Judge Blocks Social Media Law

A federal judge issued an injunction to block a part of the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act that limits minors to no more than one hour a day on social media sites without parental consent.

Attorney General Jay Jones announced last month that the Commonwealth would act to enforce the limit.

The trade association NetChoice, which represents social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, sued, claiming the law violates the First Amendment. “This ruling reaffirms that the government cannot ration access to lawful speech—even if it has noble intentions,” the group’s Paul Taske said.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed and then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the limits last year because of concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health of children.

Proposed Budget Includes Pay Raise

Lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Delegates voted to give future lawmakers a big raise. Each version of the proposed budget includes an amendment to increase state senators’ and delegates’ salaries to $50,000 annually, at a cost of more than $2 million beginning in 2027.

The pay jump would take effect in 2028, after the next General Assembly is elected.

Both the House and Senate approved versions of a two-year state budget. Neither version included an income tax increase, while the Senate’s bill would provide $100 in tax rebates to individual filers and $200 to joint filers while raising the standard deduction.

The bills must be reconciled before they can be sent to the governor for her approval.

Explosive Crash Near Manassas

A driver died after crashing into a tractor-trailer that was parked legally at a rest area off I-66 near Manassas over the weekend.

The Toyota Corolla erupted into flames after the accident, and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the truck, who was napping in the cab at the time of the incident, was not injured.

State police are investigating.

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➤ Tidewater: The Norfolk-based USS Gerald R. Ford is stationed in the Middle East to participate in Operation Epic Fury’s attacks against Iran. The mission may involve many other military personnel from the Hampton Roads region. (Details)

➤ Washington, D.C.: The Department of the Navy began an organizational review that could lead to steep reductions in the number of civilians it employs. (More)

➤ Centreville: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials expect to allow all the families who evacuated last month after a gas leak caused a home explosion to return to their houses. “We’ve conducted multiple safety surveys, multiple leak surveys, so we’re very confident in the safety of the system in this area,” an official with Washington Gas said. (Details)

➤ Charlottesville: UVA Health hired Dr. Reid Adams as its first chief medical officer. He will oversee four hospitals and a statewide network of clinics. (More)

➤ Roanoke County: The federal government will provide $6.3 million to fund upgrades at the McAfee Knob Trailhead parking area. The site is a popular stop on the Appalachian Trail. (More)

➤ Delaplane: A total lunar eclipse will be visible—weather permitting—in most of the Commonwealth tomorrow morning. Sky Meadows State Park will be open for those who want to see the event, known as a Blood Moon. (Details)

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➤ Roanoke College men’s basketball, ranked No. 25 in Division III, stunned No. 1 Randolph-Macon by rallying from six points down in the final minute to win the ODAC conference tournament 59-58. On the women’s side, Washington and Lee remained undefeated and took the crown by toppling Randolph-Macon, 67-56. (Stats)

➤ Virginia Tech edged UVA in the women’s basketball regular-season finale for both teams. The Hokies captured the Commonwealth Clash matchup 83-82. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech softball, ranked No. 12, swept five games over the weekend at the Jane B. Moore Invitational. The Hokies toppled Auburn twice, USC Upstate twice, and Troy. (Details)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf | NASCAR

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➤ The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance said that eight industrial projects launched in the area last year, generating more than 400 new jobs. (Details)

➤ Kristi Black was named interim CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. (More)

➤ AOL announced it will lay off 108 workers in Reston. “All affected employees have been notified of their separation dates and that their separation from employment will be permanent,” the company said. (Details)

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➤ Virginia Western Community College and Mountain Gateway Community College teamed up to provide commercial driver’s license training. Enrollment is now available for classes that begin on March 12 at Virginia Western. (Details)

➤ Jacquelyn VandenPlas took the helm as director of development at Virginia Opera in Norfolk. (More)

➤ Virginia swore in a new governor this year, but the butler at the governor’s mansion stayed on. Martin Townes reflected on his nearly four decades in Richmond, during which he has served 12 governors. (Details)

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Will you look for tomorrow’s lunar eclipse?

1. Yes
2. No
3. If I’m awake

Friday’s Results:

Will you go bass fishing this year?

1. No: 50%
2. Yes: 25%
3. Maybe 25%

How many civilians work at Naval Station Norfolk?

Show me the answer