Gun Bill Goes to Governor

The General Assembly sent Gov. Abigail Spanberger a bill that would make it illegal to sell, transfer, or purchase “assault firearms” or high-capacity magazines that can hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. If signed, the law would take effect in July.

“If you had it, you can keep it, but going forward, you simply cannot purchase them,” Sen. Saddam Salim, a Fairfax Democrat who sponsored the legislation, said. “The overall goal of this bill is to ensure that we have less weapons of war on the streets.“

An advocate with the Virginia-based Gun Owners of America criticized the approach. “We don’t even like to use the term ‘assault weapon,’ because it’s just made up,” Chris Stone said. “These are simply semiautomatic firearms that law-abiding citizens own.“

A spokesperson said that Gov. Spanberger “looks forward to reviewing all legislation that comes to her desk.”

Anti-Referendum Mailings Criticized

Civil rights leaders and elected officials condemned a mailing that urges voters to oppose a constitutional referendum that would allow lawmakers to draw new congressional districts this year. Early voting on the proposal is underway.

“Just like Jim Crow, they want to silence your voice,” the mailer reads. “Our ancestors fought to represent us. Now Richmond politicians are trying to take our districts away.”

Democrat Attorney General Jay Jones criticized the mailing. “Invoking the pain and sacrifice of the civil rights movement while spreading misleading claims about this referendum disrespects the very people who fought to secure the right to vote and have their voices heard.”

The mailer was paid for by a group called the Democracy and Justice PAC. “I couldn’t see why they say it’s insulting,” the group’s chairman A.C. Cordoza said. “I’m a black man. I don’t want my black vote to be taken away.”

No Sign of Missing Coach

The Virginia State Police announced on Monday that Travis Turner, the Wise County high school football coach who disappeared on Nov. 20, is still considered a fugitive.

The 46-year-old is being sought on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

Turner disappeared into a heavily wooded and mountainous area with a firearm. Officers en route to his home to question him were notified that he had left. Turner has not been seen since, despite a massive manhunt involving federal, state, and private-sector teams.

“This case is worked on every day,” a state police captain said. “We need the public to continue providing information.“

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➤ Virginia Beach: Matheus Cavalcante, the 18-year-old charged with wounding six people during a shooting incident near the oceanfront on Saturday, claimed he fired in self-defense after four armed males tried to take away his handgun. He claimed he was returning fire, but a second suspect has not yet been located or identified. (Details)

➤ Fairfax County: National security experts urged Gov. Spanberger to veto any bill that would allow a casino in the region, which is home to a high concentration of military and intelligence experts. (More)

➤ Richmond: A Senate committee tabled a bill aimed at reducing costs for Appalachian Power customers. The measure to prevent rate increases won’t come back before lawmakers until next year. (Details)

➤ Statewide: The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation opened a grant process through which localities can apply for up to $1.4 million to build and improve recreational trails. (More)

➤ Daleville: The Botetourt County Planning Commission decided to do further research before it votes on whether to allow a 34.2-acre, 5-megawatt solar farm in Fincastle. A number of residents attended Monday’s meeting to oppose the project. (Details)

➤ New Kent: The Virginia Derby is scheduled for Saturday at Colonial Downs racetrack. It’s the second straight year the race will serve as a qualifier for May’s Kentucky Derby. (More) 

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➤ Liberty men’s basketball, the top seed in the Conference USA tournament, tips off tonight in Huntsville, Ala. (Details)

➤ The Richmond Spiders men’s basketball team also kicks off its postseason journey today against Loyola Chicago in the Atlantic-10 tournament. (More)

➤ The Washington Commanders added free agent edge rusher Odafe Oweh, signing him to a four-year, $100 million contract. (Details)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | World Baseball Classic

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➤ Virginia Railway Express unveiled expansion plans. New CEO Katie Choe said she wants the railroad to grow from a commuter service to a full regional rail system by 2050. (Details)

➤ CACI, headquartered in Reston, completed its acquisition of ARKA Group for $2.6 billion in an all-cash transaction. (More)

➤ The Virginia Beach Development Authority reached a $3 million settlement with the developers of Atlantic Park surf park to clean up contaminated water found during construction. (Details)

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➤ The Virginia DMV warned drivers that scammers are sending text messages demanding payment for non-existent fines. “The Virginia DMV will never send you a text message about fines or suspensions,” a spokesperson said. (Details)

➤ The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the retirement of K9 Axin, a drug-sniffing dog who served on the force for five years. (More)

➤ The Highland County Maple Fest kicks off on Saturday and runs for two weekends. (Details)

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Have you attended the Highland County Maple Fest?

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2. No
3. Not yet!

Tuesday’s Results:

Should lawmakers remove the state’s data center tax incentives? 

1. Yes: 49%
2. No: 27%
3. I don’t care: 24%

What year did the Virginia General Assembly meet for the first time?

Show me the answer