Prosecutors, Sheriffs Reject Assault Weapons Ban

At least 10 prosecutors won’t enforce the state’s new assault weapons ban, which takes effect July 1. Multiple sheriffs also joined the refusal, citing Second Amendment rulings.

The law prohibits the future import, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of assault firearms and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds, with violators given a misdemeanor charge of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Democrat Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, the bill’s sponsor, told resisters to stop “tough guy posturing.”

Gun rights organizations, including the Firearms Policy Coalition, Gun Owners of America, Virginia Citizens Defense League, National Rifle Association, and National Shooting Sports Foundation, filed separate complaints alleging that the law violates constitutional protections under the Second Amendment and the Virginia Constitution.

Data Centers Snag Virginia Budget Talks

Virginia lawmakers return in two weeks with a July 1 deadline to pass a state budget—and no deal in sight.

The sticking point is a Senate Democrat push to end a longstanding sales tax exemption for data centers, a fight that has blocked agreement since the regular session ended in March. Virginia became the world’s largest data center market, partly because of that exemption.

School funding is now at risk as the standoff could force staffing cuts heading into the fall semester.

The House is scheduled to meet on June 18 and the Senate on June 22. The Commonwealth cannot spend money without a budget in place after June 30.

Ford Carrier to Power Norfolk Base

The Navy is planning a floating nuclear plant, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to supply electricity to Naval Station Norfolk this summer.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed the plan during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing, stating, “We’re going to export the energy from the aircraft carrier to the base.” 

The Ford’s two A1B reactors offer more availability than the older A4W reactors on Nimitz-class carriers. The experiment aims to prove the carrier can keep the facility running if cyberattacks, missile strikes, or drone strikes take down the civilian power grid.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is preparing to enter maintenance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard after a deployment that lasted nearly 11 months. It returned to Norfolk on May 16. The Ford is the only ship in its class—the USS Kennedy won’t be delivered until 2027.

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➤ Rocky Mount: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bipartisan housing package at a manufactured home factory, easing zoning rules that blocked the placement of manufactured homes. The laws take effect July 1. (More)

➤ Virginia Beach: Mayor Robert “Bobby” Dyer announced a new safety task force on Monday in the wake of three shootings. The group—consisting of legislators, civic leaders, and faith leaders—will examine city conditions and make recommendations. (More)

➤ I-95: A federal safety agency has subpoenaed the state of New York over a quintuple fatal crash on Virginia’s I-95, with the non-English-speaking driver, Jing Dong, facing two felony charges of involuntary manslaughter. (More)

➤ King William County published a draft technology uses ordinance and is seeking public comment as data center development pressure expands into rural Central Virginia. Two surveys are currently open for community input. (Take Surveys)

➤ Chesapeake Bay: Historic vessel Freya and Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel demolition debris have been intentionally sunk in the Chesapeake Bay to create new artificial reefs for marine life. (More)

➤ Alexandria: Families gathered to dedicate a memorial along the Potomac River honoring the 67 victims of the January 2025 midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter. (More)

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➤ Virginia Tech’s 2027 football recruiting class climbed to No. 10 nationally and No. 2 in the ACC after landing five commitments in May. The Hokies now have 17 pledges in James Franklin’s first full recruiting cycle. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Virginia Tech men’s basketball picked up a commitment from Eltayeb Eltayeb, a 6-foot-8 wing from Sudan who averaged 21.3 points last year at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. He’s reportedly grown 7 inches in the past year. (More)

➤ Projected No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa said he’d ask Wizards guard Trae Young to give up the No. 3 jersey if he’s drafted by Washington later this month. (More)

➤ Nationals starter Jake Irvin landed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain after throwing five hitless innings in a 2-0 win over the Braves. His MRI showed nothing more serious. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NHL | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Tennis

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➤ Centra Health in Lynchburg announced Monday it will lay off approximately 90 employees—about 1% of its workforce—effective this week as part of a broader restructuring to improve efficiency and adapt to healthcare industry pressures. (More)

➤ Lynchburg Regional Airport is set to receive an $8 million upgrade to expand its terminal, public seating, and greeter areas, as well as replace old telecommunications lines with fiber, and install new radars and air traffic control displays. (More)

➤ The Monticello Wine Trail in Charlottesville announced its 2026 Monticello Cup Gold Medal winners, which include Afton Mountain Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, Trump Winery, and others. (See Winners)

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➤ Virginia’s state park system turns 90 this month. The original six parks opened on June 15, 1936, and the network has since grown to 44 parks. Anniversary hikes and history programs are planned throughout June. (More)

➤ The Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games will take place June 5-6 at the University of Richmond, bringing competitors from across the Commonwealth for two days of multi-sport action. (See Details)

➤ Students from Sail Nauticus Academy in Norfolk built and launched a miniboat, dubbed the Hollow Vessel, that is collecting ocean data on an international voyage. The partnership with Carnival Cruise Line and the global Educational Passages program connects classrooms with students around the world. (More)

➤ Virginia’s Free Fishing Days return June 6-7, letting anglers fish without a license at four parks across the Commonwealth, including locations in Henrico, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, and Mathews counties. (More)

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Have you ever gone fishing?

1. Plenty of times
2. Once or twice
3. Never
4. Still hoping to

Yesterday’s Results:

Will you attend or have you already attended an America 250 event?

1. No: 36%
2. Yes: 32%
3. Not sure: 32%

Which aircraft carrier did President Gerald Ford serve on during World War II?

Show me the answer