Spanberger Signs Gun Laws

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed more than 500 bills into law by Monday’s deadline for her to act on legislation passed this year. She also made changes to 87 bills and sent them back to lawmakers for consideration.

The governor signed a law that will allow some victims of gun violence to sue the companies that manufactured the weapons, and another law that requires owners to take steps to prevent straw purchases, when one person buys a firearm on behalf of another person.

She amended a bill to immediately raise the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21, and to require background checks for private gun sales.

Spanberger also amended a bill to ban future sales of “assault firearms” and high-capacity magazines, reducing the number of weapons covered and providing clarity to law enforcement about which weapons are included.

Revenue Exceeds Expectations 

Virginia’s tax revenues ran 3.2% ahead of the official forecast through the first nine months of this fiscal year and are up 7.4% compared with the same period last year. The state revenue totals were boosted by a 14.3% year-over-year increase in March.

The growth is driven by strong individual income tax and strong sales tax receipts, while corporate income taxes have dropped.

Gov. Spanberger warned, “While revenues continue to exceed forecast, the broader economic environment is not showing the same strength.” She noted that employment is down and gas prices are up, which could lead to economic decline.

Fire Risk Elevated

The Virginia Department of Forestry said it had contained a 320-acre fire in Scott County on Tuesday, although crews remain on the scene stamping out flames. No injuries or structural damage were blamed on the blaze.

Fire risk remains elevated this week amid hot and dry weather.

Federal officials enacted a fire ban at Shenandoah National Park due to severe drought conditions. Visitors may use only gas or propane stoves.

Doug Reynolds, a battalion chief with Henrico Fire, advised Virginians to keep a green belt around homes by clearing dead leaves and sticks from the property and maintaining a barrier of living plants. “That way, if that fire comes out of the woods, it’ll slow down at your house, and you can hopefully keep it from getting to your house,” he said.

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➤ Statewide: An analysis showed that Democrats could potentially add three or four congressional seats in Virginia this year without redistricting. Virginians have until April 21 to vote on a measure that would allow a gerrymandered map that would give Democrats an edge in 10 of the state’s 11 districts. (Details)

➤ Rockingham County: The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative agreed to spend $113.9 million to expand its operations and create up to 146 new jobs. (More)

➤ Virginia Beach: Authorities searched for solutions after a second mass shooting incident at the Oceanfront over the weekend, which happened despite a heavy police presence in the area. (Details)

➤ Statewide: Virginia State Parks is marking Earth Week with a series of programs that show the importance of protecting natural resources and preserving public lands. Earth Day is April 22. (More)

➤ Alexandria: Frank Bradsher is the interim leader of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, according to a spokesman. He is the former administrative head of the office and stepped in after President Trump’s choice, Lindsey Halligan, departed under pressure in January. (More)

➤ Hampton Roads: Doug Ellis announced plans to do seven Ironman competitions—2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running—in seven days in seven regional cities next month. The goal is to raise money for The River Ellis Foundation. (Details)

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➤ Liberty softball hosts No. 10 Virginia Tech today at 6 p.m. (Schedule)

➤ Arlington native Azzi Fudd was the top pick in the WNBA draft and will play for the Dallas Wings. The Washington Mystics selected UCLA center Lauren Betts with the No. 4 overall pick. (Draft Order)

➤ Liberty men’s tennis secured a No. 2 seed in the Conference USA tournament. The Flames have been C-USA runners-up each of the past two seasons. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ HawkEye 360, a defense technology company based in Herndon, filed for an initial public offering. It intends to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HAWK. (Details)

➤ Palace of Pickleball announced plans to open soon in Virginia Beach. The facility will feature seven premium indoor pickleball courts. (More)

➤ The Middleburg Farmers Market in Loudoun County announced that it will not operate this season. Town officials blamed limited foot traffic and ongoing costs. (Details)

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➤ Montpelier Farm 1750 in Surry is constructing Field to Fork Provisions, which will allow local shoppers to buy fresh produce from the farm and other local suppliers. (Details)

➤ Cape Charles is enjoying a moment in the sun as Southern Living’s Best Little Beach Town in Virginia. (More)

➤ The Virginia Department of Health issued a fish consumption advisory for the Occoquan watershed after the agency found elevated perfluorooctane sulfonate levels in largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish. (Details)

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Have you ever completed an Ironman competition?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Are you kidding?!

Tuesday’s Results:

Do you put political signs in your yard? 

1. No, never: 49%
2. Occasionally: 30%
3. Yes, often: 21%

Who was Scott County named for?

Show me the answer