Mandatory minimum sentences have been controversial for years, and Democrats have tried to give judges more autonomy to make decisions about individual cases. But there’s at least one area where Democrats want mandatory minimum sentences.

News of an accounting error shortchanging Virginia’s public schools sent shockwaves through Richmond this week.Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss and the week that was in politics and state government.

The Virginia Board of Education voted to advance a controversial draft of new K-12 history standards Thursday. But they’re still a long way from being used in the classroom.

Recent years have seen an explosion of legal gambling options in Virginia. And lawmakers are now talking about creating a gambling commission to oversee the industry.

Abortion-rights opponents gather every year here at Capitol Square, but this year’s different. The Supreme Court has taken away the constitutionally protected right to the procedure and now advocates are hopeful they can erode abortion rights in Virginia.

A $200 million mistake in estimating basic aid for local school divisions has lawmakers buzzing, although House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight says the accounting error has already been offset by new funding.

There’s an emerging field of science about the human microbiome, or the communities of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live inside and on every person's body. Microbes are tiny, living organisms that help us do everything from digest food to fight off a virus, but some microbes can harm us. A new study, published in Scientific Reports, shows there could even be a connection between some microbes and ovarian cancer.

It’s been nearly 30 years since actor Tom Hanks introduced the world to the character known as Forest Gump-–a man who was present for many of the iconic moments of his time. In the real world, another man could claim the same. His name was Wallace Carroll, and his story is told in a new book called Century’s Witness.

The stretch through Botetourt and Craig Counties uses existing rail beds and shared roadways

Guns and ammunition should be locked up in houses that have children or anybody that should not have access to firearms. That’s according to a bill that was introduced by Senator Jennifer Boysko, a Democrat from Herndon.