Unions Flood Richmond After Veto

Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed HB 1263/SB 378, legislation requiring statewide collective bargaining for Virginia’s public employees, breaking a campaign pledge to labor unions that helped elect her.

More than 100 workers marched in downtown Richmond on Thursday to protest the decision, which affects teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers statewide.

IAFF General President Edward Kelly said Spanberger “has broken that promise”—referencing her repeated campaign pledges that Virginia’s fire fighters and first responders would have a seat at the bargaining table.

Spanberger had first tried to amend the bill—proposing to delay implementation until 2030 and restrict bargaining to when employers deemed it “appropriate”—before issuing a full veto, citing concerns over local budget flexibility.

Sheriffs Rebel on Gun Ban

Virginia’s new law—signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on May 14—bans the sale of semi-automatic “assault firearms” and magazines holding more than 15 rounds, with the prohibition taking effect July 1.

Powhatan County Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Cerullo is among multiple prosecutors and sheriffs statewide who have publicly refused to enforce the law, with several citing U.S. Supreme Court precedents they argue make the ban unconstitutional.

An NSSF-backed lawsuit, Black v. Hook, filed in Fauquier County Circuit Court on behalf of gun owners, a gun shop, and manufacturers, is seeking an emergency preliminary injunction to halt enforcement before July 1, with plaintiffs requesting a hearing by June 19.

Gun shops across Virginia are scrambling to determine what they may legally sell before the deadline, as dealers await legal clarity on which products fall under the new restrictions.

Memorial Day Gas Prices Climb in Virginia

Virginia drivers are paying more at the pump heading into Memorial Day weekend, with the statewide gas average climbing to $4.43 per gallon—about $1.43 higher than last year—as more than 1 million Virginians prepare to travel.

AAA Mid-Atlantic said higher prices are unlikely to stop holiday plans, though some travelers may choose shorter trips closer to home instead of longer beach getaways. Coastal Virginia is seeing some of the highest prices in the state, averaging $4.51 in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach region, while Roanoke remains slightly lower at $4.29.

Travel experts also warned drivers to avoid peak traffic times to conserve fuel and reduce delays, noting that stop-and-go congestion can quickly drain gas mileage during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

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➤ Virginia Beach: A 34-year-old woman was struck and killed in a crosswalk on Pacific Avenue Thursday night in a hit-and-run crash. A 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run and involuntary manslaughter. (More)

➤ Norfolk: Police and city leaders held a community meeting in West Ghent Thursday to address last weekend’s street takeover involving car donuts, fireworks, and a flamethrower. Residents demanded faster police response and permanent deterrents. (More)

➤ Northern Virginia: Doctors are urging residents to check for ticks after every outdoor outing as a mild winter and warm spring have created prime conditions for a Lyme disease surge this Memorial Day weekend. (More)

➤ Chesapeake: Mosquito experts warn that while the spring drought has slowed activity, any rainfall or heat spike next week could trigger a rapid population surge across Hampton Roads. Local labs monitor trap counts daily. (More)

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➤ Virginia Tech baseball was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament on Friday after a 10-4 loss to No. 2 UNC, but the team is expected to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Regional sites will be revealed on Monday. (More)

➤ UVA football has announced it will face James Madison in a non-conference matchup during the 2028 season. The two teams last met in 2023, a 36-35 JMU win. (More)

➤ Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had high praise for 2026 third-round pick Antonio Williams, calling the rookie review “big time” in a recent interview. (More) 

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

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➤ Memorial Day ceremonies across Virginia carry special resonance this year as the nation marks its 250th birthday, with services at battlefield sites, military cemeteries, and town squares from Fairfax to Roanoke to Virginia Beach. (More)

➤ Five Northern Virginia students will compete at the 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., May 26–28, one of the largest regional contingents in the field. (More)

➤ Hampton Roads travelers are expected to hit the roads in record numbers this Memorial Day weekend, with AAA projecting packed beaches, Boardwalk crowds, and busy military memorial sites through Monday. (More)

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Prince William Public Libraries allowed a member of Gen Z to write its marketing script, which was then read by a member of Gen X. See if you can follow along.

Which Virginia team are you cheering on this Memorial Day weekend?

1. Washington Spirit (Concacaf final)
2. The NCAA lacrosse championship teams at UVA
3. Virginia Tech baseball (NCAA bid)
4. UVA women’s golf
5. Just enjoying the long weekend

Yesterday’s Results:

How are you spending Memorial Day weekend?

1. Beach trip – 12%
2. Visiting a battlefield or military memorial – 12%
3. Family cookout – 17%
4. Shenandoah hiking or camping – 11%
5. Staying home and relaxing – 48%

Virginia’s Scott Stadium is normally home to UVA football. This weekend it hosted the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Final Four. What is Scott Stadium’s official seating capacity?

Show me the answer