Insurance Premiums to Jump

Virginians can expect steep increases in insurance costs starting next year. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) reported that those who purchase health insurance through the state’s individual market could see up to a 20% increase in premiums for 2026.

The SCC cited several factors, including rate changes, market uncertainty, and the potential elimination of enhanced federal subsidies.

About 400,000 Virginians obtain health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Because federal tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of the year, many of those people could face substantially higher premiums.

Auto insurance rates may also rise. A study by rate-monitoring platform Insurify found the annual cost of full-coverage car insurance in the Commonwealth could jump by more than 5% next year.

Youngkin Demands Nursing Home Reforms

Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order intended to improve the quality of care at Virginia’s nursing homes. Youngkin said his priorities include hiring more workers, strengthening oversight, modernizing operations, and increasing transparency.

“Virginia’s seniors and families deserve peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving the highest quality care,” Youngkin said.

The Office of Licensure and Certification at the Virginia Department of Health oversees almost 300 nursing homes statewide. However, according to an internal report, the department is vastly understaffed and “not running properly.”

More than two-thirds of Virginia nursing homes are overdue for a routine inspection. The national average is 17%.

Virginia Politicians React to D.C. Takeover

President Trump announced this week that Washington, D.C. police are now under federal control and that he will deploy 800 members of the National Guard to patrol the nation’s capital. Support or opposition in Virginia broke cleanly along party lines.

“D.C. crime doesn’t stop at the Potomac—it rides our Metro, invades our neighborhoods, and puts families harm’s way,” Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor, wrote. Gov. Glenn Youngkin said, “It is a bad day for criminals in Washington, D.C.“

Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican bidding for reelection, said in an interview that the District is in a “state of lawlessness” and that Virginians are frightened to visit.

Democrats noted that crime in D.C. was already dropping. “If President Trump really cared about safety in D.C., he would have immediately deployed the National Guard on January 6, 2021, and wouldn’t have pardoned hundreds of rioters who broke into the Capitol that day,” Sen. Tim Kaine said.

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➤ Chesterfield County: A woman was killed after she was hit four times by cars while trying to cross Hull Street Road early Sunday. Two people were charged with driving under the influence. (Details)

➤ Norfolk: The Navy’s newest ship, a fleet replenishment vessel named USNS Robert F. Kennedy, will make its first port visit to Virginia today. It is designed to deliver 162,000 barrels of oil to ships at sea. (More)

➤ Henrico: The county plans to build a trail that will follow the path taken by black Union troops during the 1864 Battle of New Market Heights, where 14 soldiers received the Medal of Honor. (Details)

➤ Radford: The New River Valley Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is expected to launch next year on the Radford University campus. High school students will have the chance to earn up to 30 university credits. (More)

➤ Rockingham County: Officials said the woman who was killed in her home by a knife-wielding intruder last week was the mother of country singer Spencer Hatcher. His father, Michael Hatcher, was able to retrieve a handgun and kill the attacker. (Details)

➤ Woodbridge: Police arrested Jose Eli Orellana Dubon, 31, on burglary and attempted burglary charges after he allegedly broke into two apartments and fled by leaping from balconies. (More) 

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➤ Virginia Tech women’s basketball will play 12 nonconference games this season, including the team’s visit to Harrisonburg to face James Madison. (Details)

➤ James Madison football has won 28 games in the 2020s and is picked as the favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference this season, leading some to wonder whether the Dukes may be the best team in the Commonwealth right now. (More)

➤ Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn said his players fall into one of three “buckets” during training camp: rookies, prove-it players, and established veterans. (Details)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

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➤ Freddie Mac, based in McLean, may soon be part of an initial public offering along with fellow mortgage giant Fannie Mae. (Details)

➤ Roanoke City Council may require vape shops to pay a $20,000 annual operation fee to discourage new vape shops from opening. (More)

➤ Virginia’s top startups will gather Aug. 21 in Virginia Beach for the Startup World Cup, where they will compete for up to $1 million. (Details)

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The Government-Backed Minerals Stock Hiding in Plain Sight

The U.S. has set aside billions to secure the minerals that power EVs, missile defense systems, and grid-scale storage batteries. 

But while most companies are years from breaking ground and bolstering supply, one is already working with federal officials to produce real results. No wonder they’re publicly traded.

Meet M2i Global ($MTWO). Combining abandoned mine revitalization, recycled metals, and public-private partnerships, they’ve become an authority on U.S. minerals.

Their Nevada facility is on track to generate $8.3M by 2027, they’re working with the federal government to launch the nation’s first Strategic Mineral Reserve, they recently secured a $850M copper offtake deal, and just completed a reversed takeover that will allow for a NYSE uplisting.

Best of all? Investors in this round can unlock up to 20% bonus stock.

Invest in MTWO and claim your bonus today.

➤ The Virginia Capital Trail will mark its 10th birthday this fall, with celebrations planned for Oct. 3 in Williamsburg and on Oct. 4 in Richmond. (Details)

➤ Hampton City Schools employee Tim Cullen earned the title of best bus mechanic in the state. (More)

➤ The Carriage House Inn in Lynchburg is on the market. Even priced at more than $1.5 million, the nearly 10,000 square-foot mansion with outbuildings could be a steal. (Details)

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Have you walked, run, or cycled on the Virginia Capital Trail?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not yet!

Tuesday’s Results:

Should Gov. Youngkin run for president? 

1. Yes: 42%
2. No: 33%
3. I don’t care: 25%

What year was the Great Stalacpipe Organ at Luray Caverns installed?

Show me the answer