News

“The complaint says Virginia’s law amounts to what plaintiffs describe as a ‘flat prohibition’ on firearms and magazines commonly owned by law-abiding Americans for lawful purposes including self-defense,” The Center Square reported. “While the General Assembly chose not to adopt my amendment that specifically carves out certain firearms frequently used for hunting, I will work with the patrons to clarify this language,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement released by the governor’s office.

The National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition and Second Amendment Foundation filed a federal lawsuit in the Eastern District of Virginia seeking to block Senate Bill 749 before its July 1 effective date. The measure bans import, manufacture, sale, purchase or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms and magazines holding more than 15 rounds, with limited exceptions. Additional state court challenges have also been filed.


News

“The Supreme Court of the United States has now joined the Supreme Court of Virginia in choosing to nullify an election and the votes of more than 3 million Virginians. These Virginians made their voices heard – casting their ballots in good faith to push back against a president who said he’s ‘entitled’ to more seats in Congress before voters go to the polls.” The Center Square reported.

“As governor, I will make sure voters know when and how to cast their votes this year. Because our votes are how we choose the representation we deserve.”


Breaking News

Delegate Michelle Lopes Maldonado (D-Manassas) announced her resignation from the Virginia House of Delegates effective May 31, 2026, after more than four years representing House District 20.

In a formal letter dated May 4, 2026, and shared publicly on May 5, Maldonado tendered her resignation to the Speaker of the House. She described her service as “a profound honor” and expressed gratitude to constituents, fellow delegates, leadership, and community partners.


Politics

Early voting commences tomorrow, Friday, March 6, across Virginia for the April 21 special election on a proposed constitutional amendment concerning congressional redistricting. The statewide referendum arises amid partisan tensions and legal battles, with Democrats framing it as a necessary, temporary response to redistricting actions in other states that could disadvantage them nationally. Republicans view it as an unconstitutional power grab aimed at partisan advantage.

If approved by voters, the amendment would permit the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts for upcoming elections to “restore fairness,” with Virginia’s standard bipartisan redistricting process—established by a 2020 voter-approved amendment—resuming after the 2030 census.


Weather

“Today, I am declaring a State of Emergency ahead of the winter weather event to ensure Virginia is fully prepared to respond and recover,” the Office of the Governor of Virginia announced. “Our top priority is the safety of every Virginian. State agencies are mobilized, and we are working closely with local governments and utility partners.”

The slow-moving winter storm is expected to arrive in western Virginia late Saturday morning, reach the I-95 corridor by Saturday evening, and continue affecting much of the Commonwealth through Sunday and into Monday morning, particularly east of I-95. State agencies, including VDOT and Virginia State Police, are preparing for hazardous travel conditions and potential delays in snow removal and emergency response.


Politics

“I recognize the complexity of our current challenges and threats posed by the future demands, but the answer is not to sit so our problems only get worse,” Virginia Mercury reported, quoting Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger during remarks at the state Capitol on Thursday morning. “The answer is to work together, be smart, and make targeted investments that lower costs for Virginians.”

Spanberger said she plans to work with lawmakers to make utility bills more affordable as electricity costs continue to rise across Virginia. Her proposals include expanding battery storage capacity, improving energy efficiency, and reducing overall power use to limit the need for costly new transmission infrastructure.


Schools

“Congratulations to Germanna’s Chief of Police, Craig Branch, on his appointment to Governor Spanberger’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Policy Committee,” Germanna Community College announced. “Your leadership, integrity, and dedication to keeping our community safe make this honor well deserved.”

“Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and heart,” the college added in its congratulatory message.


Politics

“I won the First District and the Second District in November without any sort of redistricting,” Virginia Scope reported. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger said in response to questions about redrawing Virginia’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Nothing happens unless the people actually vote for it,” she added, underscoring that any change would require voter approval.

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