Sr. politics reporter | deputy editor at @MercuryVirginia Previously: @CardinalNewsVA, @RTDNews, @bild Email: [email protected]

Richmond, VA
Joined January 2013
Markus Schmidt retweeted
A month-long investigation reveals that 11 current and former #Virginia lawmakers billed their campaigns for out-of-state conferences and then received a personal reimbursement for the same expenses. davidmpoole.substack.com/p/s…
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Gov. Abigail Spanberger is urging Congress to set AI safeguards, warning of risks to jobs, privacy and public resources.  As Virginia launches its own AI task force, she says federal action can protect the public without halting innovation. #vagov virginiamercury.com/2026/09/…
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A century-old Virginia law gives legislator-lawyers broad power to delay court cases. Del. Terry Kilgore invoked it at least three times in Trey Adkins’ felony case; House Speaker Don Scott used it in a 2025 civil case. Why § 30-5 remains on the books: virginiamercury.com/2026/09/…
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Virginia consumer sentiment fell sharply in August as renewed inflation and a cooling labor market strained household budgets, according to a Roanoke College poll.  Views of current conditions reached their lowest level since the 2022 inflation spike. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/…
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A federal judge has temporarily blocked most of Virginia’s new restrictions on local cooperation with ICE, allowing existing 287(g) agreements to continue.  New participants remain barred, and AG Jay Jones says he’ll seek a stay and appeal.  virginiamercury.com/2026/09/…
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Virginia is set to receive at least $353m from Meta under a landmark multistate settlement targeting addictive features and harmful content on Facebook and Instagram. The deal would impose new time limits, age checks and safeguards for children. virginiamercury.com/2026/08/…
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Virginia is stepping up oversight of vapes, hemp-derived intoxicants, THC and kratom. AG Jay Jones announced a new enforcement unit to handle retail compliance, inspections, product directories and enforcement against businesses that violate state law. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/…
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Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg says Va. Dems can flip GOP-held House seats without a new map by focusing on healthcare, affordability and corruption. He endorsed Shannon Taylor in #VA1, Elaine Luria in #VA02 and Tom Perriello in #VA05. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/…
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A Dinwiddie County man accused of sending a politically motivated death threat to former Del. Kim Taylor last year has entered a plea agreement.  Taylor said: “No one should have to worry about their family's safety because of public service.”  virginiamercury.com/2026/07/…
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Gov. Spanberger is defending a wave of vetoes that frustrated Democrats during her first months in office. “As I view it, I’m doing my job,” she told me. “The General Assembly passes bills, the governor has the responsibility to amend, sign, or veto.” virginiamercury.com/2026/06/…
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