Politics stories in Richmond

The Senate postponed a vote on Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general due to concerns over a controversial $1.8 billion fund. Lawmakers are seeking assurances that Blanche will not attempt to revive the fund aimed at compensating individuals alleging wrongful government actions.

U.S. forces initiated new strikes against Iran after missile attacks targeted U.S. forces in the Middle East. President Trump vowed a strong retaliation, stating, 'It's our turn.'

President Trump and the Justice Department are seeking to overturn an $83 million defamation verdict awarded to E. Jean Carroll. They argue that he should not be liable for comments made during his presidency, citing presidential immunity.

The Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas is seeing a rise in the number of detained families, reversing a previous downward trend. Recent visits by Congress members revealed troubling conditions and the impact on children held in custody.

Iran has launched missile attacks on American troops in the Middle East following U.S. and Saudi strikes that killed at least 20 Tehran-backed militants in Iraq. This escalation comes after a brief period of calm and raises concerns about the potential for a return to full-scale war.

A new bipartisan effort in Congress aims to advance the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, requiring hospitals to disclose standard charges. Supporters believe this transparency could lower health care costs for families, while opponents warn of increased administrative burdens.

Workers and retirees from the Henrico U.S. Post Office participated in a nationwide rally advocating for increased funding and protections for vote-by-mail initiatives. This event highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure secure and accessible voting options.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is set to testify before the Senate Homeland Security Committee regarding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing, led by Sen. Rand Paul, may become contentious as Paul argues that Fauci's documents suggest a lab leak theory.

Court evidence reveals that federal immigration agents in Southern California used racial slurs to describe Hispanic individuals during raids. This raises serious concerns about racial profiling and the treatment of migrants under current immigration policies.

Petersburg city council members were unaware of multiple data center projects in the city, revealed in a recent BizSense report. Councilman Charlie Cuthbert and Mayor Samuel Parham expressed concerns over communication from city administrators during a council meeting.

The U.S. Senate voted 86-12 to advance a bill imposing new sanctions on Russian energy and investments, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The legislation aims to target various Russian interests and comes shortly after Graham's funeral.

The Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as the new head of national intelligence, following a contentious nomination process. Clayton's confirmation comes amid concerns over his predecessor's handling of the office and his own refusal to acknowledge the 2020 election results.

U.S. Central Command reported the interception of ballistic missiles launched from Iran aimed at U.S. forces in the Middle East. This incident occurs amid ongoing diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Iran, with President Trump indicating potential for ceasefire talks.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is set to testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, marking another confrontation with Sen. Rand Paul. This hearing follows a subpoena issued by Paul, amid ongoing tensions regarding the U.S. response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Trump held productive meetings with Israeli PM Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, focusing on Iran and Ukraine's defense. Both leaders expressed commitment to key diplomatic goals as tensions rise in their respective regions.

Virginia may hold its Democratic presidential primary on February 29, 2028, ahead of Super Tuesday, pending approval from the DNC and state lawmakers. This change could enhance Virginia's influence in the primary process.

Recently released audio recordings of former President Joe Biden reveal him discussing classified material and struggling with memory during interviews with his biographer. The tapes, released by the Oversight Project, support findings from a 2024 report by former Special Counsel Robert Hur regarding Biden's handling of classified information.

Early in-person voting has commenced in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, featuring a crowded field of candidates. A lawsuit is underway that could impact absentee ballots, raising concerns about the party's unity ahead of the November elections.

A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit from an interfaith group challenging the ideological balance of President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. The judge ruled that the commission's composition, while predominantly conservative Christian, meets legal standards for diversity.

Senator Lindsey Graham passed away on July 11, just after meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. His interventionist foreign policy and relationships with world leaders leave a significant impact on U.S. diplomacy.

Senator Lindsey Graham's remains are lying in state at the U.S. Capitol as tributes pour in from colleagues and leaders. A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. at Washington National Cathedral, followed by services in South Carolina where he will be laid to rest.

New regulations require groups or individuals investing at least $10,000 in advocacy to register with the state. This move lays the groundwork for upcoming campaigns focused on constitutional amendments.

The Supreme Court has cleared the path for the Trump administration to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, affecting over 350,000 immigrants, primarily from Haiti. Many are now facing the threat of deportation amid fears of violence and instability in their home countries.

Petersburg city council members are calling for greater transparency from city administrators regarding four planned data centers, expressing frustration at being blindsided by news reports. Two of the projects have already received site plan approvals without council knowledge.

A Russian drone strike on a supermarket in Chernihiv killed two, including a child, raising questions about military target legitimacy. Russia justifies the attack by referencing Ukraine's strikes on its retail facilities, while Ukraine argues the comparison is flawed.

The Trump administration is urging the Supreme Court to allow an executive order that could significantly alter mail-in voting procedures ahead of the midterm elections. This appeal follows a ruling that blocked the order in several states, with concerns raised about potential voter suppression and chaos.

Senator Mitch McConnell is still in rehabilitation and has not been cleared to return to work following a fall and pneumonia. He expressed disappointment over missing the Fancy Farm Picnic, a significant Kentucky political event.

President Trump claims he can proceed with an arch construction project without congressional approval, raising concerns about the impact on historic preservation regulations. This move could set a precedent for future projects in historic areas.

The U.S. has paused military strikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of attacks, following concerns raised by military leaders. President Trump shared provocative AI images related to Iran, while tensions escalate with Ukraine's involvement in the conflict.

The Richmond City Council will consider a sales tax referendum to fund public school projects and a $20 million bond for housing renovations. The proposed tax increase could generate significant revenue for Richmond Public Schools, while the housing bonds aim to improve community living conditions.