled what she called the most aggressive framework for data center accountability in the country and announced Virginia’s first artificial intelligence task force. The framework falls short of a moratorium on the development of data centers in the commonwealth and does not include an end to data center tax exemptions.
Changes to state disaster relief fund will streamline claims process, increase spending caps for Southwest Virginia flood victims, governor’s office says
Updates may be coming to a state program that was created to help flood victims recover in Southwest Virginia, including a measure intended to make funding more accessible to repair or rebuild bridges and retaining walls. Those changes aim to make it easier for flood victims to tap the state aid. As of Thursday, more than $42 million of the $50 million allocated for the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund had not yet been disbursed, more than a year after applications for the program opened.
Spanberger declares a state of emergency due to drought conditions and low hay production in Virginia
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order in an effort to remedy ongoing drought conditions across the commonwealth. The declaration aims to activate support for farmers who have been affected by the lack of rain and subsequent low hay production.
United Way of Southwest Virginia to host a disaster preparedness summit
United Way of Southwest Virginia plans to hold a disaster preparedness symposium in the wake of widespread devastation brought by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and Winter Storm Jett in 2025. Those storms motivated United Way of Southwest Virginia to plan and host the summit, said Megan Parks, executive director for the organization.
Notes from the Square: Shuttered sawmill in Henry County expected to get new life
Welcome to the final edition of Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. This column may be ending, but my coverage from the commonwealth’s capital city will continue! Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org. Gov.
Warner and Mizusawa may not debate in 2026 Senate race
“The People’s Debate,” initially slated to host candidates in Virginia’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, has been canceled after incumbent Sen. Mark Warner was unable to commit to participating. Warner’s Republican opponent, retired Army Maj. Gen.
Notes from the Square: State seeks input on Virginia’s rail plan
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation and initiatives they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org.
Tobacco commission’s new foundation taps Deborah Gosney as executive director
The newly formed Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia has hired Deborah Gosney as its executive director, according to an announcement Thursday by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Gosney was the executive director of the Southside Planning District Commission for 38 years before joining the foundation, which was formed by the tobacco commission in May. Deborah Gosney. Courtesy of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
‘Vote NO’: Virginia bishops instruct Catholics on abortion, same-sex marriage amendments
At the Basilica of Saint Andrew in Roanoke on Sunday, a priest read a letter to the congregation at the end of Mass from Virginia’s two Catholic bishops that condemned two constitutional amendments before voters this fall. The priest was met with a round of applause.
6-year legal battle ends with restitution for families who claimed discrimination by Smith Mountain Lake campground
Two families marked the culmination of a six-year fair housing legal battle with a Smith Mountain Lake campground with tears and restitution in the attorney general’s office Wednesday. Damien Smith said that the experience felt like an uphill battle. “It seemed like we would never get over the top, but we finally did. We’re really thankful for it, too,” he said. “Now, we know it’s done.” “We did it, we saw it through,” said Angela Smith, his wife.
Notes from the Square: Virginia attorney general forms legal unit to challenge federal overreach
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation and initiatives they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org. Attorney General Jay Jones announced Thursday that his office has formed the Federal Accountability Unit to challenge what he called federal overreach.
Amtrak station in Christiansburg and Rex Theatre renovation in Galax advance with new funding
The Amtrak station in Christiansburg is moving further down the track toward completion, with an anticipated $1 million in funding. The Rex Theatre in Galax is slated to receive $700,000 for a renovation. Lee County is earmarked for $687,940 to help build a hotel in Pennington Gap. And the New River Valley is in line for $100,000 to study the region’s housing needs. Those four projects were among 22 recommended by Gov.
Virginia won’t be able to cover federal SNAP, Medicaid funding cuts, governor warns
Virginia will not be able to cover the full cost to fund cuts to social programs laid out in last year’s federal spending bill, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Tuesday. Her administration estimated $2 billion to $6 billion in lost revenue to the state annually starting in 2028 due to the loss of administrative funds, reductions in reimbursement for providers dependent on Medicaid and loss of enrollees in public programs.
Virginians will weigh in on 3 changes to their state constitution this fall. Here’s a look at the proposed amendments.
Names of incumbents and their challengers won’t be the only thing on the ballot across the commonwealth this November; Virginians will also be asked to cast a yes or no vote on three proposed changes to the state constitution.
Notes from the Square: DCCC triples down on its push to flip the 5th Congressional District
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation and initiatives they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org.
General Assembly launches effort to study tax exemptions, consumption tax for data centers
Virginia’s General Assembly convened its dormant Joint Subcommittee on Tax Policy on Wednesday for the first time since 2024, with the aim of implementing a consumption tax on data center operators and studying current exemptions for data centers and their impacts on communities. The revival of the subcommittee and its new charge was part of the compromise that brought warring factions together in the biennial budget battle earlier this year.
Notes from the Square: Griffith weighs in on Dominion, NextEra merger
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation and initiatives they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, urged Gov.
Perriello opposes Valley Link, open to more nuclear at North Anna, silent on Joshua Falls; McGuire mum except for letter on Valley Link
Democratic nominee Tom Perriello has accused incumbent Republican Rep. John McGuire of “parroting of talking points from the corporations on Valley Link transmission line.” Tom Perriello. Courtesy of Minerva Photography.
Notes from the Square: Spanberger plans to intervene with SCC over Dominion-NextEra merger
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation and initiatives they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org. Gov.
‘First in the nation’ intensive reentry program introduced at Red Onion supermax prison
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced on Wednesday that the Virginia Department of Corrections successfully launched an intensive reentry program for inmates at Red Onion State Prison — among the first of its kind in the nation at a super maximum prison, her office said. The reentry program is in place at 14 other facilities — including work centers, minimum and medium security facilities — across the commonwealth.
Mizusawa wins Republican U.S. Senate primary; McGuire beats primary challenger
Bert Mizusawa won the Republican nomination for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat and incumbent 5th District Rep. John McGuire beat his challenger in Tuesday’s primary elections. “Thank you, Virginia!” Mizusawa said in a post on Facebook. “We campaigned hard across Virginia and thanks to you, we now move on to defeat Senator Mark Warner.
Perriello clinches Democratic nomination in the 5th District; Powers wins in the 9th
Former Democratic Congressman Tom Perriello won the 5th District nomination and Joy Powers took the 9th District nomination in Democratic primary contests on Tuesday. Democrats will have a steep uphill battle if they are to win either district in November. Both are considered solidly Republican seats by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report and have been won by GOP candidates with double-digit margins. “For months, I’ve visited every corner of the district to hear from thousands of local families.
For renters locked out of state assistance, the road to flood recovery is long
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes Key takeaways Renters and homeowners across Southwest Virginia experienced devastating losses during 2024 and 2025 floods, which damaged and destroyed homes and left many people struggling with limited recovery assistance. While homeowners can seek help from the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund, renters don’t qualify for that aid, highlighting a gap in disaster support for those who don’t own property.
As $43 million for Southwest flood relief remains unspent, residents who can’t afford to fix their homes wait for help
Estimated reading time: 18 minutes State funds for flood recovery amounting to $50 million have been disbursed slowly, with only 13% allocated after a year. Many residents across the affected areas of Southwest Virginia face barriers due to low assessed property values and strict funding caps. Local organizations like United Way are providing assistance, but many residents are still waiting for support from state programs.
Notes from the Square: AG Jones creates a unit to oversee vape products, THC and more
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation and initiatives they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org.
5th District is only congressional district with both a Democratic and Republican primary. Here are the candidates.
Seven of Virginia’s 11 congressional districts will see primary competitions in one party or another on Tuesday. Virginia’s 5th Congressional District is the only federal race to have a primary contest for both Republicans and Democrats. Three Republicans filed with the FEC to seek their party’s nomination for the seat. Two remain in the race and will appear on the ballot Tuesday. The 5th District is considered a solidly Republican contest in Virginia by the Cook Political Report.
Notes from the Square: Gov. Spanberger visits Europe on her first trade mission
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org. Gov. Abigail Spanberger concluded the first leg of her first economic trade mission as the commonwealth’s chief executive on Tuesday, after four days in the United Kingdom.
Suetterlein, McNamara want special session to extend time Virginia has to review Dominion-NextEra merger
State Sen. David Suetterlein and Del. Joe McNamara on Tuesday sent a request to Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session of the General Assembly to extend the time limit for the Virginia State Corporation Commission to review the proposed $67 billion merger of Dominion Energy and NextEra. As it stands under state statute, the SCC is required to issue a determination of merits of a merger within 60 days from a completed application.
Bestiality porn charges against former Patrick County board candidate dropped
A former candidate for the Patrick County Board of Supervisors no longer faces felony charges after a judge ruled that a search warrant used to obtain evidence contained an error. Patrick County Circuit Judge G. Carter Greer ruled this month that a warrant for the search and seizure of Malcolm Roach Sr.’s personal computer was invalid, prompting 10 felony bestiality pornography charges that he had faced to be dropped.
Notes from the Square: General Assembly backs Spanberger’s appeal to SCC regarding data center transmission costs
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org. I was out of the office last week, so apologies if you missed my notes column in its absence. And for those of you that didn’t miss it, I don’t apologize.
Spanberger: $7.3 million to be disbursed to rebuild housing damaged by Helene
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced on Tuesday that $7.3 million in federal funds will be disbursed across Giles and Washington counties and the town of Fries in Grayson County to rebuild and repair housing and infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene-related weather. Giles and Washington counties will each receive $3.5 million for the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and replacement of disaster-damaged homes for low- and moderate-income households.
Notes from the Square: President Donald Trump’s DOJ sues the commonwealth
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a roundup of state politics and policy news. Each week, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org. The federal Department of Justice has sued the commonwealth of Virginia in an effort to halt a newly enacted soft ban on assault-style weapons.
General Assembly passes Spanberger’s budget amendments, biennial budget is finalized
The General Assembly adopted Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s amendments on Monday to the biennial budget in a culmination of months of uncertainty and back-and-forth in negotiations on the spending bill. Adoption of the governor’s amendments on Monday finalized the biennial spending bill just one and a half days ahead of the June 30, 11:59 p.m. deadline before funding for the current biennium is slated to run out.
Notes from the Square: 2 former 6th District competitors swap endorsements
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a weekly roundup of state politics and policy news. Each Friday, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org.
General Assembly passes a budget, consumption tax for data centers included
The General Assembly passed the biennial budget on Monday with a compromise regarding tax exemptions for data centers, which had been the main obstacle in negotiations. The roughly $75 billion biennial spending plan passed the Senate 23-16 and the House of Delegates 71-22. The bill will now be sent to Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who has line-item veto authority over the legislation.
Notes from the Square: Spotsylvania judge denies request for an injunction against assault weapons ban
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a weekly roundup of state politics and policy news. Each Friday, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org.
State Senate drops tax exemptions in budget fight, introduces ‘impact fees’ for data centers
The state Senate presented a new budget proposal Tuesday that takes a significant step away from ending data center tax exemptions early — a major point of contention in biennial budget negotiations. Instead the Senate introduced a new state impact fee for data centers which, if adopted, could generate $1.7 billion over the biennium.
Spanberger, legislators announce agreement on legal cannabis sales
Gov. Abigail Spanberger and two key legislators have come to an agreement to legalize recreational cannabis sales. That agreement includes a later start to recreational sales and a slower roll out of retail licenses than what was in legislation that the General Assembly passed, as well as the removal of tougher penalties for the transport of unlawfully large quantities of cannabis that the governor had included in her amendments.
House budget conferees unveil their latest spending proposal, legal cannabis and a data center accountability commission included
House of Delegates conferees presented an updated biennial budget proposal on Friday that includes the legalization of retail cannabis and the creation of a commission to study the impact of data centers. The House proposal does not include an end to the data center tax exemptions in 2027, eight years earlier than the current expiration, which has been a sticking point between the House and state Senate in the budget negotiations.
Notes from the Square: Budget negotiations face another breakdown
Welcome to Notes from the Square, a weekly roundup of state politics and policy news. Each Friday, we bring you updates on the movers and shakers in Virginia politics as well as the legislation they’re supporting or opposing — with a Southwest and Southside Virginia focus. Got a tip or story idea? Email me at elizabeth@cardinalnews.org.
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