News

By Shannon Heckt | Virginia Mercury

There are over 9,000 backup generators that can supply emergency power to Northern Virginia data centers, some of which run on diesel and emit toxins. The use of these generators became a flashpoint in communities concerned about the health impacts of the emissions and fueled legislation in this year’s General Assembly session, as new research sheds more light on how much pollution the generators produce. 

The Department of Environmental Quality limits when the diesel generators deemed Tier II can run, which is mostly in emergency situations and during regular testing. But lawmakers who represent areas where hundreds of data centers are concentrated said the emissions from the generators, even just during the testing hours each month, are harmful to the health of surrounding communities.

House Bill 507, sponsored by Del. John McAuliff, D-Fauquier, has been amended to direct the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to not issue air permits to data centers with generators below the emissions quality of the Tier IV generators, starting with applications after July 2026. 

His bill originally required data centers to utilize battery storage as the main backup source and created siting and notification requirements for the generators – but those aspects of the bill have now been removed.

“I will note it’s probably not the final step toward making sure that we have the best possible tech out there and being used, and those generators are being used in the right way for our communities, but it is a very good first step,” McAuliff said in a Feb. 11 committee.

The U.S. Department of Energy allowed data centers in PJM – the regional power grid – to run fully on generator power if they needed to during the frigid cold snap at the end of January, even if it meant going over their permitted emissions. A representative from PJM said no data centers in the Dominion Energy zone needed to kick over to backup power during the emergency order, including in Virginia.

Senate Bill 336 by Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, has been reduced to requiring the State Corporation Commission conduct a study to review the impacts of prioritizing the use of Tier IV generators over Tier II ones. It instructs the commission to consider the environmental impacts as well as costs to data centers to retrofit their back power generation.

In its original version, the bill would have mandated that data centers invest more in pricier but less toxic Tier IV generators. 

“We do realize that in the event that we had the 200 some odd (data centers) in Loudoun, plus all the ones in Prince William, if they were running on generators at the same time, there’s not enough hospitals in the entire state that would be even close in league with that,” Roem said in a committee hearing for SB 336. “We are talking about a very specific issue dealing with a very specific industry because of the size and scope of the industry.”

HB1502 by Del. Elizabeth Guzman, D-Prince William, has also been amended to direct DEQ to conduct a one-year study of all standby generators run by commercial entities that are currently permitted to determine which pollutants are emitted – and how much.“We all know that standby generators produce many harmful pollutants. These pollutants have been associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and emergency room visits for asthma, among other health effects,” Guzman said in committee.

SB 336 is now headed to the House while HB 507 and HB 1502 are waiting for final passage on the House floor to be sent to the Senate.

A recent study conducted by the VCU Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment by Damian Pitt, Ivan Suen, and Ellie Plisko found toxins are being released into the localities where data centers with the diesel generators are concentrated. The study used data from emissions reports in 2023 and compared what the air emissions would be if the data centers would reach their permitted cap.

“Not that anyone thinks they’re all gonna all of a sudden hit 100% of their permits, but it gives you a sense of what is currently allowed,” Pitt said. “It’s pretty shocking, the degree of total emissions exposure that would result in those clustered areas if they were to actually admit their permitted amounts.”

Original post.

By Rev. Dr. Keith Savage, Senior Servant, First Baptist Church of Manassas and Rev. Dr. Michael Sessoms, Pastor, Little Union Baptist Church (Dumfries)

For centuries, the African American church has been the backbone of our Virginia communities. Our congregations — First Baptist Church of Manassas, founded in 1872, and Little Union Baptist Church, established in 1903 — have been places of worship, organizing, refuge and leadership through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and generations of upheaval.

Today, we face a different kind of threat. It’s quieter than the ones our grandparents faced, but it’s hollowing us out just the same.

It has become unbearably expensive to live in Northern Virginia. 

It is our sincere hope that Virginia lawmakers, now debating hundreds of bills during the General Assembly session, will invest in housing solutions to meet the dire needs of our congregants and residents statewide. 

We’re losing our people

We have lost count of how many faithful, longtime members have left our region for the Carolinas, Georgia, Texas and Florida. They’re not leaving because they suddenly prefer those states’ politics or because they no longer love this community. 

Elders who are retiring and young families trying to raise children simply cannot afford to stay.

Over the past month alone, our two congregations have lost five longtime families to retirement moves down south, where housing is affordable and their savings actually stretch.

Increasingly, our goodbye gatherings outnumber our baptisms.

When these families go, we lose more than numbers. We lose our history. We lose our mentors, our choirs, our ushers, our Sunday school teachers — leaders who invested in our churches for decades. Communities that took generations to build are being slowly dismantled. Not by a lack of faith, but by a lack of housing people can afford.

Even when young families join our churches, many are soon priced out of Prince William County. They’re forced to move farther away or leave Virginia altogether.

It’s not just about church

Every week, people from the neighborhoods surrounding our congregations come to our doors with tears in their eyes, asking for help to make rent. Our food pantry lines grow longer as families are forced to choose: food on the table or a roof over their heads.

And as our congregations shrink, we’re left with fewer resources to help people navigate a crisis that grows more severe by the day.

Virginians across the commonwealth understand this. Polling last summer showed Virginians view housing costs as the single biggest issue facing our state — cutting across region, race, and party.

Despite that consensus, our housing system remains locked in place.

The problem is simple

In much of Virginia, local rules make it illegal or nearly impossible to build the kinds of homes working adults and families actually need. Smaller homes. Apartments. Homes near jobs, transit and existing communities.

With too few homes available, families get pushed into bidding wars. Rents climb. Homeownership slips further out of reach.

This isn’t just a Northern Virginia problem. When one region shuts the door on new housing, pressure builds in the next one, raising prices everywhere. That’s why this statewide crisis requires leadership at the state level — just as Virginia already provides for transportation, education and public safety.

There’s a path forward

This year, the General Assembly is considering several bills that would take meaningful steps forward. And this week, as bills passed by the House or Senate move to the other chamber, lawmakers have several chances to take a stand for affordability.

One promising bill would allow faith institutions like ours to build affordable housing on our own property, with clear standards. That speaks directly to our call to love our neighbors. The House and Senate have passed their own versions of this bill. This week, they must work together to send it to the governor’s desk.

Other legislation would make it easier to add modest homes in existing neighborhoods, redevelop empty strip malls, and eliminate outdated parking rules that quietly drive up housing costs.

None of these proposals are radical. Many other states — red and blue — have adopted similar reforms. They enjoy broad public support. And they would unlock desperately needed homes without costing taxpayers a dime.

Virginia’s new gubernatorial administration campaigned on making life more affordable for families. When it comes to housing — the single biggest expense most households face — this is the test.

It’s one thing to run on affordability. It’s another to summon the courage to break from a failed status quo.

We want Virginia to be a place where people can build a life, raise children, retire with dignity and remain rooted in the congregations and communities they love. But it will require elected leaders truly willing to lead — so our churches, and our people, are not priced out of the commonwealth we have all worked so hard to build.

Original post.

1931-2026

Robert Selden Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose powerful performances graced the screen for seven decades, passed away peacefully at his beloved ranch in Middleburg, Virginia, on February 15, 2026. He was 95 years old.

While the world knew him as one of cinema’s greatest talents—the steely-eyed consigliere in “The Godfather,” the surf-obsessed colonel in “Apocalypse Now,” and the redemption-seeking country singer in “Tender Mercies”—Northern Virginia knew him as a neighbor, a horseman, and a passionate advocate for the rural character of our region.

Duvall made Middleburg his home, embracing the equestrian culture and rolling hills of Fauquier County with the same intensity he brought to his craft. His deep roots in Virginia extended even further—through his mother, Mildred Virginia Hart, he was related to General Robert E. Lee and the historic Lee family of Virginia.

A Front Royal Connection

The actor’s love for the region was perhaps best exemplified in his 2010 film “Get Low.” During production, Duvall insisted on featuring a mule from his own backyard—literally. The film’s co-star was Gracie, a champion mule owned by Stevie Foster of Front Royal, just twenty miles from Duvall’s Middleburg home. In an interview, Duvall proudly noted that America’s champion mule didn’t hail from Tennessee, Texas, or Georgia as one might expect, but from right here in Warren County. Gracie, trained to perform remarkable tricks, became the on-screen companion to Duvall’s character, a Tennessee hermit seeking redemption.

A Career Without Equal

Born in San Diego in 1931 to a Navy admiral and an amateur actress, Duvall’s path to acting began after serving in the Korean War. He studied under the legendary Sanford Meisner at New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse, where his classmates included Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, and James Caan—friendships that would last a lifetime.

His film debut came at age 31, playing the reclusive Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962), a role that showcased his remarkable ability to convey deep emotion without dialogue. What followed was an extraordinary career spanning roles in “MAS*H,” “The Godfather” films, “The Conversation,” “Network,” “The Great Santini,” “Lonesome Dove,” and “The Apostle,” which he also wrote and directed.

Duvall won the Academy Award for Best Actor for “Tender Mercies” (1983), performing his own songs for the role. He received seven Oscar nominations throughout his career, along with four Golden Globes, two Emmy Awards, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His final Oscar nomination came at age 84 for “The Judge” in 2014.

The Man Behind the Roles

Those who knew Duvall in Virginia remember his passion for Argentine tango, his love of fine meals, and his skill as a horseman—summers spent on his uncle’s Montana ranch as a child had made him an expert rider. He was also known for his directorial work and his devotion to authentic storytelling, often choosing projects that explored the complexities of the human spirit.

His wife of over 20 years, Argentinian actress and director Luciana Pedraza, was at his side when he died. In announcing his passing, she described him as someone whose passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, great meals, and holding court. For each role, she said, he gave everything to capture the truth of the human spirit.

A Lasting Legacy

Robert Duvall’s death marks the end of an era in American cinema. He belonged to that remarkable generation of actors—along with his old friends Hoffman and Hackman—who revolutionized film acting in the 1970s, bringing a naturalistic intensity that changed what audiences expected from the screen.

But for those of us in Northern Virginia, he was also a reminder that greatness doesn’t require distance from ordinary life. He chose to make his home here, among the horse farms and country roads, and he fought to preserve the character of this place he loved.

As his family requested, there will be no formal service. Instead, they encourage those wishing to honor his memory to do so by watching a great film, telling a good story around a table with friends, or taking a drive through the countryside to appreciate the world’s beauty—a fitting tribute to a man who found beauty in both the grand gestures of cinema and the simple pleasures of rural Virginia life.

Robert Duvall is survived by his wife, Luciana Pedraza, and by an incomparable body of work that will continue to move, challenge, and inspire audiences for generations to come.

Information for this obituary was gathered from public sources including Wikipedia, news reports, and published interviews. Warren County residents with memories of Mr. Duvall’s connections to our community are invited to share them with our editorial team. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Charlotte Rene Woods | Virginia Mercury

House Bill 1212 by Del. Briana Sewell, D-Prince William, would require localities with populations over 20,000 people to adopt at least one zoning district dedicated to homes on small lot sizes. 

The idea is to encourage more housing density while still allowing single-family homes in neighborhoods, and is among a flurry of housing bills that have been advancing in this year’s legislative session. 

Sewell said in an interview that her bill is “designed to empower localities to get creative with housing solutions.” 

She envisions this measure being particularly helpful for making home ownership attainable for people who might otherwise struggle to make the leap from renter to owner, as well as senior citizens seeking to downsize. 

However, the crux of the debate with many housing bills at the state level is whether or not state authority overrides local authority or if prescriptive measures can work widescale. 

With a noted shortage of housing supply and years of rising mortgage and rent costs, state lawmakers have presented a range of bills aimed at curbing housing affordability issues. It’s the purview of local governments to approve developments or make local zoning changes,  lawmakers like Sewell have proposed areas wherein the state might have more control. But not all of her colleagues agree.

“Top-down zoning mandates are not the right way to address (affordable housing),” Del. Anne Ferrell Tata, R-Virginia Beach, said on the House floor last week when speaking in opposition to Sewell’s bill. 

Sewell said her bill was inspired by the actions of a Central Virginia locality that she feels can be more widely implemented.

Earlier last year Henrico County adopted design guidelines for small-lot single family home developments to incorporate into its comprehensive plan — a guiding document localities update every few years as a blueprint for land use decisions. 

Sewell said her bill is a way of “making sure that we diversify housing options in every locality.” 

Having cleared the House of Delegates, her bill can now journey through Virginia’s Senate in the other half of this year’s legislative session. It joins other housing  bills that have cleared their chambers of origin, like proposals to encourage apartments and townhomes near certain commercial corridors, lift caps on local housing grants to government workers so they can live in the communities they serve, and various bills to bolster renters’ protections. 

By spring Gov. Abigail Spanberger will sign, veto or seek amendments on all legislation that makes it to her desk.

Original post.

By David M. Poole | Virginia Mercury

The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday said a Republican lawsuit challenging the validity of a redistricting referendum set for April 21 is “of such imperative public importance as to … require a prompt decision.”

Then the court set the deadline for briefs on April 23, two days after the election is slated to take place.

Democrats cheered the decision, as it clears the way for a statewide referendum asking voters to lift a constitutional ban on political gerrymandering so Virginia can engage in an unprecedented national redistricting battle.

Early voting begins on March 6.

The high court, which historically has avoided involving itself in legislative political disputes, appears to have given itself an out should voters defeat the redistricting play.

A majority of votes for “no” would render the lawsuit moot.

But if voters approve the measure, the high court has placed itself in an extremely difficult spot should the justices find in favor of Republicans. The Virginia GOP claims that the election is not valid because Democrats cut procedural and legal corners to rush the redistricting question to a vote in time for midterm  elections this November.

With such a finding, the court would not only overrule the legislative branch, but would overturn the will of Virginia voters. Not to mention $5 million in taxpayer money wasted on a previously unplanned election. 

“It makes it extraordinarily difficult for them to reject it,” noted Bob Holsworth, a longtime Virginia political analyst.

With the election set for April 21, Virginia voters will now decide if they want to shift gears after six years ago voting overwhelmingly for a constitutional amendment that bans partisan gerrymandering.

A recent Christopher Newport University poll found that nearly two-thirds of Virginia voters favor a bipartisan Redistricting Commission. But a slight majority, 51%, supported a one-time exception that would allow Virginia to counteract Trump’s call for rigging maps in Republican states like Texas and North Carolina. 

The poll was released on January 28, before Virginia Democrats released plans for a maximalist partisan gerrymander designed to flip all but one of the current five congressional seats represented by Republicans.

Holsworth said early indications would appear to favor a “yes” vote.

So far, Democrats appear to be more organized and have more money. A group supportive of the redistricting effort launched a $1.3 million statewide TV buy this week, financed by $5 million from a national Democratic “dark money” group.

And Democrats’ have a message – “stop Donald Trump” – that has resonated with many Virginians for the last decade.

“The choice is voting against Trump or voting for a non-gerrymandered map,” Holsworth said.

Those early advantages explain why a cheer erupted Friday in the Democratic caucus.

The court’s timetable may not fit everyone’s idea of speedy. But the timing was just right for Democrats.

Original post.

FRONT ROYAL — The Front Royal Town Council will hold four public hearings Monday, Feb. 23, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Warren County Government Center Board Meeting Room, 220 N. Commerce Ave.

The council will consider two special use permit applications and receive public comment on two requests to conditionally vacate portions of public rights-of-way.

The first hearing involves a special use permit application submitted by Gary Bunch to allow an automobile garage/general repair shop at 3 W. 14th St. The property is identified as Tax Map 20A2-3-63-24A, 25, 26, 27, B 63. It is zoned C-1, Community Business District, and is located in the town’s Entrance Corridor.

The second hearing concerns a special use permit application submitted by AJM LLC Front Royal VA on behalf of The Boisseau Family LC et al. to operate a shopping center in the C-1 zoning district pursuant to Section 175-39(B) of the town’s municipal code. The property is located on South Street and identified as Tax Map 20A18-5-7.

The council will also receive public comment on a request from West Brown to conditionally vacate by ordinance an approximately 1,800-square-foot portion of an unimproved alley between West 13th and West 14th streets.

A fourth hearing will address a request from Paul Rush to conditionally vacate by ordinance a 6,211-square-foot portion of the unimproved Lowe Lane between Braxton Road and Lot 27A.

Copies of proposed plans, ordinances and amendments are available for review during normal business hours at the offices of the town manager and planning and zoning at Town Hall, 102 E. Main St.

All interested persons are invited to attend and express their views.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By RHIANNON EVANS, IRIT SKULNIK, NOLAN ROGALSKI, ANDREW MOLLENAUER | Capital News Service

ANNAPOLIS – After 110 days and nearly 2,300 miles, nearly two dozen Theravada Buddhist Monks ended their ‘’Walk for Peace’’ Thursday at the Maryland State House. 

Donning bright orange robes, the group embarked on the final leg of its pilgrimage  — a stretch it wasn’t expecting.

“I thought yesterday was our last day of Walk for Peace,” Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakāra, the group’s spokesperson, told hundreds gathered in front of the State House. “But after receiving the invitation from Maryland, we are happy to be here with you all.”

Paññakāra called for peace and mindfulness at a  time when the nation and the world are “deeply suffering.” The journey, Paññakāra said, serves as a reminder to himself and everyone else that peace is possible. 

“We always carry the key with us to share with you– to hand it to you– so you can unlock peace and love and passion yourself,” he said. “Peace is always with us, it’s been with us, never left us. … It’s just that we’ve forgotten it.”

The stop at the Maryland capital was a last- minute addition, according to Paññakāra. 

Due to scheduling conflicts and Washington’s holiday schedule, Maryland and other states were removed from the route that began in Fort Worth, Texas. Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller extended the invitation to visit the State House only a few weeks ago, said Rachel Sawicki, director of communications for the office of the lieutenant governor.</span>

The monks visited Washington, D.C., earlier this week stopping by the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington National Cathedral.

The pilgrimage began at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in late October and serves as a reminder that peace is a practice, not a destination, according to organizers.

The group has attracted a large following along the way, in person and virtually. Thousands have shown up at stops, while the official Walk for Peace page and Facebook support group have garnered nearly 3 million followers combined. 

Jill Tocco, a 50-year-old small business owner, has been following the monks’ journey over the past several months. Tocco, of Arnold, Maryland, said she planned to go to Virginia to see the monks until she found out last week they were coming to Annapolis.

“I felt it was kind of a blessing in a way that it came to Annapolis, it was totally unexpected,” said Tocco, who had arrived in Annapolis by 7:30 a.m. in preparation to see the monks. “We can’t change the whole world, but if we live within peace, it will.”

By 8 a.m., hundreds of people lined the streets in downtown Annapolis, bundled in coats and holding warm beverages, hoping to see the monks passing by.

The monks were scheduled to arrive at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at 9 a.m. and make their way to the State House by 9:45 a.m., but delays postponed their arrival by roughly an hour. When the crowd at Lawyers Mall learned the monks were not arriving until 10:30 a.m., it still cheered

After his address, Paññakāra and the other monks climbed the steps of the state capitol to applause from the crowd. Once inside, the monks were introduced in the Senate and House chambers before joining a private meeting with the Council on Interfaith Outreach.

Justin Reitz, a 35-year-old cook from Annapolis, wanted to come see the monks to celebrate their mission. 

“I just hope it opens people’s eyes,” Reitz said. “The world’s a big place, but it’s still our world, and I think peace is a huge message.” 

Spectators held up signs promoting peace, waved LGBTQ+ pride flags and brought brightly colored flowers.

Reitz was one of many who arrived with flowers as a way to honor the monks. Onlookers said the monks take the flowers and give them to people along the route. 

“Seeing so much love and support, it warms our hearts,” Paññakāra said. “But at the same time, I feel sad. I feel sad because as human beings, why do we have to suffer? … We truly deserve better.”

Leaders from local religious groups said they support the monks’ mission. 

Rev. John Crestwell of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis said the monks’ visit is meaningful.

“It means that the spirit of love is emanating and calling us forward in this time of division,” Crestwell said. “In this very mindful way, they’re walking quietly and making a statement as a minority faith.”

Brian Grim, founding president of Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, said the monks’ walk illustrates hope for continued healing in a divisive America. 

“Anything that is going to have a lasting impact is a journey. It’s not something that happens overnight,” Grim said.

Gloria Foley had followed the monks’ journey for six weeks. When the trip was extended to Annapolis, it made seeing them doable for the 101-year-old Centreville resident. She woke up at 5 a.m. and, with the help of caregivers, waited for hours outside the Navy stadium. Wrapped in a bundle of blankets with a “Walk for Peace” T-shirt draped over her lap, Foley said it was important to show support. 

“Let’s get back to a world of peace,” Foley said.

Local attorney David W. Silek has won a fairly close election to head Warren County’s Republican Committee Feb. 12, 2026. Whether to fund Samuels Public Library was an issue in the race.

Silek released the following letter on the organization’s facebook page.

Dear Friends:

Last night, we made history together. With a vote of 225 – 206, you didn’t just elect new leadership for the Warren County Republican Committee – you reclaimed it for the values of common sense, community, and genuine conservative principles that have always defined our party at its best.

I am deeply humbled by your support, your courage and endurance in sticking it out last night and not getting frustrated at the idiotic process the former committee erected to complicate and delay registration. Many of you have known me since I was born, watched me grow up in Front Royal, stood beside me through my working life, and have been part of the fabric of this community for generations. Others I’ve come to know more recently, but your faith in this mission means just as much. You didn’t just show up for me – you showed up for Warren County and for the future of principled Republican leadership, not to mention the shape and direction of Warren County.

This victory belongs to every single person who came out last night. In an era when extremism threatens to hijack our institutions, you stood firm. You proved that our community will not be led astray by those who value ideology over integrity, or purity tests over practical governance.

But I want to be clear-eyed with you about what lies ahead. This was the first step, not the finish line. We have a Warren County Republican Committee to rebuild from the ground up. We need committed people in every precinct. We need fresh energy, new volunteers, and sustained engagement. The work of restoring our committee to health – and restoring faith that it represents all Republicans, not just a narrow faction – will take time, dedication, and your continued involvement.

I’m asking you to stay with me in this effort. If you can give your time, please reach out – we need precinct captains, volunteers, and people willing to do the unglamorous work of rebuilding. If you can’t volunteer but want to stay informed and engaged, I promise to keep you updated on our progress. And if you simply want to offer advice or encouragement along the way, my door is always open.

This committee belongs to you now. Together, we’ll make it something Warren County can be proud of again – a place where Republicans of good faith can work together, where neighbors are welcomed rather than tested for ideological purity, and where our focus is on serving our community and advancing conservative principles that actually improve people’s lives.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for believing in me. And thank you for proving that in Warren County, common sense and community still matter more than extremism.

With deep gratitude and determination,

David W. Silek,
Chair, Warren County Republican Committee

Edited by Dan McDermott

Virginia’s annual 4 p.m. burning law takes effect Feb. 15, 2026 and remains in force through April 30, restricting open burning during peak wildfire season.

Under the law, no burning is allowed until after 4 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or a field containing dry grass or other flammable material.

Fires within 150 feet of woodland or other dry fuel leading to woodland must be attended at all times. No additional fuel may be added or a fire started after midnight.

The law applies to campfires, warming fires, brush piles, stumps, fields of dry grass and brush, or anything capable of spreading fire.

Violations carry a maximum fine of $500.

Residents planning a controlled burn in Warren County are asked to call 540-635-4128 to log the burn.

For more information, contact the Virginia Department of Forestry or visit www.dof.virginia.gov.

Information from Warren County Fire and Rescue. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Samantha Willis and Charlotte Rene Woods | Virginia Mercury

The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday agreed to allow Democratic lawmakers’ mid-decade redistricting attempt to move forward, announcing it will hear the case on an expedited basis. The court denied Republican lawmakers’ motion to pause a redistricting referendum as the high court deliberates the case.

The order means voters will be able to approve or reject the redistricting amendment in a referendum scheduled for April 21, 2026. The effort would redraw Virginia’s congressional maps, with 10 districts favoring Democrats and one tipped towards Republicans.

Almost immediately after the order was released, Democratic leaders emphasized that the decision to redistrict or not will be in the hands of Virginians this spring. 

“It’s a question of whether people want to move forward that’s responsive to the redistricting that we’ve seen in other states,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said while walking with reporters in Capitol Square Friday. “Certainly the General Assembly was clear with the amendment process they put forward, and now it’s up to voters.” 

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, also echoed the sentiment. Virginia’s redistricting effort is a response to President Donald Trump kicking off redistricting squabbles nationally by encouraging GOP-led states to fortify their party by redrawing their Congressional maps, Scott said. 

“We have a president that’s run amok,” Scott said in a press gaggle Friday morning. “So we have no choice but to respond and try to do everything in our power to level the playing field.”

While Virginia’s redistricting amendment surfaced in recent months, the national debates first began late last summer when Trump prompted Texas to redraw its maps. Other GOP states began following suit and the Democratic states like New York and Maryland began their own processes. 

House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, made no reference to Trump or Republican states redistricting on Friday, but lamented other Democratic-led states’ efforts. With the redistricting process still moving forward, he noted the outreach efforts his party will need to do to counter Democratic messaging. 

“We’re going to make the case to Virginians that this is unfair, this is unprecedented, and, you know, quite frankly, it’s against the law we believe, and we will ultimately win in court,” Kilgore said.  

The court’s order also allows Attorney General Jay Jones to intervene in the case. All parties must file their opening briefs with the court by March 23.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with responses from Demoratic and Republican leaders.

Original post.

By Daniel Fisher | Legal Newsline

A bill that would shift Virginia’s legal landscape dramatically in favor of plaintiff lawyers is one step closer to a vote by the House of Delegates, which could impact sex-abuse cases brought by the firm of its Democrat speaker.

House Bill 1111 exited a key legislative committee this week with plenty of time for legislators to present a final bill to Gov. Abigail Spanberger. It sets up a test for the new Democratic governor, raising the maximum bond defendants must post to appeal civil verdicts from $25 million to $100 million.

Spanberger was elected with the help of significant business interests, but the bill would make it much riskier and more expensive for companies to fight blockbuster jury verdicts on appeal. Plaintiff lawyers, conversely, would use higher appeal bonds as leverage to negotiate bigger settlements and fees for themselves.

One case currently on appeal is a $360 million verdict against Cumberland Hospital, a unit of Universal Health Services. Those defendants needed only to put up $25 million for permission to appeal the Richmond city judgment, but if the bill passes, figures in future similar cases could reach nine figures.

Virginia Speaker of the House Don Scott controls the flow of legislation and also is a partner with Breit Biniazan Trial Lawyers, which won that trial on behalf of three alleged victims of former Cumberland Hospital medical director Daniel Davidow. He is accused of sexual abuse during medical exams.

The firm has more than 40 other clients making similar claims against the hospital and says it is seeking more than $930 million from the litigation.

UHS acknowledges in its most recent financial report if it is forced to post higher appeal bonds, its finances “would be materially adversely impacted.”

The bill was voted out of the Justice Committee 17-5 on Tuesday, with Republicans Jay Leftwich, Wren Williams, Will Davis, Madison Whittle and Justin Pence voting against. Four of the Republicans are lawyers, while Democrats voting for the bill included at least five attorneys at firms with personal injury practices.

The cases against Cumberland Hospital aren’t the only ones brought by Speaker Scott’s firm featuring claims in excess of the current bond cap. In September, Biniazan sued several companies over injuries to a gymnast that left him paralyzed for $350 million. Sexual assault suits could also be costly for the Peoria Unified School District.

Scott is listed as a lawyer in two cases over the chemicals PFAS that are currently in federal court, where his co-workers have asked a judge to send them back to state court in Virginia Beach. The firm says its clients contracted diseases from exposure to PFAS-containing foam while working as firefighters and blames deep-pockets companies like 3M and Honeywell for two deaths.

The House has until Feb. 17 to pass the bill, after which the Senate can take it up or amend. The General Assembly adjourns March 14 and reconvenes April 22 to reconsider bills Gov. Spanberger has vetoed or demanded changes to. 

If the bill passes, Virginia would be the only state in recent memory to increase appeal bonds, although several states including Kansas, Hawaii and Louisiana have gone the other way and imposed caps. The American Tort Reform Association has come out strongly against HB 1111, saying it would undermine the ability of defendants to appeal outsized verdicts.

The Virginia Manufacturers Association also recently noted the state’s strongly pro-business reputation is in danger due to rising legal costs and uncertainty. After ranking No. 1 in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” in 2024, Virginia fell to No. 4 in 2025. For manufacturers specifically, Virginia dropped from 7th to 9th nationally in the 9th Annual Virginia Manufacturing Competitiveness Index, the group said.

Gov. Spanberger defeated her Republican challenger last year with a broad base of support including prominent business executives. She received $14 million from Democratic Party organizations, but also drew $205,000 from Thomas J. McInerney, president of Genworth, an insurance company; $200,000 from real estate developer Christopher Clemente; and $143,000 from cigarette manufacturer Altria, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The appeal bond bill, and another one that would establish class actions in Virginia state courts, present Gov. Spanberger with the choice of pleasing liberal Democrats and trial lawyers or mollifying business leaders who fear the impact of higher litigation costs.

A previous version of the bill set a $200 million bond cap but was ultimately vetoed by Spanberger’s predecessor, Glenn Youngkin. The first version of the new bill also aimed at a cap of $200 million but was changed ahead of the committee meeting, during which no opposition was voiced other than the five votes against.

The Medical Society of Virginia, which also could be affected by higher appeal bonds, said it has “no position on this bill.”

This report was produced by Legal Newsline and distributed by The Center Square as part of a content-sharing agreement. Reach editor John O’Brien at [email protected]. 

Original post.

By Andrew Rice | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Wednesday called on pharmaceutical companies to provide increased price transparency and lower costs for drugs.

Elected leaders on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Health questioned pharmaceutical company leaders over their role in rising prices for prescription drugs. Several Congressional leaders accused pharmacy benefit managers of inflating drug costs beyond reasonable prices.

UnitedHealthcare, a leading insurance provider, reimburses its own providers an average of 17% more than it pays independent providers for the same services, according to a study published by Health Affairs.

The bipartisan panel offered various solutions to address rising drug costs. U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., suggested pharmaceutical benefit managers operate as fiduciaries in order to leave them with greater liability in cases where certain treatment or coverage causes suffering and harm to a patient.

“There’s still going to be tough choices that are going to have to be made, but you would have more confidence that those choices are based on doing the right thing as opposed to making the most profit,” said James Gelfand, president and CEO of the ERISA industry committee.

Lawmakers argued the nation’s top insurance providers use vertical integration to take up a large share of the market and drive smaller insurance carriers out.

U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-Calif., said CVS Health, UnitedHealth Group and Cigna operate nearly 80% of the pharmaceutical benefit managers market. She accused panelists of using this large share to eliminate competition and drive out community pharmacists.

“You are part of the reason why people suffer and why it’s making it harder for people with cancer and HIV to get their drugs,” Barragan told the panelist at the hearing.

Douglas Hoey, president and CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association, said the consolidation of insurance providers leads to higher drug prices for average Americans. He said the large pharmaceutical benefit managers can sometimes override a doctor’s prescription in favor of a more expensive drug.

“If a patient is prescribed a prescription, the doctor or the pharmacist can sometimes be overruled by the PBM because the PBM makes more money off of a different drug,” Hoey said. “When those patient choices are compromised, there’s less competition and higher prices.”

Lawmakers also highlighted figures that estimate private employer sponsored insurance premiums will rise by 6.5% in 2026, a higher hike than Affordable Care Act premiums.

Lawmakers across the aisle also called for more transparency in financial holdings among large drug manufacturing companies. U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, accused leaders of the corporations of prioritizing investments that yield larger profits rather than lowering prices.

Lori Reilly, chief operating officer at PhRMA, said 30% of the company profits are reinvested into research and development. Landsman criticized her for that figure and questioned why more of the remaining roughly 70% does not go toward lowering consumer prices.

“When individuals decide to invest with our companies, there is an expectation for a return on investment just as there is for any for-profit company,” Reilly said.

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By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Virginia lawmakers are considering whether the commonwealth should join a multistate agreement that would tie its presidential electoral votes to the national popular vote.

The proposal is known as the National Popular Vote Compact. States that join agree to award their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide, rather than the candidate who wins their individual state.

The agreement would not take effect until participating states control at least 270 electoral votes, the number needed to win the presidency. Until that threshold is reached, states would continue awarding electors under existing law.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have enacted the compact so far, representing 209 electoral votes.

Senate Bill 322 on Monday passed 21-19, with Democrats in support and Republicans opposed.

The House Privileges and Elections Committee advanced companion measure House Bill 965 on Friday 14-8. The legislation now heads to the full House of Delegates.

If Virginia were to join, its 13 electoral votes would raise the compact’s total to 222, still short of the number needed for it to take effect.

Supporters of the proposal say it would make every vote count equally across the country and reduce the focus presidential campaigns place on a small number of battleground states.

Republican leaders have raised concerns about how the proposal would shift control over Virginia’s electoral votes.

“Republicans certainly understand the impetus behind this, but the underlying facts give many of them a reason to pause,” said J. Garren Shipley, communications director for House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore.

“Virginians need to decide who wins Virginia’s 13 electoral votes,” Shipley said.

He added that if the compact had been in place during the 2024 election, Virginia’s electoral votes would have gone to President Donald Trump rather than Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I’m doubtful that would have been an acceptable outcome to many of those who have supported this legislation,” Shipley said.

Under the compact, Virginia voters would still cast ballots as they do now, and local election officials would continue counting and certifying results under state law. After certification, participating states would compare results to determine the national popular vote winner, and governors would certify electors accordingly.

The agreement also limits when a state can withdraw, barring a state from exiting within six months of the end of a presidential term.

HB965 awaits a vote in the full House. SB322 has already crossed over for further consideration.

Original post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A wide range of data center-related bills are on the table this legislative session as Virginia lawmakers review potential changes to tax policy, utility oversight, environmental reporting, and local approval requirements.

The proposals span multiple policy areas, including tax exemptions, utility cost recovery, water use disclosures, environmental monitoring, and land use authority.

Most of the measures remain in the earliest stages of the legislative process and are still pending in committee or subcommittee.

Several bills would revise how data centers are taxed. The commonwealths’ 570 data centers are most of any state.

Two proposals focus on changes to existing tax exemptions for data centers. House Bill 897 and House Bill 961 would tighten eligibility for the retail sales and use tax exemption, linking it to factors such as energy sourcing, backup power systems, and certain equipment upgrades.

Separate legislation would create a new land conservation tax tied to data center development. House Bill 641 and Senate Bill 393 propose a per square foot charge on data center facilities, with proceeds directed to land preservation and conservation programs under the Great Outdoors Act.

Other proposals focus on how data centers connect to the electric grid and how related infrastructure costs are handled.

House Bill 155 would require high-load facilities with electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts to obtain a certificate of operation from the State Corporation Commission before beginning service. The bill directs regulators to consider grid capacity and potential cost impacts.

House Bill 503 would restrict electric utilities from recovering certain costs tied to serving large data center customers from other ratepayers, instead assigning those costs to the facilities themselves under specified conditions.

Environmental monitoring and resource use are also addressed.

House Bill 507 would place new limits and monitoring requirements on certain backup generators used by data centers. The bill would require air quality monitoring in areas with concentrated facilities.

House Bill 154 would require data centers to publicly disclose when emergency generation units are operating.

House Bill 589 would require water providers serving data centers to submit monthly water usage data to the State Water Control Board.

Land use and planning requirements are included in several measures.

House Bill 496 would require site assessments and water use disclosures before local governments approve rezoning or special use permits for new data centers. The bill specifies that local zoning authority is preserved.

House Bill 323 directs the Department of Energy to study the reuse of waste heat generated by data centers and report findings to the General Assembly.

One proposal, House Bill 1515, would temporarily prohibit final local approvals for new data center projects until certain electric grid interconnection requirements are met or until July 1, 2028.

That measure has already been continued to the 2027 session.

Original post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A conservative nonprofit law firm has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Virginia’s fair housing law, saying the state’s ban on “source of income” discrimination effectively forces landlords to participate in the federal Housing Choice Voucher program commonly known as Section 8.

The lawsuit, filed by The Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, targets provisions of Virginia’s Fair Housing Law that prohibit landlords from refusing tenants based solely on how they pay rent, including through federal housing vouchers.

The plaintiffs say the law goes beyond preventing discrimination and instead compels private property owners to take part in a federal program they say carries additional administrative requirements, inspections and contractual obligations.

“Section 8 is voluntary, and Virginia cannot use housing law to coerce warrantless searches,” said Ted Frank, the institute’s cofounder and director of litigation.

Virginia added “source of income” as a protected class under its fair housing statute in 2020 This makes it illegal for landlords to reject applicants solely because they use housing assistance or other lawful payment sources.

The law is enforced by the Virginia Fair Housing Board and Fair Housing Office, which investigate discrimination complaints and may impose penalties for violations.

The lawsuit does not challenge the federal Section 8 program itself.

Rather, it focuses on how Virginia enforces its fair housing statute. It says  landlords are left without a meaningful ability to opt out of voucher participation under state law.

According to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data, nearly 50,000 low-income households in Virginia rely on Housing Choice Vouchers to help pay rent in the private market.

The data also shows voucher utilization in Virginia exceeding 80%, reflecting high demand and limited housing availability.

Virginia is one of at least 17 states that prohibit discrimination based on lawful sources of income, though the scope and enforcement of those laws vary.

Courts have generally upheld source-of-income protections. Legal challenges have continued in some states and cities, including New York and local jurisdictions in Ohio and Missouri, where landlords or local governments have argued the laws improperly compel participation in the federal Section 8 program.

The lawsuit asks the court to block enforcement of Virginia’s source-of-income protections and declare the law unconstitutional.

No judge has ruled on the case, and the law remains in effect.

TCS was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from the Virginia attorney general’s office and state housing officials.

Original post.

By Charlotte Rene Woods | Virginia Mercury

Virginia’s multi-year attempt to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board is again advancing in the legislature, but it’s unclear if it will finally become law this time around. The measure passed the House of Delegates Friday and will be taken up by the Senate next week, once the second half of the session begins.

The bipartisan proposal would create a special board of medical and health experts tasked with analyzing data to set payment limits on drug prices. The legislature approved it for the past two years but former Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed it, citing concerns with stifling medical innovation and attracting pharmaceutical companies to the state.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has not confirmed whether she would sign, amend or veto the measure if lawmakers send it to her desk. 

Now often referred to by lawmakers and advocates as the “Affordable Medicine Act” — a clearcut sign of its goals — House Bill 483 sponsor Del. Karrie Delaney, D-Fairfax, told her colleagues Thursday that she is “continuing to work with stakeholders and the administration” to refine the bill.

Delaney and Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, have carried the legislation several years in a row. The concept of the board aligns with Spanberger’s broad goals of addressing affordability struggles, and Deeds and Delaney said they are hopeful she’ll sign their measure into law. 

In an interview Thursday, Delaney said there’s still work to be done in the coming weeks of the legislative session to ensure that Virginia’s board won’t falter as other states’ boards have.

“Our goal is to really make sure that it is effective,” Delaney said.

She said the bill is needed now more than ever, as she continues hearing anecdotes from her constituents feeling forced to choose between medicine, paying their rent or mortgages, and buying groceries.

These struggles are playing out nationally and even inspired a plotline in the latest season of HBO’s The Pitt, wherein a diabetic character’s expensive ER visit stemmed from stretching his medication thin and a lack of health insurance.

Delaney said a PDAB can explore root causes in drug supply chains that factor into higher prices. 

“On a bigger scale, it’s about understanding why (drug price surges) happen and who is accountable,” Delaney said. “Somewhere along the supply chain if we can identify ‘hey, this is where we’re seeing these jumps happen’ that gives us a precision approach at addressing costs for drugs.”

In opposing her bill, Del. Keith Hodges, R-Middlesex, noted his support for the idea but called the measure “highly flawed.”

Because states fund the setup of boards, Hodges cautioned that “taxpayers will be the ones that carry these costs.

“We have learned from where (PDABs) have gone right and where they have gone wrong,” he said. He highlighted mixed results in Maryland and Colorado, which are among the few states that have already set up such boards and that have not yet achieved their goals. 

Maryland became the first in the nation to set up a PDAB in 2019, but it hasn’t made much progress until recently.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic spurred then-Gov. Larry Hogan to pull the board’s earmarked funding and not assign board members. Current Gov. Wes Moore started to get the ball rolling again by releasing those funds, but it took the board a year and a half to set up a regulatory framework and settle on six drugs to consider for cost reduction. The matter is still not a  done deal. 

Colorado’s PDAB successfully established a cap on Enbrel, a drug used for various autoimmune disorders. But the cap hasn’t yet taken effect.

After staving off a previous legal challenge, Colorado’s board is now facing a fresh lawsuit from the drug’s manufacturer. 

Delaney said she continues to study Maryland’s PDAB experience for helpful insights. Virginia’s board can aim to align prices with drugs that have already garnered federal limits through Congress’ 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, she added. That federal law applied to Medicare-covered drugs, while Virginia’s board could be more broad.

Amendments forecasted

As lawmakers near the midpoint of the session next week, all bills that clear one chamber must go through the opposite chamber. While floor amendments do happen, most often bills are tweaked within the various committees they filter through. Delaney expects that her and Deeds’ bills will be similarly tweaked and is open to compromise. 

“At some point we’re going to have to make the decision – ‘what is the line of what we’re kind of willing to give and take for this particular year?’” Delaney said. 

Addressing affordability issues has been a key goal of state lawmakers and the governor this year. Spanberger pitched proposals to reduce costs in health care, housing and energy during her campaign, but a PDAB was absent from her plans and she stopped short of endorsing the idea in a sit-down interview with the Mercury last summer. 

“I want to make sure that whatever we might implement in the future will be a best practice based on the success or challenges that other states have faced,” Spanberger said then.

While governors rarely comment on pending bills during legislative sessions, Spanberger’s team confirmed that she is in talks with both Deeds and Delaney as she considers the legislation.

Original post.

By Jacob Fischler | Virginia Mercury

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and his top environmental policy officer finalized a move Thursday to undo an Environmental Protection Agency regulation that laid the foundation for federal rules governing emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

At a White House event, Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said they were officially rolling back the “endangerment finding” that labeled greenhouse gases a threat to public health and provided a framework for the EPA to regulate emissions. 

The 2009 finding, established under President Barack Obama, called climate change a danger to human health and therefore gave the EPA power to regulate greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from cars and trucks. 

Such regulations created a challenge for automakers and other industries, which dragged down the entire economy, according to Trump, administration officials and allies in Congress. 

Democrats and their allies in environmental and climate activism, though, consider the measure a crucial tool to address climate change and protect human health.

Undoing the finding will remove the economy-wide uncertainty, Trump argued. 

“That is why, effective immediately, we are repealing the ridiculous endangerment finding and terminating all additional green emission standards imposed unnecessarily on vehicle models and engines between 2012 and 2027 and beyond,” he said Thursday. 

Affordability argument

In its initial notice last year that it would repeal the endangerment finding, the EPA said it did not have the authority to regulate vehicle emissions.

With household costs, including transportation, expected to be a major theme in the fall’s midterm campaigns to determine control of Congress, members of both parties have framed it as an economic issue.

“This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history, and it will save the American people $1.3 trillion in crushing regulations,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at Tuesday’s press briefing.

Some Democrats and climate activists argue the rollback will hurt the country’s nascent renewable energy sector, driving up the cost of home heating, electricity and other common expenses.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., issued a lengthy joint statement slamming the announcement.

“The Trump EPA has fully abandoned its duty to protect the American people from greenhouse gas pollution and climate change.  This shameful abdication — an economic, moral, and political failure — will harm Americans’ health, homes, and economic well-being. It ignores scientific fact and common-sense observations to serve big political donors,” the senators said.

“This sham decision initially relied on a now thoroughly disgraced and abandoned ‘report’ by known climate deniers. Zeldin stuck to this charade anyway, undaunted by half a century of actual evidence, showing the fix was in from the beginning,” they continued.

Money and fossil fuels

The move outraged Democrats and climate activists when Zeldin first proposed it last summer. Climate activists say undoing the finding undercuts the federal government’s ability to address an issue critical to the United States and the entire world.

In a Tuesday floor speech, Schumer blasted the rollback as a giveaway to fossil fuel companies, leaders of which contributed to Trump’s 2024 campaign.

“Remember: In the spring of 2024, Donald Trump invited top oil executives to Mar-a-Lago and told them, if you raise me a billion dollars to get me elected, I will cut regulations so you can make more money,” Schumer said. “That devil’s bargain is now coming true. I never thought it would be this way in America, in this bald disgusting way that so hurts people’s health, but there it is.”

Democratic attorneys general and environmental groups are likely to sue over the rollback.

At least one lawsuit, from the Environmental Defense Fund, was promised Thursday afternoon.

“EDF will challenge this decision in court, where evidence matters, and keep working with everyone who wants to build a better, safer and more prosperous future,” Fred Krupp, EDF president, said in a statement Thursday. 

Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, a Democrat, said last year he would “consider all options if EPA continues down this cynical path.”

Ashley Murray contributed to this report.

Original post.

FRONT ROYAL — The Warren County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL) will host its Jr. Deputy Camp March 31 through April 1 for children ages 9 to 12, offering a hands-on introduction to law enforcement and team-building activities.

The two-day camp will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Warren County Emergency Services complex, 200 Skyline Vista Drive in Front Royal. Organizers say the program is designed to give young participants an educational and engaging look at the work of local law enforcement.

Campers will take part in a variety of activities, including K-9 demonstrations, a tactical team demo, law enforcement basics, an obstacle course, and crafts and other activities. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

The cost is $20 per child. Space is limited, and applications and fees must be submitted by March 12.

Applications can be submitted through the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, contact Krista Beahm at 540-635-4128, ext. 211, or by email at [email protected].

Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

Virginia House Democrats on Thursday muscled through a sweeping package of gun control legislation, passing more than half a dozen bills aimed at restricting access to certain firearms, tightening storage requirements and expanding civil liability for the gun industry, as Republicans — reduced to an even smaller minority after November’s elections — spoke forcefully in opposition but were ultimately unable to stop the measures.

The proposals, which are now headed to the Senate, ranged from a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines to new penalties for leaving visible handguns in unattended vehicles and requirements that firearms be locked in homes where children are present. 

Several of the votes, including passage of a high-profile assault weapons ban, were greeted with applause from spectators in the House gallery.

Republicans warned repeatedly that the legislation trampled constitutional rights and would invite costly legal challenges, while Democrats previously argued the bills were long-overdue public safety measures in a state that has repeatedly revisited gun policy in the wake of mass shootings and rising firearm deaths.

Del. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, delivered one of the most impassioned speeches of the day, framing the debate as a fundamental struggle between citizens and government power. 

Garrett argued that the Second Amendment’s protections were broader than the text itself suggests, saying that if James Madison “wanted to be a little bit more wordy,” the amendment would have explicitly spelled out the right to defend against tyranny.

“The government did not give me the right to defend myself, to defend my family, or to defend my freedom,” Garrett said, adding that the government “cannot take it away, try though it may.”

Garrett also criticized religious organizations that have backed gun control efforts, saying he was “absolutely awestruck” that a prominent Christian advocacy group supported some of the bills. “They must be reading a different Bible than me,” he said.

Despite those warnings, Democrats pressed ahead, buoyed by their majority and momentum from a revived gun safety agenda that has been building since last month, when Senate committees advanced similar measures once vetoed by former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The most significant vote came on House Bill 217, sponsored by Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, which would prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture and transfer of assault firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill passed 58-34.

Under the proposal, violations would be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a three-year prohibition on purchasing, possessing or transporting firearms following a conviction. 

The measure exempts antique firearms, permanently inoperable guns, manually operated firearms such as bolt- or lever-action rifles, and weapons manufactured before July 1, 2026. It also bars individuals under 21 from possessing assault firearms, regardless of when they were made, with limited exceptions.

House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, said the bill “blatantly defies” U.S. Supreme Court precedent, particularly the court’s 2022 Bruen decision. Calling the proposal “a lawyer’s dream,” Kilgore, himself a lawyer, predicted extensive litigation.

“To call these rifles common is an understatement,” Kilgore said, arguing that the weapons and magazines targeted by the bill are widely owned and therefore constitutionally protected. 

He warned the law could backfire by producing a court ruling that explicitly protects both assault-style rifles and the magazines that feed them.

Another Helmer measure, HB 21, passed 62-35 and would create new standards of “responsible conduct” for firearm industry members. 

The bill allows the attorney general, local prosecutors or injured individuals to bring civil actions against manufacturers and sellers who fail to implement reasonable safeguards, including preventing straw purchases, theft and unlawful marketing.

Del. Jay Leftwich, R-Chesapeake, argued the bill conflicts with the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and is dangerously vague. 

He said the real goal was to choke off gun sales through “a tsunami of litigation” that would drive firearm businesses out of Virginia.

Democrats also passed HB 229, by Del. Phil Hernandez, D-Norfolk, banning firearms and certain weapons in hospitals that provide mental health or developmental services; HB 626, by Del. Katrina Callsen, D-Albemarle, narrowing exemptions for carrying firearms in state-owned buildings and on college campuses; and HB 871, by Del. Mark Downey, D-Williamsburg, requiring firearms to be locked in homes where minors or prohibited persons are present.

Opposing HB 871, Del. Eric Zehr, R-Campbell, said the bill failed to account for emergencies and could criminalize gun owners even if a minor used a firearm to save lives. “This bill is the embodiment of good intentions colliding with reality,” Zehr said.

The House also approved HB 40, by Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, targeting so-called ghost guns and plastic firearms, and HB 93, by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, tightening rules around firearm transfers by individuals subject to protective orders. 

HB 110, by Del. Amy Laufer, D-Albemarle, would impose civil penalties for leaving visible handguns in unattended vehicles.

Together, Thursday’s votes marked one of the most aggressive gun control pushes in the House in years. 

Gun safety advocates praised the House action, calling it a turning point in Virginia’s approach to gun violence. 

The Virginia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, said passage of five priority bills reflects a broad effort to curb gun violence by banning assault-style weapons, cracking down on hard-to-trace ghost guns, holding the gun industry accountable and strengthening protections for survivors of domestic violence. 

“This is a comprehensive commitment to protecting our children from gun violence in every form,” said Gayatri Manoharan, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action in Virginia, who credited lawmakers with responding to voter pressure. 

Student advocates echoed that sentiment, with Prince William County Students Demand Action volunteer Aidan Vivas saying the votes showed what happens when elected leaders “prioritize our lives over the interests of the gun lobby,” and vowing continued advocacy until the bills reach Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk.

With Democrats controlling both legislative chambers and the governor’s office, the measures now move forward in a markedly different political climate than in prior sessions, when similar bills stalled or were vetoed by Youngkin.

Original post.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

After weeks of buildup and a missed self-imposed Jan. 30 deadline, Virginia Democrats on Thursday evening finally released their long-awaited revised congressional map, proposing an aggressive 10–1 configuration that would tilt 10 of the state’s 11 U.S. House districts toward their party.

The proposed congressional map leaves several of Virginia’s largest districts visually intact while concentrating most of its changes in Northern and central Virginia. 

The new plan preserves the broad outlines of some existing districts but redistributes how the population is grouped across much of the state.

The 9th District remains a single, expansive district in the state’s far southwestern corner. The Eastern Shore–based 2nd District is also preserved, maintaining a clear coastal anchor on the map.

The most visible changes are in Northern and central Virginia. 

Districts now clustered in the state’s northeastern corner — particularly the 8th, 10th and 11th — are reconfigured and spread farther south and west, while several mid-state districts, including the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, are reshaped into a tighter patchwork than under the current map.

During a news conference at the state Capitol in Richmond earlier in the day, legislative leaders said the maps reflect what they describe as an extraordinary political moment nationally, as Democrats move forward despite a court order halting the process and a pending decision by the Virginia Supreme Court. 

House and Senate leaders pitched the proposal as a response to recent Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states and emphasized that Virginia voters — not lawmakers — will ultimately decide the maps’ fate in an April referendum.

Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, argued the proposal is necessary to counter what Democrats describe as a coordinated national strategy driven by President Donald Trump.

“Look, Donald Trump knows he’s going to lose the midterms. He knows it,” Lucas said Thursday. “That’s why he started this mess in the first place. … These are not ordinary times and Virginia will not sit on the sidelines while it happens.”

Lucas said Republicans have already moved aggressively in states such as Texas, North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio to redraw congressional lines ahead of the 2026 elections, forcing Democrats in Virginia to respond.

House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, echoed that message, saying the General Assembly has been working for weeks to prepare the maps for public release. “Virginia to the rescue,” he said. 

A 10–1 map “levels the playing field, and we’re ready to move forward,” Scott said. “We’ll get those maps released and put them out in the open and allow them to be debated the way they should be in a democracy.”

Republican leaders denounced the plan Thursday morning and said their counterparts aren’t concentrating on solutions to the financial strain many Virginians are facing.

“Democrats are focused on political gerrymandering instead of focusing on affordability,” said Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover. 

“The bills they are moving through the legislature are going to cost Virginians more money. It is taking money out of their pocket. But they’re more worried about political gerrymandering games and not Virginians, not the struggles that they are going through.” 

The map’s release comes amid ongoing litigation over Democrats’ mid-decade redistricting amendment, which cleared the General Assembly earlier this year but was struck down last week by a Tazewell County Circuit Court judge. That ruling ordered lawmakers to stop the redistricting process, arguing the amendment violated the Virginia Constitution.

The case is now before the Virginia Supreme Court, which is expected to hear arguments later this month. 

Despite the uncertainty, Democratic leaders said they remain committed to proceeding with a statewide referendum on April 21, when voters are set to decide whether to grant lawmakers authority to redraw congressional districts outside the once-a-decade redistricting cycle.

Under the state Constitution, amendments must pass two separately elected General Assemblies and then be approved by voters. Democrats completed the legislative portion of that process earlier this year, but the court ruling has cast doubt on whether the referendum can legally proceed.

Scott said he believes the judge exceeded his authority.

“You never want to speak ahead, you never know what a judge or jury are going to do,” Scott said. “But I think the law is clearly on our side. I think the judge overreached.”

Scott said the ruling relied on constitutional provisions that do not apply to the amendment process and predicted higher courts would reverse it.

“I think at the end of the day, (the Virginia) Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court will see the judge used the wrong sections of the Constitution to justify his argument,” he said.

Despite the legal challenge, Democratic leaders are moving forward with legislation that would implement the new maps only if voters approve them via referendum. 

Scott said the writ setting the referendum has already been approved by the General Assembly and is currently on Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk.

“The calling has already been done,” Scott said. “And then the next thing is, we’re going to put the language in the bill with the maps in it in the caboose bill that we’re going to pass.”

Scott said Spanberger has already reviewed the maps, though the governor has not publicly endorsed the 10–1 configuration.

“The governor has seen the maps,” Scott said. “We wouldn’t be standing here if the governor had not seen the maps. I’m going to let the governor speak for herself.”

Spanberger’s team told WUSA9 Thursday that the map could be implemented before referendum voting begins, underscoring the governor’s role in ensuring the process can move forward if the courts allow it. 

Her office has not publicly embraced any specific configuration, instead emphasizing that the ultimate choice should rest with Virginia voters and that the executive branch will act to administer the election should the constitutional amendment pass.

Lucas acknowledged that many Virginians favor the nonpartisan redistricting commission approved by voters in 2020 and said Democrats still intend to return to that system.

“The plan is for us to go back to the nonpartisan commission because that’s what Virginians voted for,” Lucas said. “The only reason we’re in this place right now is because of the power grab that started with Trump.”

Both Lucas and Scott rejected claims that the maps were drawn to benefit specific incumbents, despite reporting of internal Democratic debates over whether to pursue a 9–2 or 10–1 configuration.

Democrats currently hold six of the state’s 11 congressional districts. 

“This was never about drawing a seat for a particular candidate,” Lucas said. “This was always about making sure that we defend democracy.”

Scott dismissed concerns that sitting lawmakers influenced the lines.

“If you’ve been paying attention to these last elections, you don’t know who the heck is going to win in these primaries,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens to that point.”

When asked who drew the maps, Scott said the legislature worked with outside consultants, but he declined to say more about the mapmaking process.

“We have some consultants. We’re not going to get into the details, but you all will be able to see it,” he said.

Lucas said Democrats believe the proposed districts remain competitive and that outcomes will ultimately depend on voter turnout and campaigning.

“The seats are competitive, but if you get out and work, you can win the seat,” she said. “But we’re not going to coronate you.”

For now, the fate of the maps rests with the courts and, potentially, Virginia voters. 

Virginia Mercury reporter Shannon Heckt contributed to this story.

Original post.

The Front Royal is accepting applications for its annual scholarship program, which will award three $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live within the town’s corporate limits.

The program, in place since 2016, is open to eligible students attending public, private, or home school. Applicants must plan to pursue undergraduate or trade education at an accredited institution.

Applications will be accepted beginning Feb. 10. The deadline to apply is Saturday, March 14, 2026. Scholarship winners will be recognized by the mayor and Town Council during their meeting on April 27, 2026.

Students may submit applications by email, mail, or in person to the Clerk of Council’s office at Town Hall, 102 E. Main St., P.O. Box 1560, Front Royal, VA 22630. The Clerk of Council is Tina L. Presley.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Virginia lawmakers are moving closer to raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, but the proposal is not final yet.

House Bill 1, which would gradually increase Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 by Jan. 1, 2028, has cleared the House of Delegates and is now advancing through the Senate. The bill passed the House 64-34 Tuesday and was formally sent to the Senate the following day.

As of Thursday, the Senate has not voted on the measure. Instead, the bill has been referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

Under HB1, the state’s minimum wage would rise from its adjusted level of $12.77 an hour to $13.75 beginning Jan. 1, 2027, followed by an increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2028. Starting in 2029, the wage would be adjusted annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

A companion measure, Senate Bill 1, mirrors the House proposal. That bill was reported out of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee earlier this week and referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, where it remains under review.

Both bills include fiscal impacts for the commonwealth. According to fiscal impact statements prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget, higher minimum wages would increase payroll costs across multiple state agencies.

Analysts estimate the bill would add about $547,000 in general fund costs and $489,000 in nongeneral fund costs in fiscal year 2027. Once the minimum wage reaches $15 an hour in fiscal year 2028, annual costs rise to about $14 million from the general fund and $14.6 million from nongeneral funds, with higher costs projected in later years as wages continue to adjust.

Virginia ended the most recent fiscal year with about $2.7 billion in general fund surplus, according to state budget officials.

The proposals come as lawmakers debate how best to address rising costs for workers while also weighing long-term budget impacts on the state. Even if both chambers ultimately approve identical versions of the bill, it would still require action by the governor before becoming law.

Original post.

By Andrew Rice | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Trump administration finalized a rule on Thursday that would make it easier to fire an estimated 50,000 federal employees.

The Office of Personnel Management published its final rule Thursday to authorize that policy influencing positions be moved to Schedule Policy/Career designations, which makes them easier to eliminate.

The federal government maintains 2,252162 employees across its various agencies, according to the Department of Government Efficiency. It costs more than $211 billion in wages for these employees across the government.

“This will allow agencies to quickly remove employees from critical positions who engage in misconduct, perform poorly, or obstruct the democratic process by intentionally subverting Presidential directives,” the Office of Personnel Management wrote.

The Office of Personnel Management, the federal government’s human resources agency, said the changes were due to “longstanding performance management challenges” in the federal workforce.

Trump first instituted a similar policy in October 2020 through the creation of “Schedule F,” which would have reduced certain workforce protections for federal workers. Trump’s directive was later canceled by the Biden administration and never went into effect.

The Biden administration also established rules to make it more difficult to fire federal workers. Trump’s rule will take effect in 30 days.

Democrat lawmakers and federal union leaders have sharply criticized the Trump administration’s move and vowed legal action in response. U.S. Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., slammed the administration’s actions.

“The Trump Administration’s move to reclassify federal employees to make it easier to fire them for political reasons will hurt these workers and their families, threaten our national security, and make it harder for Americans to access the services they need,” Kaine and Warner said in a joint statement.

Federal employee unions sued the administration in January before the policy was fully developed. Democracy Forward, one of the groups behind the lawsuit, said it would resume litigation after a federal judge paused the order.

“This rule is a direct assault on a professional, nonpartisan, merit-based civil service and the government services the American people rely on every day,” said Everett Kelly, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the Office of Personnel Management’s rule and called for scrutiny in the federal workforce.

“This administration has been very much focused on ensuring that we have an efficient and productive workforce for the American taxpayer,” Leavitt said. “If people aren’t doing their jobs, if they aren’t showing up for work, if they’re not working hard on behalf of this president, they’re not welcome to work for him at all.”

Original post.

FRONT ROYAL — Four people have been arrested and charged following a multi-jurisdictional investigation into a series of vandalism incidents that struck businesses, residences and vehicles in the Front Royal area, authorities said.

The investigation began after officers with the Front Royal Police Department responded around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 31 to a report of vandalism at Vibrissa Beer, 122 E. Main St., where a projectile was fired through a window while the business was occupied, according to a police press release.

During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage and observed a suspect vehicle driving past the business at the time of the incident. The vehicle description was entered into an Automated License Plate Reader database, which led to the identification of the registered owner of a black 2016 Ford pickup truck registered to Brayden Eckert of Frederick County, police said.

Authorities learned the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a similar incident. Deputies contacted Eckert at his residence, where evidence indicating possible involvement was located in his vehicle, and he provided information confirming his involvement, according to the release.

To date, Front Royal police have received six reports of vandalism, including incidents involving two businesses, two residences and two vehicles. During the investigation, three additional suspects were identified and charged in connection with the incidents.

Those arrested and charged are:

• Brayden Eckert, 20, of Frederick County
• Nevin Jenkins, 20, of Front Royal
• Mason Lewis, 20, of Front Royal
• Madison Vickers, 19, of Stephens City

All four individuals were charged under Virginia law with three counts each of throwing a missile against an occupied dwelling, four counts each of destruction of property less than $1,000, and two counts each of destruction of property greater than $1,000, police said.

The Front Royal Police Department thanked the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

Information from a release.

RICHMOND — Ahead of football’s biggest night, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging fans to plan like a pro by lining up a sober ride home and making safety part of their game plan.

On Super Bowl Sunday 2025, between noon Feb. 9 and 3 a.m. Feb. 10, preliminary Virginia data shows there were 18 crashes involving alcohol. Two people who did not expect to experience a life-changing day were seriously injured. For the four Super Bowl Sundays prior, from 2021 through 2024, at least one life was lost in an alcohol-related crash the night of the Super Bowl.

“The cost of a sober ride is nothing compared to a DUI, or the risk of losing a life,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the governor’s highway safety representative. “There are always options available; rideshare services, public transit, taxis, or a sober friend willing to help.”

Motorists caught driving under the influence can face jail time, lose their driver’s license and use of their vehicle, and incur significant financial costs, including attorney’s fees, fines, towing, increased insurance rates and lost wages. Those costs can average $11,000. Planning ahead and choosing not to drink and drive can help prevent these consequences.

DMV offers several tips to help fans “plan like a pro”:

Designate a driver — Make arrangements with friends ahead of time to identify a designated driver who will remain sober and ensure everyone gets home safely.

Call a car service — Save the number of a local taxi service or download a rideshare app, such as Uber or Lyft, before heading out.

Buckle up — Seat belts remain the best defense in a crash and are required for all passengers under Virginia’s seat belt law.

Host responsibly — Hosts should provide non-alcoholic beverage options and food for guests, and step in to help guests find a safe ride home if they have been drinking.

Super Bowl Sunday 2026 falls on Feb. 8.

Information from a release.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – First-term Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ordered Virginia’s state law enforcement agencies to end any remaining agreements that allow state officers to take part in federal civil immigration enforcement.

The directive, issued Wednesday, requires state agencies to withdraw from all Section 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Those agreements allow state and local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.

The order applies to the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Virginia Conservation Police and the Virginia Marine Police.

The move follows Spanberger’s decision on her first day in office to rescind a previous executive order that had required state participation in the 287(g) program. At the time, state and local officials said that action removed the mandate but did not automatically cancel agreements already in place.

This new directive goes further. It tells state agencies to formally terminate any existing 287(g) agreements and report back within five business days confirming they have done so.

House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore said the directive weakens public safety and cuts off cooperation with federal immigration authorities, adding, “Just days ago, Democrats insisted the governor’s order didn’t do anything. Today, Governor Spanberger ended all of Virginia’s 287(g) agreements with ICE. This decision weakens public safety and cuts off cooperation that helped law enforcement remove dangerous criminals from our communities. Virginians deserve honesty, not spin.”

Spanberger said the goal is to keep Virginia law enforcement focused on investigating crimes and protecting public safety, rather than carrying out federal civil immigration enforcement.

The governor also issued a separate executive order outlining statewide policing principles. That order emphasizes training, professionalism and public trust, and directs agencies to review their policies to make sure they align with constitutional standards.

Spanberger said trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is essential to public safety and officer safety, and can be damaged when officers are pulled away from their core responsibilities.

The directive does not apply to local sheriffs’ offices, which are not under the governor’s authority. It also does not affect cooperation with federal law enforcement when a valid judicial warrant is involved, or participation in joint task forces unrelated to 287(g).

Spanberger said the change is meant to clarify the role of Virginia law enforcement and draw a clear line between state policing and federal civil immigration enforcement.

Original post.

by Kevin S. Engle

I’m not allowed to shovel snow or run the snowblower for a few weeks.

Doctor’s orders.

I had minor surgery recently.  I’m not sure why it’s called minor when my pain seems major.  Ok, I’m a wimp but still.

The procedure was Wednesday.

The snow and sleet began Saturday night.  When it was over 24 hours later, there was more than a foot of it on the ground.

Not the best time to be laid up inside.

My wife wasn’t deterred.  She could take care of it.

No doubt, but I thought we should hire someone to do it this time.

Our driveway is long and this was a lot of snow.

She still went out Sunday morning to shovel a bit.  Take care of the sidewalk and steps and in front of the garage doors.

I felt guilty.  I was warm and toasty inside while she was out in the cold working hard.

Plow guy would be here later.

When he didn’t show up by 5PM the next day, I called.

“I can’t do it,” he said.  “I broke the axle on my truck.”

Oh boy, now what?

I texted the neighbors.  Did they know anyone I could call?  I got some names and numbers, plus offers to help.

“Brad and I can do it” Judy said.  “I’ll be over at 10 in the morning,” he told her.

And he was, along with his snowblower and wife Tracey.  They met Judy at the bottom of our driveway.

While they were working, I was sitting in a rocking chair in our bedroom peering through binoculars, watching their progress as best I could.

A short time later, someone else appeared but I couldn’t tell who it was.  She was helping, figuring out where the edges of our driveway were and breaking the ice on top.

Was that our next door neighbor?

It was.  And her kids too.  And one of their friends was with them.  They were jumping up and down, breaking the ice and making the occasional snow angel.

And I was laughing, watching the show.

To the kids, it wasn’t work.  It was fun.  And I was enjoying it along with them.

And then I saw Rambo from across the street, armed with her snowblower.  That beast can throw snow into the next county.  She’s serious about snow removal.

What started out looking like it was going to take the better part of the day didn’t.  Two hours later, the job was almost done.

The kids even brought water and tissues for the adults.  Judy doesn’t do that for me!  Maybe because I don’t act like an adult.

Five adults, three kids, two snowblowers and one very grateful laid up neighbor.

Operation Snow Angels melted my heart.

Thanks everyone.

I’ll bring the hot chocolate next time.

Do you prefer yours with or without marshmallows?

The author likes his without.

[email protected]

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

Send some love to Samuels Library this February!

“Love Your Library Month,” celebrated every February, is a nationwide observance to recognize the vital role libraries play as community hubs offering free access to books, technology, educational programs, and essential resources – encouraging people to visit, use services, and show support. To celebrate, a generous donor has committed to matching all donations made to Samuels Public Library throughout the month of February – up to $10,000. Your gift – no matter what size – along with this incredible match, helps ensure that Samuels Library remains the heart of our community today and for generations to come.

Taking inspiration from our theme – ‘Love Letters, Stitched Together’ – we invite patrons to stop by our Library Love Letter Station to write a note about why they love the Library. With each fundraising milestone reached, we’ll unveil a new row of Love Letters on our Community “Quilt” display. 

“We continue to feel the warmth of our community through messages of support and donations that are keeping the doors open,” said Melody Hotek, President of the Samuels Public Library Board of Trustees. “The quilt reminds us that we are all part of the whole, bound together by the threads of our common experiences and joy. Our Samuels quilt gets bigger every day, and we are extremely grateful to be serving you, our friends and neighbors.”

Samuels Library’s Director, Erin Rooney, emphasized the impact donations to this campaign can make. “Love Your Library Month is a fun way to support your local library! We have an amazing team that strives to provide free and easy access to a wide range of information and ideas for the residents of Front Royal and Warren County. This is a wonderful opportunity to enhance and expand on these services to better support our entire community.”

To date since July 2025, Samuels Library has raised enough funds to continue uninterrupted operations through mid-April 2026. The donations given throughout February will be used to bridge the gap for the Library’s emergency funding needs.

Much of the success of the Love Your Library Month campaign over the years has been driven by the incredible commitment made by matching donors. “We are beyond grateful to our current anonymous donor for recognizing the importance of the services the library provides with their generous Love Your Library Month Matching Grant. Every dollar donated in February will go twice as far in bringing new services and exciting improvements to what the library already provides,” Rooney explained.

Make your donation by the end of February to DOUBLE your impact! DONATE NOW.

Join us on social media for Love Your Library Month updates (https://www.facebook.com/samuelspubliclibrary), and help us spread the news to family and friends.

About Samuels Public Library:

Originally founded in 1799 and renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952, it became the second library in the state to receive a charter and has served the citizens of Front Royal and Warren County for more than two centuries. In the past fiscal year, the library has added 2,014 new cardholders and held 925 in-person and virtual programs hosting 20,894 attendees. Attracting nearly 133,000 visitors annually, the library logged 400,002 total checkouts last year. For more information on Samuels Public Library, go to: www.samuelslibrary.net.