News

You can find and register for all library events on our website, www.samuelslibrary.net.

One-Time Events

*Important: February Craft Swap Collections – Our second annual craft swap is underway, drop off your excess craft donations in Studio 330 during our Walk-In hours throughout the month of February. Those who donate get a ticket to be the first to pick through the excess stash which will open up for grabs on Saturday March 7th. Early access 10-12pm and 12-2pm all access (to participate in all access you do not need to have donated materials, all are welcome).

Sewing 201: Valentine Treat Bags

Wednesday, February 4^th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

In person. Registration Required. Wrap your valentine’s treats in a handmade treat bag. In this sewing 201 class, you’ll create a basic Valentine treat bag using your machine sewing skills. Perfect for those who have taken our Sewing 101 class or have basic machine sewing experience. Supplies and materials provided.

*Must have completed Sewing 101 or have a basic working knowledge of using a sewing machine. No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.  Registration required.

Valentine Card Making Walk-In Hours

Thursday, February 5^th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In person. Drop in during our Studio walk-in hours to make a special Valentine’s Card. No experience is necessary.

Resume Workshop with Virginia Career Works

Thursday, February 5th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

In person. Registration Required. Welcome to the Resume Workshop, presented by Virginia Career Works! Join us on Thu Nov 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM for an informative session on crafting the perfect resume. Whether you’re a job seeker looking to polish your resume or a student preparing for future opportunities, this workshop is for you. Our experienced professionals will provide tips and tricks to make your resume stand out. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your job prospects!

Job Fair

Thursday, February 5^th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In person. Come prepared to meet employers looking for people to hire! Need help reviewing your resume beforehand? Email [email protected]! Any questions? Contact 540-678-7079 Option 8

Cricut 101

Friday, February 6^th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Registration Required. In person. Have a Cricut, want a Cricut, what’s a Cricut? Come get the basics of starting your free account, accessing design space, and exploring the ins and outs of all things Cricut during our Cricut 101 program. Supplies and materials provided. 13+ with adult.

Seniors First Workshop: Medicare Fraud: Protect, Detect, Report

Thursday, February 12th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 PM

Get information about common scams involving Medicare, what to do if you suspect fraud, some “spot the scam” examples, and reading your Medicare Summary Notice. 

Questions? Call VICAP at 540-635-7141 or visit seniorsfirst.info 

Registration for this event is in regard to attending the hour long informational program.

One-on-one 20 minute counseling sessions can be booked beginning at 3:00 p.m. by contacting Samuels Public Library staff at 540-635-3135 ext. 105.

Seniors First Counselling

Thursday, February 12th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (20-minute sessions)

In person. Sign up to meet with Seniors First for one-on-one assistance to navigate Medicare, review coverage options, and identify programs that can help lower healthcare costs. Contact the Adult Reference Department at 540-635-3153 ext. 105 to sign up for an available timeslot for one-on-one counselling.  

Trivia Night: Winter Olympics

Thursday February 10^th from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM

In person. Registration Required. 

Test your knowledge about the Winter Olympics at Trivia Night!  

Build your teams of up to 6 people and compete for bragging rights and fabulous prizes.  

AIDS Response Effort, Inc. (ARE) Free STI Testing

Wednesday, February 18^th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In Person. Winchester’s AIDS Response Effort, Inc. (ARE) will be at the library on February 18, May 20, August 19, and November 18 of 2026 to provide free STI testing for the community. 

1 in 5 people in the U.S.A. has an STI

Testing includes:

HIV

Hepatitis B & C

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Syphilis

Sewing 101: The Basics

Wednesday, February 18^th 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

In Person. Registration Required.

 New to sewing? Sewing 101 is the perfect introduction for beginners to get comfortable with a sewing machine using our SINGER® Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine. Learn how to thread, wind a bobbin, use an owner’s manual, and identify key machine components. We will create a simple project using basic stitches that you can take home with you. 

*No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.  Registration required.

Elimination Tournament

Saturday, February 21^st from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

In Person. Registration Required. Come to the library and participate in competitive matches; be some of the first to use materials soon available to borrow from the Library of Things! Prizes will be awarded to the last person standing from each of the competitive sets. 

Competitive games: 

• Cornhole 
• Giant Jenga 
• Giant Connect Four 
• Giant Checkers

Due to the limited number of available spaces patrons must call, email, or speak with the Adult Reference desk in person to sign up for a slot. Patrons may choose which game they would like to compete in, unless all slots for that game are filled.

Contact Adult Reference at 540-635-3153 ext. 105 or [email protected]

Sewing 102: Beyond the Basics

Wednesday, February 25^th 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

In Person. Registration Required.

Sewing 102 will expand upon the basics with button holes and zippers. If you have attended sewing 101 or if you have a basic knowledge of machine sewing, come renew your basic sewing skills and get some advanced practice. 

*No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.  Registration required.

Cricut 101

Thursday, February 26^th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Registration Required. In person. Have a Cricut, want a Cricut, what’s a Cricut? Come get the basics of starting your free account, accessing design space, and exploring the ins and outs of all things Cricut during our Cricut 101 program. Supplies and materials provided. 13+ with adult.

Ongoing Programs

Love and Logic: Parenting with Empathy Session 1

Every Thursday, February 5^th to March 12^th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM 

In Person. Registration Required. Sessions run for 6 weeks at a time.

Warren County Social Services partners with Samuels Public Library to present Love and Logic, equipping young people with character, compassion and problem solving skills. 

Parents will gain practical and proven tools for raising respectful, responsible and happy kids.

To register for this session of class (or the next available session), or ask questions contact:

Lillian Johns at [email protected] or by calling 540-635-3430 ext. 3386

Scary Words Book Club

Saturday, February 7th from 2:30 to 4:30 PM

First Saturday of every month.

In person. A horror book club for people who should be afraid of the dark. This month’s titles are: Cultish by Amanda Montell. 

What the Tech!

Every Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

In person. Need help with technology? Come by the library’s Studio 330 where we will be going over computers and other technology basics. Having trouble with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other device? Bring it in, and we’ll help!

Bad Romance 

Wednesday, February 4^th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

First Wednesday of every month.

In person. Do you consider yourself a hopeless romantic?  Are bad romances a guilty pleasure of yours? Then you should join us for Bad Romance, where Samuels Public Library will have a themed discussion for the romance genre every month. February’s theme is Workplace Romances! 

Indulge us with your favorite romance books, movies, music or other media related to the topic, and possibly discover a new treat in this awesome informal discussion! New members are always welcome!

Studio 330: Embroidery Club

Every Thursday from 10:00 PM to 12:00 PM

In person. Join us for Hand Embroidery Stitchers every Thursday morning! Bring your own needlework project to work on for a morning of crafting and socializing. 

*No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Studio 330 Walk-in Hours

Every Thursday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In person. Come tour Studio 330 or bring your project to work on. Walk-In hours are provided on a first come, first serve basis. 

*Glowforge is not available during walk-in hours. No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Studio 330: String Theory- A Fiber Arts Club

Every Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In person. Welcome to a fiber arts community for experienced, novice, or first-time artists 13 and up looking to meet other artists, relax, and/or share their expertise! Bring your own knitting, crochet, weaving, or other project to Studio 330 on Saturdays 2pm to 4pm 

*No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Books & Beyond Book Club

Thursday, February 12^th from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM 

Second Thursday of every month.

In person. Do you love books and sharing them as much as we do? Join us to delve into new worlds of conversation about new books at your community’s public library! The theme this month is: Older Main Characters.

Studio 330: Personal Archiving Series

Saturday, February 14^th from 12:00 to 1:30 PM

Second Saturday of every month. 

In Person: Discover practical, beginner-friendly ways to organize, preserve, and make accessible your photos, documents, videos, and memorabilia during our monthly Personal Archiving Series. Each month will feature a stand-alone topic including organizing photos, scanning and digitizing your media, and sharing your collections with family. Make sure to check our calendar for monthly features.

February’s Topic: Nobody Wants My Stuff. What really happens to our photos, papers, and keepsakes and how do we make sure what matters is passed on? This session explores why legacy is about meaning, not volume, and includes a guided brainstorming discussion on creative ways to share and preserve personal history beyond the “stuff.”

Registration Required.

*No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Studio 330: Genealogy Club

Monday, February 9^th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM 

Second Monday of every month.

In Person: Interested in your family’s history? Already done extensive research and want to be able to share your finds? Join our genealogy club where both novices and experts alike can come together and talk about different genealogy topics.

February’s Topic: Researching African American Ancestors: This month’s Genealogy Group will focus on research specific to African American ancestry starting with a one-hour recorded viewing of Ancestry’s “Beginning African American Research” followed by discussions and time for individual research. Come to learn basic research and explore African American History.

Phoenix Project- Hope For New Beginnings

Tuesday, February 17th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Serving all members of the Front Royal/Warren County community who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, Phoenix Project Advocates are available to provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, information, education, and more. Their services are free, confidential, and trauma-informed. Hope. Help. Healing.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

(The Center Square) – A bill aimed at limiting certain civil arrests inside Virginia courthouses has cleared the Senate and now moves to the House of Delegates.

Senate Bill 351, sponsored by Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, would restrict most civil arrests in and around courthouses unless officers present a valid judicial warrant or order. The measure passed the Senate 21-18.

Under the bill, individuals required to attend court, including parties, witnesses and certain family or household members, would be protected from civil arrest while attending, traveling to or leaving court proceedings.

Civil arrests would still be allowed if authorized by a judicial warrant or court order that has been reviewed and confirmed by a judicial officer. Anyone who conducts or assists with a prohibited civil arrest could be held in contempt of court.

The bill applies only to civil arrests and does not change criminal arrest authority. It also does not limit the authority of judges to issue warrants or orders when required by law.

The legislation comes amid renewed debate in Virginia over the role of federal immigration enforcement inside state courthouses.

Salim said the legislation is intended to ensure people feel safe attending court proceedings without fear of arrest for civil immigration matters.

“Criminals are escaping prosecution because victims and witnesses are afraid if they go to court to press charges, they’ll be deported,” Salim wrote in a post following the vote. “SB351 simply requires that ICE present a warrant to arrest a person in a courthouse.”

Last week, Republican leaders said immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and questioned whether legislation limiting cooperation with federal authorities addresses issues they say Virginians are most concerned about.

Original post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Virginia and Maryland both added a modest number of residents over the past year, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

In Virginia, the state’s population reached 8,880,107 residents as of July 1, 2025, up from 8,819,642 a year earlier. That is an increase of 60,465 people, or about 0.69%, over the past year.

The new figures also show Virginia has moved past its pandemic-era slowdown. Since 2020, the state’s population has grown by roughly 2.81%, reflecting a gradual recovery after several years of slower growth early in the decade.

Those gains came from a mix of new births and people moving into the state. Over the past year, Virginia recorded 92,070 births and 78,253 deaths, resulting in a natural change of 13,817 people.

Migration played an even larger role. Census data show Virginia added 46,704 people through migration, with most of that growth coming from international migration. Domestic migration also contributed, though to a lesser extent.

Maryland’s growth followed a different path, with migration playing a larger role than births.

Census estimates show Maryland added 20,033 residents between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, a much smaller increase than Virginia. Census data show the state recorded 65,090 births and 53,646 deaths, resulting in a natural change of 11,444 people.

Maryland still grew because more people moved in than moved out. Census data show the state added 8,376 residents through migration, largely driven by international arrivals, even as domestic migration resulted in a net loss of residents to other states.

Taken together, the numbers show both states continuing to add residents, but in different ways.

Virginia’s population growth reflects a rebound from pandemic-era stagnation, supported by both births and migration, while Maryland’s gains were driven more heavily by migration.

Original post.

By Charlotte Rene Woods | Virginia Mercury

Unlikely allies worked to pass probation reform bills last year that created a workgroup to refine the proposal this year. 

The group, as well as a coalition of criminal justice reform organizations, probation officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys and victims’ advocates, helped develop the new proposal, which would allow formerly incarcerated people to be released from probation after a year if they demonstrate their rehabilitation by meeting certain benchmarks laid out by their probation officer. 

A version by Sen. Christine New Craig, R-Chesapeake, already passed the Senate and on Tuesday, House Bill 149 by Del. Wren Williams, R-Patrick, cleared the House of Delegates. 

The benchmarks could include maintaining stable housing and employment, obtaining health insurance, earning vocational certifications or participating in mental health or substance use treatment programs as needed. 

Last year’s bill was more prescriptive in the criteria while this year’s bill will allow a case-by- case process for people and their probation officers, who can then send a letter to courts to end the probation status.

The proposal is backed by Reform Alliance, a national criminal justice organization that was founded by rappers Jay Z, Meek Mill and others. 

“This is a common sense improvement to the Commonwealth’s probation system that applies best practices that reduce crime, lighten heavy probation caseloads, and increase reentry success,” Reform Alliance said in a statement on Tuesday. 

Virginia-based criminal justice organizations including Nolef Turns and The Humanization Project have supported the bill. The Virginia Interfaith Center For Public Policy has backed the measure, as well as conservative-leaning Americans For Prosperity. 

When carrying the bill last year Williams emphasized that the bipartisan drive for reform is “recognition that the punitive approach has not worked.” 

He added that he believes earned probation reductions can help formerly incarcerated people “rebuild their lives out of the American Dream” and contribute to safer communities. 

Kenneth Hunter, an organizer with Virginia Interfaith, also noted how probation status can sometimes hinder people that are trying to get their life back on track. 

The travel restrictions that probation terms typically come with can hamper employment, Hunter said. He said he hears that commercial truck drivers run into this problem, particularly around the North Carolina state border depending on their routes. The limitations can prevent truckers from obtaining certain jobs or stunt their growth within their jobs.

Some people have also told The Mercury they believe their probation status has been a factor in the rejection of their voter rights restoration requests. 

Unlike other states, in Virginia, governors decide if formerly incarcerated people’s voting rights will be restored. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin had lower restorations than previous governors and his administration offered little clarity on factors that contributed to the success or rejection of requests. 

A pending constitutional amendment could make restorations automatic so long as someone has finished their prison sentences, if a majority of Virginians approve a ballot referendum later this year. 

No bills have made their way to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk yet, so the jury is still out on whether the parole reform bill stands a chance to become law this year. She could approve the bill as-is, seek adjustments to it, or veto it outright.

Original bill.

By Shannon Heckt | Virginia Mercury

The northern diamondback terrapin is one of Virginia’s species in greatest need of protection, conservation groups say. But a bill that’s working through the state legislature to reduce the number of the terrapins that drown in Chesapeake Bay crab pots met pushback this week from fishermen who say it could impede their trade.

Dozens of Virginia watermen traveled to Richmond Monday to voice their concerns about House Bill 1013, which would have required bycatch reduction devices on crab pots in designated areas of the Bay. The devices are meant to prevent the terrapin from getting inside while still allowing crabs to enter the pots.

“They’re not targeted by crabbers by any means. They just frequently get trapped in crab pots and cannot escape. They will drown in about 50 minutes,” bill sponsor Del. Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, said.

Bycatch devices — plastic borders on the opening of crab pots to make them smaller — preventing the turtles from entering the pots. However, the watermen said it also blocks  larger crabs from getting into the pots. 

Some bill opponents stated that pots with these devices see as much as a 50% cut to their catch. Commercial watermen argued the bill was unnecessary since they check their pots every day, which helps reduce the number of terrapins that get trapped in their pots, unlike recreational pots that are often left in the water for days. 

Being forced to add bycatch devices could ultimately impact their bottom line, they said.

“With this small volume of product, high prices will come to it,” said J.C. Hudgins, President of the Virginia Waterman Association. “It will eventually cause these regional seafood dealers to go elsewhere.”

Diamondback terrapins inhabit the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and have experienced a 75% population drop over the last 50 years, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. The center petitioned the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in 2024 to create regulations to protect the terrapins from getting caught in the crab pots. There have also been multiple, unsuccessful attempts to place the reptile on the federal endangered or threatened species lists.

Del. Rob Bloxom, R-Accomack, said the statistics aren’t reliable because it has been decades since a formal study has been done about the diamondback terrapins in the Chesapeake Bay region. He said he believes their population decline is due to factors beyond just crab pot drownings.

The legislation was amended on Monday in the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee to only apply to recreational pots. 

The areas where the recreational pots are frequently used are closer to shore, where the terrapins go to lay their eggs. The bill also requires the Marine Resources Commission and Virginia Institute of Marine Science to spend the next two years studying locations in the Bay where the terrapins are most threatened to potentially apply the restriction to commercial pots in those areas, too. 

“This isn’t a stagnant picture. It’s not like we’re in one spot all year long,” said Robert Whitman, a commercial fisherman speaking against the bill. “If we had these management areas we might move into it for two weeks and then come out we have to put an excluder on and take it back off. The volume of work and money that would entail is just unfathomable.”

Bloxom argued that the language of the bill suggests that in two years once the study by the two agencies are completed, the restrictions to commercial crab pots will be all but certain to be implemented.

“What we’re looking at is a path forward to reduce mortality in recreational fisheries,” said Chris Moore, Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “Then we can look at other mortalities with all the experts in the room.”

Tran agreed to continue to work on the language of the bill to make its study portion more open ended, with a focus on the protection areas and finding ways to better protect the terrapins. The bill will then be heard before the full House Agriculture committee.

Original post.

RICHMOND, VA – Wildlife biologists with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) have compiled harvest totals for the fall 2025–26 big game hunting seasons. The deer harvest increased while bear and turkey harvests declined from the previous season. According to DWR Wildlife Division Director Michael Lipford, “The big season changes we made for deer and bear management purposes influenced these results but were just one of several factors. Changes in hunter participation, natural food availability, and weather also impact big game harvests year to year.” Harvest reporting by successful bear, deer, and turkey hunters remains a vital component of DWR’s management programs as harvest data are used to monitor game populations and inform future regulatory decisions.

Black Bear

Hunters reported harvesting 2,344 bears in Virginia during the 2025–26 bear hunting season (Figure 1), which was approximately 13.3% lower than the previous year’s harvest and 18.0% lower than the previous 5-year average (2020–2024). Statewide, a higher proportion of the 2025-26 season harvest consisted of female bears (41.3%) than the previous year (38.4%).

When compared to 2024, the archery, youth/apprentice, and muzzleloader harvests declined 31.4%, 25.4% and 24.6%, respectively. Although there was significant regional variation, the general firearms harvest increased by 4.0% statewide (Table 1). Harvest during the 3-day early season, which was closed in 35 northwestern counties over the last several years, decreased by 45.3% from the previous season in the seven southwestern counties where it remained open.

The decrease in the total bear harvest during 2025 is likely the result of several factors. A decrease in harvest was expected following significant season reductions across 24 counties where mange is of most concern (shown in green on the map on the bear hunting season webpage), coupled with the closing of the 3-day early season in nine additional southwestern counties. Although the magnitude varied regionally, harvests declined by 33% from the previous year and 39% from the previous 3-year average in the mange impacted counties. While statewide there was an increase in female bear harvest, there was 37% decrease in the mange impacted counties compared to the previous season and a 43% decrease from the previous 3-year average. While the new management goal of harvesting 60-65% fewer female bears was not achieved across this whole area, the observed reductions were an important step in the right direction for population recovery. While harvests declined (as intended) in the mange impacted counties, increased harvests were reported elsewhere in the state, especially in the southern Piedmont. These can likely be attributed to hunter movements to areas where seasons had not been shortened and the extension of seasons in several bear management zones.

Across all seasons in which hounds could be used, an estimated 68.9% of bears were taken by hunters using hounds; across all bear seasons, 46.6% of bears were taken with hounds. Season estimates for the proportion of bears harvested by hunters using hounds were as follows: 3-day early firearms season – 34.5%, firearms season – 69.8%, and youth/apprentice weekend – 76.2%.

Virginia continues to provide diverse opportunities for a successful bear hunt. For additional details on black bear management in Virginia please visit the DWR bear webpage. Data presented in this summary only include bears killed during the regulated bear hunting seasons and do not include bears taken on kill permits or struck by vehicles.

White-Tailed Deer

During the 2025-2026 deer seasons, including the early September antlerless seasons (firearms and urban archery), hunters reported harvesting 227,302 deer. This was up approximately 10% from last year’s total of 205,759 over the same timeframe, and up 14% from the previous 10-year average of 198,666. This year’s total included 108,163 antlered bucks, 14,631 button bucks, 973 shed bucks, and 103,535 does (45.5%). 
 
Archers took 32,730 deer, while 51,472 deer were taken with muzzleloaders, and 143,100 with firearms. During the youth and apprentice weekend, 2,636 deer were reported harvested. In counties where it is legal to hunt deer with dogs, dogs were used to take 50% of the deer killed during the general firearms season and 35% of the total deer taken across all seasons. 
 
A significant number of deer hunting regulation changes were implemented this past season—mostly during the general firearms season west of the Blue Ridge—to increase opportunity and increase doe harvest to meet population objectives. While these regulations likely contributed to the increased deer harvest, the daily deer kill was ahead of last year’s pace from opening day of archery onward. Currently, 58% of the state’s deer management units (counties) are above population objectives, 38% are meeting the current objective, and 4% are below current objectives.
 
The data presented in this summary are preliminary and do not include deer taken during the late urban archery or antlerless-only firearms seasons. Additionally, the data exclude deer taken under kill permits or those hit and killed by vehicles. Annual deer harvest totals by county dating back to 1947 can be found on DWR’s deer webpage along with additional information on deer management in Virginia.
 
DWR is thankful to Virginia’s deer hunters in helping the Department get closer to deer management objectives.

Wild Turkey

A total of 1,022 wild turkeys were harvested in Virginia during the 2025-26 fall turkey hunting season, well below the 2024-25 season total of 1,423. This represents a 28% decline from the 2024-25 season and 38% below the previous 5-year average (2020 through 2024-25 seasons).
 
The decline in fall turkey harvest noted over the past several seasons can likely be attributed most to declining hunter participation. DWR hunter survey data indicates that fall turkey hunter numbers have declined by approximately 64% since 2005 and that many turkey hunters are choosing to either hunt other species in the fall or are saving turkey tags for the more popular spring turkey season. 
 
Besides hunting participation, another important driver of fall hunting success is the annual reproductive success. In 2025, the productivity estimate (1.3 poults/hen) was far below the long-term average (2.6 poults/hen) and the lowest since the survey began in 2007. Decreased productivity was evident in all regions of the state, except for southwestern Virginia, where observed poult productivity was near the long-term average, thanks in part to a periodic cicada hatch in the coalfield counties. Since juvenile birds can account for 40-60% of the fall harvest, reproductive success greatly influences turkey populations available for fall harvest.
 
The harvest declines from the previous season seemed to be most apparent during the October firearms segment (38%) and the Thanksgiving segment (33%), which has historically been the most heavily utilized portion of the fall turkey hunting season. The largest decreases came from changes in hen harvest, which declined approximately 42%. Adult gobbler harvest was also down approximately 20%, while juvenile male harvest was almost identical to the previous season.
 
While all regions experienced a decrease in harvest, southwest Virginia observed the least significant decline (8%), which is likely due to improved reproduction in that region during the summer of 2025. In general, counties east of the Blue Ridge experienced greater declines in harvest than those west of the Blue Ridge. The majority of the harvest (94%) occurred on privately owned land.
 
Fall turkey hunting remains one of Virginia’s most unique hunting opportunities, and as such, potential strategies that might enhance participation moving forward were included during revision of the Virginia Turkey Management Plan, endorsed by the Board of Wildlife Resources during the May 2025 meeting.
 
Fall 2025-2026 Turkey Harvest Summary:

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is reminding residents not to feed deer during winter weather, warning that the practice can harm animals, increase disease spread and, in many areas, violate state law.

Wildlife officials say recent ice and extreme cold may prompt well-meaning people to put out corn, grain or other food for deer. However, biologists stress that deer are naturally adapted to survive winter conditions without human feeding.

Deer grow thick winter coats made of hollow, insulating hair and build fat reserves in the fall, largely from acorns and other natural foods. During winter, they lower their metabolism and shift to a diet of woody browse and other low-quality natural forage. Their digestive system relies on bacteria suited to that seasonal diet.

A sudden change to foods such as corn or grain can overwhelm that system, officials say, leading to rumen acidosis, bloat and potentially death. “A deer’s stomach in winter is not equipped to handle large amounts of grain,” the department said in public guidance.

Feeding also creates broader problems, according to wildlife managers. Concentrating deer around homes and roads increases the risk of vehicle collisions and residential plant damage. Animals that become accustomed to people can lose their natural wariness, which can lead to aggressive encounters. Officials note that more people nationwide are injured each year by habituated deer than by bears.

Artificial feeding sites can also speed the spread of disease. Gathering deer in close quarters has been linked in other states to the transmission of tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological illness affecting deer and related species.

There are also concerns about feed quality. Corn sold as “deer corn” may contain aflatoxin, a mold-produced toxin that can poison wildlife, officials say.

State law further restricts feeding. In Virginia, feeding deer is illegal statewide from Sept. 1 through the first Saturday in January. In addition, feeding deer is prohibited year-round in dozens of counties and the cities and towns within them, including Warren, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Rockingham, Albemarle, Augusta and others.

The definition of feed or bait includes corn, grain, pelleted feed, mineral or salt licks, apples or other fruit and bird seed placed to attract wildlife. If deer are eating from a bird feeder, officials say, that can qualify as illegal feeding.

The rules do not apply to wildlife food plots, normal agricultural operations such as crop plantings or livestock feeding, or wildlife management activities authorized by the department.

While winter can be a stressful time for wildlife, the department says deer populations range from South Texas to Maine and are built to handle seasonal hardship. The best way for residents to help, officials say, is to avoid feeding and allow deer to rely on natural food sources.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

A multi-agency investigation is underway into a series of window-shattering vandalism incidents spanning multiple jurisdictions in the northern Shenandoah Valley, including the Town of Front Royal and areas of Frederick and Warren counties.

The Front Royal Police Department said it is working in conjunction with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office on what authorities describe as related acts of vandalism that may involve the same suspect or suspects.

According to Front Royal police, four reports of vandalism have been received within the town limits to date. All four incidents are similar in nature and are believed to have occurred during the overnight hours of Jan. 31. Two of the incidents involved damage to business windows, and two involved vehicle windows. No injuries were reported in connection with those cases.

Preliminary investigation by Front Royal officers indicates the damaged windows were struck with a small metal ball bearing. The police department said it is actively investigating and encouraged anyone with information to contact Officer J.A. Grim by email at [email protected] or by phone at 540-635-2111.

Additional information is expected in a future release as the investigation progresses.

In a related case, deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded Jan. 31 to the 5000 block of Main Street within the town limits of Stephens City for a report of a possible shooting into a dwelling. Upon arrival, deputies determined that unknown person or persons may have fired some type of projectile through a window of the building. Witnesses on scene were unable to provide descriptions of suspects or vehicles.

A review of video surveillance later showed the glass shattering at approximately 8:13 p.m. as a pickup truck was passing by, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators said similar situations had been reported in Front Royal and Warren County and that a suspicious pickup truck also appeared to be in those areas at the time of the incidents.

The Front Royal Police Department was reportedly able to access license plate reader data and develop a possible suspect based on vehicle registration information. The suspect vehicle was linked to a Frederick County address. Law enforcement made contact attempts there but did not initially locate the truck or its registered owner.

Authorities obtained a search warrant for the suspect vehicle and the residence to which it was associated. However, before those warrants were executed on Feb. 2, the vehicle was located in motion and deputies made contact with the driver. The sheriff’s office said evidence of possible involvement in the vandalism incidents was found inside the vehicle, and the driver gave statements to investigators confirming his involvement.

Officials said they believe additional individuals may also be involved in the series of vandalisms, which may span as many as eight properties across four different jurisdictions.

As of now, no charges have been placed in Frederick County. The sheriff’s office said charging decisions are pending the completion of ongoing investigations by the Front Royal Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Strasburg Police Department. Because no charges have been filed, authorities said they are not releasing suspect information at this time.

The investigation remains active across all involved agencies. Anyone with information is urged to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Information from releases. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Uber says proposed transportation taxes moving through the General Assembly could raise costs for riders and drivers, even as lawmakers look to generate new funding for transit projects across the Commonwealth.

It also raised the question of safety for those out partying, and accessibility to appointments for those with medical concerns.

“As Virginia residents continue to struggle with high cost of living, efforts to impose new taxes and fees on rideshare and delivery services are unwise,” Uber said in a statement. “While we share legislative leadership’s goal of funding transportation and lowering costs for Virginians, these proposals will likely have the opposite effect.”

The comments come as lawmakers consider a pair of bills that would add new taxes and fees to rideshare trips and retail deliveries as part of a broader transportation funding package.

House Bill 1179, introduced by Del. Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, and Senate Bill 638, introduced by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, contain matching language that would change how transportation revenue is collected and distributed statewide and within certain regions.

According to fiscal impact statements prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget, the legislation would generate an estimated $585.8 million in fiscal year 2027 and $639.5 million in fiscal year 2028 through a combination of statewide and regional taxes and fees.

Under the proposals, retail deliveries would be subject to a 50-cent statewide fee, while fares charged by transportation network companies, including rideshare services such as Uber, would face a 4.3% statewide tax.

Additional taxes would apply only within designated transportation districts, including parts of Northern Virginia and localities served by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission. Those regional charges include local sales taxes, parking taxes and highway use fees and would not apply statewide.

Revenue generated under the bills would be directed primarily to the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund and regional transportation authorities to support transit operations, capital projects and long-term transportation planning.

Uber said it supports efforts to fund transportation but warned the added costs could reduce access for people who rely on rideshare services for work, medical appointments and other essential trips. The company also pointed to research linking increased rideshare availability with lower rates of drunk driving fatalities nationwide.

The bills remain under consideration as lawmakers continue transportation and budget discussions during the 2026 General Assembly session.

If approved, the proposals would add new taxes and fees tied to everyday transportation and delivery services used by Virginians across the Commonwealth.

Original post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Improving tracking and responding to suicides involving veterans and military service members is in legislation advanced by lawmakers in Virginia.

House Bill 529 would create a Suicide Prevention Program within the Department of Veterans Services focused on collecting data, coordinating prevention efforts and reporting trends to commonwealth leaders and lawmakers.

According to the bill language, the department would be responsible for compiling and analyzing information related to suicides of veterans and military service members. That data would be included in an annual report submitted to the secretary of Veterans Affairs, the governor and the General Assembly.

The legislation would also require greater coordination between commonwealth agencies.

When a death certificate lists suicide as the cause and manner of death for a veteran or military service member, the State Registrar of Vital Records would be required to provide that information to the Department of Veterans Services.

In addition, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner would be required to provide copies of autopsy reports related to those deaths to the department upon request. The bill also requires the office to notify a decedent’s next of kin when an autopsy report is released to a physician or personal representative.

The program would also coordinate with federal, state and local partners on suicide prevention efforts, including substance use and behavioral health support for veterans, service members and their families.

A separate research project conducted by psychologists at the Virginia Military Institute, released in February 2025, examined factors linked to veteran suicide based on survey responses from veterans across multiple military branches.

The study, funded by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, found that experiences during military service, access to mental health care, substance use, chronic pain and challenges finding work after leaving the military can all play a role in suicide risk among veterans.

According to the bill text, the legislation would eliminate the existing suicide prevention coordinator position within the Department of Veterans Services and transfer those responsibilities to the newly created program.

Lawmakers considered a similar proposal during the 2025 General Assembly session. That bill, House Bill 1738, passed the House unanimously and died in the Finance and Appropriations Committee of the Senate.

HB529 has advanced through House Health and Human Services subcommittees with amendments and has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

Original post.

By Jennifer Shutt
States Newsroom

WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Monday closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year. 

Planned Parenthood filed notice with the court Friday that it had dismissed “without prejudice all claims against” the Trump administration in the case. Massachusetts District Court Judge Indira Talwani issued an electronic order Monday closing the case “Pursuant to Plaintiffs’ Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice.”

The law prevents people on Medicaid from being seen at Planned Parenthood facilities through early July, when the one-year period would expire.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson wrote in a statement released last week that President Donald Trump “and his allies in Congress have weaponized the federal government to target Planned Parenthood at the expense of patients —  stripping people of the care they rely on. 

“Through every attack, Planned Parenthood has never lost sight of its focus: ensuring patients can get the care they need from the provider they trust. That will never change. Care continues, as does our commitment to fighting for everyone’s freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures.”

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom. 

Talwani originally ruled for Planned Parenthood in the case, temporarily blocking the defunding provision from taking effect. But an appeals court later overturned that decision, allowing the Trump administration to legally withhold Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood. 

Talwani was nominated by former President Barack Obama.

The provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that blocks all Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood was originally slated to last for a decade, but the final version covered one year. 

Federal law for decades has barred spending from covering abortions with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the woman’s life. 

So the new language prevented Medicaid patients from scheduling appointments at Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals, cancer screenings, or birth control appointments. 

Shireen Ghorbani, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, which filed the lawsuit along with Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that its health care providers would “continue to see patients and deliver on our mission to provide high-quality care and education to everyone who needs it, no matter where they live or how much money they make.” 

A Planned Parenthood spokesperson, who did not want to comment on the record, said that certain clinics may choose to cover the cost of treating Medicaid patients, even though the clinic will not receive reimbursement from the federal government under the law. 

Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that the organization’s “health centers initially shielded the overwhelming majority of patients who rely on Medicaid from the harm of this cruel law. Unfortunately, the consequences for patients will worsen considerably over time as health centers close, costs rise, and access to their trusted provider is pushed further out of reach.”

By Shannon Heckt
Virginia Mercury

A bill that would set up a framework for siting solar projects that localities could follow and that prohibits the premature rejection of solar infrastructure development has passed the Virginia Senate.

Senate Bill 347 by Sen. Schulyer VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, is a way to meet the state’s growing energy while combating political messaging against renewable energy sources that hampers development, the senator said.

“One of the big complaints has been that there are solar developers who come in and don’t do it the right way,” VanValkenburg said. “And so this lays out kind of basic guidance about what the right way might look like.”

The bill is not a mandate for localities to approve solar projects but it would keep them from outright barring the energy projects from even applying for permits. Localities would still have the ability to approve or withhold permits. 

VanValkenburg said there are counties more readily approving data center development than they are energy production projects, which has made it more challenging for utilities to keep up with energy demands.

“When you actually look at the individual project, you talk to the property owner, you look at the economics of it for a locality. I think we’ll get more projects,” VanValkenburg said.

The recommended solar siting guidelines proposed in the bill are considered best practices that can give localities a framework for solar projects. The key recommendations for the location of the solar arrays:

-The project should be between 150-200 feet from the nearest point on the outer wall of existing occupied community buildings and dwellings on non-participating properties. 

-The project should be between 50-100 feet from the outside edge of the roadbed of any road abutting the property. 

-The project should be between 100-250 feet from the edge of tidal wetlands or non-tidal wetlands, or perennial streams 

-The project should be between 50-75 feet from the nearest shared property line for nonparticipating properties.

During debate on the House companion bill, House Bill 711, representatives of the Virginia Farm Bureau and the Association of Counties raised concerns that the standards laid out in the bill are one-size-fits-all parameters, although solar projects will vary.

“Whether it’s a one megawatt project, to a 100 MW project, they vary in size from several acres to square miles. There’s also differences in geography and physio-geographic provinces across the commonwealth,” said Joe Lerch with the Virginia Association of Counties. 

The bill may meet pushback from localities, Lerch said, “because our members just want to retain that ability to craft those ordinances and craft those agreements at the local level.” 

The senator emphasized that the legislation is not a requirement for localities to approve solar projects but it is an effort to help bridge some of the gaps in local decisions when it comes to determining how a solar project could look in their area. 

“We do not believe that this is a magic bullet that is going to solve affordability and reliability and get more clean energy on a grid,” said Sarah Graham Taylor on behalf of Marec Action, a coalition of renewable energy agencies that promotes the build out of solar and wind projects. “But it is an important step forward to getting more good projects sited, while still protecting landowner rights and local voting.” 

With the increasing demand for energy and the requirements under the Virginia Clean Economy Act, VanValkenburg said this is a first step to prevent needing state intervention.

“But I’d rather try doing that than do nothing. And in 2-3 years (if we do nothing), now we have to do something, you’ve left us with no choice. Every day that goes by where they do green light data centers and reject energy projects, that decision making gets moved up,” VanValkenburg said.

In the hearings for the bills, Virginia Farm Bureau representatives broached a common concern: the potential loss of agricultural land to solar projects. During community meetings in rural portions of the state, it is a familiar theme among residents, who often want to preserve the character of the county.

“I get everybody being afraid that, you know, farmland’s gonna go away or, you know, this or that thing is gonna happen. But it’s really important to note that we’re not mandating anything here,” VanValkenburg responded.

Del. Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, who is carrying the house version of the bill, said that it won’t ensure that all solar projects are approved, but it is meant to weed out bad actors to put local residents at ease when it comes to considering a solar project.

“It sets the project standards ensuring communities and trust in solar facilities are well designed and responsibly managed,” Herring said.

SB 347 cleared the Senate with a vote of 21-17. It now heads to the House for more debate. HB 711 awaits a vote on the House floor.

Original post.

By Charlotte Rene Woods
Virginia Mercury

A legal challenge alleging that a Fairfax County Public Schools employee helped minors get abortions without their parents’ consent is now in federal court in a case that hinges on a First Amendment free speech claim.  

FCPS teacher Zenaida Perez, plaintiff in the case, is seeking to prove that school officials have defamed her and are in violation of the Virginia Whistleblower Protection Law.  Perez alleged in 2025 that another FCPS staff member assisted minors with seeking abortions. FCPS’ internal probe refuted her claims. 

A public statement from superintendent Michelle Reid claimed that Perez’ allegations are “based largely on statements that were misinterpreted, mistranslated, taken out of context, or in some cases knowingly fabricated.”

A Virginia State Police investigation, launched late last summer by the order of former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, remains active as of January 2026. The school system has also submitted materials to members of Congress for a federal inquiry. 

She said, they said

Ahead of Virginia’s gubernatorial and House of Delegates elections last fall, Perez accused a fellow school staff member of assisting students in obtaining abortions and the matter quickly became a Republican political talking point. 

Virginia law allows minors to get abortions only if their parents or guardians agree to it or a minor successfully petitions a court. Such petitions are also exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, so it’s unclear how the students Perez purported to have gotten abortions would have obtained them. 

While the public airing of the allegation and subsequent lawsuit came to light in recent months, Perez had first tried to report matters to Centreville High School administration in 2021 and 2022, the lawsuit revealed. 

In August 2025, conservative blog WC Dispatch published the allegations and a note allegedly written by a student who’d been assisted in getting an abortion. 

“I was afraid my family would react poorly if they knew about my pregnancy so I sought the abortion,” the note, translated from Spanish, reads in the court filing. 

A previous internal review by FCPS indicated similarities between the handwriting in the student’s letter and Perez’ own; she then admitted that she was the one who actually wrote it. 

“(The student) didn’t write it, she was absolutely not well with the writing — she cannot write in English or in Spanish — and she told me she ‘only had 15 minutes for my break,’” Perez said in an Americans United For Life webinar late last year. Perez added she had written the letter based on the student’s dictation while the student was working at a restaurant in Chantilly. 

Attorneys from Americans United For Life, the anti-abortion group that hosted the webinar, are representing Perez in her case.

“AUL has filed an amended complaint on behalf of Mrs. Perez, and we are expecting a renewed motion to dismiss the case from Fairfax County’s lawyers,” AUL spokesman Gavin Oxley said Friday.

Perez’ petition to court

Perez’s suit claims CHS officials retaliated against her through disciplinary memos, reprimands and a suspension. Her medical provider gave her medication for depression and anxiety, the suit stated. 

The filing noted the school officials’ alleged retaliation has a “lifelong impact” on Perez emotionally, and added that the defendants’ claims will “be a stain on her record forever and these allegations may resurface for any teaching position that she may seek in the future.”

The school system remains steadfast in refuting Perez’s claims. 

FCPS’ own review uncovered “no credible evidence” supporting Perez’s allegations. This was relayed in materials the school system sent to the U.S. Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. 

The supplemental statement read that FCPS “remains open to receiving and reviewing any new, pertinent information that may become available” but concluded that  further investigation isn’t necessary at this time.

The statement also accusedPerez of withholding additional evidence when the Centreville High principal  initially looked into the alleged student abortions Perez reported to him in 2022. 

“While she has claimed to possess evidence of serious criminal wrongdoing occurring within the school and impacting students from vulnerable backgrounds, Mrs. Perez nonetheless waited nearly three years before surfacing the ‘evidence’ she had privately collected, choosing to do so through a sensational social media story she collaborated in producing, which contained numerous unfounded allegations,” the statement read. 

Perez, whose case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in the Alexandria division, is seeking a trial by jury and to be awarded $2 million.

AUL spokesman Oxley told The Mercury that the organization and their client are “looking forward” to “prosecuting the case as far as necessary.”

Virginia Mercury reporter Nathaniel Cline contributed to this story. 

Original post.

By Stef Anderson

Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers want to remove toxic chemicals from cosmetics to better protect public health, something advocates say is also better for the environment.

Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra, D-Fairfax, introduced the Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act, or House Bill 122. The proposal updates the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to ban use of certain chemicals such as formaldehyde and methylene glycol, among others.

Formaldehyde is known to induce contact dermatitis, a form of eczema, according to the National Health Service. It is found in preservatives that release formaldehyde through activation by water. Shampoos and creams are a common carrier, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Formaldehyde, at high levels or prolonged exposure, is also considered a human carcinogen, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Methylene glycol is a liquid form of formaldehyde found in hair smoothing products. When the hair smoothing solution is heated, formaldehyde is released into the air as a gas. Formaldehyde, when airborne, can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and lungs, according to the FDA.

 Keys-Gamarra was inspired to introduce the measure because of a National Conference of State Legislatures training. The toxins have been a focus in bills introduced in other states. She noted concern regarding products for perms and lipstick. 

“I know perms, lipsticks … we don’t even know what’s in there and there’s no real way to know unless you do a lot of research and that’s not what you’re doing when you go to CVS,” Keys-Gamarra said.

The chemicals have a human impact, according to Keys-Gamarra.

“I am aware, for example, with chemicals used for Black women and other women, there are chemicals in there that can cause cancer, that can cause other health problems and it’s treated as though it’s a cost of business,” Keys-Gamarra said.

Autumn Carter owns Red Salon Organics in Richmond. She was inspired to create an environmentally-friendly salon after being diagnosed with autoimmune issues. She researched potential causes of the autoimmune concerns and the environmental and bodily impacts of daily items she was around, according to Carter.

“I just started researching it in my own personal life and then I was like: ‘Well, wait a minute, what am I inhaling at work?’” Carter said. “What is going into my skin and being absorbed into my bloodstream?” 

Carter decided that she wanted an environmentally-conscious salon that would also prioritize safety of her guests. The salon does not use any product with formaldehyde.

Carter hopes to see more regulation in cosmetics of any carcinogenic product that causes harm to people and the environment. Unlike Europe, the U.S. cosmetic and hair industry is not really FDA controlled, she said. She used Brazilian blowouts as an example and said a certain ventilation system is often needed to offset chemical exposure, but only a small number of salons have those in place.

“There’s no real regulation, or people kind of overseeing, to make sure that these things are safe for us to be inhaling and for us to have absorbed into our skin and our bloodstream,” Carter said. 

The FDA does not require cosmetics and ingredients, besides color additives, to have FDA approval before going on the market. The products must follow laws and regulations regarding interstate commerce, according to the FDA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates workplace safety in regards to exposure to identified hazardous chemicals.

Carter works with a retired nurse practitioner, whose focus is women’s health, to determine the impact and use of products. There are some items that are completely unavoidable, but her decisions include the type and percentage used in a product and its impact on people and the environment.

Keys-Gamarra’s bill was assigned to the House Housing/Consumer Protection subcommittee, but has not been heard yet. Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, introduced House Bill 864, a similar piece of legislation that also remains in the subcommittee.

Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robertson School of Communication. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia.

By Nathan Edwards
Capital News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — A bill that would regulate high-powered firearms has reported out of a House committee, with renewed debate over what it could mean for gun owners and public safety across the state.

House Bill 217 proposes changes to Virginia’s firearm laws that supporters say would help reduce gun violence and improve public safety. Opponents argue the measure could place new restrictions on lawful gun owners without addressing the root causes of violent crime. 

The bill is one of several firearm-related proposals, including change of purchase age to 21, under consideration this session as lawmakers revisit an issue that has long divided the General Assembly along party lines. 

If passed, the proposal would prohibit the manufacture, sale, import, purchase and transfer of many semi-automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns that meet its newly expanded definition of “assault firearms.” This definition is based on features such as pistol grips, threaded barrels, adjustable stocks and detachable magazines.

The bill exempts some people serving in the government or military, among others. A penalty would not apply to those who purchased the assault firearm before July 1. 

Chief patron Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, said his support for the bill is informed by his military experience, and concerns about civilians having access to certain high-powered firearms.

“Our schools and our communities shouldn’t be war zones,” Helmer said. “Weapons similar to those I carried in Iraq and Afghanistan have no place in our streets, and this bill seeks to address that.”

Supporters also say the legislation would bring Virginia in line with policies adopted in other states and help close gaps in existing law. 

During a gun violence prevention conference on Jan. 24, Del. Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, stressed the importance of stricter gun regulations, particularly as it pertains to young people in Virginia.

“Firearms are still the No. 1 cause of death for children, which means firearms are the No. 1 killer of the future of this country and the commonwealth,” Clark said. “My colleagues and I will continue to fight for policies and funds to keep our community safe from gun violence.” 

The political outlook for HB 217 is favorable, but not necessarily guaranteed. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, a factor that improves the bill’s chances of advancing. Similar proposals previously introduced have failed, sometimes as a result of hesitation from Democrats, or the bills were vetoed by the former Republican governor. 

Gun policy has been a recurring issue in Virginia politics, particularly in the years following high-profile incidents of gun violence and after Democrats gained their first governing trifecta in 2020. Democrats have pushed for tighter firearm regulations, while Republicans have framed the debate around constitutional rights and personal responsibility.

Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, criticized the proposed regulations, saying they could have unintended consequences for responsible gun owners.

“We’re going to keep Virginians safe. That’s how you address violent crime, is you take people that commit those acts and you make sure that they are not in a position to harm other people,” McDougle said. “Taking the Second Amendment rights away from individuals that legally possess guns does not make Virginia safer.”

Some state Republican lawmakers have, in the past, supported certain measures, but are mostly opposed to broadening the scope of gun regulation. McDougle sponsored Senate Bill 226 in 2008, a bill introduced after the Virginia Tech shooting that now requires firearm purchasers to disclose whether they have ever been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment as part of the background check process. It passed both chambers with unanimous support.

Advocacy groups on both sides of the issue are closely monitoring the bill’s progress. Gun rights groups have urged lawmakers to reject the measure, calling it an overreach. Gun safety organizations testified the proposal could help prevent mass shootings and save lives. 

This is the fourth time Helmer has sponsored such legislation, and the last two were vetoed.

“Still today, Republicans are too beholden to the NRA to move forward with commonsense legislation that keeps Virginia safe,” Helmer said. “The door is open, the water is warm, and we’d love to have them stand with us in support of our communities.”

HB 217 advanced from the House Public Safety committee on Jan. 30, with a minor substitute to ensure compliance with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, according to Helmer’s office. A similar measure in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, D-Fairfax, cleared committee but must next clear an appropriations committee before heading to the Senate floor. 

Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robertson School of Communication. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia.

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal single vehicle crash that occurred yesterday (Feb.1, 2026) at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Route 17 in Fauquier County.

A 2019 Kia Forte was driving northbound on Route 17 near Dyes Lane when the Forte went off of the right side of the road and struck a tree.

The driver of the Forte, Kristin L. Gheen, 36, of Sumerduck, Va., died at the scene.  Gheen was not wearing a seatbelt.

The crash remains under investigation.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Virginians say they support a wide range of policy proposals under debate in Richmond, according to a new statewide poll.

The survey found broad support for proposals tied to wages, paid leave, marijuana sales, data center regulation and several potential constitutional amendments. The results come as Democrats hold majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly and control the governor’s office.

The poll was conducted by the Wason Center for Civic Leadership at Christopher Newport University. Sampling of 807 registered voters in the state was conducted Jan. 13-20 and has a +/-4.4% margin of error.

When asked about the direction of Virginia, 46% of voters said the state is headed in the right direction, while 35% said it is headed in the wrong direction. Another 10% said they were unsure.

Views of the country were more negative. Sixty-five percent of respondents said the United States is headed in the wrong direction.

Looking ahead to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s term, 60% of voters said they feel optimistic, while 33% said they feel pessimistic.

Inflation and the cost of living ranked as the top issue facing the state, followed by political extremism or threats to democracy, health care and K–12 education.

Sixty percent supported allowing the retail sale of recreational marijuana. A majority also favored eliminating the 1% local option sales tax and replacing it with state funds.

Workplace policies drew broad backing. Seventy-eight percent of respondents supported increasing Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028, and 80% favored requiring employers to provide paid sick leave.

Support was even higher for establishing a paid family and medical leave program providing up to 12 weeks of benefits for eligible workers.

Views were more mixed on Virginia’s right-to-work law. A majority supported keeping the law as it is, while voters were divided on proposals that would modify it.

Data center development also drew clear responses. Large majorities supported restrictions on locating facilities near parks or historic sites, along with requirements for site assessments, noise studies and energy sourcing standards.

The poll also measured support for constitutional amendments. Large majorities of voters supported guaranteeing reproductive rights in the state constitution and restoring voting rights to people confsupportvicted of felonies after they complete their prison sentences.

Opinions were narrower on redistricting. While most voters supported Virginia’s current commission-based system, just over half said they would support a temporary change allowing the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts mid-cycle.

On Tuesday, a judge ruled lawmakers failed to follow required procedures when advancing that proposal, blocking it from moving forward under the current timeline.

Respondents were 39% Democrats, 27% Republicans and 32% independent. The Wason Center bills itself as “unbiased, nonpartisan insight into the policy issues shaping the future of the commonwealth.”

Original Post.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – County officials in Virginia say they oppose a federal plan to purchase a warehouse along Lakeridge Parkway for use as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility.

In Hanover County, land-use concerns, potential strain on county services and the loss of local tax revenue are being cited.

The issue stems from a Jan. 21 letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security notifying the county of ICE’s intent to purchase and rehabilitate a privately owned warehouse at 11525 Lakeridge Parkway in Ashland. County officials said the proposal was not initiated by Hanover County and that local leaders were not consulted during the site-selection process.

The letter outlines potential upgrades to support ICE operations, including interior modifications for holding and processing areas, office space, visitor areas and health care rooms. Exterior improvements could include fencing, lighting and security features.

Homeland Security said all construction and staging would occur on site.

Following a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, county officials released a formal statement opposing the proposed purchase.

Supervisors said the location is inconsistent with current surrounding uses and could place unplanned demands on county services, including public safety.

In the county’s statement, Board Chairman Sean Davis said the proposed use does not align with long-standing planning decisions.

“A DHS facility at this property on Lakeridge Parkway is not consistent with the established land use for this business, residential and commerce area,” Davis said.

County officials also pointed to the potential financial impact of the proposal. In their statement, supervisors said removing the property from the local tax rolls could cost the county at least $1 million a year, revenue the county said typically supports essential services delivered to residents.

The Board of Supervisors directed county staff and the county attorney to draft a formal response to Homeland Security outlining land-use policies and potential impacts. That response is due in mid-February.

County officials said that while the federal government is generally exempt from local zoning requirements, the board expects Homeland Security to reconsider the proposed purchase after reviewing the county’s submitted concerns.

Later Friday, the warehouse owner posted a brief statement on its website saying the transaction to sell the Ashland property would not proceed. County officials said they were aware of the statement and would share additional information if it becomes available.

Original post.

RICHMOND, VA – As temperatures fall and food sources become less abundant, many bears in Virginia will enter a winter den. Denning allows a bear to conserve energy when food resources are limited. Movements and denning behavior vary greatly across regions of the state depending on weather and available foods. With the abundant hard mast crop this fall, many bears likely stayed out a bit longer into the winter; but as food sources have become scarce most bears have found a cozy den to wait for spring green-up. It is critical even in the winter to remain Bearwise® around your home, workplace, or recreating to ensure that bears aren’t finding unnatural food sources and are thus following their natural rhythms of denning during the winter.

Black bears in Virginia will den in a variety of places including brush piles, trees (cavities within tree), rock outcroppings, ground nests, debris piles, and occasionally under porches or unsecured crawl spaces. Not all black bears den for the full winter season. Often, black bears that enter a winter den are females who will birth their cubs in the den or females with yearlings. Male black bears may den but generally do not stay in a den for the entire winter due to the lack of extreme cold weather and food availability across much of Virginia.

While many of us also slow down for the winter, there are still ample opportunities that take us afield in bear country. Whether enjoying a hike, cutting firewood, clearing brush, small game hunting, or doing other activities, you may inadvertently stumble upon a black bear den. A female black bear, particularly one who has cubs, will likely remain at the den unless they feel pressured to leave. Here are a few tips to avoid disturbing a bear den and what to do should a female leave her den.

TIPS TO AVOID A DEN

• Avoid hiking in dense brushy thickets or young cutover timber stands. If you must work in these areas, be mindful of brush piles, gullies with debris piles, or storm damage areas with thickets of limbs/root balls.
• Always maintain your dog on a leash to avoid a dog-bear encounter at a den site.
  When burning a brush or debris pile on your property, look around the entire pile for signs of digging (fresh dirt, holes) or entry routes into the pile.
• If you notice large, excavated holes or fresh trails into debris or brush piles listen closely for the sound of cubs from a distance of at least 30ft away. They often emit a high-pitched cry or “squall”.
• To prevent a bear from denning under an occupied dwelling, ensure that crawl spaces, mobile home underpinnings, and porches are closed and secured prior to Dec. 1 each year.

TIPS IF YOU FIND A DEN

• If you find a den on your property or while recreating, do not disturb it or approach the area. Leave the area, and if on public property, alert an employee of the location.
• If you inadvertently flush a female bear from a den, DO NOT approach the den. Take a GPS point of the location (or mark a nearby area with flagging) and leave the area immediately. If you have a dog with you, leash it and keep it maintained on a leash as you leave the area. Contact the Wildlife Helpline (1-855-571-9003) to report the den location.
• Most often when left alone the female will return to the den, although they may not return until night. Do not go back to the den area as additional disturbance may cause the bear to leave again and not return.

EXAMPLES OF DEN SITES IN VIRGINIA

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

Warren County Fire and Rescue recognized Lieutenant and Deputy Emergency Manager Brian Foley on his retirement, marking the conclusion of a 35-year career dedicated to public safety.

Foley spent the final six years of his career serving the citizens of Warren County, where he played a key role in emergency management operations and provided leadership across the department. Colleagues credit Foley with steady guidance, institutional knowledge, and a deep commitment to preparedness and community safety.

To commemorate his final day of service, Fire Chief James Bonzano presented Foley with his retirement badge, a traditional symbol honoring a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and professionalism.

Fire and Rescue officials expressed gratitude for Foley’s contributions, noting his impact as both a leader and mentor within the department. As he transitions into retirement, Foley was wished continued health, relaxation, and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Edited by Dan McDermott.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office recognized several deputies and emergency communications staff for milestone service anniversaries during the Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting on January 27.

Sheriff’s Office leadership honored both sworn deputies and communications personnel, noting that careers in law enforcement and emergency communications demand long hours, professionalism under pressure, and a sustained commitment to public service.

Those recognized for five years of service include Deputy Omar Fuentes, Deputy Dominic Guizar, Communications Supervisor Jessica Atchison, Sgt. Kristin Hajduk, Lt. Calvin Clatterbuck, Lt. Terry Fritts, and Sgt. John Gregory and Deputy Aaron Dawson, who were not pictured.

Recognized for twenty years of service were Deputy Cindy Burke and retired Deputy Karenann Negron, who was also not pictured.

Officials thanked the honorees for their dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism, emphasizing that their service plays a direct role in keeping Warren County residents safe.

Edited by Dan McDermott.

Warren County Fire and Rescue marked the retirement of Lt. George Lewis during his final shift Thursday evening, recognizing a career that spans an extraordinary 50 years in fire and emergency medical services.

During the shift, Fire Chief James Bonzano presented Lt. Lewis with his retirement badge, honoring a half-century of dedication to public safety. While Lewis spent the last 15 years serving the Warren County community, his career reflects decades of commitment, leadership, and service across the fire and EMS profession.

Colleagues described Lewis as a steady presence within the department and a mentor to generations of firefighters and emergency responders. His longevity and experience represent a rare milestone in the field.

Fire and Rescue officials thanked Lt. Lewis for his courage, professionalism, and lasting impact on the department, wishing him a well-earned retirement after a remarkable career.

Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

A committee of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority approved more than half a million dollars in new grants this month, directing settlement funds to five localities for programs aimed at reducing opioid use, expanding access to treatment and strengthening community-based responses to addiction and overdoses.

At a Jan. 20 meeting, the committee approved $545,429 in awards to Clarke, Franklin, Henrico and Patrick counties and the city of Fairfax. The grants will support a mix of new initiatives and expansions of existing programs, funded through Virginia’s share of national opioid settlements with manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

“These awards provide support to Virginia cities and counties to implement and expand opioid abatement programs that meet the current and future needs of their communities,” said Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Washington, chair of the OAA Board of Directors. 

“Virginia continues to lead the way in awarding opioid settlement funds for diverse, evidence-based projects at the community level.”

The authority has emphasized local decision-making as it distributes settlement funds, with projects designed to respond to needs identified by communities themselves.

“Awarding community-level projects really allows those on the front lines to steer the solutions and respond to what they are seeing,” said Del. Brianna Sewell, D-Prince William, treasurer of the OAA Board of Directors.

Clarke County received $14,700 to fund a substance use disorder intensive case manager who will work with families and children affected by addiction. 

The position will provide case management services aimed at reducing substance use in families, decreasing substance-related child abuse and neglect, and strengthening coordination among local and regional service providers. 

The county committed an additional $31,514 of its opioid settlement funds to support the effort.

Franklin County received two awards totaling $184,580, making it the largest overall recipient in this funding round. 

One award increases funding for the Grace House PEARL Program, a six- to 12-month recovery housing program for pregnant and postpartum women. 

The $99,575 increase will be used to purchase an additional home rather than renovate part of the existing facility, allowing the program to add three living units and expand capacity by about 60%. 

Franklin pledged an additional $138,920 in settlement funds to support the expansion.

The locality’s second award, totaling $73,500, will support a new Community Paramedicine Program administered by the Franklin County Public Safety Department. 

The program is designed to bridge gaps in health care access, reduce avoidable emergency department visits and improve long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations. While focused on opioid use disorder services, it will also address broader community risk reduction priorities.

Officials estimate the program will directly benefit residents connected to roughly 150 opioid-related 911 calls received annually, while also providing prevention services, treatment referrals and education for people experiencing non-opioid substance use emergencies. 

Franklin County committed an additional $23,750 in settlement funds, and only 50% of the personnel costs are covered by the OAA grant to ensure non-abatement activities are funded separately.

Henrico County received $275,000 to contract with an organization that will provide substance use education and training for up to 20 faith-based leaders representing a range of religions.

Over the course of up to a year, participants will receive training on substance use, prevention, recovery and harm reduction, and be connected with local treatment and support. The program is expected to reach more than 5,000 people through participating congregations.

Patrick County was awarded $18,945 to enhance services for the Piedmont Adult Recovery Court and expand mental health and substance use disorder treatment within the county jail. 

The funding will support a peer support specialist, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, a licensed therapist, a justice support supervisor and the purchase of an SUV. 

The county pledged an additional $145,211 in settlement funds following a needs assessment that identified gaps in services.

The city of Fairfax received $63,709 to launch the first phase of a proof-of-concept project using artificial intelligence-enabled virtual reality training for multidisciplinary crisis response teams. 

In partnership with George Mason University’s College of Public Health and Immersion Technology Lab, the city will develop immersive, scenario-based training focused on opioid-related crisis and post-crisis response, with an emphasis on strengthening the role of certified peer recovery specialists.

As the authority continues awarding grants, officials say early investments are beginning to show results.

“We are beginning to see the results of the early rounds of OAA grants come to fruition, and it is wonderful to see more cities and counties applying these funds to help save lives in their communities,” said Dr. Sarah Thomason, vice chair of the OAA Board of Directors. 

To date, the Opioid Abatement Authority has funded more than 171 active projects across the commonwealth. Established by the General Assembly in 2021, the authority oversees 55% of Virginia’s opioid settlement funds. Another 30% is distributed directly to cities and counties, with the remaining 15% allocated to the state.

Virginia’s settlement payments began in 2022 and are expected to exceed $1.1 billion by the time they end in 2041. Court orders and state law restrict the use of the funds to opioid abatement and remediation efforts.

Original post.

LURAY, VA – Shenandoah National Park will conduct an aerial limestone application to reduce the acidity of Meadow Run, a stream near mile 90 on Skyline Drive, between February 2, 2026, and February 28, 2026. The contract will be awarded to Helicopter Applicators, Inc., of Gettysburg, Pa., with Summit Helicopters, Inc. of Salem, Va., as a subcontractor. The restoration project is funded through settlements for Clean Air Act violations.

To ensure safety for the public, the park will implement intermittent closures along Skyline Drive during this period. The Rip Rap-Wildcat backcountry area, including the Rip Rap and Wildcat Ridge Trails, will be closed to all use for the entire project period. The only exception is the section of the Appalachian Trail between its Skyline Drive crossings just north of Rip Rap Trailhead and south of Wildcat Ridge Trailhead, which will remain open for day use on days when Skyline Drive is open.

Park officials will notify the public through signage, the park website, the park alert system, and social media. Visitors planning a trip during the application window should check the website for information and a map depicting the closure area: Meadow Run Watershed Restoration – Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

Contractors will use helicopters to apply 1,150 tons of locally sourced limestone sand across approximately 450 acres, most of which Congress has designated as wilderness. This method avoids ground disturbance and protects sensitive habitats. 

Excessive acidity in both the water and soil harms healthy ecosystems. Declines in brook trout, songbirds, native plants, and overall forest resilience have reduced both resource condition and the visitor experience. Under the Clean Water Act, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has listed the stream as impaired due to acidity.

After the application of limestone, soil and stream pH are expected to improve within a year. The ecological benefits will last for up to a century. Once stream pH reaches an acceptable level, the park will request that Meadow Run be removed from Virginia’s list of impaired waters under the Clean Water Act.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

The Warren Heritage Society will host a presentation examining how organized battlefield medical transport began in the United States.

Dana Shoaf, Director of Interpretation at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, will present “Gutbusters: The Development of Civil War Ambulances” during the group’s Third Thursday program.

Before the Civil War, the U.S. Army did not operate a formal ambulance system, and such vehicles were virtually unknown in civilian life. As the war unfolded, however, both Union and Confederate forces adapted ideas from European armies and rapidly developed organized ambulance corps to move wounded soldiers from the battlefield. By the end of the conflict, ambulances had become an established part of American medical response, shaping emergency transport for decades to come.

Shoaf’s talk will trace how these early ambulances were designed, built, and used between 1861 and 1865. He will also examine the wide range of ambulance models created during the war — including designs that proved effective and others that failed under battlefield conditions.

The program is free and open to the public.

Event details:

What: Third Thursday Program — “Gutbusters: The Development of Civil War Ambulances”

Speaker: Dana Shoaf, National Museum of Civil War Medicine

When: Thursday, February 19, 2026 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Where: Stone Branch Center for the Arts, 114 E. Main St., Front Royal

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

Law enforcement agencies seized suspected illegal drugs, firearms and more than $100,000 in cash after executing search warrants at multiple tobacco and vape shops across the region.

On Jan. 20, 2026, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Culpeper Field Office Drug Enforcement Section and members of the Northwest Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, with assistance from the Woodstock Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, served five search warrants at Tobacco and Vape Novelty stores in Edinburg, Strasburg and Woodstock.

According to authorities, officers seized 39,403 grams of THC-based products valued at $117,092, 430 grams of psilocybin valued at $16,340 and 500 grams of khat valued at $2,550. Investigators also recovered two firearms and $103,371.50 in U.S. currency.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details were not immediately released.

The Northwest Virginia Drug and Gang Task Force includes personnel from the sheriff’s departments in Clarke, Frederick, Page, Warren and Shenandoah counties, as well as the police departments in Front Royal, Luray, Strasburg and Winchester, and the Virginia State Police. The task force operates as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)–funded initiative.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

by Kevin S. Engle

“Deep breaths … relax … you can do this.”

Positive self-talk.

It’s supposed to keep you calm and focused.

I was neither.

I could feel the knot in my stomach.  The one I couldn’t untie.  This was going to be a disaster.

I’d been avoiding ‘this’ for a month.

But I’d put it off long enough.  The time had come to slay the dragon, or at least try to.

There really wasn’t a dragon.  It was a router.  The device that gives us WiFi throughout the house.  And I needed to replace it.

I didn’t want to replace it.  Ours was working fine.  But the email from the manufacturer said they weren’t going to support it anymore.  It should still work, but there’d be no updates and it might be more vulnerable to security threats.

It was time to buy a new one they said.  One of theirs.

Of course.

Great.

I thought about it, and forgot about it, but knew I had to do something.

I’d wait until their Black Friday sale.  I bought it on Cyber Monday and it arrived a few days later.

And it’s been sitting in my office, in the box, ever since.

Every so often I’d hear the dragon in the box hiss and I’d get that knot in my stomach.

When faced with swapping out any kind of technology, I always expect the worst.

Because that’s what usually happens.

I didn’t realize how many devices in our house run on WiFi until I made a list.

The TVs.  Our phones.  The printer.  A thermostat.  And more.

I just knew when I did this, there’d be no TV for weeks.  Or months.

I can’t live without television for that long.  Yeah, I’m pitiful.

The little card in the box said to download an app to my phone and follow the setup instructions.

I did as I was told.

I read and reread each step at least five times to make sure I was doing it correctly.

My old router had 3 connections.  One that plugged into the electric outlet, another that went to the modem and one to the computer.  This one only has two wires.  One for electric and one to the modem. 

I plugged stuff in, closed my eyes and pressed continue.

Nothing.

“Deep breaths … relax … you can do this.”

I knew one cord had to be plugged into the wall outlet.  Maybe the other one was in the wrong slot?

I changed it and pressed continue again.

And then I heard a purring sound.

I’m not sure if it was the dragon or the router, but something was working.

A few minutes later, after the router had done all it needed to, I turned on the TV.

It worked!

Everything worked.  I only had to reset one TV.

Piece of cake.

I’m not sure how it happened, but I’ll take it.

I love technology.

And taming dragons.

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

The author got a call from the zoo.  They want him to tame a lion.

[email protected]

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

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Proposals to restrict civil arrests at courthouses, limit when law enforcement officers may conceal their identities, and narrow state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities have been proposed by a Democrat in the Virginia Senate.

Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, is yet to have a hearing for his three bills. Each has been referred to the Courts of Justice Committee.

One proposal, Senate Bill 351, would prohibit most civil arrests in and around courthouses.

The bill would protect individuals required to attend court, including parties, witnesses, and certain family or household members, from civil arrest while attending, traveling to, or leaving court proceedings.

Civil arrests would be allowed only if authorized by a judicial warrant or order that has been reviewed by a designated judicial officer.

Violations could be punished as contempt of court.

Another measure, Senate Bill 352, would restrict state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing official duties.

The bill includes exceptions for protective purposes, such as guarding against disease, infection, or exposure to toxic substances, as well as for officers assigned to special weapons and tactics teams during operations.

The bill would create a Class 1 misdemeanor for officers who knowingly violate the restriction.

It would also allow individuals to bring civil lawsuits for injuries resulting from such violations. Sovereign immunity would not be a defense in those cases.

The Department of Criminal Justice Services would be directed to develop a model policy governing the use of facial coverings by law enforcement officers.

A fiscal impact statement prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget found the proposal is not expected to have a material fiscal impact on state agencies.

The statement noted that potential indirect costs related to jail populations could vary by locality.

The third proposal, Senate Bill 783, would limit agreements between Virginia law enforcement agencies and federal authorities for certain immigration enforcement functions.

The bill would prohibit state and local agencies from entering agreements that authorize officers to perform federal immigration enforcement duties unless specific conditions are met and the agreement is in writing.

Any such agreements would expire June 30, 2028.

The measure would also expand data collection requirements under the Virginia Community Policing Act.

Agencies would be required to track whether federal immigration officers were present during certain law enforcement actions, including traffic stops and other investigations.

In a statement announcing the bills, Salim said the legislation is intended to address concerns related to immigration enforcement, law enforcement accountability, and civil liberties.

Original post.

By Markus Schmidt | Virginia Mercury

A Virginia circuit court on Tuesday struck down a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at giving lawmakers the option to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, dealing a major setback to Democratic legislative leaders who say the change is needed to respond to partisan gerrymandering in some Republican-led states and had hoped to put the measure before voters in an April referendum.  

In a 22-page ruling issued by the Tazewell County Circuit Court, Judge Jack C. Hurley found that the legislature acted unlawfully when it approved the redistricting amendment during a special legislative session days before the Nov. 4 election, concluding that lawmakers exceeded the scope of that session, violated their own procedural rules and failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements governing amendments to the Virginia Constitution. 

As a result, the court declared the amendment process “void ab initio,” meaning legally invalid from the outset. 

Ruling blocks April vote on redistricting amendment

Democrats had planned to ask voters on April 21 whether the General Assembly should be allowed, under limited circumstances, to redraw congressional and legislative districts between censuses.

Instead, the court ruled that the amendment was improperly adopted and cannot advance to the ballot as scheduled. The judge also barred state election officials from taking further steps to submit the measure to voters unless and until the constitutional requirements are met.

Democratic leaders said they intend to appeal the decision, which they argue improperly blocks voters from weighing in on the proposal. 

A new poll released Wednesday by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center for Civic Leadership suggests Virginians hold mixed views on redistricting. 

While 63% of respondents said they support the state’s current redistricting system, a narrower majority — 51% — said they support or strongly support the proposed constitutional amendment.

The lawsuit was brought by Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, who also serves as a legislative commissioner on the Virginia Redistricting Commission. 

McDougle and other plaintiffs argued that Democrats unlawfully expanded the scope of a 2024 special session that had been convened by then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin primarily to address budget matters, and that they did so after voting for the amendment process had already begun.

In siding with the plaintiffs, the court agreed that while the special session itself was valid, the General Assembly overstepped when it adopted House Joint Resolution 6007 — the resolution proposing the constitutional amendment — because redistricting was not among the matters permitted to be considered during that session under existing House rules and resolutions.

“The special session was allowed to continue, but it did not allow the majority to unilaterally expand the scope of business,” the judge wrote, concluding that lawmakers failed to follow the procedural safeguards they themselves had adopted for calling and conducting a special session.

Court cites timing, notice failures under state Constitution

The ruling also focused on the timing of the amendment’s passage. 

Under the Virginia Constitution, proposed amendments must be approved by two separately elected General Assemblies, with an intervening general election for the House of Delegates. 

The court found that the amendment was improperly advanced during the 2024 special session and that actions taken during the 2026 regular session could not retroactively cure those defects or satisfy the “next ensuing general election” requirement set out in the constitution.

In addition, the court held that state officials failed to comply with a Virginia statute requiring public posting of proposed constitutional amendments at courthouses and other public locations at least three months before the next general election. 

Because that posting did not occur, the court said election officials are prohibited from submitting the amendment to voters.

Taken together, the court concluded that “any and all matters, motions, actions or votes regarding House Joint Resolution 6007” violated the General Assembly’s own rules and were therefore illegal.

GOP, allies call decision a victory for rule of law

Republicans and allied advocacy groups hailed the decision as a rebuke of what they described as a partisan end-run around constitutional safeguards.

In a joint statement, McDougle and former U.S. House Speaker Eric Cantor, the honorary co-chair of Virginians for Fair Maps, said the ruling vindicated their argument that Democrats ignored clear legal limits.

“Today’s ruling is a decisive victory for the rule of law and Virginia voters,” the statement said. 

“The court confirmed that Democrat legislative leaders unlawfully expanded a special session, violated their own rules, and attempted to force through a redistricting constitutional amendment while Virginians were already voting.”

The judge, they added, “rightly declared those actions void” from the start. “If they continue to move forward with the unconstitutional amendment process, the Democrats would be defying the order of the court.”

The statement emphasized the GOP’s position that the case was “never about partisanship,” but rather about process and constitutional compliance. “The court made clear that elections matter, notice matters, and the rules apply to everyone — even those in power,” McDougle and Cantor said.

Democrats blast ruling, promise to appeal

Democratic leaders, however, sharply criticized the ruling and signaled they would fight it.

House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, who called lawmakers back to Richmond for the special session in October, accused Republicans of using the courts to block a policy they could not defeat politically and said the General Assembly would appeal immediately.

“Nothing that happened today will dissuade us from continuing to move forward and put this matter directly to the voters,” Scott said in a statement. “Republicans who can’t win at the ballot box are abusing the legal process in an attempt to sow confusion and block Virginians from voting.”

Scott called the lawsuit “court-shopping, plain and simple,” and said Democrats are “prepared for the next step.” “Voters — not politicians — will have the final say,” he said.

Judge Hurley was appointed to the court by former Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican. 

Advocacy groups aligned with Democrats echoed that message, framing the ruling as a temporary obstacle rather than a final outcome.

Keren Charles Dongo, campaign manager for Virginians for Fair Elections, said she expected the decision to be appealed and warned that the ruling could mislead voters.

“This is a clear attempt to confuse voters and block them from having a say,” Dongo said. “Republicans court-shopped for a ruling because litigation and misinformation are the only tools they have left.”

Dongo added: “We’re prepared for what comes next, and Virginians deserve both the right to vote and the chance to level the playing field.”

The amendment at the center of the dispute grew out of Democratic concerns about efforts in some Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, moves that party leaders have linked to pressure from former President Donald Trump and warned could reshape the national political landscape.

In 2020, Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment creating a bipartisan redistricting commission to draw legislative and congressional maps. When that commission deadlocked in 2021, the task fell to the Virginia Supreme Court, which adopted maps that Republicans have largely defended and Democrats have criticized as more favorable to the GOP.

Earlier this month, Democrats in the newly organized legislature for a second time advanced the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly, under narrow conditions, to revisit district lines between censuses — for example, if a court invalidates a map or if federal law changes. 

Supporters argued the amendment would give Virginia a tool to respond more quickly to legal or demographic shifts, rather than locking in maps for a full decade.

Republicans countered that the proposal would reopen the door to partisan gerrymandering and undermine the intent of the voter-approved redistricting commission. They also warned that Democrats were rushing the amendment through an unusual procedural pathway to get it before voters as soon as possible.

Those procedural concerns formed the backbone of McDougle’s lawsuit. 

The court ultimately agreed, finding that while the General Assembly has broad authority to propose constitutional amendments, it must do so in strict compliance with the Virginia Constitution, state law and its own internal rules.

The ruling does not permanently bar lawmakers from pursuing a redistricting amendment in the future, but it does require them to restart the process in a manner consistent with constitutional timelines and procedural requirements. 

Original post.

These are the events being presented by the Youth Services Department at Samuels Public Library during the month of February 2026.  More information about Samuels Library and the programs and services available can be found at www.samuelslibrary.net or by calling (540) 635-3153.

Monday, February 2

10:15 AM – Music & Movement for Babies (ages 0-23 months). 

11:15 AM – Music & Movement for Toddlers (ages 2-5).  Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. 

Tuesday, February 3

4:00 PM – Silhouettes: 250^th American Celebration.  For ages 6-11.  George Washington and Abraham Lincoln have very distinct silhouettes.  As we celebrate our 250th Anniversary, we will learn about shadows and silhouettes and then make our own.  Sponsored by FRUMC. Registration is required.

Wednesday, February 4

10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  

11:00AM – Preschool Story Time. 

Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Groundhog Shadow stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a craft. 

Thursday, February 5

10:30 AM – Grand Story Time.  For ages 0-6.  Come hear a grandparent read a few stories, say some nursery rhymes, and do a craft.  

Saturday, February 7

11:00 AM – Groundhog: Tales & Trails.  For ages 6-11. Come to the library to do some crafts and hear stories about groundhogs with the Shenandoah River State Park rangers.  Did he see his shadow? Registration is required.

2:30 PM – Colonial Cooking: Teens Connect. For ages 12-18. Come learn what types of food people ate 250 years ago and why.  Then learn some recipes they used and taste your creation.  Sponsored by FRUMC. Registration is required.  

Monday, February 9

10:15 AM – Music & Movement for Babies (ages 0-23 months). 

11:15 AM – Music & Movement for Toddlers (ages 2-5).  Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. 

Tuesday, February 10

10:30 AM – Cupid’s Arrow: Homeschool Hub.  For ages 6-11.  We will design and test a bow and arrow(Q-tips), as we talk about variables that could “challenge” the shot.  Registration is required.

Wednesday February 11

10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  

11:00AM – Preschool Story Time. 

Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Friendship stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a craft. 

Thursday, February 12

10:30 AM – Grand Story Time.  For ages 0-6.  Come hear a grandparent read a few stories, say some nursery rhymes, and do a craft.  

Saturday, February 14

10:00 AM, 10:20 AM,

10:50 AM, 11:10 AM  Paws for Reading.  For ages 6-18+.  Paw for Reading is a program where people read aloud to trained therapy dogs, which helps improve their reading skills, confidence, and attitudes toward reading. This program provides a non-judgmental and stress-free environment, as the dogs are calm, attentive listeners who don’t correct mistakes, making it less intimidating for children. Bring your own book or use one of ours! Teens and adults can come for the calming influence and doggie kisses. Registration is required.

2:30 PM – Chocolate Fever.  For ages 8-14.  Learn where chocolate comes from and how to make lollipops and clusters.  Registration is required. 

Monday, February 16

Library is closed for the holiday 

Tuesday, February 17

4:00 PM – Chinese New Year. For ages 6-11. Hear stories about the New Year Dragon, the zodiac signs and find out your sign!  Registration is required.

Wednesday, February 18

10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  

11:00AM –Preschool Story Time 

Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with 5 Senses stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a craft. 

Thursday, February 19

10:30 AM – Grand Story Time.  For ages 0-6.  Come hear a grandparent read a few stories, say some nursery rhymes, and do a craft.  

Saturday, February 21

2:30 PM – Teen Scents. For ages 12-18. We are thrilled to invite teens to come experiment and make their own perfume or cologne! Registration is required.

Monday, February 23

10:15 AM – Music & Movement for Babies (ages 0-23 months). 

11:15 AM – Music & Movement for Toddlers & Preschoolers (ages 2-5).  Join our fun and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby or toddler. 

Tuesday, February 24

10:30 AM – Frozen Yogurt: Homeschool Hub. For ages 6-11.  Come learn about freezing points and acidity in yogurt.   Registration is required.

Wednesday, February 25

10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  

11:00AM – Read with the Sheriff: Preschool Story Time 

Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Arctic Animal stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a craft. 

Thursday, February 26

10:30 AM – Grand Story Time.  For ages 0-6.  Come hear a grandparent read a few stories, nursery rhymes, and do a craft.  

Saturday, February 28

2:00 PM – Hard Act to Follow.  Come see 5 skits on individuals and friendship.  Bring the family!