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Virginia Minimum Wage to Increase to $13.75 in 2027, Eliminating Farm Labor Exemption

Virginia Minimum Wage to Increase to $13.75 in 2027, Eliminating Farm Labor Exemption

Virginia's minimum wage is set to increase to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2027, as part of a three-step schedule established by legislation (HB 1 and SB 1) signed by Governor Spanberger on April 9, 2026. This rate will further rise to $15.00 per hour in 2028. The current rate is $12.77 per hour through December 31, 2026. Notably, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, making Virginia's state rate the controlling standard. A significant change accompanying this increase is the elimination of the exemption for farm laborers or farm employees, effective January 1, 2027. This means agricultural employers, who previously might have paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, will now be required to pay $13.75 per hour, representing an approximate 90 percent increase without a phase-in period. For tipped employees, the cash wage floor remains the federal $2.13 per hour, but the combination of cash wages and tips must meet the Virginia minimum wage.

Austrian Skincare Brand Ringana to Establish U.S. Headquarters and Production in Roanoke, Virginia

Austrian Skincare Brand Ringana to Establish U.S. Headquarters and Production in Roanoke, Virginia

Harrisonburg Installs New 24-Hour Secure Ballot Drop Box for Absentee Voting

Harrisonburg Installs New 24-Hour Secure Ballot Drop Box for Absentee Voting

Harrisonburg, Virginia, has installed a new 24-hour secure ballot drop box outside City Hall to facilitate the return of absentee ballots for the upcoming November election. This initiative aims to provide voters with a convenient and secure option for submitting their ballots at any time, including after work or on weekends. Mark Finks, Harrisonburg’s Director of Elections, emphasized that this addition offers another secure method for voters. The drop box is located next to the City Treasurer’s payment drop box in the drive-thru lane, and election officials will collect ballots from it according to Virginia's election security procedures. Voters can request absentee ballots by filling out an application available online or by contacting the Voter Registrar’s office, with a deadline of October 23 for mail-in ballot requests.

2 Navy aviators eject while landing plane on carrier off Virginia, 6 other sailors also hurt

2 Navy aviators eject while landing plane on carrier off Virginia, 6 other sailors also hurt

Two U.S. Navy aviators ejected while landing their plane on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier off Virginia's coast

Virginia Legislative Commission Recommends Closure of Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents Amid Safety Concerns

Virginia Legislative Commission Recommends Closure of Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents Amid Safety Concerns

A legislative commission in Virginia is maintaining its recommendation to close the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents (CCCA) in Staunton due to ongoing patient safety concerns. Despite this, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) has stated it is not currently pursuing the facility's closure. A DBHDS spokesperson, Lauren Cunningham, indicated that CCCA remains important to the current ecosystem, citing significant gaps in inpatient, residential, crisis, and other specialized services for children with complex behavioral health needs in Virginia. The Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission (JLARC), a bipartisan research arm of the Virginia General Assembly, initially issued its recommendation in 2023. JLARC Director Hal Greer reiterated the commission’s stance, noting that conditions at the facility have not significantly improved and that staff continue to report serious safety and treatment concerns.

Virginia Law Details Landlord-Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, Including Mold Disclosure and Solar Device Installation

Virginia Law Details Landlord-Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, Including Mold Disclosure and Solar Device Installation

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act outlines comprehensive regulations governing the relationship between landlords and tenants across the Commonwealth. The act defines various terms such as 'rent,' 'security deposit,' and 'mold remediation in accordance with professional standards.' It specifies that the chapter applies to all jurisdictions in Virginia and cannot be waived or modified by local governing bodies, though federal HUD regulations take precedence if inconsistent. The law covers occupancy in single-family and multifamily dwelling units, with certain exceptions for institutional residences, fraternal organizations, owner-occupied condominiums, campgrounds, and transient lodging like hotels or motels, depending on the length of stay. For transient lodging, if a person resides for more than 90 consecutive days or has a lease for over 90 days, the provisions of this chapter apply. The act also details requirements for written rental agreements, including the provision of a statement of ...

Newark Municipal Council Approves Ordinance Banning Tenant-Paid Broker Fees

Newark Municipal Council Approves Ordinance Banning Tenant-Paid Broker Fees

The Newark Municipal Council has unanimously approved an ordinance proposed by Mayor Ras J. Baraka that prohibits landlords and their agents from charging broker fees to tenants. Under this new legislation, landlords and agents are now responsible for paying all fees imposed by the brokers they engage. This initiative is part of Mayor Baraka's 'Keeping Newark Affordable' legislative package, designed to alleviate the financial burden on tenants in a city facing a severe housing shortage. The ordinance also mandates transparency, requiring all tenant fees to be clearly advertised and an itemized written disclosure of all tenant-payable fees to be provided before a lease is signed. Furthermore, it makes it illegal to condition a residential property lease on a tenant engaging with a specific brokerage firm or agent. Violations of the ordinance carry a fine of up to $1,250 per improper fee charged.

Virginia Law Defines Confidential and Nonconfidential Court Records for Public Access

Virginia Law Defines Confidential and Nonconfidential Court Records for Public Access

Virginia law, specifically Section 17.1-292, outlines definitions for various types of court records, distinguishing between confidential and nonconfidential documents. This section applies to clerks of both courts of record and courts not of record. 'Confidential court records' are those recognized as confidential under applicable law or sealed by court order. Conversely, 'nonconfidential court records' encompass all other court records. The law also defines 'court records' broadly to include any record maintained by the clerk in civil, traffic, or criminal proceedings, as well as appeals from district courts. Additionally, 'land records' are defined as any writing authorized by law to be recorded that affects title to real property, whether on paper or in electronic format. These definitions are crucial for determining public access to legal documents within the state's judicial system.

Nor'easter Causes Deadly Flooding in Northeast

Nor'easter Causes Deadly Flooding in Northeast

A powerful nor'easter has brought heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding to the Northeast, leaving one person dead in New York City. The storm has caused significant disruptions, including downed trees, power outages, and widespread flooding. Coastal flood alerts remain in effect from Virginia to Massachusetts, with high tide expected to bring additional flooding. Wind advisories are in place for areas including New York City, Philadelphia, and Hartford, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Inland flooding is also a concern, with heavy rain expected to continue through Monday. Source time: Sun, 27 Sep 2026 11:12:02 GMT.

Meta Secures 144MW Texas Solar Farm Deal with Apex Clean Energy for Net-Zero Goals

Meta Secures 144MW Texas Solar Farm Deal with Apex Clean Energy for Net-Zero Goals

Meta Secures 144MW Texas Solar Farm Deal with Apex Clean Energy for Net-Zero Goals

UVA Health Expands Mobile Care Program to Enhance Community Access in Virginia

UVA Health Expands Mobile Care Program to Enhance Community Access in Virginia

UVA Health is expanding its Mobile Care program in Charlottesville, Virginia, to deliver high-quality primary and preventative care directly into the community. This initiative aims to improve access for patients facing transportation or other barriers to traditional healthcare facilities. The program utilizes a mobile, community outreach model, allowing Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) to operate with a high degree of clinical autonomy in diverse settings. UVA Health is actively seeking experienced APPs to join this program, emphasizing the opportunity for independent clinical practice combined with meaningful program development. The role involves providing comprehensive care, adapting to changing locations, and collaborating with a dedicated mobile care team consisting of a nurse and a paramedic. This expansion is part of UVA Health's broader commitment to population health and redefining healthcare delivery across the region.

Richmond Advocates March for Nursing Home Reform and Accountability

Richmond Advocates March for Nursing Home Reform and Accountability

Richmond advocates gathered on Sunday to demand reform in long-term care facilities, citing concerns over neglect and lack of accountability for harm to residents. Tracy Pompey, founder of Justice and Change for Victims of Nursing Facilities, organized a 'ROAR Walk' in Richmond, which stands for Respect, Advocacy, Oversight, and Reform. This event is part of a broader national effort with similar walks occurring in various states. Pompey's personal motivation stems from the loss of her father in 2015 due to what she describes as nursing facility neglect, for which she found no accountability. Advocates highlight that Virginia is among the five worst states nationally for nursing home staffing, a factor they believe directly impacts the quality of care residents receive. Families have reported significant delays, sometimes hours long, in receiving basic needs such as bathing or assistance with using the bathroom. While acknowledging that Virginia has begun implementing changes, advocates stress that more wo...