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RICHMOND, VA – Signs of spring are abundant across the Commonwealth with flowering dogwoods in bloom, hayfields greening up, and white-tailed deer fawns being born. During this time fawns can often find their way into yards, gardens, and hayfields. Often, concerned citizens think these fawns need help, but in almost all cases, the best way to help is to simply give the fawn space and leave it alone.

Concerned people sometimes pick up animals that they think are orphaned. Most such “orphans” that good- intentioned citizens “rescue” every spring should have been left alone. Most wild animals will not abandon their young, but they do leave them alone for extended periods of time.

Fawns, born from May through July, are purposely left alone by their mothers. Female deer, called does, stay away from the fawns to avoid leading predators to their location. The white-spotted coat camouflages a fawn as it lies motionless in vegetation. Young fawns generally will not try to run away when they are approached. Does will return several times each day to move and/or feed their young. You probably will not see the doe at all since she only stays to feed the fawn for just a few minutes before leaving it alone again.

If a wild animal has been injured or truly orphaned, do not take matters into your own hands. Report the incident by calling the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) wildlife conflict helpline at 1-855-571-9003, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or find a permitted wildlife rehabilitator through the DWR website. Only permitted wildlife rehabilitators are legally allowed to raise a fawn in captivity. Survival back in the wild is often low for rehabilitated fawns. Lessons during their first year of life, especially from their mother, are critical for a fawn to learn where to find food and avoid predators. Thus, the best way to help a fawn is to leave it alone.

Virginians are reminded that keeping any wild animal as a pet is illegal. Deer that have been held captive, by those not trained to do so, pose a serious safety risk to humans, meaning all deer confiscated by DWR must be humanely euthanized. Tame deer lose their natural fear of humans as well as their instincts for surviving in the wild. They can become very demanding for attention and food from anyone they encounter, which makes the deer dangerous. In some cases, hand raised deer have even caused human deaths. Keeping deer wild is the best option for both people and deer.

In Virginia, fawn rehabilitation is prohibited within designated disease management areas for chronic wasting disease (CWD). This restriction is recognized as a best management practice for limiting the spread of CWD due to animal transport and potential transmission within a captive setting. Please visit the CWD website for more information on disease management and locations.

More information about keeping deer wild in Virginia can be found on the department website.

Information from a release.

FRONT ROYAL — A short, tightly controlled parade through downtown Front Royal is planned for April 30 as part of the town’s 250th anniversary celebration, coinciding with a visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Local organizers are emphasizing that the event will be limited in scope and duration. Rather than a traditional parade, officials describe it as “a moment” along Main Street, with space expected to be tight and viewing opportunities not guaranteed.

The appearance comes during the royal couple’s four-day visit to the United States, April 27–30, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

While the presence of the King and Queen is the central draw, attendees are being advised to manage expectations. Event materials note that even those along the route may not physically see the visiting dignitaries due to crowd size, positioning, and security restrictions.

Security measures will significantly shape the event. Attendees should expect screening procedures, identity verification, and controlled access points, with organizers urging the public to allow extra time to enter the area. Lawn chairs and camping chairs will not be permitted, and only service animals will be allowed.

Downtown traffic patterns will be heavily affected. Streets throughout the Main Street area will be closed or restricted, and parking will be limited, requiring many visitors to walk from more distant locations to designated screening areas before reaching the parade route.

Organizers are also warning of likely disruptions to cell phone service due to crowd volume and are encouraging groups to establish meeting plans in advance.

Additional guidance emphasizes personal responsibility and crowd awareness. There will be no trash receptacles along the parade route, and attendees are expected to carry out their own trash. Visitors are also asked to be mindful of children, individuals with mobility challenges, and local businesses along the route.

Town operations will be adjusted for the day. According to a public notice, Front Royal Town Hall and the Visitor Center will be closed on April 30, with normal operations resuming May 1. Trash and recycling collection normally scheduled for Thursday will instead take place Wednesday, April 29, and there will be no yard waste collection that week.

Following the parade, visitors are encouraged to remain downtown to dine, shop, and explore local businesses.

More detailed event information, including security requirements and prohibited items, is available through the town’s official tourism website.

Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

A change to how Virginia screens rideshare drivers will take effect this summer after Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed two bills tightening background check and identity requirements for companies such as Uber and Lyft.

The new rules take effect July 1 and apply to transportation network companies operating in the commonwealth.

House Bill 1469, patroned by Del. Lily Franklin, D-Montgomery County, expands how background checks are conducted by requiring drivers to disclose prior addresses so records can be reviewed across multiple jurisdictions. The bill cleared both the House and Senate without opposition.

Under Virginia law, rideshare companies must conduct background checks before approving drivers, including national criminal history searches and reviews of the sex offender registry.

HB1469 builds on those requirements by requiring background checks to include all prior addresses where a driver has lived since age 18 and by specifying that those checks are not limited to a set period of time.

House Bill 1273, patroned by Del. Jackie Glass, D-Norfolk, focuses on platform safeguards. It requires companies to verify driver identities, gives riders the option to record audio or video during trips and establishes civil penalties for violations. The law also restricts account sharing among drivers.

Civil penalties collected under HB1273 will go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to support enforcement. State fiscal impact statements say agencies are expected to handle any costs using existing resources.

“When technology changes how we move, leadership has to change how we protect people,” Glass said. “This bill is about making sure every rider, every driver, and every family in Virginia can trust the ride before the wheels ever turn.”

Franklin said the legislation reflects concerns raised by constituents.

“Virginia riders deserve to be safe when they step into a rideshare vehicle, no matter what app or company they choose,” Franklin said. “When knocking doors or talking to neighbors in my community, this is the type of legislation they want: a common sense reform to address a real problem.”

Uber said it supported the legislation and worked with state officials on the changes.

“By making these standards effective this July, Virginia is sending a clear message that safety cannot wait,” said LaVita Gardner, a policy manager at Uber.

Original post.

By Jacob Fischler | Virginia Mercury

The U.S. Supreme Court could be ready to overturn a Missouri state court verdict that favored a man who sued the manufacturer of the popular herbicide Roundup for lacking any warning that the product carried a risk of cancer after oral arguments in the case Monday.

The arguments focused on whether states could enforce their own labeling requirements of pesticides, or whether federal law preempted any deviation among states. Members of the court’s 6-3 conservative majority emphasized the need for uniformity across the country.

The U.S. Department of Justice intervened in the case in favor of Monsanto, the Missouri-based company that manufactures Roundup and has been owned since 2018 by German pharmaceutical company Bayer. The company faces thousands of lawsuits claiming exposure to Roundup increased a risk of cancer and that the company failed to warn consumers when it reasonably should have known of the risk.

Monsanto denies that the product causes cancer, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has consistently agreed.

John Durnell, a St. Louis resident, sued the company in 2019 claiming that exposure to Roundup over two decades led to his developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. A Missouri trial court awarded him $1.25 million, and appeals courts affirmed the ruling.

But the Supreme Court, which is the first federal court to hear the case, seemed inclined to protect federal supremacy. The EPA, which regulates labeling requirements for herbicides, does not require the kind of warning the Missouri jury said was appropriate.

Federal law typically trumps state law, which Monsanto and the Justice Department emphasized Monday. Industry groups across the economy tend to support federal supremacy because it saves companies from complying with 50 separate regulatory schemes across states.

‘Is that uniformity?’

An exchange between Ashley Keller, the attorney for Durnell, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whom President Donald Trump appointed in his first term, may hold the key to the court’s ultimate ruling.

Keller argued that Congress in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, which governs herbicide use, did not include a clause to expressly say that the federal law would preempt any state claims.

There was no issue of a difference between state and federal law, Keller said. Instead, a particular jury decided a single case based on unique facts, he continued. Different juries in other cases may have decided differently.

But Kavanaugh seemed not to accept that argument. He rephrased a similar question several times, and, even as Keller objected, appeared to dismiss the idea that the Missouri verdict was compatible with a national standard.

“You think it’s uniformity when each state can require different things?” he asked.

Keller rejected that framing. 

“The label’s illegal in one state and legal in another state,” Kavanaugh responded. “That’s uniformity?” 

Keller said he didn’t agree with that premise either, saying the label is not illegal based on the state but based on the facts presented at trial and the jury’s interpretation.

“The label subjects you to liability in one state and does not subject you to liability in another state,” Kavanaugh continued. “Is that uniformity?”

“I don’t think it’s state by state,” Keller said. “I think it’s jury by jury.”

Paul Clement, a well-known conservative appeals lawyer, represented Monsanto in the case, and described Keller’s argument as chaotic. It would not just open up separate regulatory regimes in each state in the country, but subject manufacturers to liability based on the makeup of any particular batch of citizens on a state court jury.

“It’s worse than 50 states,” he said. “It’s every jury is a new day.” 

A host of agencies in countries across the globe have all done studies on glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, Clement said.

“It’s probably the most, like, studied herbicide in the history of man, and they’ve all reached the conclusion based on more data and the kind of expert analysis they can do that there isn’t a risk here,” he said. “You shouldn’t let a single Missouri jury second-guess that judgment.”

Liberal justices seek consumer protections

The court’s liberal justices spent more time questioning why states shouldn’t be allowed to enforce stricter regulations.

Justice Elena Kagan asked Principal Deputy U.S. Solicitor General Sarah M. Harris, who argued on behalf of the federal government in favor of throwing out the verdict against Monsanto, if she agreed with Clement’s argument.

Harris said she largely agreed, noting that 50 states setting up separate regulations on labeling pesticides would cause confusion.

But Kagan asked why uniformity should be a higher goal than safety, saying a certain state government might have a better understanding than the EPA.

“It does undermine uniformity, I appreciate that,” Kagan said. “On the other hand, if it turns out that they (state regulators) were right, it might have been good if they had an opportunity to do something to call this danger to the attention of the people while the federal government was going through its process.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson also pointed out that the EPA only registers herbicides once every 15 years, meaning that states might have better information than the EPA, especially later in that cycle.

“Lots of things can happen in science in terms of developments about the product,” she told Clement. “So if the product can become misbranded because of new information, I guess I’m just wondering why you think that you couldn’t have a situation where it would be perfectly rational for either the EPA or the states to bring to the attention of that manufacturer this new information and process a claim related to it.”

Original post.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

Five years after Virginia legalized simple adult possession of marijuana, lawmakers are at an impasse over how to finally stand up a legal retail market, after the General Assembly last week rejected more than 40 changes proposed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger and sent the legislation back to her desk.

The move leaves Spanberger with a binary choice: sign a long-debated proposal to launch retail sales or veto it and prolong a yearslong stalemate that has left Virginia in a legal gray area, where cannabis is allowed to be possessed, but not legally purchased.

The governor’s substitute, which frustrated many lawmakers and stakeholders, would delay the start of retail sales to July 1, 2027, while restructuring much of the framework lawmakers had negotiated during the session.

“Five years ago, the commonwealth took the first steps to legalize marijuana — and for five years, the work sat unfinished,” Spanberger said in a statement. 

“We are working to set up a marketplace that is controlled, regulated, and responsible — because legal markets only succeed when there are clear guardrails and enforcement to back it up.”

Under her proposal, regulators would begin accepting license applications by Sept. 1, 2026, with various licenses issued in early 2027 ahead of the planned launch. 

Lawmakers reject extensive rewrite

At the heart of the dispute is the governor’s attempt to rewrite large portions of House Bill 642 and Senate Bill 542, the companion measures aimed at establishing an adult-use cannabis market in Virginia.

Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, who sponsored the House bill, said the modifications went too far.

“Some of the changes in there were fine, but most of them were contrary to where we had arrived through the legislative process,” Krizek said. Legislators and the governor “want a well-regulated, adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia, and we’re going to get there. It’s just a process right now.”

Krizek said he hopes Spanberger ultimately signs the bill but acknowledged the uncertainty ahead.

“Whether it takes another session, or if she doesn’t veto it, then we’ll work with her on some of the changes that maybe she needs to see,” he said.

Pressed on whether the process has been challenging, Krizek did not hesitate.

“I can’t lie and say I’m not frustrated. I am a little bit frustrated, but she is the governor, I’m not the governor,” he said. “It’s a long process, but good legislation sometimes takes time.”

Spanberger, in a separate statement, said she intends to keep negotiating with lawmakers.

“I will continue to work with the patrons of the bills that are coming back to my desk to make sure that when these bills become law, we get it right,” she said. 

Shift to regulatory framework, tighter controls

The governor’s proposed changes would fundamentally shift how the legislation that lawmakers sent to her desk structures Virginia’s cannabis market.

Rather than embedding detailed licensing rules in state law, Spanberger’s substitute would remove large portions of the statutory framework and instead direct the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to establish those rules through regulations.

The proposal also reduces the number of retail licenses from 350 to 200 and extends that cap through Jan. 1, 2029, after which regulators would determine future limits.

It further restructures oversight of the Cannabis Control Authority by eliminating legislative appointments to its board and making all members gubernatorial appointees, while reducing required agricultural representation.

Other provisions of the enrolled bill would be stripped entirely. 

Those include the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, authority for the governor to negotiate cannabis-related agreements with tribal governments — federally recognized Native American tribes that can operate with a degree of sovereign authority — and a requirement for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to operate a tip line for reporting illegal activity.

The substitute would also change how cannabis tax revenue is distributed, eliminating fixed percentage allocations and instead directing lawmakers to allocate funds through the state budget for priorities such as public health, education and workforce development. 

The state tax rate would be set at 6% until July 2029, rising to 8% thereafter.

Spanberger framed the changes as necessary to strengthen enforcement and public safety, particularly as the state grapples with an illicit market offering unregulated products.

“To keep our next generation safe, we must also ensure real consequences for vape shops that have spent years targeting Virginia’s kids,” she said. “We need to rein in these shady businesses and make sure a legal marijuana market does not make the problem worse.” 

Penalties, timelines and market uncertainty

The substitute also proposes tougher penalties in several areas. Public consumption would increase from a civil penalty to a Class 4 misdemeanor, while underage possession would be treated as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with potential fines, community service and license suspension. 

The personal possession limit would be reduced from 2.5 ounces to 2 ounces.

Additional changes target advertising restrictions, medical cannabis delivery requirements and hemp regulations, including delaying the elimination of the state’s 25:1 hemp ratio — a standard used to distinguish legal hemp products from marijuana based on THC concentration — until November 2026.

Beyond the retail legislation, lawmakers also rejected the governor’s proposed amendments to HB 26 and SB 62, which would allow reconsideration of sentences for certain marijuana-related convictions. 

Her changes would have clarified that individuals convicted of violent offenses or serious drugcrimes would not be eligible for reconsideration.

At the same time, Spanberger signed separate legislation targeting vape retailers, including HB 308 and SB 620, which establish enforcement mechanisms to shut down shops that repeatedly sell to minors. 

The measures require the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to conduct periodic compliance checks.

Advocates and industry stakeholders offered different reactions to the legislature’s rejection of the governor’s substitute.

Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of Marijuana Justice, called the move a victory for equity-focused organizers.

“Virginia’s General Assembly rejecting the governor’s substitute is a testament to the work of equity, racial and criminal justice organizers,” she said. 

“Not only would the governor’s substitute be worse for Black, brown and low income communities than the status quo, her language ignored the reform, repair and redress required to acknowledge the decades of racist enforcement.”

She urged Spanberger to allow the legislation to become law without further changes.

“The leader Virginia needs right now would listen to her constituents and allow the marijuana bills to become law this year,” Wise said.

Industry leaders, however, warned that continued delays risk prolonging an unregulated market.

“While we are disappointed by delays in establishing an adult-use cannabis market, we remain hopeful that the governor and lawmakers can come together to chart a clear, workable path forward for Virginia,” said Rodney Holcombe, vice president of public policy at LeafLink.

“Unfortunately, every day without a regulated market is a day the illicit market continues to operate unchecked, undermining public safety, consumer protections, and, ultimately, legitimate businesses,” he added. “Virginia has done the hard work to get to this point, now it’s time to finish the job.”

Spanberger must take action on the cannabis retail bill — approve it without her tweaks or reject it completely — within 30 days.

Original post.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

The Supreme Court of Virginia on Monday heard arguments over whether Democrats followed constitutional requirements in advancing a voter-approved redistricting amendment, zeroing in on disputes over election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of a special session last year. 

At the center of the case is a procedural fight with major national consequences over whether the General Assembly properly moved the amendment through the constitutional process before voters approved it last week — and whether alleged missteps should now invalidate the result. 

The lawsuit, filed in October by Republican lawmakers and a member of Virginia’s redistricting commission, seeks to void the amendment and block its implementation. 

Plaintiffs include state Sens. Ryan McDougle of Hanover and Bill Stanley of Franklin, Del. Terry Kilgore of Scott and Commissioner Virginia Trost Thornton, who argue the legislature overstepped its authority and failed to follow required steps. 

Under Virginia’s constitution, amendments must pass the General Assembly twice — with an intervening General Election — before going to voters for final approval. 

The challengers say that process was not followed properly, pointing to questions about whether there was a valid “intervening election,” whether lawmakers provided 90 days’ public notice before the statewide elections in November, and whether the amendment was improperly advanced during a special session originally limited to budget matters. 

A Tazewell County judge sided with the plaintiffs in January on procedural grounds. The state appealed, bringing the case to the high court which declined to intervene before last week’s referendum. 

The case carries national implications as the country braces for the 2026 midterm elections, where control of Congress could hinge on a handful of competitive districts. 

Virginia’s effort to redraw its congressional map mid-decade — and the legal fight over whether it was done lawfully — is seen as a potential test for how far states can go in revising district lines outside the traditional redistricting cycle, and a Democratic check on GOP control of the federal government. 

Justice presses both sides

Justice Wesley G. Russell Jr. quickly took the lead in questioning, pressing attorneys on the legal significance of the amendments approved by voters and repeatedly steering the discussion back to whether constitutional requirements were met. 

“Last week, the people of the commonwealth approved an amendment to the Virginia Constitution,” Matthew Seligman, an attorney representing legislative leaders, told the court. 

He argued that lawmakers and voters followed every step required under Article XII, which outlines the specific process for amending or revising the state charter. 

Seligman outlined the timeline, with initial passage during a special session in the last week of October 2025, a second vote in January following the November election, and final approval by voters on April 21. 

“The General Assembly and the people thus complied strictly with every step that the Constitution requires,” he said. “As a result, the proposed constitutional amendment has been ratified and is now part of the Virginia Constitution.”

Russell pushed back, noting that a successful election does not resolve whether the process itself was valid. 

“I don’t understand that as a legal argument,” he said, referencing precedent that courts may review procedural irregularities after an election. 

Seligman acknowledged that the court has that authority but argued the challengers’ claims fail on the merits.

“But the fact that there’s a yes vote doesn’t tell us anything about those merits,” Russell replied. 

Dispute over special session

A major focus of the 60-minute hearing was whether lawmakers followed the rules when using a special session to pass the amendment the first time. 

Thomas McCarthy, representing the challengers, argued they did not. 

“The Virginia Constitution and code delineate a very specific and detailed process for amending the constitution,” he said. “Yet, a bare partisan majority of the General Assembly rammed the proposed amendments through the legislature, departing radically from the mandated constitutional amendment process.” 

Russell interrupted to narrow the argument. 

“We’re only concerned with what they couldn’t do,” he said. “The question is, did they follow the right procedures?”

McCarthy said the legislature exceeded the scope of the special session, which had been called to address budget issues. He argued that expanding the session to take up redistricting without meeting constitutional requirements undermined limits designed to restrain legislative power. 

“Special sessions are special,” he said, adding that allowing lawmakers to expand their stated purpose would “flout” constitutional safeguards.

Court examines timing, meaning of the word ‘election’

The court also grappled with the meaning of “election” in the constitutional amendment process — a key issue in determining whether the required intervening election occurred between the amendment’s two legislative proposals. 

McCarthy argued that an election is a process that includes early voting and post-election certification, not just a single day.

Solicitor General Tillman Breckenridge, representing Virginia, argued that the constitution tied elections to a specific date — the first Tuesday after the second Monday in November. 

Russell tested that interpretation repeatedly, pointing to the realities of early voting. 

“If I voted on Oct. 21, am I actively participating in the election?” he asked. 

Breckenridge said early ballots are cast in advance but effectively count on Election Day. 

But Russell remained skeptical. 

“So your interpretation … is that we literally could have an election where every single vote is cast before the election actually even begins?” he asked, calling it a “very extreme definition.” 

Another issue is a state law requiring 90 days’ public notice before a constitutional amendment moves forward — a timeline challengers say was not met ahead of the Nov. 4 election, potentially limiting voters’ ability to assess where legislative candidates stood on the proposal before casting their ballots. 

McCarthy said the requirement ensures voters have time to learn about and debate proposed changes. 

“The information needs to be in the hands of the voters … to make reasoned decisions,” he said. 

Seligman countered that the notice provision no longer determines validity because it was removed from the state constitution during its rewrite in 1971, even though it remains on the books.

At one point, Russell questioned how much formal notice still matters in practice. 

“Who goes to the courthouse to get their news anymore anyway?” he said. 

Amendment in limbo amid dueling court rulings

The legal fight over the referendum is currently unfolding across multiple cases.

Less than 24 hours after voters approved the amendment last week, Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack C. Hurley issued a separate ruling in a related case halting its implementation, putting the new congressional maps on hold. 

With nearly all votes counted, the measure passed by about 3 percentage points — 51.45% to 48.55% — out of nearly 3.1 million ballots cast, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.

Meanwhile, a different challenge brought by the National Republican Committee was rejected Friday by a Richmond Circuit Court judge, who found that the General Assembly had authority to act and said claims about the maps’ compactness were “fairly debatable.” 

Andrea Gaines, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Election, said in an email Monday that legislation passed earlier this year set a deadline of 14 days after Election Day for the State Board of Elections to certify the April 21 special election.

The board had planned to certify the results at a prescheduled May 1 meeting, she said, but whether that happens now depends on whether the Supreme Court of Virginia grants a stay of the Tazewell County Circuit Court’s injunction. 

But the Republican groups behind the challenge maintain that Virginia’s redistricting amendment represents an abuse of power. 

“Virginia Democrats’ redistricting scheme is a blatant attempt to rig the system and lock in political power,” RNC Chair Joe Gruters said in a statement Monday. 

Richard Hudson, chairman of the Republican National Campaign Committee, called it a “direct assault on fair representation,” saying the effort violates the state constitution.

Supporters of the amendment argue that the lawsuits seek to overturn the will of the voters. 

“More than three million Virginians voted in a free and fair election,” said Dan Gottlieb, a spokesperson for the Virginians for Fair Elections PAC. “Republicans lost — and are now trying to throw out the will of Virginians in court.”

What comes next

Legal observers say the outcome remains uncertain. 

Carl Tobias, a constitutional law professor at the University of Richmond, emphasized that the court may weigh the legal questions against the reality that voters have already approved the amendment. 

“As a pragmatic matter, I think the court does not want to be perceived as taking that vote away from the people,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t, if they find a serious violation.”

He added that a split decision is possible and that the court may move quickly given the stakes. 

“Time is of the essence,” Tobias said. “I think they’ll try to do it sooner rather than later.”

Original post.

PRINCE WILLIAM — Virginia State Police have closed a 52-year-old homicide investigation, identifying a suspect in the 1973 killing of a Washington, D.C., woman whose body was found in a Prince William County state forest.

Shirley L. Washington, 33, was discovered dead on Dec. 8, 1973, in Conway Robinson State Forest outside Gainesville. After decades of investigative work, authorities now say her husband, Clarence E. Washington, was responsible for her death.

Clarence Washington died in 2013 at age 68. According to the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the case would have been prosecuted had he been alive.

“My Chief Deputy and I have reviewed the information and evidence provided by the Virginia State Police regarding the 1973 unsolved homicide of Shirley Leona Washington,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth said. “We are convinced, from the evidence before us today, that the murder was committed by her husband… however… we are unable to prosecute the case.”

Investigators said Shirley Washington had moved out of the couple’s home after her husband was accused of assaulting a minor. Prior to her death, he had threatened her at the Washington, D.C., residence where she was staying with her mother.

Authorities cited multiple factors pointing to Clarence Washington, including a lack of an alibi, his refusal to cooperate with investigators at the time, and statements indicating he intended to harm the victim. He also had a history of violent offenses, including a prior stabbing of an ex-wife and later assaults on acquaintances.

Shirley Washington suffered eight stab wounds, according to investigators. Police also noted that Clarence Washington had knowledge of the state forest where her body was found, something he denied during the original investigation.

The case was revisited in recent years by Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation agents, with support from analysts in the Homeland Security Division’s Violent Crime Analytical Support Team. Additional funding for testing and analysis came through the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

Attorney General Jay Jones said the initiative played a key role in advancing the case.

“The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has helped bring closure to this decades-long investigation,” Jones said. “I am proud of the hard work and collaboration of the Virginia State Police to bring this case to a just resolution.”

Senior Special Agent C. McClure said the resolution, though long delayed, provides some measure of closure.

“It is a relief to be able to provide closure to Shirley Washington’s family after all these years,” McClure said. “It is yet another example of Virginia State Police personnel who do not give up on solving cold cases.”

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Madison Lee | VCU Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers continued a bill to the 2027 session that would provide free breakfast to all public school students in an effort to prevent hunger and improve classroom performance. 

House Bill 96, introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, would require all state public schools to participate in federal meal programs such as the Community Eligibility Provision program and the National School Lunch Programs. 

These programs provide nutritional meals at no cost to students and have served over 27 million children as of 2025. These programs remove income-based eligibility requirements to help make food more accessible for students.

 A recommendation from the Virginia Commission to End Hunger would reimburse public elementary and secondary schools for each breakfast served to a student. The reimbursements would be provided by the Virginia Department of Education.

“Schooling, buses, books and more are available for free to students and families,” Bennett-Parker said during a K-12 subcommittee meeting. “School meals are a school supply just as important to our kids getting the education they need and deserve.”

Instead of relying on traditional cafeteria lines, Virginia schools can choose to implement “grab-and-go” breakfast, according to the bill. Students would be allowed to eat their meals in classrooms to ensure late arrivals still had access to a meal.

Students who eat breakfast have better attendance, test scores, improved comprehension and are more likely to continuously eat healthier, according to the VDOE.

“I think free breakfast and lunch would benefit every child to ensure consistent and repeated access to nutrition,” said Patricia Mines, a Richmond resident. 

The VDOE estimates an additional cost of at least $37.35 million per year to reimburse schools beginning next year, according to the bill’s fiscal impact statement. A one-time cost of $50,000 and an ongoing cost of $95,800 will be made by the VDOE to implement provisions as well.

“We estimate that this bill would save Virginia families an average of $315 each school year,” said Liz Nigro, director of research for Voices for Virginia’s Children in a K-12 subcommittee. “Which equals roughly two months of diapers and one month of electric bills.”

Finn Vollenberg, who recently emigrated from the Netherlands, said he has noticed junk food is the cheapest nutritional option.

“Nowadays … the most affordable is junk food,” Vollenberg said. “Healthy food is getting more expensive and sort of harder to find.”

HB 96 is a companion bill to Senate Bill 4, introduced by Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas. This measure was also continued to 2027. 

Roem has advocated for free school meals and ending food insecurity since 2019, with several measures passed over the years. She has passed bills such as HB 1426, which expanded access to daily meals by allowing schools to participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Senate Bill 1016 established the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program to address food insecurity in public higher education. 

Nearly 8% of Virginians, over 700,000, face food insecurity, according to research done by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Over 214,000 Virginian children have experienced limited availability of nutritious food at some point during the year, as stated by Voices for Virginia’s Children.

“We saw over 70% of Virginia families responding that they are in that position of having to make tough trade-offs between buying medicine, fixing their car, or paying a utility bill in order to continue buying food,” said Sarah Steely, the director of No Kid Hungry.

In a 2025 No Kid Hungry survey, 48% of people reported their physical health had suffered due to the cost of food, while 61% say their mental health had suffered. 

Parents would have the option to withhold these meals from the student with written permission to the school board, according to HB 96. 

“School nutrition departments in other states that have expanded their school meals programs have found it easier to recruit and retain staff,” Bennett-Parker stated in an email. 

California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Vermont have permanently implemented free breakfast and lunch programs statewide for students, according to the Food Research and Action Center. Families do not need to apply for access to the food programs in any of the nine states, according to Newsweek. 

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 Julianna Brown | Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. – Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a House bill to decriminalize suicide after the legislation has failed to pass in previous years. 

Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax sponsored House Bill 43, which provides that the current common law crime of suicide be abolished. Simon proposed an identical bill in the 2024 session, which passed the General Assembly but was vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin. 

Legislation to end the common law crime of suicide has been proposed multiple times since 2018. 

The bill requires the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commision to review the effects and implications of abolishing the common law crime of suicide on insurance by Nov. 1. 

Families of those who have died by suicide are often denied certain benefits or programs because suicide is deemed a criminal act, according to Simon. His legislation seeks to remove the criminal act and stigma of suicide, so that families may receive benefits and grieve their loss, Simon said in a subcommittee hearing. 

Under current law, the beneficiary of an insurance claim must prove that the individual who attempted or committed suicide was of an unsound mind, so that the act is not declared illegal, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. 

If the suicide is deemed illegal, an insurance claim is not attainable, according to JAAPL. There must be expert testimony regarding the individual’s state of mind when the suicide took place in such cases. 

Data from the National Council for Suicide Prevention shows the unadjusted suicide rate dropped 4.9% in 2024 following a spike in 2023. The suicide rate in Virginia has been lower than the national rate for the past 10 years. 

Arguments Against the Bill 

 Michael Huffman, executive director and teacher of constitutional law for the Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists said it is OK to call something wrong. 

The group is a ministry of local churches that lobby lawmakers at the General Assembly to protect religious freedoms. They also work to protect Second Amendment rights, and advocate for “pro-life and pro-traditional family initiatives,” according to Huffman.

“HB 43 is not harmless — it strips away the common law principle that suicide is a wrong that a state has the duty to prevent,” Huffman said. “That principle is the backbone of emergency intervention and mental health protection. Abolishing this sends the message that life is disposable.”

Huffman questioned if there is a correlation between HB 43 and assisted suicide. 

 “I’m not saying that getting rid of the common law is linked to assisted suicide,” Huffman said. “I’m also not saying that it isn’t either.” 

Todd Gathje, vice president of government relations for The Family Foundation, shared his disapproval of the bill at a subcommittee hearing. Delayed enactment of the bill is helpful, but there are still reservations due to the belief that killing is bad, Gathje said. 

Support for the Bill 

Nicole Durose, disability rights advocate for The Disability Law Center of Virginia, supports the bill. 

“People are not going to not harm themselves because it’s against the law, but we do believe that passing this bill would be a step in the right direction for destigmatizing mental health,” Durose said during the bill’s hearing. 

Rita Utz is the acting executive director for Mental Health Virginia, a nonprofit organization with a mission centered around education and advocacy. She also supports the bill. 

“The assisted suicide piece looks more closely and specifically at the behavior and role of the physician rather than the individual,” Utz said. “That creates a significant distinction between those two pieces.”

The date of the bill has been pushed back to 2027 to allow a full scale analysis of insurance benefits and impact, according to Utz.

Jalna Harris is the network program director for Vocal Virginia, the only state-wide mental health advocacy and education nonprofit that is entirely staffed and governed by people who have experienced mental health challenges. The nonprofit was founded in 2000 and has over 2,000 active members who work to represent the voices of Virginians struggling with mental health challenges, according to Harris.

She said the abolition of suicide as a common law crime represents an important shift in how society understands and responds to mental health and personal tragedy.

“By removing the legal classification of suicide as a crime, the state helps reduce the historical stigma that not only affected individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts but also their families and loved ones, who were often burdened with shame or social judgment,” Harris stated. “Treating suicide as a public health issue rather than a criminal act encourages more compassionate responses, making it easier for people to seek help without fear of legal or moral condemnation.”

The law will go into effect on July 1, 2027. 

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.

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.

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.