Amtrak Virginia’s ridership reached a record 1.4 million passengers in fiscal year 2025, a 4.8% increase from the previous year, reflecting growing demand for state-supported rail service. Riders like Justin Doyle and Sam Runner note more crowded trains, especially on weekends and return trips. Virginia is investing $4-5 billion in rail infrastructure, including track purchases and projects like the Long Bridge expansion, aiming to double service and ease congestion. However, federal funding cuts threaten future improvements, with significant reductions in Amtrak’s national network support and infrastructure grants. Virginia seeks robust federal partnerships to sustain and expand passenger rail amid these challenges.
Amtrak Virginia’s ridership numbers continue to show increases, according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. Ending fiscal year 2025, more than 1.4 million passengers traveled on state supported rail service — an increase of 4.8% compared to the same time last year. It was the region’s highest ridership recorded since the service launched in 2009, with one roundtrip route between Washington D.C. and Lynchburg.
“The growth that we are continually seeing in our Amtrak Virginia ridership just confirms our work to expand passenger rail in Virginia,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA in a press release.
One of those riders is Justin Doyle, who doesn’t consider himself a train commuter. But the Richmond resident does consider himself a frequent rider and takes every chance he can to hit the rails.
“We’ve done a lot of traveling via Amtrak. We visited Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York. We were in Boston earlier this year,” he said. “We flew to Montreal at the end of 2024 and then rode the Adirondack route back to New York’s Penn Station, which was a really wonderful, very scenic trip.”
Doyle cites unpredictable traffic on Interstate 95 and environmental concerns as reasons why he opts to take the train whenever possible. But spending quality time with his six-year-old son during train rides has been the biggest benefit.
“We set up in the cafe car, play a card game called ‘Loose Caboose.’ It’s a train-themed game, which is fun,” he said. “My son and I really enjoy that.”
It’s through his frequent trips that Doyle has noticed an increase in the number of passengers.
“There have been instances where finding a seat has been challenging on Sunday afternoons in particular,” he said. “It’s really people coming back from northeast destinations, back to Richmond.”
Sam Runner rides the train up to D.C. from his home in Richmond for work every couple of months, catching the train at the Main Street Station at 5:30 a.m. He heads back later in the afternoon. He too has seen an increase in passengers.
“Because I’m getting on the train when it’s first leaving it’s not as crowded,” Runner said. “But the train I take back, I noticed a very big shift of the train being a lot more crowded.”
Growing pains
While the uptick in riders sometimes causes both Doyle and Runner to have a harder time finding seats, there are changes coming, said Danny Plaugher, executive director of Virginians for High-Speed Rail and the Virginia Transit Association.
“Virginia is kind of leading the nation in investing in passenger rail, maybe outside of California,” said Plaugher. “We’re putting somewhere in the range of $4 to $5 billion into our rail infrastructure.”
Plaugher said starting in 2020, Virginia Amtrak has bought hundreds of miles of corridors of track between Washington D.C. and Richmond, as well in the City of Petersburg to the North Carolina border.
The expansions are part of a VPRA initiative called “Transforming Rail in Virginia” which seeks to double Amtrak state-supported service while also increasing service on the Virginia Railway Express route from Fredericksburg Line and Manassas Line, all with the goal of getting more people out of their cars and onto trains. The increase in service, such as adding more trains during rush high peak travel times will ease the pain of looking for empty seats.
Changes in federal funding
Possible bumps in the future of rail travel and infrastructure improvements in the commonwealth could come from how federal dollars are awarded in the form of grants stemming from changes in a landmark infrastructure law enacted during the previous presidential administration.
According to The Architects Newspaper, infrastructure projects to improve stations, tunnels and bridges are in jeopardy because of a $2.3 billion cut in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was created under the administration of former President Joe Biden. In addition, there will be a 91% cut to the federal administration and discretionary funding for Amtrak’s national network, which includes the northeast corridor, has been eliminated, according to a report by the House Democrats Appropriations Committee.
Because of the uncertainty of federal dollars, Amtrak recently cut 450 positions, according to Reuters, as a way to cut annual costs by $100 million.
“In regards to future federal funding, that’s our big initiative and something that we’re meeting and having conversations with our delegation about,” Plaugher said. “The current Infrastructure and Jobs Act expires at the end of this fiscal year, FY26, and so the future of service transportation as well as the rail grants is kind of up in the air.”
Plaugher said Virginia needs a strong federal partner when it comes to the next service transportation bill that he expects to see in 2026.
“We’re unique in that we’re one of the few states with dedicated resources to invest in passenger rail,” he said. “But we’ve gone it alone for a long time and done everything we can. We’re kind of tapped out and we need a service transportation bill that has robust federal grants included in it.”
Current projects that have already been approved, such as the Long Bridge Project, which will create two new track railroad bridges over the Potomac River from Alexandria into D.C., have not been affected by federal budget cuts, said Gerica Goodman, director of external affairs at the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.
“We are fully funded in current phases of projects and we’ll continually assess our needs with other projects that may come up,” Goodman said. “Smaller projects that may need funding, we’ll continue to apply for their regular grants.”
President Donald Trump’s administration has made sweeping cuts across all sectors of the federal government, triggering the elimination of thousands of jobs and undercutting previously dedicated funding for many agencies. Inside the Federal Railroad Administration,165 employees or 14% took early buyouts, also called deferred resignation, according to Politico. To Plaugher, it’s troubling.
“Obviously that’s concerning because these are the people who approve plans, sign contracts, reimburse grants, and whatnot,” said Plaugher.
Despite the possible disruptions in service, part time commuter Runner hopes the trains in the commonwealth keep coming.
“‘The more rail service, the better’ is something that I believe in,” he said. “For me, it’s one of those things where rail built this country. So I’d like to see it be improved and restored to some of that greatness.”
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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Center-Left
This content generally supports increased investment in public transportation infrastructure, highlighting the benefits of expanded rail service and the need for continued federal funding. It presents concerns about budget cuts under a Republican administration while emphasizing the positive impact of state and federal initiatives aligned with infrastructure development, which are typically associated with center-left policy priorities. However, the tone remains factual and balanced without strong partisan language, placing it slightly left of center.
www.thecentersquare.com – By Esther Wickham | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-08-25 18:15:00
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found George Mason University (GMU) violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies favoring race in hiring and promotions. OCR’s probe, prompted by faculty complaints, concluded GMU’s leadership under President Gregory Washington promoted discriminatory practices. OCR proposed a Resolution Agreement requiring GMU to commit publicly to nondiscrimination and a personal apology from Washington. The GMU Board of Visitors is reviewing the findings, but Washington’s attorney rejected OCR’s conclusions, citing flawed investigation methods and denying discrimination. GMU must comply by September 1.
(The Center Square) — The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced George Mason University violated federal law by hiring and promoting staff based on race and other characteristics.
In July, OCR launched an investigation into GMU due to multiple complaints filed by professors alleging that university leadership had adopted unlawful diversity, equity and inclusion policies from 2020 that give preferential treatment to prospective and current faculty, the department said in a press release.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 “prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in education programs and activities receiving federal funding. Institutions that are found in violation of Title VI can lose federal funds.”
OCR notified GMU President Gregory Washington that under his leadership, the Fairfax, Virginia-based university violated Title VI by supporting DEI practices and policies.
“In 2020, University President Gregory Washington called for expunging the so-called ‘racist vestiges’ from GMU’s campus. Without a hint of self-awareness, President Washington then waged a university-wide campaign to implement unlawful DEI policies that intentionally discriminate on the basis of race,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor. “Despite this unfortunate chapter in Mason’s history, the University now has the opportunity to come into compliance with federal civil rights laws by entering into a Resolution Agreement with the Office for Civil Rights.”
OCR has issued a proposed Resolution Agreement to GMU to resolve the civil rights laws violations.
The department’s agreement requires GMU to publicly commit to nondiscrimination in hiring and promotion, including a personal apology from the president for promoting unlawful discriminatory practices.
The school’s Board of Visitors said Friday it was reviewing the steps outlined in the resolution and will “continue to respond fully and cooperatively to all inquiries from the Department of Education, the Department of Justice and the U.S. House of Representatives and evaluate the evidence that comes to light,” the board said in a statement on Friday. “Our sole focus is our fiduciary duty to serve the best interests of the University and the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
But on Monday, Washington rejected the Department of Education’s demands.
In a 10-page letter to GMU’s board on Monday, Washington’s attorney, Douglas Gansler, alleged that OCR cut corners and only interviewed two university deans, Inside Higher Ed reports.
“To be clear, per OCR’s own findings, no job applicant has been discriminated against by GMU, nor has OCR attempted to name someone who has been discriminated against by GMU in any context. Therefore, it is a legal fiction for OCR to even assert or claim that there has been a Title VI or Title IX violation here,” Gansler wrote.
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Center-Right
The article primarily reports on the findings and actions of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding George Mason University’s alleged violations of federal law related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. While it includes statements from both the OCR and the university’s leadership, the language used—such as quoting the OCR’s strong criticism of GMU’s DEI efforts and highlighting the university president’s rejection of the findings—frames DEI policies in a negative light. This framing, along with the focus on alleged unlawful discrimination against non-minority groups, aligns with a center-right perspective that is often critical of DEI initiatives. The article does not merely neutrally report the facts but subtly emphasizes the controversy around DEI, suggesting a center-right ideological stance rather than a purely neutral or balanced report.
www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-08-25 09:28:12
SUMMARY: As summer ends, students and teachers at Raymond Elementary in D.C. prepare excitedly for the new school year. The school boasts a brand-new playground and courtyard, with dedicated staff like Miss Tracee Robinson, a second-grade teacher known for her “Not Like Us” rap parody. Teacher Alexandria Henderson has a DonorsChoose wishlist totaling over $1,100, including carpets, headphones, and snacks. Thanks to Pepco’s $1,100 donation, her wishlist is fully funded. Principal Miss Hubbard and the community express gratitude as the school gears up for Monday’s first day, celebrating support from NBC4, Telemundo 44, and corporate partners.
News4’s Molette Green helps get Raymond Elementary hyped for school with a longtime teacher’s rap and a big donation for supplies.
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NBC4 Washington / WRC-TV is the No. 1 broadcast television station and the home of the most-watched local news in Washington, D.C. The station leads the market in providing timely and breaking news and information in text, video and graphics across more than 15 platforms including NBCWashington.com, the NBC4 app, NBC4 streaming news channel, newsletters, and social media.
virginiamercury.com – Charlotte Rene Woods, Nathaniel Cline – 2025-08-25 04:29:00
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has ordered a state police investigation into allegations from a conservative blog that Fairfax County Public Schools helped underage girls obtain abortions in 2021 without parental consent, potentially violating state law. The claims have become a key Republican talking point ahead of elections, with GOP gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears emphasizing parental rights. The investigation’s outcome remains uncertain and may not conclude before Election Day. Fairfax schools and officials have pledged cooperation but cannot comment further. The controversy echoes past political battles over parental rights in education and intersects with ongoing efforts to enshrine reproductive rights in Virginia’s constitution.
by Charlotte Rene Woods and Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury August 25, 2025
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has ordered state police to investigate explosive allegations from a conservative blog that Fairfax County Public Schools officials helped multiple underage girls obtain abortions in 2021 — a probe whose findings may not surface before Election Day but could still sway voters in the court of public opinion.
Virginia law requires minors to obtain either parental consent or a successful court petition to undergo the procedure. Such records are also exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Mercury asked the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court whether any petitions were filed at all in 2021 and how many have been filed in subsequent years, which they did not provide.
Still, the possibility that a public school broke state law and bypassed parents’ consent rights is quickly becoming a political talking point for Republican candidates this year.
‘Gift that keeps on giving’
Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor, speaks to a crowd at an American Legion office in Chesterfield County on Aug. 14, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
Against the backdrop of an ongoing effort to enshrine reproductive rights into Virginia’s constitution, Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears has seized on the allegations.
At a recent campaign event in Chesterfield County, she welcomed the story’s circulation in the news cycle.
“I don’t know if you also saw what’s happening in Northern Virginia — it’s just a gift that keeps on giving,” Earle-Sears said as the crowd laughed.
It cheered after she added: “Parents. Still. Matter.”
Political analyst Bob Holsworth said the controversy echoes of Youngkin’s successful 2021 campaign, when allegations of a sexual assault in a Loudoun County school bathroom sparked national furor over transgender students’ use of restrooms.
Investigations and legal proceedings extended well beyond the campaign, but by then “Parents for Youngkin” signs and “parents matter” chants had become staples of his rallies. Youngkin went on to win the governorship, and Republicans flipped the House of Delegates for a term.
“Interestingly, the target audience is not voters in Fairfax and Loudoun,” Holsworth said of the Democratic strongholds, “but Republicans elsewhere in the commonwealth.”
The allegations first surfaced in WC Dispatch, an Ohio-based conservative blog run by independent investigative journalist Walter Curt Jr. His father, Walter Curt Sr., is a Youngkin appointee to the Virginia State Council of Higher Education and has donated thousands of dollars to both Youngkin and Earle-Sears. Curt Jr. told Virginia Scope that his familiar ties don’t affect his reporting.
Holsworth suggested that GOP campaigns are aiming to “get these issues aired on Fox News so they can deliver a message across Virginia in a way that Democrats can’t.”
That’s because the claim itself — whether ultimately proven or false — is already enough to stoke concerns among some voters about public schools encroaching on parental rights. Defending parental oversight in K-12 education been a consistent Republican theme in Virginia politics.
If the allegation proves true, Earle-Sears has vowed accountability.
“Your underage daughter can’t get an aspirin without your permission,” she wrote on X on Aug. 19. “Yet a Virginia school may have taken a young girl for an abortion, in secret, using your tax dollars. If true, it’s monstrous, and there will be consequences.”
The legal wait-and-see
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico, hold a “Parents Matter” discussion at a Henrico County elementary school. (Graham Moomaw/Virginia Mercury)
Pending the outcome of the state police investigation, any responsibility to prosecute would fall to Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, who has declined to comment.
Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, noted that the timeline for an investigation is uncertain. While the number of people involved doesn’t appear large he said, the allegation dates back four years —a factor that could complicate evidence gathering and examination.
Tobias added that Republicans could “make a lot of political hay of it” heading into the elections, especially since Fairfax’s commonwealth’s attorney has been a frequent target of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Miyares, who is up for reelection this year, has long pushed for changes in state law that would allow the state to intervene in local prosecutions and has repeatedly attacked Descano as being too lenient.
A potential prosecution arising from the Fairfax abortion allegation could even spill into the next gubernatorial term.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger is also watching closely. Her campaign said in an email to The Mercury that she “will be monitoring the status of the Virginia State Police’s investigation and will support appropriate action to uphold Virginia law.”
The campaign also highlighted Spanberger’s perspective as a mother of three young girls who attend public school, adding: “She believes that decisions about a child’s health and safety should always be made between them and their parents.”
Fairfax vs. everyone else
Beyond the locality’s prosecutor, Fairfax County Public Schools has become a lightning rod for criticism from parents as well as state and federal leaders.
Among the most polarizing decisions: overhauling admissions at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology to promote greater diversity, and resisting statewide transgender policies that would have required schools to out transgender students or restrict pronoun use.
The division is also arranging a security detail for Superintendent Michelle Reid.
After the abortion allegations surfaced, Reid wrote to the school community that the conduct described “would be unacceptable” in the district.
“I want to stress that at no time would the situation as described in these allegations be acceptable in Fairfax County Public Schools,” Reid said.
The school district has also stated that it will “fully cooperate” with the investigation but cannot comment further while it is ongoing.
Reproductive laws in campaigns
Reproductive-rights supporters watch as lawmakers debate a proposed constitutional amendment to protect abortion access on Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
Beyond Earle-Sears’ bid for governor and the lieutenant governor and attorney general races, all 100 House of Delegates seats are up for election this year.
Looming over those contests is an ongoing effort to enshrine reproductive rights — including abortion — into the state’s constitution. The measure must pass the legislature again next year before appearing on a statewide ballot for voter approval or rejection.
While every Republican in the General Assembly voted against the proposal this year, they first attempted to add language reflecting existing state law on minors’ access to abortion. Democrats rejected that effort, pointing out that a U.S. Supreme Court case also affirms parental consent under the 14th Amendment.
Even so, the possibility that someone may have broken the law in Fairfax is “alarming,” said Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, who is carrying the Senate version of the reproductive rights amendment.
“We should all be deeply concerned anytime anyone says they have been forced, misled or coerced into life-changing decisions about their reproductive health,” she said.
While Boysko did not specifically address the amendment in her comments, she added that she is confident the investigation will “shed light on the facts of the case.”
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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Center-Right
The content presents a detailed account of a politically charged issue involving abortion rights and parental consent in Virginia, highlighting perspectives primarily from Republican figures and conservative sources while also including responses from Democrats. The focus on Republican strategies, conservative media, and parental rights themes, alongside balanced reporting on Democratic reactions and legal context, suggests a center-right leaning. The article does not overtly endorse one side but emphasizes Republican political messaging and concerns, reflecting a moderate conservative viewpoint.
