Keya Vakil

Virginia Attorney Mark Herring is calling on the state to decriminalize and eventually legalize marijuana. In an op-ed for the Daily Press, Herring wrote that Virginia’s policy of “criminalizing minor marijuana possession is not working,” and is “needlessly creating criminals and burdening Virginians with convictions.” Herring detailed the enormous human and social costs and also…

The U.S. Supreme Court announced on Monday that it has dismissed the Virginia House of Delegates’ challenge to a lower court decision that found some of Virginia’s legislative districts were racially gerrymandered. In a 5-4 ruling in Virginia House of Delegates v. Bethune-Hill, the Court found House Republicans did not have legal standing to challenge…

More than 11% of women in Virginia live below the poverty line, compared to 8.9% of men.

Virginia may have had primaries on Tuesday, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on between now and November. As you’ll see in our weekly events calendar, there’s no shortage of things to do. Immaculate Conception Solar Dedication – June 15 at 11 AM – Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2150 Cunningham Dr, Hampton, VA 23666…

Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. We’ve got a round-up of all today’s Virginia news coming right up. If you’re enjoying the Dogwood Daily, there’s more where that came from. Like a lot more. But not TOO much more. Like or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get just the right amount of the Virginia news delivered to your…

Two Democratic state lawmakers, state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) and Del. Mark Keam (D-Fairfax) announced they would support South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg for President. Their endorsements come ahead of Buttigeig’s appearance this Saturday at the Blue Commonwealth Gala, the Democratic Party of Virginia’s annual fundraiser in Richmond. Buttigieg will deliver a speech at…

Walmart announced Monday that the company is planning to close its store in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, prompting a group of local residents to rally to keep the store open Tuesday. Residents protesting say the closure could cost the small community up to 80 jobs. The Bristol Herald Courier reports residents carried signs with slogans…

Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. After yesterday’s special primary wrap-up edition, we’re now back to our regularly scheduled programming and we’ve got a round-up of all today’s Virginia news coming right up. But First… Two new reports don’t have the greatest things to say about Virginia’s healthcare system. Seniorlist.com ranks Virginia in the top 15…

Planned Parenthood is launching a regional political advocacy group to protect abortion rights in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. The announcement comes as states such as Georgia, Alabama and Missouri have enacted a wave of oppressive abortion bans. Karen Nelson, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland and the co-CEO of the new regional group,…

On this day in 1967, the Supreme Court struck down state laws prohibiting interracial marriage. That is how June 12 got to be known as Loving Day, an informal celebration to commemorate the decision that declared interracial marriage was legal. The case involved a non-white woman, Mildred Loving, and a white man, Richard Loving. They grew…