News

With three performances already completed, the Blue Ridge Singers will present the final concert of their Spring 2026 series this Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville.

The program, titled The French-American Connection, explores the musical relationship between the United States and France, highlighting composers influenced by French Impressionism—an approach that emphasizes color, texture, and light through harmony and melody. 

Under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey M. Alban, the chamber choir has been performing works by composers including David Conte, Alfred Desenclos, Edgar Cosma, and Joseph Jongen. A centerpiece of the program is Jongen’s Mass, Op. 130, performed with organ and brass ensemble, which has been featured at each stop in the series. 

The concert series began April 17 in Front Royal, followed by performances in Winchester and Manassas. The Upperville performance marks the final opportunity for audiences to hear the full program live.

Blue Ridge Singers, founded in 2009, is known for its focus on musical excellence, community engagement, and educational outreach, including support for student scholarships and performances in senior living communities. 

The concert is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $15.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

by Kevin S. Engle

No doubt you’ve heard of that famous tower in Italy?  The one that leans?

It’s kind of like that at my house.  Stuff leans around here.

Our mailbox post is the worst.

It leans backwards as though it’s getting ready to do the limbo.  If it keeps going, our mailman is going to need longer arms to reach inside.  My wife is embarrassed by it.  She says it reminds her of the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son.  Sanford was a junk dealer.  I don’t think it’s that bad although a neighbor has offered to help me fix it.  Several times.  I think he’s trying to tell me something.

Along one side of our driveway, a lot of the smaller trees and blackberry bushes and other growing stuff lean toward it to get more sun.  Every summer I have to trim things back so nothing will brush up against our cars.

Our driveway is fairly long and has a few bends and turns.  In late fall, before we get any of that white stuff that covers the ground, I pound about a dozen posts into the yard to mark the driveway edges.  When it’s time to gas up the snowblower and put it to use, I have a better idea of where the driveway actually is.  Most of those posts lean.

On one side of the house, we have a small weather station outside.  The display unit inside tells us the current temperature and humidity as well as wind speed.  The outside unit rests on top of a six foot pole which leans slightly because of the rocky ground underneath.  Friends gave us one of those yard art “spinners” years ago.  It’s next to the weather station and leans even more.

Inside our house, we don’t have leaners.  We have tilters.  Pictures and posters hung on the walls often tilt a little to the left or right.  It drives me crazy.  I’m always adjusting them so they’re level.

Come to think of it, I’m even somewhat of a tilter.  I often tilt my head to one side when getting a picture taken and don’t even realize it.  My mother did the same thing.  I can’t seem to put a hat on straight either but that’s another issue.  And when I was just a little tyke, I stood soldier-straight in photos.  Chest puffed out and arms down by my side.  I have to laugh whenever I see little me standing at attention as if my commanding officer was inspecting my uniform.

I saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa once.  I’d like to go back and see it again.  You can even climb the stairs to the top.  I want to do that as well.  Then maybe I’ll know how my mailbox feels.

####################################

The author always wanted to be a professional limbo dancer.

[email protected]

The Best of Engle’s Angle is available online or pick up a signed copy at a local bookstore.

Beginning with bills issued on or after May 1, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) members will see an increase in the power cost adjustment (PCA), which reflects the cost of electricity REC purchases on its members’ behalf. 

This change will increase costs by approximately $9.81 for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) used, meaning higher use results in a greater impact to the overall bill.

The PCA reflects the cost of wholesale power purchased by the Cooperative from Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC). As a distribution cooperative, REC delivers electricity to homes and businesses but does not generate it.

What’s Driving the Increase

The increase is primarily driven by:

• Higher energy demand during the winter, including prolonged periods of extreme cold, which increased electricity use
• Rising wholesale energy costs, driven by fuel markets and regional demand
• Projected compliance costs tied to state energy policies, that require power generators to purchase carbon allowances. 

REC worked to reduce the impact on members by passing through $4.5 million in margin stabilization funds received from ODEC in January 2026. This lowered the overall increase by approximately 4%, reflecting our continued commitment to affordability.

“We know that any increase in costs can place added strain on our members, and we take that seriously,” said Casey Hollins, managing director – communications and public relations. “Many families are already facing difficult decisions when it comes to managing monthly expenses. At REC, we’re here to help, whether that’s through programs, tools or one-on-one support, while continuing to provide safe, reliable service our members can count on.”

REC Programs to Help Members Manage Their Bill

Higher electric bills can be difficult, especially as many households are already managing rising costs, so REC offers tools and support to help members stay in control of your energy use and manage costs.

REC encourages members to explore the options below or connect with the Cooperative’s member services team at myrec.coop or by calling the Cooperative directly. The Cooperative will also help connect members with resources available in their community and across the state.

Members can earn bill credits with the Summer Savings Plan.
Enrolled members can reduce energy use during peak times from June to September and earn $1.75 in bill credits for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved. Small changes can add up quickly. Learn more at myrec.coop/summersavings.

REC offers flexible billing options.
Prepay and Budget Billing can help reduce surprises and give members more control over when and how they pay. Explore options at myrec.coop/payment-choices.

Members can monitor their energy use.
Tools in MyREC SmartHub make it easy to track energy use, identify trends and understand what’s driving bills and help members make informed decisions. Visit myrec.coop/myrecsmarthub.

Access additional financial assistance resources.
REC connects members with local organizations and statewide programs that may be able to help with energy costs. Visit myrec.coop/heretohelp to explore available resources or contact the Cooperative for guidance.

About Rappahannock Electric Cooperative 

Serving nearly 185,000 connections across portions of 22 Virginia counties, REC is a pillar in its communities, with over 18,000 miles of power lines extending from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Information from a release.

FRONT ROYAL–A Wednesday April 22, 2026 morning fire in a two-story apartment building on Blue Ridge Avenue displaced two families and sent one firefighter to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Warren County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the 300 block of Blue Ridge Avenue at 11:39 a.m. after reports of an exterior electrical panel on fire. Front Royal Police Department, which arrived first, reported the fire had spread beyond the panel. All occupants had evacuated before fire crews arrived.

The first engine on scene found smoke and flames on the Charlie — or rear — side of the building. Firefighters began suppression efforts, but the older construction of the building complicated access to the fire, which had spread into a second-floor apartment and extended into the attic. Additional units were called in, temporarily stretching system-wide resources.

Crews extinguished the bulk of the fire in just over an hour and remained on scene for approximately two hours conducting overhaul operations. The two displaced families received assistance from the American Red Cross.

The Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause. Anyone with information is asked to call (540) 636-3830.

Ten units responded, including engines from Front Royal, Linden, Shenandoah Farms, Rivermont and South Warren, along with Tanker 5 from Shenandoah Shores, Truck 10 from North Warren, Medic 9B from Chester Gap and Battalion Chief 1 and Chief 100.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University is prepared to launch a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) program within the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing thanks to a generous gift from longtime supporters Kathleen and William “Billy” Quarles.

The Kathleen Quarles Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program, which will launch in 2028, will train highly skilled advanced practice nurses to fill a critical need in health care. 

Shenandoah celebrated the gift announcement on April 22, in the Pruitt Health & Life Sciences Building. The university’s Board of Trustees presented a resolution of appreciation to Billy and Kathleen Quarles ’82, ’13 during its meeting on April 23.

“This visionary gift marks a transformative milestone for our School of Nursing and the future of health care in our region,” said Lisa Levinson, Ph.D., RN, dean of the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing. “We are profoundly grateful to Kathleen and Billy Quarles for providing the essential foundation to launch our certified registered nurse anesthetist program. They’re doing more than funding a curriculum – they are directly addressing a critical shortage in specialized anesthesia care.”

Dr. Levinson added that the country is experiencing a shortage of qualified anesthesia providers. 

“We have an opportunity now to contribute to that workforce, and we couldn’t be more excited to do that, to take on this challenge,” Levinson said. “We are so well situated right now to do so, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect for us.”

Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., speaking to a celebratory April 22 crowd that included nursing faculty and students, called the Quarles’ contribution to the new CRNA program the “perfect gift.”

The Quarles family has supported Shenandoah University for over 30 years. Kathleen Quarles’ connection to Shenandoah began in the 1980s, when she pursued her nursing degree and later advanced her education through the university’s family nurse practitioner graduate program. She later served with distinction as a respected and beloved assistant professor of nursing at Shenandoah for over 20 years, and is a former member of both the alumni board and nursing advisory board at SU. Kathleen Quarles joined Shenandoah University’s Board of Trustees on April 23.

Kathleen and Billy Quarles have generously contributed to the growth and vitality of Shenandoah University’s campus, including their support of “The Q,” one of the five residential buildings in The Village, and the establishment of the Gladys T. Quarles Nursing Scholarship Fund for Advanced Practice to provide financial assistance to Shenandoah nursing students. The family has also supported numerous university initiatives, including athletic programs, the annual fund, library fund, campus landscaping, and the construction of the Pruitt Health & Life Sciences Building, the primary home of the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing.

“Nursing is not just a profession. It is really a calling of compassion, of service and the care of others,” Kathleen Quarles said. “I believe this nurse anesthetist program will make a huge, meaningful difference to the university, to the community, and to the growing needs of the profession. I’m glad to contribute  – and Billy is with me on this – because it’s a huge vision, and it really touches my heart to be able to educate, to inspire and to empower nurses. I will always be a nursing advocate, no matter what. I used to say it’s the most important career there is because you touch so many people in so many different ways. It’s an exciting time.”

Shenandoah University’s Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing includes a Bachelor of Science in nursing program, as well as Transfer BSN and Accelerated Second-Degree BSN tracks; Master of Science in nursing degrees in family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and nurse-midwifery; a Doctor of Nursing Practice; and graduate certificates in nurse-midwifery, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery initiative, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner initiative.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

BENTONVILLE, Va. – Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park is excited to announce the launch of the South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament, a new annual event to be held on the scenic South Fork of the Shenandoah River.  

The tournament will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., welcoming fly anglers of all experience levels for a day of friendly competition and outdoor adventure. 

Tournament guidelines: 

• Fly fishing only (other anglers may use the river but cannot participate in the tournament) 
• Open to anglers ages 10 and up 
• Catch-and-release using artificial lures only 
• Competitors must use park-designated access points 
• Competitors will be allowed to wade, float or fish from the banks.
• Downriver Canoe Company will provide discount rates on rentals, or participants may use their own equipment 
• All catches must be photographed using the ruler provided, with geo-stamps and timestamps enabled  
• Standard Virginia fishing and license regulations apply 
• Six award categories: grand champion, longest fish, longest fish caught by a female angler, longest fish caught by an angler ages 10 to 15, smallest fish of the day and weirdest fish 

Advance registration is required and costs $50 for adults and $25 for anglers ages 10 to 15, which includes tournament entry and parking, discounted boat or bike rentals for river access and a tournament t-shirt and sticker. The tournament will be capped at 100 participants total.  

A food truck, refreshment station, raffle prizes and casting lessons will also be on-site for participants. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends of Shenandoah River State Park and the Shenandoah Riverkeepers.  

The South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament is presented by Shenandoah River State Park, Downriver Canoe Company, Shenandoah River Keepers, the Friends of Shenandoah River State Park and DWR. 

For event details and registration information, go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/shenandoahriver-events.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

Front Royal — Visitors to Warren Memorial Hospital this week were greeted by an unusual sight in the lobby: a walk-through, oversized inflatable colon designed to show the difference between a healthy colon and one affected by disease.

The display was part of an outreach effort by Valley Health tied to National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. The inflatable exhibit travels to different locations to help educate the public about colon cancer screening and prevention.

“It’s obviously a visual reminder,” said Susan Lessar, Valley Health’s Vice President, Operations and Oncology Service Line. “The new recommendation for colon cancer screening is 45. So 45 is the new 50.”

Health officials say the change reflects a rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger adults. Screening, they emphasize, is key to catching problems early.

Dr. Trey Mathews, a general surgeon, said most colonoscopies show normal tissue, but the procedure allows doctors to identify and remove polyps before they become dangerous.

“Prevention is the mainstay of colonoscopies,” Mathews said. “If we can find them early and remove these potentially precancerous polyps, we can prevent them from turning into colon cancer.”

Inside the inflatable exhibit, visitors can see examples of conditions doctors look for during a colonoscopy, including inflammation, diverticulosis, benign polyps and malignant growths.

Mathews said colorectal cancer risk is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, diet, exercise and overall health.

“There’s not one cause,” he said. “Knowing the symptoms and recognizing if you’re at risk is definitely important.”

The exhibit was displayed at Warren Memorial Hospital for about a week and is also used at community events, including Valley Health’s wellness festivals, to encourage more people to get screened.

Health officials recommend that adults begin regular colon cancer screening at age 45, or earlier for those with certain risk factors.

Edited by Dan McDermott.

Warren Coalition is inviting adults to a cheese-themed dinner fundraiser next month that will benefit two of the organization’s programs serving local children and families.

“Let’s Get Cheesy!” is set for Friday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Warren Celebration Hall at the North Warren Fire Station. Tickets are $75 each or two for $140 and are available at warrencoalition.org/cheesy.

Proceeds will support Project COURAGE and DEALS Hope. Project COURAGE provides one-on-one support to students who have experienced trauma, helping them develop skills to manage stress, anger and anxiety while keeping families informed and connected to resources. DEALS Hope encompasses drug education programs delivered through local schools, including Too Good for Drugs, Life Skills and You and Me Vape Free.

The five-course menu includes a charcuterie board featuring cheeses from Happy Creek Cheeses, a baked apple brie appetizer, meatball sliders and lasagna soup from On Cue, Caesar salad, cheddar bay biscuits, seafood au gratin, chicken Florentine and parmesan crusted baked potato. Desserts include Oreo cheesecake truffles and mini lemon cannoli from Garcia & Gavino. Wine, soda, iced tea and water will be provided.

The evening will also include games with prizes, a 50/50 drawing and themed basket auctions.

Event sponsors include Jen Avery of Crum Realty, Warren County Veterinary Clinic, Kiwanis Club of Front Royal and Holly Goode of Keller-Williams Realty. Additional sponsorships and auction donations are still being accepted. Contact Celeste Brooks at [email protected] or 540-660-3367 for information.

Warren Coalition is a Front Royal-based nonprofit founded in 1994. Its mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy and drug-free community through programming and collaboration with more than 15 member agencies.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

Shenandoah National Park will celebrate spring wildflowers during its 40th annual Wildflower Weekend on May 2-3, 2026. Guided hikes and programs will highlight the diversity and significance of hundreds of flowering plant species protected in the park, as well as other seasonal changes.

This year’s program features a botanical art and journaling workshop, spring-themed trivia sessions and chances to explore trails throughout the park. Guided hikes include Brown Mountain Trail, Lewis Mountain Trail, Snead Farm Loop, Fox Hollow Trail, Millers Head Trail as well as sections of the Appalachian Trail. Additional walks highlight spring birds and amphibians.

All programs are free. No reservations are needed. However, there is an entrance fee to the park (good for seven days). Adults and children are welcome on all Wildflower Weekend programs. The complete program schedule is posted on the park’s website: Wildflower Weekend – Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

Virginia State Police will blanket all 325 miles of Interstate 81 with increased traffic enforcement Monday and Tuesday as part of Operation DISS-rupt, a two-day initiative targeting distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and seat belt violations.

The operation, set for April 28-29, involves troopers from the Wytheville, Appomattox, Salem and Culpeper divisions. The stretch of I-81 running through the Shenandoah Valley falls within the Culpeper Division’s area.

State police cited the initiative’s four focus areas by acronym: ditching distractions, never driving impaired, complying with speed limits and seat belt safety.

Virginia’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding a phone or other personal communications device while driving. GPS and phone calls remain legal if the device is mounted. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, and speed-related crashes claimed 410 lives statewide in 2024, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Preliminary data shows 167 people have died in Virginia traffic crashes between Jan. 1 and April 15 of this year, compared to 200 deaths over the same period in 2025.

“Initiatives like ‘DISS-rupt’ are aimed at getting Virginians back to the basics about traffic safety,” said Capt. Patrick L. Kirtner, commander of the VSP Wytheville Division, “making sure they are driving sober, driving safely, buckling up, and focusing on the task ahead.”

State police ran a similar operation on I-81 over the July 4th holiday weekend last year. Troopers issued 205 speeding citations and 76 reckless driving citations and made one DWI arrest during that period. There were no fatalities on the interstate during that enforcement window.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

Shenandoah River State Park will host a shoreline and trail cleanup along the Bluebell Trail on Friday, May 2, from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s annual Clean the Bay Day program.

Volunteers will meet at the Bluebell Trailhead near the canoe launch at the park, located at 350 Daughter of Stars Dr. in Bentonville. The cleanup will cover approximately 2.5 miles of natural-surface trail and shoreline along the picnic area. Trash pickers, bags and gloves will be provided, and participants are not required to complete the full route.

The Bluebell Trail is relatively flat with exposed rocks and roots. The picnic area shoreline includes some steep sections.

No parking or admission fee is required for the event, but registration is requested. To sign up, email [email protected] or call (540) 622-2262. Children are welcome.

Clean the Bay Day is an annual Virginia State Parks initiative in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation aimed at removing litter and debris from rivers, streams and shorelines throughout the Bay’s watershed.

For more information, contact the park at (540) 622-6840 or [email protected].

Image from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday that could reshape the state’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and majority control coming out of the 2026 midterms.

The Associated Press called the race at 8:49 p.m., with unofficial results showing 50.3% voting in favor and 49.7% opposed. With 89% of votes tallied at time of publication, yes votes led 51.3%-48.7% from more than 2.8 million cast.

The outcome – if able to survive the Virginia Supreme Court or higher – flipped the projected net gains and losses of the two major parties in the nationwide map redrawing tussle, Democrats going from down three to up one. Briefs in litigation are due to the Virginia Supreme Court on Thursday.

Control of the U.S. House remains closely divided. With three new resignations and two oaths of offices taken since Tuesday of last week, there are four vacancies, 217 Republicans, 213 Democrats and one independent caucusing with his former colleagues in the Republican Party.

On Election Day 2024, Republicans won a 220-215 majority.

The state has six Democrats and five Republicans in the House, and the proposed map would shift that to as many as a 10-1 Democratic-leaning advantage.

Voters were asked to decide yes or no on a measure allowing the General Assembly to temporarily redraw congressional districts before the next census.

According to the Department of Elections, state law is, “Virginia’s 11 congressional districts are drawn once every 10 years by the Virginia Redistricting Commission, a legislative body made up of eight legislators and eight citizens, with an equal number of Republicans and Democrats. Virginia’s congressional districts were last redrawn in 2021 and will next be redrawn in 2031.”

The ballot question asked voters: “Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia’s standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?”

With the amendment approved, the General Assembly – where Democrats hold majorities in both chambers and the governor’s office – can move forward with a congressional map already passed and currently facing legal challenges. The redistricting commission would resume responsibility for drawing maps in 2031.

If the amendment had failed, Virginia would have continued using its current congressional districts drawn after the 2020 census under the state’s redistricting commission process.

According to campaign finance records, a combined $111 million was spent on the amendment, including more than $22 million in opposition. That total far exceeds the $2.7 million spent during Virginia’s last redistricting amendment, which voters approved 65.7%-34.3%.

The results again showed Virginia’s regional divide, with Democratic strength concentrated in Northern Virginia and urban centers, while Republican support remained dominant in rural and western parts of the state. Competitive jurisdictions such as Virginia Beach and Chesterfield County again emerged as key battlegrounds.

Virginia’s results may not be finalized Tuesday night. All mailed ballots must be received by Friday at noon in the general registrar’s office.

New maps are in play for the 2026 elections in California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Litigation has also led to changes in Utah and remains ongoing in Georgia, Louisiana and New York.

In addition to Virginia, Florida next week begins a special session on the matter. Neighboring Maryland’s bid died last week.

California has the potential to flip five seats to Democrats for a 48-4 representation for the party and Utah one to Democrats cutting into Republicans’ 4-0 representation. For Republicans, Missouri (to 7-1) and North Carolina (to 11-3) could gain one seat each; Ohio two (to 12-3); and Texas five (to 30-7).

Original post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

Virginia’s long-delayed marijuana retail market is facing another reset, as Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s proposed changes delay sales, reduce licenses and raise new questions about how much revenue the commonwealth can expect.

Lawmakers are set to take up those changes April 22.

The legislation, House Bill 642 and Senate Bill 542, would establish a regulated market for adult-use cannabis. Under the governor’s substitute, retail sales would not begin until July 1, 2027.

The proposal reduces the number of retail licenses from 350 to 200 before 2029 and keeps a 6% cannabis tax before increasing it to 8% beginning in 2029, while allowing local taxes to continue.

It also removes some dedicated funding streams tied to cannabis tax revenue, including allocations previously directed to early childhood programs and a cannabis equity reinvestment fund.

That means the state could collect marijuana tax revenue differently than originally planned, with fewer guarantees on where that money would go.

Spanberger said in a statement the changes are meant to create a “controlled, regulated, and responsible” market with stronger enforcement and consumer protections.

The substitute also expands enforcement and increases penalties tied to illegal sales, cultivation and underage access.

A fiscal impact summary from the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission found the changes could increase incarceration or supervision costs, assigning a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000 to the state’s correctional system.

That signals potential new costs for taxpayers tied to enforcement under the revised structure.

At the same time, lawmakers said the changes could reduce expected revenue.

During a Senate Finance and Appropriations meeting, Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said the state had been planning for cannabis-related revenue, including proceeds tied to retail licenses.

He said delaying sales and reducing licenses removes a revenue source lawmakers had already factored into the budget.

Administration officials said there has been no formal consideration of replacement revenue sources.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about timing.

They said many of the governor’s amendments were introduced after legislation had already passed, making it harder to plan the state budget and evaluate long-term impacts.

The changes drew pushback from the bill’s sponsors.

Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Lashrecse Aird, D-Henrico, said the governor’s substitute “substantially rewrites” the legislation and could make it harder for legal businesses to enter the market.

“The governor’s substitute represents a significant departure from the framework passed by the General Assembly, raising serious concerns about fairness, access and public safety,” Aird said.

They said reducing licenses and shifting decisions out of statute could limit access and create uncertainty for small businesses.

They also raised concerns about increased penalties, saying the proposal could move away from the original goals of legalization.

Krizek pointed to concerns that the changes would redirect demand to the illicit market.

Advocacy group NORML echoed those concerns, saying it could continue to drive consumers to the illicit market and delay the development of a regulated system.

Lawmakers will take up the governor’s amendments when they return to Richmond.

They can accept, reject or modify the changes before deciding the final structure of Virginia’s marijuana retail market.

The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from Spanberger.

Original post.

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement on the deaths of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax and former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred last night. I am praying for the Fairfax children, and I ask my fellow Virginians to hold them in their hearts and prayers. 

“The murder of Dr. Cerina Fairfax in an apparent murder-suicide is a horrific tragedy. Dr. Fairfax was a devoted mother, beloved dentist in the Fairfax County community, and engaged supporter of her alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University. My prayers are with the Wanzer and Fairfax families as they mourn their own loss, endeavor to make sense of this tragedy, and comfort the Fairfax children. 

“This tragedy reminds us that domestic violence can occur in any family and in any place. Resources are available to support our neighbors experiencing domestic violence and facing mental health crises.”

RESOURCES

The Virginia Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline is a free, confidential resource that is available 24/7. Virginians can chat online with a trained advocate, text an advocate at 804-793-9999, or speak on the phone with an advocate at 1-800-838-8238.

For information about domestic violence shelters, sexual assault crisis centers, and advocacy programs across the Commonwealth of Virginia, click here. To find a local Virginia Department of Social Services agency, click here. 

The Virginia Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 9-8-8. 

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. — Two Virginia State Police troopers were injured Monday afternoon when a vehicle lost control on Interstate 81 and struck both of their cruisers as they sat along the shoulder observing traffic.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:29 p.m. near the 262-mile marker. A state police sergeant and a K-9 trooper were parked in a crossover when the passing vehicle struck both police vehicles.

Both troopers were transported to Sentara RMH Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been treated and released. The K-9 was taken to a local veterinarian for evaluation and also released. Officials said both troopers are in good spirits.

Three witnesses who stopped at the scene provided critical assistance, helping remove the K-9 from one of the vehicles and preventing a potential fire involving the other vehicle.

The driver of the striking vehicle faces a reckless driving charge, according to preliminary findings. The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

Edited by Dan McDermott

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis on Wednesday confirmed that former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Serena Fairfax, inside their Annandale home shortly after midnight, then killed himself with the same firearm.

According to Davis, the couple’s two teenage children were inside the home at the time. One of the children called 911. Both Justin and Serena Fairfax were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the incident appears to have stemmed from an ongoing domestic dispute tied to divorce proceedings. Davis said Fairfax had recently been served paperwork related to an upcoming court appearance, which investigators believe may have been a contributing factor, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities said the shooting occurred in the basement of the home, after which Fairfax went upstairs to a bedroom and took his own life.

Police also confirmed a prior incident in January in which Fairfax reported that his wife had assaulted him. Investigators reviewed video from cameras inside the home and determined that allegation was untrue. No charges were filed at that time.

Davis said there had been no other prior calls for service to the residence.

The firearm used in the incident has been recovered, but police have not yet said whether it was legally owned. Investigators are continuing to process the scene and execute a search warrant for additional evidence.

Serena Fairfax was identified as a dentist. Justin Fairfax, a former lieutenant governor of Virginia, had returned to practicing law.

Police said victim services personnel are assisting the family, and relatives are with the children.

The full press conference and a complete transcript are included below.

Hey guys. Yeah, Chief Kevin Davis has just walked up to the microphone. He’s ready to give us an update. So let’s go.

All right, folks. Good morning. I’m here to confirm the identity of our shooter in this murder-suicide that happened several hours ago as former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax. Former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife inside of their home and then shot and killed himself.

I think you have the rest of the details that Captain Kosk gave earlier this morning, so I’m just going to pause right here and answer any of your questions to the best of my ability.

Right now, I can just tell you this has been an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what seems to be a complicated or messy divorce.

Reporter: Chief, can you elaborate on what the investigation has revealed about the status of their marriage? Of course, the kids are what everybody’s thinking about as well.

So far, what we know is probably what you all know. I don’t think it’s a secret that there have been divorce proceedings ongoing. From what I understand at this early stage, former Lieutenant Governor Fairfax was recently served some paperwork associated with an upcoming court proceeding that apparently led to this incident last night.

Both of their children—teenagers, the boy older than the girl—were in the house when it happened. That’s horrible news for the family. Certainly a traumatic event for those children to live through.

It all culminated last night when Justin Fairfax shot several times and killed his wife, ran to a different part of the home, and then killed himself with the same firearm.

Reporter: What do you know about the scene inside?

It seems like the murder took place in the basement. It’s described as a finished/unfinished basement. At some point after Justin shot and killed his wife, he ran upstairs into the primary bedroom and shot and killed himself.

Reporter: Have there been previous domestic calls to this location?

We checked on that. In January of this year, Mr. Fairfax called police and alleged that his wife assaulted him. We responded. There were several cameras set up inside the house. Apparently Mrs. Fairfax had set up a lot of cameras during the divorce proceedings.

We reviewed those cameras and corroborated that the alleged assault never occurred. So there was no arrest. A report was written, but the allegation was proven to be untrue.

Reporter: Does the high-profile nature of the family play into this?

This is a high-profile family. Justin Fairfax, before, during, and after serving as lieutenant governor, was a rising political figure. So it’s high-profile and tragic—a fall from grace for a family that seemingly had a lot going in their favor.

It’s tragic for the children to lose both parents, and even more tragic that they were in the home when it occurred. Our victim services division is assisting the family.

Reporter: Did cameras capture the incident?

Detectives have gathered information from cameras, and one of the children was the 911 caller just after midnight. He described some things that we’ve since corroborated.

Reporter: What do you know about the gun?

I don’t know anything about the gun yet. It appears the same firearm was used in both deaths.

We will be here for a while executing a search warrant and collecting evidence, including the firearm.

Reporter: Were the cameras still operational?

I believe they were.

We don’t know who set them up, but we know Mrs. Fairfax installed several cameras. When Mr. Fairfax alleged assault in January, those cameras showed it did not occur.

That’s the only time Fairfax County Police had previously been at the home.

Reporter: Are family members with the children?

Yes. Grandparents and other family members are involved. Their well-being is a primary concern.

Reporter: What about the living situation during the divorce?

They were separated but living together in separate areas of the home. There were ongoing divorce proceedings and upcoming court appearances. He had recently been served paperwork indicating his next court date. That may have been a factor—detectives will determine that.

A mother was shot and killed, then he took his own life. There were no other obvious red flags.

In hindsight, people may identify warning signs, but many go through divorce without it ending like this. It’s very tragic for the community.

Reporter: Was the firearm legally owned?

I don’t know. We’ll determine that.

Reporter: Timeline?

Just after midnight. It all happened very quickly. There was no standoff or prolonged event.

Reporter: What about the previous false report?

He was not charged. It’s a high bar to charge for false reporting. Officers determined it did not occur, and a report was written.

Reporter: Any mental health concerns?

I don’t know. I do know the family was going through a very difficult time with the separation and divorce.

Reporter: Identify the victim?

Serena Fairfax is the victim. She was a dentist. Mr. Fairfax was an attorney and former lieutenant governor. Two teenage children are in high school.

Reporter: Were both deceased when police arrived?

Yes. Both were pronounced at the scene.

Reporter: Any other prior police involvement?

To the best of my knowledge, only the January 2026 call.

Reporter: Were both children home?

Yes. The son called 911. One boy and one girl.

And folks, that’s all I have right now. When we get more information, we’ll share it. The focus right now is the crime scene investigation and the children.

Thank you.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life early Thursday at the family’s home in Annandale, Fairfax County police said, in what authorities described as a sudden and tragic act of domestic violence amid a pending divorce.

Officers responded to the home just after midnight after one of the couple’s teenage children called 911, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said during a morning news briefing. Both of the couple’s children, who are in high school, were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

“One of the children was the 911 caller,” Davis said, adding that the son described events that investigators have since corroborated through interior home surveillance cameras.

Police said Cerina Fairfax was shot and killed before Justin Fairfax took his own life. Davis said the violence unfolded quickly, with little or no gap between the shooting and the 911 call.

“If there was a window, it was a very short window,” Davis said. “I think it all kind of happened at once. It all happened pretty spontaneously.”

Authorities are executing a search warrant at the home to recover evidence, including the firearm used in the shooting and any additional weapons.

Davis described the case as both “high profile” and deeply tragic, noting Fairfax’s once-prominent political standing.

“At one point in time, I think it’s fair to say that Justin Fairfax was a rising star politically, not just in Northern Virginia, but in Virginia,” Davis said. “So it’s high profile in nature. It’s tragic in nature, certainly a fall from grace for a relatively high-profile family that seemingly had a lot of things going in their favor.”

The couple had been separated but continued living in the same home in separate bedrooms, Davis said. 

Divorce proceedings were underway, with court appearances scheduled in the near future. Fairfax had recently been served legal paperwork related to the case, which investigators are examining as a possible factor.

“That may have been a spark … that led to this tragedy,” Davis said, while cautioning that detectives are still working to determine a definitive motive.

Police said the department had previously been called to the home once, in January, after Fairfax alleged that his wife assaulted him. Investigators reviewed footage from cameras installed inside the residence and determined that no assault had occurred, Davis said. 

The cameras later helped corroborate the sequence of events described by the 911 caller, he added.

Davis emphasized that authorities are prioritizing support for the couple’s children, who lost both parents in the incident.

“Our victim services division is leaning into the family, the surviving relatives, the children in particular,” he said. “We’ll do everything we can for them.”

He also noted the broader emotional toll of domestic conflict, particularly during separations.

“Half of America probably goes through divorce proceedings at some point in time, and very, very rarely, thankfully, does it ever end up like this,” Davis said. “It is very sad for this community.”

Fairfax, 45, served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022. A Democrat, he was elected alongside former Gov. Ralph Northam and was once viewed as a potential future statewide candidate.

Fairfax’s political career was derailed in 2019 when two women publicly accused him of sexual assault. Fairfax denied the allegations, and no criminal charges were filed. 

The accusations sparked national attention and calls from some Democratic leaders for his resignation, which he resisted.

Before entering politics, Fairfax worked as a federal prosecutor and later in private legal practice. After leaving office, he returned to practicing law, Davis said, though details about his recent employment were not immediately available.

The investigation into Thursday’s fatal shooting remains ongoing. Authorities said they are continuing to collect evidence and interview witnesses as they work to piece together the final hours leading up to the killings.

Original post.

By Charlotte Rene Woods | Virginia Mercury

Accessory dwelling units — which could be a tiny house on another home’s lot, a garage-turned-apartment, a carriage house, or an ‘in-law suite’ — will be easier to build beginning next year, following Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signature of a new law this week. 

Amid a shortage of housing supply and noted affordability issues, ADUs have emerged as a way to boost affordable housing options in some areas or a way to meet the specific needs of some families. But not all Virginia localities allow them.

After several previous bipartisan attempts to pass the bill failed, Senate Bill 531 by Sen. Kannan Srinivasan, D-Loudoun, and Sen. Saddam Salim, D- Fairfax, that made it across the finish line this year. Srinivasan and Salim have carried the bill multiple times. 

“I’m glad we’re finally moving forward with practical housing options,” Salim said after Spanberger signed his measure on Wednesday.

When it takes effect July 1, 2027, ADUs will be able to be built on people’s property by-right if they choose. Localities would then be required to permit ADUs in districts zoned for single-family homes and cap permit fees at $500. 

Previously, Virginians seeking ADUs have been at the mercy of their local government to greenlight projects. Permit denials or high fees for them had also been prohibitive. 

The new law will also block localities from requiring large setbacks that typically apply to bigger homes and eliminates rules that required a family relation between the people living in the ADU and the primary occupants on a housing lot. This change could make it possible for some homeowners to rent an ADU to non-relatives.  

Slow or highly restrictive local zoning or permitting decisions have contributed to a shortage in housing supply and add to tension that often exists between local and state governments when it comes to local land use decisions.

With the new law set to take effect, bringing ADUs into housing supply will be a little easier for those who want to make it happen.

Laura Dobbs, director of policy at Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, said that her organization is grateful to Spanberger for signing a “shovel-ready tool.”

HOME, which assists people with housing affordability issues and takes on housing discrimination cases, also has a policy arm that advocates for housing access and affordability laws. 

National law firm organization Pacific Legal Foundation had been monitoring and supportive of Virginia’s ADU bill, too. The foundation takes cases challenging government overreach.

Policy counsel Jamie Cavanaugh called the new ADU law “the freedom to use your own property” in a press release. 

“Virginia has shown that states can cut through restrictive zoning,” she said. “And we hope other legislatures take note.”

A suite of housing bills this year have explored a range of state-level guidance or mandates to help alleviate supply shortages where possible. The governor had already signed several of them prior to approving the ADU bill on Monday night.

Original post.

By Kacy Lee | VCU Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — A constitutional amendment allowing the General Assembly to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts is on the ballot this month, prompting mixed responses from university students across the state. 

 Both state legislative chambers agreed in January to bring House Joint Resolution 4 to a referendum, and the measure is currently on the ballot in a special election.

The amendment, if passed, would allow the General Assembly to modify Virginia’s congressional districts until Oct. 31, 2030. While the proposed district map has already been approved by lawmakers, it would only go into effect if the amendment is approved by voters, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. 

The redrawn map would give Virginia Democrats a 10-1 lead in the U.S. House, according to the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. This could give Virginia Democrats four more seats in Congress.

This amendment follows similar amendments passed by six states, including Texas, Missouri and California, to redraw their own congressional districts, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Several other states also introduced legislation to authorize new maps. 

Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed support for the redistricting amendment ahead of early voting, saying it “preserves Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting process for the future,” according to a press release. Spanberger also visited the polls and said she voted in favor of the measure.

Student Views Around Virginia

Ryan Jackson, a Virginia Commonwealth University senior and the VCU Votes assistant director for outreach, said many VCU students intend to approve the amendment, but those living in rural areas may feel differently.

“When I’ve traveled to rural areas over the past few months, you definitely see a lot more ‘vote no’ signs coming up,” Jackson said. 

In addition to VCU Votes’ efforts to educate students about the vote and how to find their polling locations, off-campus groups like Virginians for Fair Maps and Virginians for Fair Elections are often spotted on campus asking students about their voting plans in a more partisan manner, according to Jackson. 

The redrawn districts would benefit the Democratic Northern Virginia region, into the Republican-leaning rural areas, according to Jackson.

“A lot of the framing that I’ve seen from ads online, for example, is that if you vote yes, then you’re diluting rural votes and rural voters are losing power,” Jackson said. 

With midterm elections later this year, Jackson said the results of the vote could shape legislative pathways on a national scale. With the influx of advertisements and pamphlets urging people to vote one way, Jackson stressed the importance of people doing their own research. 

James Madison University student Erin Fitzgerald said there is not a lot of on campus information about the vote, but many of her peers intend to approve the amendment.

“We have [newspaper stands] for our student news publication, and there have been ads on those signs that say ‘vote yes’ or ‘vote no,’ but I don’t think those are paid for or sponsored by any JMU organization,” Fitzgerald said.

Many JMU students will likely vote on party lines, with conservatives voting no and liberals voting yes, according to Fitzgerald.

Virginia Tech student Thomas Fiedor said he and his friends plan to vote against the amendment, but he is not sure of the general consensus of the student body.

“It’s pretty much gerrymandering,” Fiedor said. “They’re redistricting the districts in order to put the power into one hand more than the other.”

While many of his peers from Northern Virginia may not be affected by the vote, Fiedor said representation is still important to those living or planning to live in southwestern Virginia, including himself.

Fiedor also noted a lack of on campus awareness surrounding the upcoming vote.

Confusing Messages

In that void, groups are spending tens of millions to persuade voters, and many of the messages can be confusing. 

Voters have been targeted along a stretch of Interstate 64 in Richmond, with ads that flip political figures and voting stances. An image of President Donald Trump in one ad encourages people to stop the power grab and vote “yes”, while another ad shows Spanberger pushing a “no” vote on the measure. Virginians have also received mailers that connect redistricting to reduced Black representation, according to the Virginia Mercury. 

Almost all of the over $79 million spent on both sides of the issue since February is from “dark money” groups that are not required to disclose their donors, according to a recent Cardinal News report.

Early voting for the amendment opened March 6 and ends Saturday, April 18. Voters can cast a ballot at their respective polling locations on Tuesday, April 21.

Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Richard T. Robertson School of Communication. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

With six days until Virginia voters decide a proposed redistricting amendment, more than 1 million ballots have already been cast in early voting for the April 21 special election.

The ballot asks voters whether to amend the Virginia Constitution to allow the General Assembly to temporarily redraw congressional districts before the next census, then return to the every 10 years redistricting process after 2030.

As of Tuesday, 1,043,908 ballots had been submitted, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project, pointing to strong early participation in a vote that could reshape congressional districts.

Virginia’s congressional delegation is split 6-5, with Democrats holding a narrow majority. Proposed maps tied to the amendment could shift that balance to 10-1 Democrats, provided it survives an ongoing litigation.

The vote comes about five months into Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s term following the 2025 election.

A recent State Navigate poll shows voters remain divided on the amendment, with 51% opposed and 45% in favor, and a small share undecided.

Campaign finance reports show a wide gap in spending between groups on both sides. Virginians for Fair Elections, which supports the amendment, reported raising more than $64 million during the filing period. Virginians for Fair Maps, which opposes the proposal, reported raising more than $19.8 million, with additional opposition groups reporting smaller totals.

The issue in Virginia comes as redistricting battles continue in other states.

In Maryland, a proposal backed by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore to redraw congressional districts mid-decade passed the House of Delegates but stalled in the state Senate. Senate President Bill Ferguson opposed moving it forward before the legislative session ended Monday.

States typically redraw congressional maps once every 10 years after the census.

New maps are in play for the 2026 elections in California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Litigation has also led to changes in Utah and remains ongoing in Georgia, Louisiana and New York.

In addition to Virginia next week, Florida on Wednesday begins a special session on the matter.

The debate follows a series of legal and legislative fights over redistricting in Virginia. Lawmakers approved the amendment in two sessions before placing it on the ballot, though court challenges briefly blocked it.

Virginia’s current congressional maps were drawn in 2021 after the bipartisan redistricting commission failed to reach agreement. The Virginia Supreme Court then stepped in and approved new district lines.

The vote will decide whether the state keeps its current system, created by voters in 2020, or gives lawmakers a more direct role before the end of the decade.

Original post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

A proposed mattress fee is off the table after Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a slate of bills in her first year, including measures tied to criminal enforcement, vehicle sales and gaming regulation.

Spanberger has vetoed eight bills so far, fewer than recent governors. Former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued 33 vetoes in his first year, while former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam issued 20.

The vetoes touch on a range of issues, from how criminal cases are handled to whether new costs are passed on to consumers.

One of those vetoes covered House Bill 86, which would have created a mattress recycling program funded through a new fee on purchases. In her veto message, Spanberger said the plan would require retailers to participate in a single system and could increase costs, calling the structure “unworkable for the commonwealth.”

Another veto targets House Bill 1288 and Senate Bill 17, which would have raised the threshold for selling a vehicle without a court order from $12,500 to $17,000. Spanberger said companies often take temporary possession of vehicles in routine situations and warned, “Virginians should not have to worry that the company with temporary possession of their vehicle can sell it.”

Other vetoes focused on criminal law and how cases are prosecuted.

House Bill 637 would have created a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug residue. Spanberger said the change could lead to unintended consequences, including making some offenders ineligible for drug court programs.

Senate Bill 764 would have expanded the use of deferred dispositions in criminal cases, including certain driving offenses. Spanberger said the bill removes key guardrails and raised concerns about accountability, particularly in DUI-related cases.

“Virginia’s criminal justice system must be fair, equitable, and focused on rehabilitation as well as accountability and public safety, and Senate Bill 764 undermines accountability and public safety,” she said.

Lawmakers also passed Senate Bill 23, which would have restricted plea agreements by limiting when defendants can waive certain constitutional rights. Spanberger said those waivers are already commonly used and that limiting them would reduce options for both defendants and prosecutors.

On the business side, Senate Bill 661 would have legalized and taxed electronic skill gaming machines.

“The rapid expansion of gaming in Virginia over the last decade has outpaced the Commonwealth’s ability to provide consistent enforcement, robust public safety oversight, and meaningful assessments of the potential impacts or harms of gaming in all its forms,” Spanberger said in her veto message.

Each of the bills now returns to the General Assembly, which is scheduled to reconvene Wednesday of next week, where lawmakers can attempt to override the vetoes with a two-thirds vote.

Spanberger has also proposed amendments to additional legislation, meaning more bills could still return to her desk for final action.

Original post.

By Christopher Elliott

When Mike Welden returned his Budget rental car after his Palm Springs vacation, he thought he was done with the car. The retired social worker had enjoyed a pleasant two-week trip through California without incident.

But Budget wasn’t done with him. Three weeks later, Welden’s credit card got dinged with a $450 cleaning fee. The company claimed their vehicle reeked of cigarette smoke.

There was just one problem: Neither Welden nor his husband had ever smoked. Not once. Not ever.

This case raises several important questions about rental car cleaning fees:

• How can you prove a car doesn’t smell like smoke?
• What documentation do rental companies need to justify cleaning charges?  
• When should you dispute a cleaning fee with your credit card company?

First, let’s review a few details about this case.

“Nobody smoked in the car while we had possession of it”

Welden’s trouble started with Budget’s “evidence” — photos that supposedly documented the smoking violation. But the images told a different story. In one photo, someone had scrawled “sweet smell” on the car window.

Sweet smell? Since when does cigarette smoke smell sweet?

“Neither my husband nor I have ever smoked in our lives,” Welden told me. “Nobody smoked in the car while we had possession of it.”

A Budget customer service representative wasn’t buying it. In a form letter response, he explained that “cleaning charges are assessed when a vehicle is returned in such a condition that makes it not rentable” and insisted the company had provided ample documentation of the vehicle’s condition upon return.

But what kind of documentation proves an odor existed? 

A photo with “sweet smell” written on glass hardly constitutes scientific evidence of tobacco use. It’s about as customer claiming their meal was cold because they wrote brrr on the receipt.

Welden tried reasoning with Budget, requesting detailed evidence to support the charge. The company’s response was swift and final: Pay up!

That’s when Welden contacted our team.

How can you prove a car doesn’t smell like smoke?

Here’s the rub with odor-based cleaning fees: They’re nearly impossible to verify after the fact. 

Unlike visible damage such as stains, burns, or scratches, smells are subjective and temporary. What one person considers overwhelming smoke odor, another might dismiss as lingering cologne or a whiff of someone’s fast food lunch.

Budget’s own policy states that if it detects a smoky odor in a vehicle, “renters will be assessed a fee.” It will also take a photo “if possible.” 

Notice that crucial caveat: “if possible.” Photos can show cigarette butts, ash, or burn marks — physical evidence of smoking. But they can’t capture a scent.

That’s where cleaning fee disputes get tricky. How do you prove the absence of something that may never have existed?

Savvy renters document their vehicle’s condition before and after use. They take photos of the interior from multiple angles when they pick up the car. You can also record a brief video walkthrough, mentioning any pre-existing odors. (But if you smell anything “funny”, you probably should. ask for a different car.)

When returning the vehicle, they repeat the process. They get the return agent to initial their rental agreement confirming the car’s acceptable condition. If there are any concerns, they address them immediately rather than discovering a surprise charge weeks later.

But Welden’s case exposes a darker possibility: What if the cleaning fee has nothing to do with the car’s actual condition? What if it’s simply a revenue stream disguised as customer accountability?

The rental industry has embraced what I call “gotcha fees” — charges that appear legitimate but often target customers who probably won’t fight back. Tourists, international visitors, or busy professionals rarely have time to fight a $450 charge, especially when the company claims to have documentation.

What documentation do rental companies need to justify cleaning charges?

The short answer? Less than you’d think.

Budget’s FAQ explains that if staff finds “evidence that the car has been smoked in and/or it smells of smoke,” customers might be assessed a cleaning fee of up to $450. Notice the wiggle room in that language. Phrases like “might be assessed,” and “evidence of smoking and/or smell” leave much room for discretion.

In Welden’s case, Budget provided photos showing nothing. 

No cigarette butts. No ash. No burn marks. Just someone’s handwritten assessment of a “sweet smell” that doesn’t even match tobacco’s acrid odor profile.

This documentation failure isn’t uncommon. We’ve had numerous similar cases, including one reader who visited Niagara Falls and returned home to a $450 bill from Budget. And one renter had a $450 cleaning bill for dog hair. He doesn’t have a dog.

The pattern suggests a systematic problem. Companies assess fees first, then scramble to justify them when challenged. It’s guilty until proven innocent — with the burden of proof falling on customers who may not have been present during the inspection.

Legitimate cleaning fees require more than subjective assessments. The most effective documentation would include:

• Multiple clear photos showing specific damage or contamination.
• Written assessments from qualified inspectors.
• Timestamped evidence collected immediately upon return.
• Detailed estimates for actual cleaning costs.

Budget’s “sweet smell” note fails every test. It’s not objective, specific, or credible. Yet the company initially stood behind this flimsy evidence, hoping Welden would simply pay rather than fight.

When should you dispute a cleaning fee with your credit card company?

Credit card disputes aren’t just for obvious fraud. They’re designed to protect consumers from unfair charges — exactly what Welden faced.

The Fair Credit Billing Act gives you 60 days to dispute charges you believe are incorrect. For cleaning fees, he’ll want to gather evidence that the charge was inappropriate:

• His rental agreement and return documentation showing the vehicle was accepted in good condition. 

• Photos he took of the car’s interior before and after his rental. 

• Any correspondence with the rental company, especially weak “evidence” like Budget’s sweet smell notation.

Budget had a questionable case against Welden. Its documentation consists of a notation of a sweet smell. That would have been a slam-dunk for a credit-card dispute.

But it turns out a dispute would be unnecessary.

Is there a way of documenting a bad smell in a rental car beyond just writing the words?

After reviewing his case, I had one question for my contact at Avis Budget Group: “Is there a way of documenting a bad smell in a rental car beyond just writing the words?”

Apparently not.

My inquiry prompted a quick investigation that revealed what Welden suspected all along: The smoking charge was bogus.

Within 24 hours of my email, Budget reversed the fee completely. No negotiation. No compromise. Just a full refund that appeared on Welden’s credit card the next morning.

“Thanks so much for your assistance,” Welden wrote. “The refund showed up on my credit card this morning.”

That swift reversal tells you everything about Budget’s confidence in its “evidence.” Companies don’t immediately cave on legitimate charges. They fight tooth and nail to justify fees they can actually prove.

Budget’s quick capitulation raises uncomfortable questions about cleaning fee practices across the rental industry. How many customers receive similar bogus charges? How many simply pay without questioning the company’s “evidence”?

Car rental smoking fees are on the rise, with charges reaching as high as $450 per incident. Some of these fees undoubtedly target genuine smoking violations. But others, like Welden’s case, appear to be phantom charges designed to extract revenue from unsuspecting customers.

The “sweet smell” notation is particularly telling. Either Budget’s staff doesn’t know what cigarette smoke smells like, or they’re deliberately mischaracterizing odors to justify fees. Neither scenario inspires confidence in the company’s fee assessment process.

Budget expected Welden to quietly pay its bogus fee. It didn’t expect him to fight back — or to have help doing it.

The lesson? Never assume a cleaning fee is legitimate just because a company claims to have documentation. Demand to see their evidence. Question subjective assessments. And don’t be afraid to escalate when customer service fails.

In Welden’s case, persistence paid off to the tune of $450. The phantom smoke smell disappeared as quickly as it had materialized — along with Budget’s bogus fee.

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at [email protected].

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

Gov. Abigail Spanberger took action Tuesday on a series of firearm-related bills, amending a proposed assault weapons ban while signing several other measures into law.

The most closely watched action involved House Bill 217 and Senate Bill 749, which she sent back to lawmakers with amendments rather than signing or vetoing them.

The legislation would ban the future sale, transfer and import of certain semi-automatic firearms, along with magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds. The restrictions would not apply to firearms or magazines legally owned before July 1.

Spanberger said her amendments are intended to clarify how the law would be applied and enforced, including giving law enforcement clearer guidance on which firearms are covered and protecting the use of certain semi-automatic shotguns used for hunting.

“I grew up in a family where responsible gun ownership was expected, and I support the Second Amendment,” Spanberger said. “But gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America, and that should motivate all of us to act.

“These commonsense steps will help keep our families, our communities, and our law enforcement officers safe.”

Lawmakers will decide whether to accept or reject the governor’s amendments when they return to Richmond.

Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, a sponsor of the legislation, said the goal is to restrict future access to certain firearms without affecting current owners.

“I thank Governor Spanberger for proposing amendments that are consistent with my goal when I wrote the bill: to end the sale of these weapons without criminalizing what people own today or infringing their Second Amendment rights,” Salim said in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Justice warned the governor last week that certain firearm restrictions could raise constitutional concerns and may prompt legal challenges.

Several other firearm-related bills were approved by the governor and will take effect July 1.

House Bill 1525 would restore background check requirements for private firearm sales, raise the minimum age to purchase certain firearms from 18 to 21, and direct Virginia State Police to resume oversight of those transactions. Spanberger proposed amendments to the bill, including an emergency clause that would allow the measure to take effect immediately if lawmakers adopt her changes.

House Bill 871 requires firearms in homes with minors present to be stored securely, such as in a locked container or with a safety device.

House Bill 702 clarifies that local governments may establish voluntary gun buyback programs, allowing residents to safely turn in firearms.

Another measure, Senate Bill 115, directs the Office of the Attorney General to review concealed handgun permit reciprocity agreements with other states and determine whether those standards align with Virginia law. The review could result in changes to which out-of-state permits are recognized in Virginia beginning in July 2027.

Separately, House Bill 19, which was approved by the governor and signed into law, expands restrictions on firearm possession for individuals convicted of assault and battery against a family or household member or intimate partner.

House Bill 110, also signed into law, creates a Class 4 misdemeanor for failing to properly secure a handgun in an unattended vehicle.

A fiscal impact statement tied to HB217 notes the policy could lead to “a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment,” pointing to potential costs for the state’s correctional system.

Gun rights groups criticized the actions and warned of potential lawsuits.

“These measures target commonly owned firearms and impose broad restrictions that raise serious constitutional concerns,” said John Commerford, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “Law-abiding Virginians should not face criminal penalties for exercising their rights, and if these policies are enacted, we are prepared to challenge them in court.”

The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from Del. Dan Helmer.

Similar legislation was vetoed last year by former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, setting up a renewed push under the current administration.

Warren County, VA — A nearly two-month investigation by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office into the theft of catalytic converters from Gooney Creek Salvage Yard has resulted in the arrest of two individuals.

Deputies initially responded on Feb. 17, 2026, after receiving a report that multiple catalytic converters had been stolen from the business. Due to the scope of the theft and the financial impact, the case was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.

Through evidence collection, witness interviews, and coordination with partner agencies, investigators identified Terry Heflin and James Roberts Jr. as the individuals allegedly responsible. Warrants were obtained, and both men were taken into custody. They are currently being held without bond at the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren (RSW) Regional Jail.

Sheriff Crystal M. Cline said property crimes have a direct impact on local businesses and community safety, and credited investigators and partner agencies for bringing the case to a conclusion.

The sheriff’s office said it will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of crimes that affect local businesses and residents.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Investigator T. Romer with the Criminal Investigations Division at (540) 635-7100 or [email protected].

Terry Heflin
Front Royal, VA
Charges:

• § 18.2-146: Breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying, or preventing operation of a vehicle (15 counts)
• § 18.2-121: Entering property of another for the purpose of causing damage
• § 18.2-23 / § 18.2-146: Conspiracy to commit a felony

James Roberts Jr.
Front Royal, VA
Charges:

• § 18.2-146: Breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying, or preventing operation of a vehicle (15 counts)
• § 18.2-121: Entering property of another for the purpose of causing damage
• § 18.2-23 / § 18.2-146: Conspiracy to commit a felony

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Alexa Barnes | VCU Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — State lawmakers will soon return to the Capitol after ending the General Assembly session without a budget, in part due to some debate whether to continue current tax breaks for data centers.

The Democratic-led Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee put forth a budget that would end the tax exemption for data centers by 2027, and free up approximately $1.6 billion in additional revenue. House leadership argued against the change, saying there is an obligation to honor the state’s existing commitments to data centers. 

The tax break, called the Data Center Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption, was originally approved in 2008 by the Democratic governor Tim Kaine to attract the industry to the region. Under the incentive, qualifying data centers are exempt from paying Virginia’s sales tax on computers and other equipment used in data centers. This includes servers, network gear and software. 

Sen. Tim Kaine has since commented on the incentive as it stands now.

“Virginia has had some favorable tax provisions for data centers,” Kaine said. “Those tax provisions, along with some other factors, have made Virginia the data center capital of the United States and probably the world.”

Kaine acknowledged that these tax exemptions do have a cost, however.

 “The offering of those incentives essentially takes money out of the state treasury that could be used for other important priorities, education, public safety, etc.,” Kaine said. 

Kaine concluded that the solution doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and that it could be possible to keep some exemptions for data centers while eliminating others. 

“I watch these things from afar and I always figure they’ll find an answer somewhere in the middle of the two positions,” Kaine said. 

Megan Davis, a senior tax and budget policy analyst at The Commonwealth Institute, said the incentive has not only worked, but grown far beyond what was imagined when it was created 17 years ago. Davis said the original fiscal impact estimate of $2.2 million in 2009 has since ballooned to $1.9 billion in 2025.

“That’s a huge, huge increase,” Davis said. 

Davis emphasized how the revenue gained by ending the exemption early could help to lower the cost of child care, make health care more affordable and improve public education resources. 

“The revenues that we get from this are able to go towards struggling families and people who really need it,” Davis said. “The data center industry is booming, and we need to be making real investments for Virginia families right now.”

The data center industry is estimated to generate 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income and over $9 billion in gross domestic product to Virginia’s economy annually, according to a 2024 report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The study credits the data center’s positive economic benefits in Virginia to substantial capital investment in the industry. 

Opponents of ending the tax exemption say Virginia’s business reputation would be damaged by the move and make the state less attractive to potential investors in the industry. Gov. Abigail Spanberger voiced a desire to abide by the state’s contracts and commitments in a statement to reporters, according to VPM.

Christopher Miller, president of the Piedmont Environmental Council, said the argument there is a commitment to maintaining the tax break is a weak one. 

“The contract that the people signed with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership … says the sales tax exemption is subject to change, and any change brought by the General Assembly is hereby incorporated,” Miller said. “The contract is very explicit that you shouldn’t count on a sales tax exemption and that’s subject to change from year to year.”

Miller said the focus should instead be on how much revenue is lost and what that loss prevents Virginia from supporting, and how this is part of the pattern of data centers not paying their fair share. 

“People are deeply offended that private enterprise in the form of the five or six richest companies in the world are asking us to subsidize them for their global enterprise,” Miller said. 

Data centers and related infrastructure have surged across Virginia. The state is home to nearly 150 of all known hyperscale data centers worldwide, according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Those are massive data centers with huge workloads. There are an estimated 600 operational data centers in the state, with an additional 595 under construction or planned, according to a 2025 report by the American Edge Project—a pro-tech investment group. 

Additionally, a 115-mile transmission line through Campbell to Culpeper counties has been planned by Valley Link Transmission. The $1 billion joint venture between Dominion Energy, Transource and FirstEnergy seeks to answer Virginia’s growing energy demands.

“The state has failed to analyze the aggregate and cumulative effects on land, air, water, on communities and what the implications of those are for citizens of the state but also ratepayers,” Miller said.

Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and House Appropriations Chair Luke Torian, D-Prince William, released a joint statement on March 13 regarding progress made on budget negotiations.

“We are pleased to report we are making meaningful progress toward a final agreement that reflects the priorities of Virginians across the Commonwealth,” the committee chairs stated. 

According to the joint statement, Lucas and Torian are pleased with the progress made toward a final agreement that reflects the priorities of Virginians. The joint statement emphasizes the shared goal of balancing investment in local communities and maintaining Virginia’s business reputation and competitive advantage in the data center industry.

“We expect to resolve the remaining outstanding issues soon and look forward to presenting a final budget that Virginia families, businesses, and communities can be proud of,” the committee chairs stated.

Spanberger has called for a special session to finalize a biennial budget for the state before the fiscal year starts July 1. 

“I remain in close contact with leaders in the General Assembly, and I look forward to calling lawmakers back to Richmond on April 23 to pass a budget that delivers on the responsible, pragmatic leadership Virginians voted for this past November,” Spanberger said. 

Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Richard T. Robertson School of Communication. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY (146 jobs)–The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative will invest $113.9 million to expand its operations in Rockingham County, including construction of what will be the largest grain storage facility on the East Coast.

The multi-phase expansion will create 146 jobs and includes a nearly two-million-cubic-foot feed mill, a new rail spur at the cooperative’s Linville facility, and upgrades to the water treatment system at its Hinton facility. The cooperative will also increase turkey processing capacity and expand opportunities for family farms in the region.

Over the next three years, VPGC expects to process an additional 4.5 million turkeys and purchase an additional 2.4 million bushels of corn and wheat from Virginia farms.

Founded in 2004, the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative is owned entirely by its growers, meaning all profits return to the farmers. The cooperative has grown into one of the largest commercial turkey processors to offer antibiotic-free and organic products, supplying poultry to food processors and distributors worldwide.

Rockingham County is the top agricultural producing county in Virginia. Four of the top five agricultural-producing localities in the state are in the Shenandoah Valley region.

The state is supporting the project with a $1 million performance-based grant, a $500,000 agriculture and forestry industries development grant, and a $750,000 rail industrial access grant.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.