News

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.

By Emily Rodriguez | The Center Square

A new report shows hospitals in Virginia filed 1.15 million lawsuits against patients over unpaid medical bills between 2010 and 2024, collecting $1.4 billion.

PatientRightsAdvocate.org collaborated with George Washington University Law School and Stanford University’s Clinical Excellence Research Center to research Virginia court records, revealing what PatientRightsAdvocate.org described as a “coordinated medical debt ecosystem in which hospitals, law firms, and courts collectively extract billions from patients.” 

The records revealed the medical bill lawsuits inflicted patients with $45.9 million in court costs while generating $87.1 million in attorneys’ fees.

“In their most vulnerable hour, patients faced undue challenges, such as unclear pricing, difficulty understanding their medical bills, and unexpected legal action for debts they could not afford,” said Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of PatientRightsAdvocate.org. “Without consistent price transparency, patients often had limited ability to anticipate or verify costs, leaving many families under significant financial strain.”

Interviewing patients for the report revealed how patients were routinely subjected to hidden and varying prices for hospital services, and that patients experienced significant financial and mental distress from not having access to prices or understanding their bill prices. 

Nonprofit hospitals were responsible for more than half, 52.7%, of medical debt lawsuits, despite receiving tax exemptions tied to providing community benefits that only cost 5.9% of hospital operating expenses. 

“The report illustrates just how widespread medical debt collection is: how much it accounts for all debt collections; how many hospitals, doctors, and lawyers they involve; and how they follow patients for years after requiring medical care,” said Barak Richman, George Washington University Law School professor. “We aptly describe it as an economic vortex and as an ecosystem of coercive collection.”

Just 20 law firms filed more than half of all cases, often obtaining default judgments that triggered garnishments. Courts issued 812,948 judgments, and patients faced interest rates as high as 18% annually.

“American workers’ paychecks and bank accounts too often fall prey to unethical medical bill collection practices,” said Arnold Milstein, Stanford physician and professor. “We hope our findings trigger much stronger protection by lawmakers, state bar associations and or employers ASAP.” 

PatientRightsAdvocate.org wants Congress to pass the bipartisan Patient Deserve Price Tags Act, which they believe would “bring much-needed transparency and accountability to healthcare pricing and help protect patients from these harmful practices.” 

“The widespread practice of suing patients underscores the importance of strengthening price transparency policies to ensure that patients are informed and hospitals are held accountable for unfair pricing tactics,” Fisher said.

Emily Rodriguez is an intern reporter based in Washington, DC, covering national news for The Center Square. Originally from Texas, she is a proud graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, where she studied a variety of writing styles. 

Original post.

Several students from the Front Royal, Winchester and Shenandoah Valley area have recently earned academic recognition or taken part in international education programs.

Academic honors

Tiffany Galvin of Front Royal and Lexi Settle, also of Front Royal, have each been elected to membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — Galvin at James Madison University and Settle at Virginia Tech. Erin Attaway of Lake Frederick was similarly elected to the honor society at the University of Southern Mississippi. Phi Kappa Phi, founded in 1897, is the nation’s oldest all-discipline collegiate honor society. Membership is by invitation only and is limited to the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors.

Madison Hobson of Winchester was named to the dean’s list at Frostburg State University in Maryland for the fall 2025 semester, earning a 4.0 grade point average. Jake Dann, also of Winchester, made the dean’s list at the Georgia Institute of Technology for the same semester with a 3.0 or higher average.

Nicholas Figgins of Stephens City earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech in December.

Ave Meteyer of Winchester, a women’s hockey player at Nazareth University in Rochester, N.Y., earned Empire 8 Second Team All-Conference recognition after recording 3 goals and 17 assists for 20 points in 26 games this season.

Global Citizenship Project

Shenandoah University in Winchester marked the 21st year of its Global Citizenship Project this spring, sending students, faculty and staff to five countries in March. Area students participated in four of the five trips.

Darian Angel of Winchester and Lucas Weber of Linden traveled to Kenya, where the group toured Nairobi landmarks, visited Amref International University, took a safari at Tsavo East National Park, and explored the Shimoni Slave Caves and Mombasa.

Matthias Rivera of Lake Frederick and Marissa Overbaugh and Lauren Mason, both of Winchester, traveled to Hong Kong. The group visited Hong Kong Baptist University, toured the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and made a day trip to Shenzhen to meet with Shenandoah’s Global MBA students.

Erika Lopez of Winchester traveled to Ghana, where the group toured Cape Coast Castle, visited the University of Cape Coast, and toured the Manhiya Palace Museum in Kumasi before finishing with stops in Accra including a visit to the U.S. Embassy.

Aaruni Choudhary of Winchester traveled to Saint Lucia, where the group took lessons in Kweyol — a French-based creole language — toured Pigeon Island and Sulphur Springs, and participated in a masquerade workshop with local youth arts students.

Aidan Robbins of Winchester traveled to Slovakia, where the group toured Bratislava, visited Bratislava Castle, hiked the Janosikove Diery gorges and waterfalls in Terchova, and finished with a pottery lesson in Modra.

Since its founding in 2005, Shenandoah’s Global Citizenship Project has sent more than 1,400 participants to over 70 countries.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

Edited by Dan McDermott | WarrenCountyVa.com

President Donald Trump took to social media Saturday to criticize Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s economic record, claiming Virginia has lost its competitive edge under new taxes and rising costs. Spanberger fired back, calling the president’s claims lies and listing a series of bipartisan bills she says address housing, healthcare and energy costs.

President Trump posted at 8:46am

Heading to Virginia for meetings at Trump National. I can’t believe what this new Governor, Spanberger, has done to the Commonwealth — So sad! She is adding so many Taxes, a Food and Beverage Tax, Digital Services Tax, Utilities Tax, and more. It has lost its Energy, Vitality, and Strength. People are leaving that would never have even thought of doing so! New companies that signed to come into the Commonwealth under Governor Youngkin are now looking for ways to get out — Break their Deal. It all happened so fast! This went from a thriving and powerful place, one envied by all, to a Commonwealth run by a person who has no concept of Low Taxes and Economic Strength. People that voted for Spanberger are saying to themselves, “Why did I do that, what have I done?” We have a similar situation in New York and, most of all, in California, where Rich, Job Producing people and companies are being forced to FLEE at levels never seen before. The Tax Base in California is literally disappearing, as some of the richest people and companies in the World have no choice but to leave. They want to put on a Wealth Tax, which gives them absolutely no alternative — As President of the United States, I am embarrassed to watch the Destruction of once Great and Thriving States! These politicians are all sinking in the Polls, but that doesn’t help because they will create Trillions of Dollars worth of Destruction — Incalculable amounts. Remember, once people and companies leave, they are never coming back! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Spanberger responded twice.

The President and his allies are talking about taxes that our state legislature never even voted on and I certainly didn’t sign. Why? Because if they don’t flood the zone with fake news about fake taxes, people might hear about the bills I am signing to lower energy costs, strengthen our schools, make housing more affordable, and bring billions of dollars of business investment to Virginia.

Spanberger continued this afternoon.

The President lied about me today on social media. While he tries to distract from the soaring gas prices and economic worry he has caused, here’s what we are doing in Virginia.

I’ve signed dozens of bipartisan bills into law to address high housing, healthcare, and energy costs — and not the taxes the President and his allies are lying about. To name a few:

✅ Stopping predatory middlemen from driving up the cost of prescription drugs
✅ Incentivizing the construction of housing Virginians can actually afford
✅ Protecting families from covering the cost of energy infrastructure improvements
✅ Letting localities adopt affordable housing programs
✅ Incentivizing energy independence
✅ Investing in and growing our healthcare workforce
✅ Helping localities invest in new energy technology

I’ve signed bills to accelerate $7.1 billion in capital investment projects that will bring more than 3,250 jobs to our Commonwealth — including taking the final step in a multi-year process to bring the second-largest economic development project ever in Southern Virginia.

Instead of offering solutions to the problems he is both creating and actively making worse, the President scapegoats. He does it all the time. In Virginia, I am focused on providing stability for families, businesses, and communities — and delivering real results.

Saturday’s social media exchange comes as Spanberger faces headwinds on several fronts. A Washington Post-Schar School poll released last week showed her approval rating at 47 percent, with 46 percent disapproving — lower than the early-term average for any Virginia governor going back to 1993. Analysts have pointed to several factors in the slippage. Voters face an April 21 referendum on a Democratic plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts mid-decade, a map that would create 10 Democratic seats and one Republican seat. Spanberger also signed Virginia back into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative through budget amendments, a cap-and-trade program that requires utilities to purchase carbon emission credits — critics say the costs will be passed to ratepayers, while supporters argue the program funds energy efficiency and flood mitigation programs. And on immigration, Spanberger signed an executive order repealing her predecessor’s requirement that local and state law enforcement cooperate with ICE, a decision that has drawn scrutiny amid reports that three of the four murder suspects in Fairfax County so far this year are illegal immigrants.

Spanberger, a former CIA officer who served three terms in Congress before winning the governorship in a 15-point landslide last November, ran as a centrist focused on affordability and touted her law enforcement background on the campaign trail.

By Stef Anderson | VCU Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. –THC breathalyzers are often discussed as a way to detect drivers under the influence, especially as Virginia closes in on a retail cannabis market, but questions remain about their effectiveness.

There is no standardized, widely-approved THC breathalyzer test on the market. Researchers have been trying to develop an effective THC breathalyzer, including former Virginia Commonwealth University professor Emanuele Alves who received a grant from the National Institute of Justice to develop a prototype. 

Alves’ research made a big splash in the headlines in 2023, but she has since left VCU and could not be reached for comment. Alves stated in a recent publication that they have filed a patent for a future prototype to aid in roadside cannabis testing.

Michelle Peace is a VCU forensic science professor with experience in toxicology issues. Although there have been developments with THC breathalyzers, the standard markers that help assess recent use and impairment from alcohol do not work for THC impairment.

“For alcohol, we have legislated that 0.08% blood alcohol concentration is the threshold that defines if someone is impaired to drive,” Peace said. “We cannot set a cutoff like that for THC. If we do, we don’t know what that number means for impairment.”

The number would not directly note when THC was consumed, according to Peace.

“Does that number mean that they were recently consumed, or that they consumed two hours ago?” Peace said. “We don’t know.”

Alcohol and THC metabolize in the body differently, which makes a test for THC intoxication more tricky, according to Peace. 

Field sobriety tests and THC levels were also unreliable in determining marijuana intoxication levels, according to an article by researchers with the Research Triangle Institute International, an almost 70-year-old organization that began in North Carolina and is now global.

Toxicology tests could indicate the presence of cannabis, but not determine cognitive or psychomotor impairment, according to the RTI research.

Impaired driving cases often involve people taking more than one drug, according to Peace. A 2024 analysis of driving under the influence from the Virginia DMV found significant concurrent alcohol and cannabis usage. Thirty percent of individuals with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher also tested positive for cannabis, according to DMV data.

The DMV also notes that legalization of recreational cannabis does not correlate to more individuals driving under the influence of cannabis. Legalization may encourage trends of monitoring cannabis-impaired driving or crashes.

Chelsea Higgs Wise, the executive director of Marijuana Justice, believes informed public health campaigns around cannabis will help with increased safety. 

“I saw that they were having a no drug driving campaigns, but whether it’s drunk driving, sexual abstinence or any types of drugs, just telling people not to do something has never worked for public safety,” Higgs Wise said.

Adults need to stay informed about impaired driving, Higgs Wise said. She outlined strategies to prevent impaired driving, like ensuring adults don’t drive immediately after consuming, especially with edibles, which have longer onsets than smoking. 

“We can be teaching people to not just lock up their drugs, but how to also check in and ask a friend, ‘can you drive me home?’” Higgs Wise said.

Higgs Wise noted concerns regarding the Drug Recognition Experts employed by law enforcement to detect if someone is under the influence of drugs during traffic stops. 

DREs are certified by Virginia State Police, and there are currently 21 on the force, according to Matthew Demlein, VSP public relations coordinator. They undergo approximately 80 hours of training to be certified. When there is a question about a driver’s intoxication, a DRE is called to the scene and makes a determination and charges could possibly ensue. 

“We are spending millions of dollars a year to certify police to do something not even a medical doctor can do,” Higgs Wise said. “They are claiming that they can look at someone, someone got pulled over for driving and they didn’t have a high alcohol blood content, but the officer thinks that they are on drugs.” 

The Virginia General Assembly recently passed House Bill 642 and Senate Bill 542 to create a retail cannabis market in the state overseen by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. They will also oversee retail of specific regulated hemp products.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority recently launched a new safe driving campaign, one of several in recent years in which they work to raise awareness that cannabis and driving do not mix. The website also displays information on cannabis statistics and facts versus myths.

Virginians still believe cannabis makes them safer drivers, according to Jamie Patten, chief administrative officer of the CCA, but that is “simply not true.”

 “Our ‘Bad Combinations’ campaign uses relatable examples to deliver a clear message,” Patten stated in an email. “Driving while high is dangerous and illegal. We want people to plan ahead, make safe choices, and help keep everyone on the road safe.” 

Drivers can learn more about the risks and find resources at cca.virginia.gov/safedriving.

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 Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

With just 10 days remaining before Virginia voters decide a closely watched redistricting referendum, former Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Saturday called on the Supreme Court of Virginia to strike down the measure, arguing it stems from what he described as an unconstitutional process.

Speaking before a crowd of at least 150 people at a “Vote No Rally” held at the Bella Rose estate in Lynchburg, Youngkin returned to the campaign trail for the first time since leaving office in January, joining Republican lawmakers and officials in a coordinated push to defeat the April 21 ballot measure.

“They’ve proposed a map that is not only, in my view, the result of a process that’s unconstitutional and illegal,” Youngkin said, urging the state’s high court to intervene. “I call on our State Supreme Court to do its job and opine on it.”

The rally, hosted by U.S. Rep. John McGuire, R-Goochland, featured a lineup of Republican figures, including former Attorney General Jason Miyares, U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, and several state lawmakers from the Lynchburg region.

Youngkin sharply criticized both the proposed congressional map and the process behind it, calling it “the most ridiculous usurping of the voice of the people that you could possibly imagine.” 

He argued the ballot language itself is misleading and accused Democrats of violating constitutional and procedural requirements in advancing the amendment.

At the center of Republican messaging was Gov. Abigail Spanberger, whom speakers repeatedly cast as a key figure behind the redistricting effort. Youngkin labeled her “Governor Bait-and-Switch,” accusing her of reversing campaign positions.

“Virginia is under assault because we have leadership in Richmond that is trying to take away your vote,” Youngkin said, adding that Spanberger had promised not to pursue redistricting but signed legislation enabling the current proposal shortly after taking office.

President Donald Trump, who visited Charlottesville for a private fundraiser Friday, also took aim at the Virginia Democrat in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, accusing her of undermining Virginia’s economy through tax policy. 

“I can’t believe what this new Governor, Spanberger, has done to the Commonwealth — So sad!” Trump wrote, going on to criticize what he described as a series of new taxes and claiming the state has “lost its Energy, Vitality, and Strength,” with businesses reconsidering investments made during the Youngkin administration.

Spanberger pushed back in a post on X, formerly Twitter, disputing Trump’s claims and accusing him and his allies of spreading misinformation about her record. 

“The President and his allies are talking about taxes that our state legislature never even voted on and I certainly didn’t sign,” she wrote, adding that the criticism was meant to distract from legislation she said is aimed at lowering energy costs, strengthening schools, making housing more affordable and attracting business investment to Virginia.

The redistricting referendum would temporarily allow Virginia to redraw its congressional districts mid-decade, a move Democrats have framed as a response to aggressive redistricting in Republican-led states. 

Spanberger has publicly supported the measure while emphasizing that her focus remains on governing rather than campaigning.

Republicans, however, have argued the proposal would tilt the state’s current 6-5 congressional split heavily in Democrats’ favor, potentially creating a 10-1 map.

Miyares, who co-chairs the Virginians for Fair Maps PAC, echoed Youngkin’s criticisms, accusing Spanberger of going back on a key campaign pledge.

“By every definition, Abigail Spanberger has broken the promises she made to Virginia,” Miyares said, pointing to her earlier statement that she had “no plans” to redistrict Virginia.

He also criticized the design of the proposed districts, describing one as the “Lobster District” due to its unusual shape, and argued that the map was drawn without sufficient public input.

McGuire framed the referendum as a reversal of voter intent following a 2020 constitutional amendment that established an independent redistricting commission.

“Virginia has the fairest maps in the country,” McGuire said. “Now that (Democrats) have power, they’ve changed their mind, and they want to take away your voice.”

Kiggans similarly warned that the proposed changes would concentrate political power, saying the current maps more closely reflect statewide voting patterns.

“What they want to do to Virginia nowadays is make 92% of our commonwealth to be represented by one political party,” she said. “That is wrong, that is unconstitutional, that is illegal.”

GOP state lawmakers in attendance reinforced those arguments, focusing on both the process and the potential political consequences.

Sen. Luther Cifers, R-Prince Edward, called the effort “patently dishonest,” while Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, urged voters to reject what he described as an attempt by Northern Virginia Democrats to dominate representation statewide.

“We have got to fight this unconstitutional gerrymandered state,” Peake said.

Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, accused Democrats of breaking earlier commitments to maintain stable district maps through the decade.

Outside elected officials, attendees also voiced concerns about the broader implications of the referendum. 

Jason Redman, a former Navy SEAL, framed the issue in no uncertain terms. “This is when freedom truly starts to erode,” Redman said.

Saturday’s rally came as early voting continues across the state. Voting began March 6 and runs through April 18, giving campaigns a limited window to influence turnout.

Also on Saturday, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder spoke at a “Vote Yes” rally in Arlington, offering a counterpoint to Republican opposition. 

Holder, who has long advocated for independent redistricting, told The Mercury in an interview Friday that he now supports the measure as a necessary response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states, saying, “we have to do something.” 

Initial data has shown stronger participation in Republican-leaning areas, potentially shaping campaign strategies in the final days before the vote. And a recent Washington Post-Schar School poll highlighted the tight divide among voters, with 52% of likely voters saying they’re in favor of the measure.

The referendum has also been the subject of legal challenges. 

The Supreme Court of Virginia previously allowed the vote to proceed despite objections from Republicans, a decision welcomed by Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and Spanberger.

Youngkin’s call Saturday for the court to now strike down the measure signals a continued legal and political battle even as ballots are already being cast.

Chris Faraldi, a Republican member of the Lynchburg City Council, said opposition to the referendum extends beyond party lines.

“It’s not so much Democrats and Republicans,” Faraldi said. “It’s more like Virginia versus everybody else.”

Original post.

RICHMOND — Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week vetoed legislation that would have legalized electronic skill gaming devices in Virginia, citing the state’s lack of a centralized gaming regulatory authority and data showing the machines had clustered in lower-income and minority communities when they were previously allowed to operate.

The bill, Senate Bill 661, would have legalized skill gaming statewide. Skill games are electronic devices, often found in convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants, that offer cash payouts and are distinct from traditional slot machines in that they involve an element of player skill.

In her veto statement, Spanberger pointed to data collected by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority during the period between 2020 and 2021 when skill games were briefly legal in the state. That data showed devices were disproportionately placed in communities with higher poverty rates, lower educational attainment, and higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents.

Spanberger also argued that Virginia’s gaming oversight structure is too fragmented to absorb further expansion at this time, noting the state lacks a single independent entity responsible for regulating all forms of legal gaming. She said legalizing the machines now would also effectively reward operators who continued running them illegally after the previous authorization expired.

“Legalizing these machines at this moment would also reward operators who knowingly disregarded state law for years and set a troubling precedent for how business is conducted in Virginia,” Spanberger said in a statement.

The veto comes one day after Spanberger also vetoed separate legislation that would have required Fairfax County to hold a referendum on a casino in Tysons Corner. In February, her administration expressed support for creating a unified gaming regulatory body during testimony before the legislature’s ABC and Gaming Subcommittee.

Skill games have been a contentious issue in Virginia for several years. The industry has lobbied aggressively for legalization, arguing the machines provide revenue for small businesses and that operators should have a legal path to operate. Opponents, including some anti-gambling advocates and law enforcement officials, have pushed back on the expansion of gaming more broadly.

Spanberger said she remains open to future discussions with the General Assembly on gaming expansion, provided any approach prioritizes consumer protection and community impacts.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

RICHMOND — Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week signed a broad package of public safety legislation into law, covering topics ranging from law enforcement support and cyberstalking to gun regulations and protections for crime victims.

Several bills passed unanimously or with bipartisan support in the General Assembly.

Law enforcement and first responders

Two bills expand protections for Virginia’s emergency response community. HB1313 extends workers’ compensation eligibility for law enforcement officers and firefighters to include post-traumatic stress disorder. SB100 protects volunteer emergency responders from being fired or otherwise penalized by their employers for missing work due to emergency response duties.

HB248 and SB317 permit professionals from multiple agencies to jointly respond to behavioral health crisis calls, a measure supporters say will improve coordination and outcomes. Passed unanimously.

HB1300 and SB86, also passed unanimously, allow the immediate survivor of any State Police officer killed in the line of duty to purchase the officer’s service handgun for $1.

Online safety and sex offender restrictions

SB673 strengthens Virginia’s cyberstalking laws to address unwanted sexual or violent contact online. HB629 creates two new criminal offenses related to sexual extortion and the non-consensual production of explicit images, with felony-level penalties when the victim is a minor. Both passed unanimously.

HB1387 requires automatic revocation of teaching licenses for convicted sex offenders. HB559 and SB399 bar convicted sex offenders from teaching driver education courses. HB250 and SB55 prohibit convicted sex offenders from visiting state parks for the purpose of contacting children. All passed unanimously.

SB778, also unanimous, makes it a felony for anyone 18 or older to display obscene material to a child under 13.

HB1352 expands school safety education to include the dangers of speeding and reckless driving. SB95 requires signage at interstate highway rest areas to raise awareness of human trafficking. SB87 requires localities to have working automated external defibrillators at sporting events and facilities.

HB1233 and SB329 establish a $500 fee assessed on certain sexual and domestic violence convictions to fund the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund.

Gun legislation

The package includes several gun-related measures that drew varying levels of support.

HB19 and SB160 close what supporters call the “intimate partner loophole,” prohibiting intimate partners convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes from possessing a firearm. The bills passed with bipartisan support.

HB93 and SB38 specify that a person prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a protective order or domestic violence conviction may transfer their firearm to a person who is not prohibited, is 21 or older and does not share their residence.

HB40 and SB323 ban the manufacture, sale and possession of untraceable firearms without serial numbers, commonly known as ghost guns.

HB21 and SB27 allow firearm manufacturers and dealers to be held legally liable when negligent business practices are found to have contributed to gun violence.

The full list of legislation signed by Gov. Spanberger is available at governor.virginia.gov.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

RICHMOND — Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week signed four bills aimed at combating invasive plants across Virginia, addressing what supporters say is an underrecognized threat to the state’s farms, forests, waterways and wildlife.

The bipartisan legislation moves on several fronts. One bill prohibits invasive plants from being planted along state highways. Another allows regulators to add plants to the Noxious Weeds List based on scientific merit. A third empowers local jurisdictions to raise funds to treat and control invasive plants. The fourth gives state agencies flexibility to use volunteers to help control invasive plants on state lands.

The bills were carried by Del. Amy Laufer (HB88), Del. Holly Seibold (HB109), Del. Katrina Callsen (HB388), Sen. Saddam Salim (SB89) and Sen. Ryan McDougle (SB163). Three of the bills were developed with the involvement of Blue Ridge PRISM, a Shenandoah Valley-based invasive plant management nonprofit. The Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition supported all four measures.

Invasive plants are widely recognized by ecologists as a significant driver of habitat degradation, biodiversity loss and disruption of ecosystem function. They can also affect agricultural operations, public health and recreational areas.

Del. Seibold, who carried HB109, said the bill builds on earlier legislation she passed requiring invasive plant education at retail garden centers.

The new laws take effect in the coming months. More information on invasive plant management in Virginia is available at blueridgeprism.org.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday signed legislation to gradually raise Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028, delivering on a top Democratic priority and setting in motion a series of wage increases that will affect workers, businesses and the state budget for years to come.

“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” Spanberger said in a statement. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures.”

The measure, carried by Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, and Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, codifies the state’s current minimum wage of $12.77 per hour, which took effect Jan. 1, and sets a path for future increases. 

Under the law, the wage will rise to $13.75 per hour on Jan. 1, 2027, and then to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2028. Beginning in 2029, the wage will be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the consumer price index.

Spanberger said the legislation reflects a broader effort to support workers across industries, including agriculture, noting the administration worked with the Virginia Farm Bureau “to strike a balance to protect farm workers and our vital farming industry.”

The governor also signed related legislation requiring that farm workers be paid the state minimum wage, extending protections to a sector that has historically been treated differently under labor laws.

Democrats tout wage gains as Republicans warn of costs

House Democrats, who made the wage increase a centerpiece of their 2026 agenda, praised the move as a long-overdue step toward economic stability.

“Working Virginians have been long overdue for a raise,” said Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, adding that voters “elected us to make an Affordable Virginia.”

Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, said rising costs have outpaced wages. 

“The reality is that inflation and tariffs have driven up prices, and wages have fallen behind — this law is a key component of rectifying that divide,” she said.

Ward, the House patron of the bill, said the measure ensures that “no one who works full-time in Virginia struggles to afford to live in Virginia.”

Public opinion has largely aligned with that push. A January survey by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center found that 78% of Virginians support or strongly support raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028.

Still, the policy carries a measurable fiscal impact for the state. 

According to the Department of Planning and Budget, general fund spending tied to the increase is expected to rise modestly at first — about $546,761 in fiscal year 2027 — before climbing sharply to roughly $14 million in fiscal year 2028. 

Costs are projected to continue growing, reaching about $33.8 million by fiscal year 2029 and more than $38 million by fiscal year 2031.

Non-general fund spending follows a similar trajectory, with total combined costs expected to exceed $70 million annually by the end of the forecast period. A significant portion of those long-term costs is tied to Medicaid, particularly higher wages for personal care attendants. 

The Department of Medical Assistance Services estimates those costs alone could reach $23.7 million statewide in fiscal year 2028 and approach $60 million annually in subsequent years.

Additional expenses include higher payroll obligations for state and local positions and increased funding for labor law enforcement, including new staffing needs at the Department of Labor and Industry. 

The fiscal impact statement also points to broader, harder-to-quantify effects, such as increased contract costs and potential pressure on wages in publicly funded sectors like education. 

Republicans raised concerns about how those costs will be absorbed, particularly as lawmakers continue to negotiate a state budget.

Del. Mike Cherry, a former Colonial Heights city councilor, said local governments are being asked to prepare for higher wage obligations without clear guidance on future state funding levels.

“Here we are again, the governor is mandating that localities pay their employees more, and yet the government won’t tell them how much money they’re going to have to budget with,” Cherry said during a Zoom call with reporters. 

He added that local officials are already in the midst of budget planning and need clearer signals from Richmond. “As long as I’ve been there, it’s been a point of frustration,” he said.

New laws target workforce growth, job training across industries

Beyond the wage legislation, Spanberger on Thursday approved a slate of workforce and economic development bills aimed at expanding job opportunities and strengthening key industries.

Among them is legislation designed to grow Virginia’s offshore wind workforce, a measure that drew bipartisan support and reflects the state’s continued investment in renewable energy. 

Another bill will allow more high school students to begin apprenticeships in fields such as culinary arts and information technology, creating earlier pathways into skilled trades.

Lawmakers also advanced an effort to bolster the health care workforce by establishing a new program to help high school students train as certified nurse aides, a measure that passed unanimously. 

Additional legislation gives localities flexibility to support furloughed federal workers during government shutdowns, including by extending deadlines for personal property tax payments, and seeks to connect federal employees affected by recent job cuts with opportunities in state government.

Other measures include the creation of a state internship coordinator to promote public service careers and expanded authority for local workforce development boards to invest in regional job training initiatives.

Combined, the package reflects what Spanberger described as a broader strategy to invest in Virginia’s workforce while ensuring that economic growth reaches more residents.

“Investing in our workforce is a win for families, a win for local communities, and importantly, a win for the businesses that call Virginia home,” she said.

Original post.

By Shannon Heckt | Virginia Mercury

After months of fierce debate and community rallies, the State Corporation Commission on Thursday approved the above-ground construction of the Golden-Mars high-voltage transmission line in Loudoun County. 

There are two options for the final route of the line, and it will be up to the Loudoun County School Board to decide if it will reverse its previous decision to block the project from using land easements near two schools in Ashburn.

The Golden-Mars 500kV/250kV transmission line is part of Dominion Energy’s three-pronged “reliability loop” that connects multiple substations to funnel more power to the major cluster of data centers in Ashburn. Two parts of the loop are already in the process of approval and construction. The SCC ruled that the Golden-Mars line, the final piece of this puzzle, is within the public’s interest. 

The commission chose ‘Route 4’ as their priority option for the lines out of the six options provided by Dominion. This route runs along the Broad Run Stream Valley Park and crosses near the two schools. The order states that there are no homes within 100 feet of the center line, and, compared to the other routes, has fewer homes within 250 to 500 feet of the center line.

“(The route) is located predominately within the Broad Run floodplain in areas where residential uses are prohibited and electrical infrastructure is more consistent with the types of uses and design characteristics of the surrounding area,” the order reads.

The Loudoun Valley Estates neighborhoods as well as the Loudoun County School Board have for months urged the SCC to bury the transmission lines to avoid potential impacts to homes and students at Rock Ridge High School and Rosa Lee Carter Elementary.

Hundreds of community members turned out to public hearings and offered testimony in the case, mainly opposing the transmission lines being built overhead.

The SCC stated that burying the lines, even partially, would not be practical for the project.

Dominion estimated that the cost of the transmission line when built overhead would be about $513 million. A witness for the county submitted a separate analysis of undergrounding the lines in a hybrid format, but the SCC noted some stark potential variation in the presented numbers. The high end of those figures could place the project’s cost at $1.5 billion – triple what Dominion is estimating.

The order also lays out other challenges for burying the lines. Commissioners say that method would delay the project’s completion for years but Dominion can’t afford to wait because the electric grid is already strained and without the transmission line to complete the reliability loop, existing infrastructure could be damaged.  

If energy is not provided through this loop, Dominion has stated, regional grid operator PJM, could levy violations on the company. 

The burial of lines would also be in conflict with existing transmission infrastructure, commissioners determined, and there are no sites available for a transition site where the lines would enter the earth. The geological makeup of the area would also make it hard to bury lines, the ruling stated.

“The project remains critical to maintaining regional grid reliability and supporting data centers under development in Northern Virginia and Loudoun County,” Dominion said in a statement after the SCC’s decision was published. “We understand that constructing a new transmission line will have impacts to the community and we do our best to minimize those impacts.”

In August of last year, dozens of Loudoun Valley Estates residents attended a school board hearing to urge them to join in testifying to the SCC for the case. The board previously voted against two of the routes that would require access to easements on school board property, unless the lines could be buried.

The school board has the ability to block one of the two remaining options, Route 4, from being selected because their property ownership trumps the SCC’s desire to have the lines built along this route, which borders the schools. 

If the school board blocks Route 4, the SCC’s backup option is Route 3a, which the order states would be “regrettable” due to it having a much larger impact on the surrounding homes, being much longer in length, and because new rights-of-way would be needed – which would jack up the price of the project. 

Loudoun Valley Estates resident Vicky Hu has been a vocal opponent of the lines being built overhead. In route 3a, her backyard would be the site of one of the 165 foot monopoles. Her and her neighbors fear that not only will their views be impacted with the need to remove trees but their home values could tank, too.  

“I’m disappointed with the SCC ruling,” Hu said Friday. “The only feasible option should be underground to avoid the damage to homes, communities, and also the best choice to preserve the health of students and student’s families.” She added that she and her neighbors are reviewing the SCC ruling and weighing their options to move forward. 

The General Assembly this year passed legislation born out of the concerns about the Golden-Mars case. 

Democratic state Sen. Kannan Srinivasan and Del. JJ Singh, who represent the Ashburn area of Loudoun, passed Senate Bill 827 and House Bill 1487, which would set up a pilot program to allow the SCC to identify four qualifying transmission projects to be buried. 

The bills would allow for the increased cost of burying 500kV transmission lines to be shared with the locality. While those bills await approval, rejection or amendment by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, the SCC said they wouldn’t apply it to the Golden-Mars case. 

“The increased cost of underground transmission lines versus conducting an overhead solution is a significant issue, and these pieces of legislation suggest a potential path forward in appropriate cases,” the order stated. “The record evidence produced over the course of this case does not support a finding that undergrounding is technically feasible.”

The community is now taking a closer look at their options as pressure mounts for the school board to make a decision on whether Route 4 can proceed.

“My initial reaction is that this decision goes against the will of our residents and the will of the General Assembly, both of which stood together and said that residents should not be punished by the unchecked sprawl of data centers,” Singh said in a statement. “Two things can be true at once: I respect and value the SCC, while I am also bitterly disappointed by the result.”

As of April 10, the Loudoun school board does not have any hearings or votes planned regarding the route debate.

Original post.

By Charlotte Rene Woods | Virginia Mercury

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public input until April 13 as it considers creating a new rule to crack down on “unfair and deceptive housing fee practices.” 

Christine Marra, director of housing policy at the Virginia Poverty Law Center said Wednesday she’s seen the practices firsthand when working with clients on housing issues. 

“We have looked at leases of the past several years that have stated a base rent on the first page, and then throughout the lease added or mentioned multiple fees that are mandatory,” she said, listing examples like trash collection and maintenance of common areas in apartment buildings. 

It’s shocking for tenants who saw their apartment marketed at one price but were afterwards locked into a lease at another price, Marra said. For people on fixed or low incomes, the price tag sometimes stretches already thin budgets and places families closer to destitution. 

Marra said she believes some landlords or rental companies are taking advantage of a “little caveat” in state code where “no additional security deposits or rent shall be charged” unless they are incorporated into rental agreements “by way of a separate addendum or after execution of this rental agreement.” 

Where the hiccup happens, she said, is that prospective tenants don’t typically see and sign a lease until they are near their move-in date. 

“By that point, you’ve paid your application fee and you have probably already paid a security deposit,” Marra said. “And these are not two-page leases, they can go on for 10 pages or more. We think it’s sneaky.”

Responses that people around the country have already submitted to the FTC called out landlords for mandating fees in their rent for routine maintenance that is inconsistent.

Others have said their property managers mandated cable or certain utilities costs be included in their rent, even if the tenant could get a better deal in their own name and pay for it outside of their lease. 

Others lambast landlords for refusing to resolve maintenance requests and withholding deposits when renters move. 

For instance, respondent Tamerra Grove described how her water bill spiked to $400 caused by a leak in her irrigation system. It took months, she claimed, for the underground pipes to her home to get fixed and her management company has allegedly refused to credit her for the additional costs. 

On kept deposits, Marra said landlords have “become bolder” on the issue over the years, retaining them even when tenants don’t damage units and using the money to facilitate routine maintenance between occupants or replace carpet. It’s an anecdote she’s heard from clients more and more in recent years.

Addressing damage from tenants’ and pets is one thing, she said, but offsetting typical property management costs to past residents is another. Replacing floors every few years or repainting between tenants “are a landlord’s responsibility over time,” Marra added.

After the FTC’s public comment period winds down next week, the federal commission could draft a new rule to spur clearer communication between landlords and tenants and support consumer protections.

Ultimately, Marra said, “People can’t responsibly shop for rental housing if they’re being denied information about what the true cost is.”

Click here to submit a comment to FTC.

Original post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation that would have required Fairfax County to move forward with a casino referendum, saying the proposal would override local decision-making and depart from how gambling projects have been approved in Virginia.

Senate Bill 756 would have added Fairfax County to the state’s list of eligible casino locations and required the county to hold a voter referendum, despite opposition from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

In her veto statement, Spanberger said casino development in Virginia has historically been led by local governments and not imposed by the state.

She wrote that local governing bodies “should lead on proposed casino development” and pointed to opposition from Fairfax County officials.

“In Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors has explicitly opposed this legislation, and an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly members who represent Fairfax voted against it,” she wrote.

Spanberger said the bill would weaken local authority over major development decisions.

“This effectively precludes local input and eliminates local decisions. While this legislation specifically affects only Fairfax County, it would set a precedent to bring casino referendums to other localities where the local governing board may similarly oppose such an effort,” she said.

Under current law, once the General Assembly designates a locality for a casino, local officials must proceed with a referendum. Spanberger said that structure depends on local support and should not be used to force action in a county that has already declined to pursue a project.

She also raised concerns about oversight, writing that Virginia lacks a unified regulatory framework for gambling and that a consistent structure is needed to ensure transparency, accountability, safety and public confidence.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, the bill’s sponsor, said the veto blocks what he described as a major economic opportunity for Northern Virginia.

In a statement, Surovell said the legislation passed with bipartisan support in both chambers and was backed by regional labor unions and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

He said the project could have generated thousands of good-paying, well-benefited construction jobs and additional long-term hospitality and entertainment positions tied to a casino development in Tysons.

Surovell also said Virginia residents currently spend “hundreds of millions of dollars every year” at casinos in neighboring states, including Maryland and West Virginia, generating tax revenue outside the commonwealth.

He pointed to what he described as an independent analysis by EY projecting a proposed venue could generate about $1.5 billion in annual economic activity and thousands of jobs in Maryland, adding, “we just handed them another win.”

A state fiscal analysis of the legislation previously found no anticipated impact unless a project proceeds following voter approval, reflecting that revenue and cost outcomes depend on whether a casino is ultimately built.

Fairfax County officials opposed the measure, citing concerns about traffic, infrastructure demands and whether the project aligns with long-term development plans in Tysons.

The veto blocks the proposal for now and prevents Fairfax County from being added as a casino-eligible locality unless lawmakers revisit the issue in a future session.

The veto underscores the divide between state-level economic development efforts and local government authority over land use decisions.

Original post.

By Alessandra Caceres Mendoza | VCU Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation to purchase the former estate of the fifth Founding Father for use as a new state park in Loudoun County was continued until the 2027 session, but it could still be acquired pending approval of the final budget.

House Bill 500, sponsored by Del. John McAuliff, D-Fauquier, would enable the Department of Conservation and Recreation to receive a 1,240 acre parcel of land known as Oak Hill Farm from The Conservation Fund and establish it as an official state park.

The first attempt to acquire the land was introduced in the 2025 session.

The Oak Hill Farm estate belonged to former President James Monroe and also holds the stories of the enslaved and indigenous individuals who worked the land. The area sits between James Monroe Highway, Little River Turnpike, and Tail Race Road, just south of Leesburg in the town of Aldie, according to the bill. 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation would accept the parcel with conditions that general funds could not be used and that a community foundation would manage the park endowment, generating over $1 million in annual revenue. The state budget has $5 million toward the acquisition and Loudoun County would provide most of the $52 million, with the rest coming from federal funds and philanthropic support, McAuliff’s office confirmed.

Another measure, House Bill 239, was incorporated into McAuliff’s bill. The Senate version of the bill that did not include the funding died in the Senate Finance and Appropriations committee in mid-February.  That same committee moved to carry the bill over and continue to look at it in the state budget.

Erin Lehman, McAuliff’s chief of staff, stated in an email that the park funding is in the House budget. Lawmakers ended the session without a finalized status in the budget but will return in April to pass one.

Legacy and Impact

“[The estate] is … a 1,200-acre recreation and nature preserve that is set right between the heavily urbanized part of northern Virginia and the farmland that I love and ran to protect,” McAuliff said during the bill’s final Senate committee hearing.

The park would benefit northern Virginia’s environment and communities, McAuliff said during the bill’s hearing. It’s also within an hour’s drive of 30% of the state’s population.

Northern Virginia has the largest population of any region in the state, with a population of 2.6 million in 2024, according to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission.

Heather Richards, mid-Atlantic vice president of The Conservation Fund, said the organization negotiated with previous estate owners to buy the land for $20 million with the provision that public access was maintained and well preserved. Loudoun County provided grant money for the group.

Richards said northern Virginia, not just Loudoun, needs more state parks.

“Demand for outdoor recreation is huge, and this park is within a 30-minute drive of more than 3 million people,” Richards said. 

The Conservation Fund has nearly 10,000 signatures on their online petition in support of building this nature preserve, according to Richards.

More Green Space ‘Always Good’

Oscar Ali, a Loudoun County resident since 1985, said he noticed the increase in area development over the years and would like to see more land preservation efforts.

“It’s always good for the families to enjoy it and creative activities for kids or adults and anybody else—you name it,” Ali said.

The Virginia Tourism Corp. currently lists five state parks in northern Virginia, out of 44 in the state. 

Visitors would have many outdoor experiences at Oak Hill Farm, such as cabins, an 11-acre pond for fishing and boating, river views and miles of trails, according to McAuliff.

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

A proposed high-voltage transmission project in central Virginia is moving forward as local governments raise concerns about land use, costs and potential impacts on ratepayers.

The Valley Link transmission line, a roughly 115-mile project spanning nine counties from Campbell County to Culpeper County, is being developed by a joint venture involving Dominion Energy, American Electric Power and FirstEnergy. The project is estimated to cost about $1 billion, according to company representatives.

Developers say the line is needed as electricity demand grows across Virginia, driven in part by data center expansion and increased energy use.

In a call with The Center Square, Dominion Energy representatives said the region is seeing “the largest increase in demand since World War II.”

Dominion officials said average daily demand in its service area is about 20 gigawatts and is expected to double within the next 15 years. During a recent winter cold snap, demand increased from about 20 to 25 gigawatts overnight, a 25% jump.

At the same time, local governments along the proposed route are pushing back, raising concerns that regional benefits may come with local impacts.

Louisa County officials have passed a resolution opposing the project and filed concerns with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. County leaders have also contacted neighboring jurisdictions, including Orange, Goochland, Fluvanna, Buckingham, Appomattox, Spotsylvania and Culpeper, in an effort to coordinate a regional response.

Local officials say the project could affect agricultural and forest land, reduce property values and offer limited direct benefit to rural communities along the route.

In a joint discussion among counties, officials said the transmission line is expected to support electricity demand in Northern Virginia “with little to no benefit” for the areas it would cross.

A Louisa County official said the project would carry electricity through the county without serving local demand.

“This is a transmission line,” the official said. “They’re not dumping any electricity here. It’s passing through.”

Louisa County officials have also raised concerns about a federal proposal tied to PJM Interconnection that could speed up approvals for large energy and transmission projects. The timeline could shrink from several years to about 10 months.

County leaders said a shorter review process could limit how long-term impacts are evaluated, including how costs are shared among ratepayers.

The board also urged the State Corporation Commission to require utilities to evaluate alternative routes that reduce impacts on agricultural and forest land, including using existing infrastructure corridors or placing portions of the line underground.

In a resolution adopted March 16, the Louisa County Board of Supervisors said the proposed line could run about 20 miles through the county using steel structures up to 160 feet tall, roughly the height of a 14-story building, and pass within 500 feet of some homes.

Project developers say they are continuing to refine the route and meet with communities.

According to company representatives, the project has been reduced from an earlier proposal of about 155 miles across 16 counties to the current 115-mile plan across nine counties. Developers said they have contacted about 120,000 residents and held public meetings attended by more than 5,000 people.

They estimate between 600 and 700 property owners would be directly affected by the final route.

The transmission line would require a right-of-way about 200 feet wide. Landowners would retain ownership and could continue using the land for farming, grazing and other purposes, but permanent structures such as homes or buildings would not be allowed within that space.

Developers said they aim to route the line through commercial or industrial areas where possible while avoiding dense residential communities, schools and historically or environmentally sensitive sites.

Most land easements are expected to be negotiated directly with property owners, according to company representatives. If agreements cannot be reached, court proceedings may be used to determine compensation.

The State Corporation Commission will decide whether to approve the project and how much of the cost can be recovered from Virginia ratepayers. Project costs are expected to be shared across utilities based on usage.

A second round of public meetings is planned for late May and early June. Developers expect to submit a final route to the State Corporation Commission in September, with regulators expected to take about a year to review the proposal.

The State Corporation Commission did not respond to a request for comment.

Original post.

by Kevin S. Engle

I was working on taxes the other day.

Sounds like fun doesn’t it?

When I finished our federal return, we owed the IRS some money, plus eight bucks in penalties and interest.

What bothered me the most was the eight bucks.

Could I do anything about it?

Actually, yes.

After reading some instructions, I spent the next two hours shuffling papers and crunching numbers.  When I was done, that $8 penalty was now only $2.  I felt a little better.

But I’d just spent two hours of my life to save six bucks.

That’s like earning three dollars an hour.

Not much when you think of it that way.

Was it worth it?

Probably not.

The following day, when I completed our state return, we had an $85 penalty.

Yikes!

You know what that meant?

Pull out my calculator again.

Some of the calculations were already done from the day before, but I still needed to tweak a few things.  In less than an hour, I was able to eliminate all $85.

Now we’re talkin’.

In total, I spent about three hours of my life on this little exercise and saved us 91 bucks.

My hourly rate has just gone up from $3 to a little more than $30.

That’s a nice increase.

And just what are we going to do with all that extra money we’ve saved?

Spend it on something else of course.

I was at the grocery store yesterday.  My total order was about 60 bucks.  I should’ve stopped at the gas station on the way home and put a few gallons in the tank too.

Life is good.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

The author is feeling lucky.  Maybe he should buy some lottery tickets as well?

[email protected]

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

STAUNTON — The Virginia Department of Transportation has launched an online survey to gather public feedback on findings from phases two and three of the Shenandoah Valley Rail with Trail Assessment, and has scheduled three in-person public meetings along the corridor being studied.

The online survey is open now through Wednesday, May 13, and is available at publicinput.com/svrwt.

The public meetings will take place at three locations along the 49-mile rail corridor, with identical information presented at each event. Each meeting runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and will begin with a brief presentation before transitioning to an open-house format, with study team members available to answer questions about information display boards. A court reporter will be present at each meeting to record oral comments.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

Woodstock – Thursday, April 16, 5-7 p.m.
Peter Muhlenberg Middle School cafeteria
1251 Susan Ave., Woodstock, VA 22664

Front Royal – Thursday, April 23, 5-7 p.m.
Warren County Government Center, Board of Supervisors room
220 N Commerce Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630

Timberville – Tuesday, April 28, 5-7 p.m.
Plains District Community Center, large multi-purpose room
233 McCauley Ave., Timberville, VA 22853

VDOT says public feedback is critical to understanding community perspectives on estimated costs and overall considerations for both “Rail with Trail” and “Rail to Trail” alternatives. Feedback submitted through the online survey carries equal weight to comments provided in person at the meetings. Residents may also contact VDOT directly with input.

The Shenandoah Rail with Trail Assessment is being conducted in three phases and will identify the most likely configuration and costs associated with restoring rail assets and rail bridges and constructing an adjacent trail along a Norfolk Southern-owned rail corridor stretching from the town of Broadway in Rockingham County to the town of Front Royal in Warren County.

More information is available at VDOT.Virginia.gov/ShenandoahRailWithTrail.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

RICHMOND — Black bears are emerging from their winter dens hungry and in search of an easy meal, and Virginia wildlife officials are reminding residents to secure potential food sources and reduce the chances of human-bear conflicts near their homes.

Natural foods can be scarce during early spring, leading bears to seek out easy alternatives such as garbage, compost piles, barbecue grills, birdseed and pet food stored outside. Keeping those items secured encourages bears to move along and continue foraging for natural foods.

Bears are naturally cautious of humans, but they can overcome that wariness if people — intentionally or not — reward them with food. Unsecured garbage, pet food or other food sources can condition bears to associate neighborhoods with meals, increasing the likelihood of conflict.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources recommends the following steps to avoid attracting black bears:

Secure garbage in a locked shed or inside until collection day, or use a bear-resistant container. Take down bird feeders; tips on attracting birds without attracting bears are available on the BearWise website. Store pet and livestock feed in bear-resistant containers or locked sheds. Clean grills and remove any potential food sources from porches and decks, keeping in mind that a screened-in porch is not a secure storage area from a bear’s perspective. Never leave food, trash or pet and livestock feed inside a vehicle.

In 2025, the DWR Wildlife Conflict Helpline received nearly 2,300 bear conflict calls. Unsecured trash accounted for 41% of those calls, and bird feeders accounted for another 10%. As backyard chicken flocks have grown in popularity, conflicts related to chickens and chicken feed have also increased, making up nearly 7% of all conflict calls in 2025.

In addition to increased adult bear activity, spring is also when females with cubs begin emerging from their winter dens. Bear cubs can become separated from their mothers for short periods during this time, but in almost all cases no intervention is necessary. Cubs should be left alone.

When a female bear perceives a threat — from barking dogs, nearby people or other disturbances — she will often “tree” her cubs, sending them scrambling high into the treetops while she circles the area and waits for conditions to feel safe. Though cubs may weigh as little as 5 pounds or less, they are capable climbers. The female will periodically return to check the area and will call her cubs down, often at night, once she feels the threat has passed.

If you see cubs in a tree with no female visible nearby, leave the area immediately. Keeping the area free of disturbance — especially from humans and dogs — is critical to allowing the female to return and retrieve her cubs.

Residents should never attempt to handle or capture a black bear cub found on their property. If a cub has a visible injury, appears lethargic or has remained in the same location for more than 24 hours, contact the DWR Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003.

For more information on black bears in Virginia, visit the DWR website at dwr.virginia.gov. Residents can also call the Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 to report concerns about bears or get additional advice on preventing and mitigating wildlife conflicts.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks invites job seekers interested in summer seasonal and hourly wage positions to explore the opportunities available at parks across the state.  

Whether someone enjoys working outdoors, sharing their educational or historical expertise, or planning events and programs, Virginia State Parks offers a range of seasonal and wage positions that will allow job seekers to build new life skills, enjoy unique experiences and gain knowledge that is valuable inside and outside of the state park system.  

Daily duties, pay rates and employment dates will vary depending on the position and park’s needs. Seasonal and wage positions can lead to full-time careers, so opportunities for advancement are possible. Jobs in demand include:  

• Administrative assistant  
• Contact ranger  
• Education support specialist  
• Food service ranger  
• Groundskeeper  
• Housekeeping ranger  
• Lifeguard  
• Maintenance ranger  
• Office assistant  
• Park interpreter  
• Trades technician  

For more information about seasonal, part-time and full-time opportunities and how to apply, please go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/jobs.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

SPECIAL FUNDRAISER

Taste for Books: Animal Kingdom — Saturday, April 25, 6 p.m. Take a walk on the wild side at Samuels Public Library’s annual fundraiser. Come in costume (optional) and enjoy food and drinks, a silent auction and games with prizes. Single tickets are $75; group rate is $300 for five tickets. Visit tasteforbooks.net for tickets and information. Note: The library will be closed during the day April 25 in preparation for the event.

ONE-TIME EVENTS

Seniors First Workshop: Prescription Drug Coverage — Thursday, April 9, 2–3 p.m. Learn how Medicare Part D works, including formularies, tiers and extra help options, plus tips for lowering drug costs. Following the workshop, one-on-one 20-minute counseling sessions are available starting at 3 p.m. Call VICAP at 540-635-7141 or visit seniorsfirst.info. To book a counseling session, contact the Adult Reference Department at 540-635-3153 ext. 105.

It’s Feud Time! — Thursday, April 9, 5–7:30 p.m. Brought to you by Warren Coalition, this Family Feud-style event challenges teams of two to five people to guess the top answers to survey questions covering popular topics as well as drugs and alcohol, mental health, smartphone usage and resilience. The winning team receives a $50 gift card per person (up to five people). A dinner of lasagna, salad, dessert and drinks will be provided. Free, but registration required. Intended for middle and high school students and their families. Register at bit.ly/feudtime.

Book Talk with Will Hackman — Monday, April 13, 6–7:30 p.m. Front Royal author Will Hackman discusses his new book “Radically Reframing Climate Change: A Guide to Saving Ourselves,” joined by guests Justin Proctor of the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute and Makario Sarsozo, a senior communications strategist for Homeworld Collective. The panel will discuss local and community climate actions and ways to get involved, followed by Q&A and a book signing.

Sewing 101 — Wednesday, April 15, 5–6:30 p.m. An introduction to sewing for beginners using a SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 machine. Participants will learn to thread, wind a bobbin and complete a simple take-home project. Registration required.

Spring Bird ID and Photography — Saturday, April 18, 9–10:30 a.m. Off-site at Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville. Local photographer and educator Sharon Fisher leads a workshop on bird identification and photography. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Hikes of up to 2 miles on even terrain; sturdy footwear recommended. All camera types and experience levels welcome. Standard park parking fees apply; limited library park passes available. Registration required.

Sewing 101 — Wednesday, April 22, 5–6:30 p.m. Same beginner-friendly introduction as the April 15 session. Registration required.

RECURRING PROGRAMS

What the Tech! — Every Tuesday, 2–3:30 p.m. Drop in to Studio 330 for help with computers, phones, tablets, laptops or other devices.

Studio 330: Embroidery Club — Every Thursday, 10 a.m.–noon Bring your own hand embroidery or needlework project for a morning of crafting and socializing. No food in the studio; ages 13–17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Studio 330 Walk-in Hours — Every Thursday, noon–4 p.m. Open for tours or project work on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: Walk-in hours are canceled April 23 in preparation for Taste for Books and will resume April 30. Glowforge not available during walk-in hours.

Studio 330: String Theory Fiber Arts Club — Every Saturday, 2–4 p.m. Knitting, crochet, weaving and other fiber arts welcome. Open to experienced and first-time artists ages 13 and up. No food in the studio; ages 13–17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Love and Logic: Parenting with Empathy — Thursdays through April 23, 5–7 p.m. A six-week parenting series presented by Warren County Social Services and Samuels Public Library. Registration required. Contact Lillian Johns at [email protected] or 540-635-3430 ext. 3386.

BOOK CLUBS & CLUBS

Books & Beyond Book Club — Thursday, April 9, 6–7:45 p.m. Second Thursday of each month. April’s theme is “Space.”

Studio 330: Personal Archiving Series — Saturday, April 11, noon–1:30 p.m. Second Saturday of each month. April’s topic: Preserving Stories Through Artifacts — how to connect stories to keepsakes and memorabilia for future generations. Registration required.

Studio 330: Genealogy Club — Monday, April 13, 2–4 p.m. Second Monday of each month. April’s topic: Genealogy Meets Genetics, featuring author Colleen Snyder discussing how genetic genealogy has shaped her research for “In Search of Giants.”

Scary Words Horror Book Club — Saturday, April 18, 2:30–4:30 p.m. Third Saturday of each month. This month’s title: “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” by Grady Hendrix.

Walkabout Wednesday: Plant Medium — Wednesday, April 29, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of each month. Extension Master Gardener Volunteers discuss the best potting medium for indoor plants and how to know when it’s time to replant.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE

Phoenix Project — Tuesday, April 21, 2–4 p.m. Advocates from Phoenix Project are available to members of the Front Royal/Warren County community who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. Services include crisis intervention, counseling, safety planning and more. Free, confidential and trauma-informed.

For more information, visit samuelslibrary.net or call 540-635-3153.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

HARRISONBURG, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Springfield, Va., man March 19, 2026 for assaulting his then-girlfriend with a hatchet while camping in the Shenandoah National Park.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on the night of August 24, 2025, Soufiane Bougria, 31, and his then-girlfriend (Victim 1) were camping at the Mathews Arm Campground in the Shenandoah National Park. Three different park visitors testified that they witnessed a heated and violent argument between Bougria and Victim 1 in the late-night hours of August 24.

These witnesses, from two different campsites, heard screaming, slamming, crying, choking, and what sounded to them like a gunshot. One of the witnesses saw the defendant physically grabbing Victim 1.

These witnesses described hearing a male voice say, “I don’t care, I’ll do the max sentence” and a female voice say, “I can’t believe you would threaten me with murder.”

All three witnesses independently called 911.

National Park Service Rangers responded to the area near Mathews Arm Campground. On their way to the campground, Park Rangers encountered two of the witnesses at a nearby overlook. While speaking with the witnesses, a car matching the description of the defendant’s vehicle drove past the overlook. Officers pursued the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.

When officers approached the vehicle, they observed Bougria driving and visibly intoxicated. He was shirtless, barefoot, and smelled of alcohol. In addition, Victim 1 was sitting in the passenger seat crying and screaming. She was holding a piece of clothing around her right arm in an effort to stop the bleeding from a gaping laceration on her right arm and wrist. As officers looked around the car, they saw blood and fatty tissue. They also observed that the windshield of the car was shattered, and both the hood and windshield had large, dirty footprints on them.

When questioned by officers, the defendant told them Victim 1’s arm was accidentally cut with an axe.

Emergency medical personnel arrived at the overlook and transported Victim 1 to the nearest hospital. Treating physicians determined she needed a higher level of care based on the seriousness of her injuries and transported her to Winchester Medical Center where she underwent emergency surgery.

In the early morning hours of August 25, 2025, National Park Service Rangers returned to the Mathews Arm campsite where Bougria and Victim 1 were camping. They found a hatchet with blood spatter on the handle, blood throughout the campsite, pepper spray, shoes, and other personal belongings strewn around the campsite.

First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci U.S. made the announcement.

The National Park Service is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Browne are prosecuting the case for the United States.

Information from a release.

Samuels Public Library has a full slate of youth programs lined up for April. More information is available at samuelslibrary.net or by calling 540-635-3153.

Thursday, April 9 10:30 a.m. — Grand Story Time (ages 0-6). A special grandparent guest shares favorite tales and classic nursery rhymes, followed by a craft activity.

Saturday, April 11 10 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. — Paws for Reading (ages 6-18). Children read aloud to trained therapy dogs in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting. Bring your own book or use one of theirs. Registration required.

Monday, April 13 10:15 a.m. — Music & Movement for Babies (ages 0-23 months). 11:15 a.m. — Music & Movement for Toddlers (ages 2-5). Music, movement and multisensory activities for little ones.

Tuesday, April 14 4 p.m. — 2.50 Million Acts of Science! (ages 6-11). Celebrate America’s 250th birthday by contributing to a goal of 2.5 million Acts of Science, including projects like White Squirrel Mapping and Nitrate Watch. Registration required.

Wednesday, April 15 10:15 a.m. — Toddler Story Time. 11 a.m. — Preschool Story Time. Planet Earth stories, sing-alongs, finger games and a craft.

Thursday, April 16 10:30 a.m. — Grand Story Time (ages 0-6). Grandparent guest reader, nursery rhymes and a craft.

Saturday, April 18 11 a.m. — Tales & Trails: Batty Bunch (ages 5-11). Explore the world of bats at Shenandoah River State Park with park rangers and librarians. Includes a bat-themed craft. Registration required.

Monday, April 20 10:15 a.m. — Music & Movement for Babies (ages 0-23 months). 11:15 a.m. — Music & Movement for Toddlers & Preschoolers (ages 2-5).

Tuesday, April 21 10:30 a.m. — Seeding Machine: Homeschool Hub (ages 6-11). Design and build a “seeding machine” in this hands-on workshop about technology in farming. Registration required.

Wednesday, April 22 10:15 a.m. — Toddler Story Time. 11 a.m. — Read with the Sheriff: Preschool Story Time. Plant Life stories, sing-alongs, finger games and a craft.

Thursday, April 23 10:30 a.m. — Grand Story Time (ages 0-6). Grandparent guest reader, nursery rhymes and a craft.

Saturday, April 25 The library will be closed for its annual Taste for Books fundraiser.

Monday, April 27 10:15 a.m. — Music & Movement for Babies (ages 0-23 months). 11:15 a.m. — Music & Movement for Toddlers (ages 2-5).

Tuesday, April 28 4 p.m. — Growing Worms (ages 6-11). Grow colorful paper worms using capillary action, plus worm-themed stories. Registration required.

Wednesday, April 29 10:15 a.m. — Toddler Story Time. 11 a.m. — Preschool Story Time. Vegetable stories, sing-alongs, finger games and a craft.

Thursday, April 30 10:30 a.m. — Grand Story Time (ages 0-6). Grandparent guest reader, nursery rhymes and a craft.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

FRONT ROYAL — Warren Heritage Society will host “From Lanterns to Liberty,” a free, family-friendly event Saturday, April 18, from 2 to 9 p.m. in downtown Front Royal, marking the kickoff of Warren County’s America 250 commemorations.

The event is held in partnership with the Town of Front Royal, Samuels Public Library and numerous local organizations and businesses, and is sponsored by Experience Warren County.

The afternoon portion will feature vendors, live blacksmithing, costumed interpreters, hands-on activities for children, music, storytelling and student performances, along with local food and shopping in the walkable downtown.

As evening falls, attendees can take part in the Paul Revere’s Midnight Glow Walk, carrying lanterns along Chester Street from the Warren Heritage Society to the Front Royal Gazebo. The night concludes with a recreation of the “one if by land, two if by sea” signal, followed by a musket display.

The Warren Heritage Society is located in downtown Front Royal.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

STAUNTON — The Virginia Department of Transportation has awarded 20 resurfacing contracts covering more than 580 miles in its Staunton District, which encompasses much of the Shenandoah Valley and Allegheny Highlands.

About $75 million worth of paving is scheduled across the district’s 11 counties. Contractors will also install 61 miles of rumble strips along primary roads to enhance safety.

The work breaks down across four treatment types. Traditional milling and paving will use about 287,000 tons of asphalt spread over 270 lane-miles. Latex and microsurfacing treatment, which extends pavement life and enhances vehicle traction, will be applied to 145 lane-miles. Surface treatment will cover about 70 lane-miles, and slurry seal — typically used in subdivisions and on low-speed roadways — will be applied to about 95 lane-miles.

On the safety front, VDOT will install 50 miles of center-line rumble strips and 11 miles of shoulder and edge-line rumble strips this year, primarily on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or greater. Rumble strips generate noise and vibration to alert drivers who drift from their lane and are especially effective at preventing crashes involving drowsy or distracted drivers.

Motorists should expect lane closures at dozens of locations throughout the district as the work gets underway. Flaggers and pilot trucks will sometimes be used to control traffic and protect work crews. Drivers are asked to slow down, remain alert, follow work-zone signs and respect flaggers.

All work is weather permitting. Detailed descriptions of VDOT’s resurfacing methods are available on the agency’s Pavement Treatment page at vdot.virginia.gov.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

FRONT ROYAL — The town will flush fire hydrants throughout the community through April 24, with crews working daily between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Hydrant flushing clears deposit buildup from water lines and allows crews to check the mechanical operation of hydrants. The town conducts the process twice a year to maintain water quality and fire protection. Daytime flushing allows crews to perform minor repairs to keep hydrants operational.

Residents may experience periods of low water pressure or discolored water during flushing. Those who notice discolored water should run their cold-water tap until it clears, postpone washing clothes and limit hot water use until the cold water runs clear.

Flushing also results in water on roadways. Motorists are asked to use caution in affected areas.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 540-635-7819, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

FRONT ROYAL — The town will begin its weekly yard waste and chipper collection service Wednesday, April 8, running through Jan. 27, 2027.

Collection occurs every Wednesday except during weeks when town offices are closed for a holiday. Residents should have yard waste at the curb before 7 a.m. on collection days.

Grass clippings, weeds and leaves must be placed in reusable containers such as Rubbermaid-type bins or cardboard boxes, biodegradable bags or paper bags. All bags must be left untied. Town roll-out carts are not permitted for yard waste. Residents should not mix trash, dirt, rocks or other debris with yard waste.

The town will not collect root balls, stumps, firewood logs or bushes and hedges pulled out by their roots. Brush must be bundled with rope or heavy twine, cut to shorter than 5 feet in length and weigh less than 50 pounds.

The chipper service accepts limbs longer than 5 feet and up to 8 inches in diameter. Limbs should be stacked facing the same direction with cut ends toward the road. The chipper cannot process vines, weeping willow branches or bamboo.

Residents must schedule chipper service in advance by calling the Department of Public Works at 540-635-7819, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The town does not collect contractor work. Contractors must purchase a dump ticket at the Finance Office, 102 E. Main St., to dispose of materials at the Manassas Avenue extended site, which is closed Wednesdays and Sundays.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.