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  • BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

The Latest: A 22-year-old Utah man is in custody in Charlie Kirk shooting, AP source says

HOUSE OF DELEGATES


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Some Virginia lawmakers are working to change odd-year elections, here’s how

Read full article: Some Virginia lawmakers are working to change odd-year elections, here’s how

Some local lawmakers are working to fundamentally change elections in Virginia. Here's how.

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AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's primaries

Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's primaries

Virginia Democrats will settle a crowded six-way primary for lieutenant governor on Tuesday as well as a contested nomination fight for state attorney general.

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Republican Primary Results for local offices on June 17, 2025

Read full article: Republican Primary Results for local offices on June 17, 2025

In addition to the statewide races, several House of Delegates districts are holding primaries.

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Virginia lawmakers begin to grapple with impacts of DOGE-directed federal budget cuts

Read full article: Virginia lawmakers begin to grapple with impacts of DOGE-directed federal budget cuts

A committee of House of Delegates members are gathering more information on the impact federal budget cuts will have on the commonwealth.

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Virginia Democrats propose direct tax rebates, increased school funding

Read full article: Virginia Democrats propose direct tax rebates, increased school funding

Virginia Democrats argue direct tax relief is better use of state surplus

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VA lawmakers prioritize education, tax relief and kids’ privacy protection in upcoming session

Read full article: VA lawmakers prioritize education, tax relief and kids’ privacy protection in upcoming session

The Virginia General Assembly’s legislative session will start this month.

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Virginia’s first full day of legislative session delayed by water issues from winter storm

Read full article: Virginia’s first full day of legislative session delayed by water issues from winter storm

Virginia’s state Capitol and General Assembly buildings are going to be closed Wednesday, effectively postponing lawmakers’ first working day of the legislative session nearly two days after a winter storm shut down Richmond’s water system.

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AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's state legislative special elections

Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's state legislative special elections

Virginia voters will begin the new year filling state Senate and House vacancies on Tuesday in a trio of special elections that could determine control of the narrowly divided chambers.

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Virginia lawmakers have a compromise on the state budget

Read full article: Virginia lawmakers have a compromise on the state budget

Virginia lawmakers headed to Richmond to vote on the state’s 2-year budget after legislators said they have a compromised agreement with Governor Glenn Youngkin.

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Former GOP Virginia lawmaker, Matt Fariss arrested again; faces felony gun and drug charges

Read full article: Former GOP Virginia lawmaker, Matt Fariss arrested again; faces felony gun and drug charges

A former Virginia lawmaker was arrested over the weekend on felony gun and drug charges and a misdemeanor charge of violating a protective order, according to a sheriff’s office official and jail records.

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Heavy-smoking West Virginia becomes the 12th state to ban lighting up in cars with kids present

Read full article: Heavy-smoking West Virginia becomes the 12th state to ban lighting up in cars with kids present

West Virginia has become the 12th state to ban smoking in vehicles with children present.

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General Assembly passes two-year budget, heads to Governor’s desk along with 1,000 bills

Read full article: General Assembly passes two-year budget, heads to Governor’s desk along with 1,000 bills

The General Assembly has adjourned after passing a two-year budget and sending over 1,000 bills to Governor Glenn Youngkin's desk.

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West Virginia could become the 12th state to ban smoking in cars with kids present

Read full article: West Virginia could become the 12th state to ban smoking in cars with kids present

West Virginia could become the 12th state to ban smoking in vehicles with children present under a bill that has won final legislative passage.

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Legislation allowing recreational marijuana sales in Virginia heads to GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Read full article: Legislation allowing recreational marijuana sales in Virginia heads to GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Virginia lawmakers have passed legislation that if approved by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin would allow recreational retail sales of marijuana to begin next year.

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West Virginia House OKs bill doctors say would eliminate care for most at-risk transgender youth

Read full article: West Virginia House OKs bill doctors say would eliminate care for most at-risk transgender youth

West Virginia’s Republican-controlled House of Delegates has approved a bill that doctors treating transgender youth in the state say would prevent the prescription of certain medical interventions like hormone therapy to patients at risk for self-harm or suicide.

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West Virginia medical professionals condemn bill that prohibits care to at-risk transgender youth

Read full article: West Virginia medical professionals condemn bill that prohibits care to at-risk transgender youth

Hundreds of medical professionals in West Virginia have signed onto a letter condemning a bill advancing in the state House of Delegates that would bar transgender youth at risk for suicide from accessing medical interventions like hormone therapy.

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Smoking in cars with kids is banned in 11 states, and West Virginia could be next

Read full article: Smoking in cars with kids is banned in 11 states, and West Virginia could be next

West Virginia lawmakers are pushing to make the state the 12th in the nation to ban smoking in cars with children.

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Top Virginia Senate Democrats deal setback to legislation to relocate Washington Capitals, Wizards

Read full article: Top Virginia Senate Democrats deal setback to legislation to relocate Washington Capitals, Wizards

A leading Democratic Virginia legislator says proposed legislation to help pave the way for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to relocate to northern Virginia is dead.

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Proposed bill to require Martinsville reversion referendum vote advances in House

Read full article: Proposed bill to require Martinsville reversion referendum vote advances in House

Virginia lawmakers are considering a bill that would require Martinsville citizens to vote whether or not they want the city to revert to a town.

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Virginia Tech student believed to have predicted every General Assembly seat correctly

Read full article: Virginia Tech student believed to have predicted every General Assembly seat correctly

Chaz Nuttycombe is gaining national attention for his state legislative election forecasts.

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WATCH: See coverage of 2023 Virginia general election results

Read full article: WATCH: See coverage of 2023 Virginia general election results

10 News crews are working for you to break down the latest details as results flow in for Virginia general election races in our area.

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Virginia Democrats sweep legislative elections after campaigning on abortion rights

Read full article: Virginia Democrats sweep legislative elections after campaigning on abortion rights

Virginia Democrats who campaigned on protecting abortion rights have swept this year’s legislative elections, retaking full control of the General Assembly after two years of divided power.

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Virginia general election results for November 7, 2023 - view here

Read full article: Virginia general election results for November 7, 2023 - view here

This page will offer links to results for select races in the Nov. 7, 2023, Virginia General Election.

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Virginia House of Delegates 2023 election results for Southwest, Central Virginia

Read full article: Virginia House of Delegates 2023 election results for Southwest, Central Virginia

Find Virginia General Election results from Nov. 7, 2023 House of Delegates races here.

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Virginia House of Delegates 2023 election results for Southwest, Central Virginia

Read full article: Virginia House of Delegates 2023 election results for Southwest, Central Virginia

Find Virginia General Election results from Nov. 7, 2023 House of Delegates races here.

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Virginia’s balance of power hangs in this upcoming election

Read full article: Virginia’s balance of power hangs in this upcoming election

In just two weeks, Virginians will be heading to the polls to decide who they want to represent them in Richmond.

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Newly-formed General Assembly district in Roanoke Valley could impact future of state politics

Read full article: Newly-formed General Assembly district in Roanoke Valley could impact future of state politics

Districts for both Virginia's House of Delegates and State Senate were redrawn by an un-bias committee.

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Virginia's Youngkin surpasses previous governors' annual fundraising records in a single quarter

Read full article: Virginia's Youngkin surpasses previous governors' annual fundraising records in a single quarter

Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s main fundraising apparatus says it will soon report raising $5.75 million in this year’s second quarter.

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Virginia voters picking nominees in hotly contested legislative races

Read full article: Virginia voters picking nominees in hotly contested legislative races

A Virginia legislative primary season marked by hard-fought campaigns in both parties will come to a close Tuesday.

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March and Williams face off in GOP Primary for House of Delegates

Read full article: March and Williams face off in GOP Primary for House of Delegates

Two candidates who battled each other in court are battling for your votes for the 47th House of Delegates seat which represents Carroll, Floyd, Henry, and Patrick counties and the City of Galax.

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Virginia Primary Election results for Roanoke County on June 20, 2023

Read full article: Virginia Primary Election results for Roanoke County on June 20, 2023

The 2023 Primary Election will be held on June 20. You can find results for Roanoke County here.

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Virginia Primary Election results for Carroll County on June 20, 2023

Read full article: Virginia Primary Election results for Carroll County on June 20, 2023

The 2023 Primary Election will be held on June 20. You can find results for Carroll County here.

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Maryland voters to decide abortion constitutional amendment

Read full article: Maryland voters to decide abortion constitutional amendment

Maryland voters will decide next year whether to enshrine the right to abortion in the state’s constitution.

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Bill banning marriages under age 16 passes in West Virginia

Read full article: Bill banning marriages under age 16 passes in West Virginia

A child marriage bill is heading to the West Virginia governor’s desk after lawmakers agreed to let 16- and 17-year-olds get married with restrictions.

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WV Senate joins GOP effort to limit trans youth health care

Read full article: WV Senate joins GOP effort to limit trans youth health care

West Virginia’s Republican supermajority Senate followed a growing national trend of GOP opposition to health care for transgender youth by passing a bill that would ban certain treatments and therapies, while approving a significant change to add exceptions for mental health.

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Bill would ban marriages under age 16 in West Virginia

Read full article: Bill would ban marriages under age 16 in West Virginia

A bill addressing child marriage in West Virginia has passed the state Senate.

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West Virginia transgender sports ban halted during appeal

Read full article: West Virginia transgender sports ban halted during appeal

A federal appeals panel has ruled that West Virginia transgender athletes can compete in female school sports while an appeal is heard on a state law banning their participation.

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Special election for 24th District, lane closures and more news happening today

Read full article: Special election for 24th District, lane closures and more news happening today

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.

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Delegates speak out after body cam footage from incident made public

Read full article: Delegates speak out after body cam footage from incident made public

Two Virginia Delegates spoke out on Wednesday after the body cam footage from Wytheville police was made public following an alleged incident that happened over the weekend.

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WVa delays chance to pass 1st new bill since abortion ruling

Read full article: WVa delays chance to pass 1st new bill since abortion ruling

West Virginia lawmakers have passed up the chance to become the first state to approve new legislation restricting access to abortions after the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

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Virginia’s General Assembly passes two-year spending budget

Read full article: Virginia’s General Assembly passes two-year spending budget

The bipartisan $224 Billion total package includes nearly $4 Billion in tax cuts.

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Virginia Senate committee votes down Gov. Youngkin’s proposed gas tax plan

Read full article: Virginia Senate committee votes down Gov. Youngkin’s proposed gas tax plan

Virginia’s General Assembly reconvened in the Capitol Wednesday, this time to review more than 100 pieces of legislation amended or vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

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Virginia lawmakers meet in Richmond for General Assembly special session

Read full article: Virginia lawmakers meet in Richmond for General Assembly special session

Virginia lawmakers returned to Richmond Monday for a special session, with the goal of passing a two-year spending budget.

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Virginia General Assembly passes bill banning racial discrimination in Governor’s Schools admissions

Read full article: Virginia General Assembly passes bill banning racial discrimination in Governor’s Schools admissions

The Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday passed a watered-down version of legislation that bans racial discrimination in in admissions policies at Virginia's highly regarded Governor's Schools.

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Virginia Democrats worry Republicans will roll back reforms

Read full article: Virginia Democrats worry Republicans will roll back reforms

Virginia Democrats who have fought for criminal justice and police reforms since 2020 are worried that their progress could be rolled back by the new Republican majority in the House of Delegates.

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Virginia lawmakers debate minimum wage, but economists say it won’t matter much

Read full article: Virginia lawmakers debate minimum wage, but economists say it won’t matter much

Employers are expected to continue to pay above minimum wage because of labor shortages

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Southwest Virginia lawmakers set priorities for 2022 General Assembly session

Read full article: Southwest Virginia lawmakers set priorities for 2022 General Assembly session

In a matter of days, Virginia will have new republican leadership in the state house and the house of delegates.

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Virginia House won’t have mask, vaccine mandates this year

Read full article: Virginia House won’t have mask, vaccine mandates this year

The Virginia General Assembly is set to convene in person next week amid a surge in cases of COVID-19, and when it does, members in at least one chamber will not be facing mask, testing or vaccine mandates.

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Virginia House recount underway; could affirm GOP majority

Read full article: Virginia House recount underway; could affirm GOP majority

Election officials in Virginia are painstakenly recounting votes in one of two unresolved races that will settle whether Virginia Republicans have reclaimed the majority in the House of Delegates.

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Two Virginia House races where Republicans have 0.33% and 0.44% lead headed for recounts

Read full article: Two Virginia House races where Republicans have 0.33% and 0.44% lead headed for recounts

Two incumbent Democrats who trail Republican challengers in close races in Virginia's House of Delegates announced Tuesday that they will seek recounts, leaving control of the House in limbo.

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Virginia certifies election results, but two recounts loom

Read full article: Virginia certifies election results, but two recounts loom

The certified results show Republicans with a 52-48 majority over Democrats.

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Gilbert nominated as speaker of Virginia House of Delegates

Read full article: Gilbert nominated as speaker of Virginia House of Delegates

Virginia House Republicans on Sunday unanimously elected their leadership team for the upcoming legislative session, nominating Del. Todd Gilbert to serve as House speaker.

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Republican Jason Ballard reacts to winning the 12th District race against incumbent Chris Hurst

Read full article: Republican Jason Ballard reacts to winning the 12th District race against incumbent Chris Hurst

Jason Ballard looking forward to heading to Richmond to represent parts of the New River Valley

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Republicans win at least 50 House seats in Virginia

Read full article: Republicans win at least 50 House seats in Virginia

Republicans have won at least 50 seats in the Virginia House, ensuring at least a tie with Democrats who had fought to retain control.

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House of Delegates 2021 election results for Southwest, Central Virginia

Read full article: House of Delegates 2021 election results for Southwest, Central Virginia

Across Southwest and Central Virginia, people are voting in 12 contested races for seats in the House of Delegates.

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Virginia general election results for Salem on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Salem on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Salem here.

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Virginia general election results for Rockbridge County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Rockbridge County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Rockbridge County here.

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Virginia general election results for Roanoke on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Roanoke on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Roanoke here.

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Virginia general election results for Pittsylvania County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Pittsylvania County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Pittsylvania County here.

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Virginia general election results for Patrick County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Patrick County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Patrick County here.

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Virginia general election results for Nelson County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Nelson County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Nelson County here.

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Virginia general election results for Montgomery County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Montgomery County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Montgomery County here.

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Virginia general election results for Henry County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Henry County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Henry County here.

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Virginia general election results for Giles County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Giles County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Giles County here.

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Virginia general election results for Franklin County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Franklin County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Franklin County here.

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Virginia general election results for Floyd County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Floyd County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Floyd County here.

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Virginia general election results for Danville on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Danville on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Danville here.

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Virginia general election results for Covington on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Covington on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Covington here.

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Virginia general election results for Campell County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Campell County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Campbell County here.

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Virginia general election results for Buena Vista on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Buena Vista on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Buena Vista here.

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Virginia general election results for Appomattox County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Appomattox County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Appomattox County here.

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Virginia general election results for Amherst County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Amherst County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Amherst County here.

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Virginia general election results for Amherst County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Amherst County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Amherst County here.

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Virginia general election results for Alleghany County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Alleghany County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Alleghany County here.

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Virginia general election results for Alleghany County on Nov. 2, 2021

Read full article: Virginia general election results for Alleghany County on Nov. 2, 2021

The 2021 General Election will be held on November 2. You can find results for Alleghany County here.

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Candidates in Virginia’s 12th district fight for House of Delegate seat

Read full article: Candidates in Virginia’s 12th district fight for House of Delegate seat

Another major race in Virginia is the fight for the House of Delegate seat in the 12th district, which includes parts of Montgomery, Pulaski and Giles counties.

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Virginia House Democrats aim to protect their majority

Read full article: Virginia House Democrats aim to protect their majority

Democratic control of Virginia state government over the past two years has allowed lawmakers to dramatically reshape public policy with legislation reforming the criminal justice system, loosening abortion restrictions and expanding voting access.

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What’s on your ballot this November? See sample ballots from across the region

Read full article: What’s on your ballot this November? See sample ballots from across the region

With in-person voting now underway across Virginia, we wanted to show you what your ballot will look like before you go to the polls to vote.

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Working for everyone is the top priority for candidates vying for Virginia’s District 59

Read full article: Working for everyone is the top priority for candidates vying for Virginia’s District 59

We are two weeks away from Election Day and the candidates hoping to represent District 59 say supporting small businesses, equality, the economy, and healthcare top their list of priorities.

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Virginia’s 9th District candidates on top priorities if elected to House of Delegates

Read full article: Virginia’s 9th District candidates on top priorities if elected to House of Delegates

Republican Wren Williams and Democrat Bridgette Craighead are vying to for the seat in the House of Delegates.

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Two new faces go head-to-head for the Virginia’s District 7 seat

Read full article: Two new faces go head-to-head for the Virginia’s District 7 seat

Two new faces are running for the House of Delegates In the New River Valley in this November’s election.

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Many maps, no compass: Virginia redistricting panel seeks its path

Read full article: Many maps, no compass: Virginia redistricting panel seeks its path

With a deadline to draw lines fast approaching, Virginia's new bipartisan redistricting commission is struggling to break a partisan divide on how to divide the state's voters into new legislative districts.

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Virginia’s November election includes three candidate vying for House District 22

Read full article: Virginia’s November election includes three candidate vying for House District 22

One local race is House District 22, which includes sections of Bedford, Campbell and Franklin Counties, as well as parts of Lynchburg.

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Virginia lawmakers to take up compromise for COVID-19 money

Read full article: Virginia lawmakers to take up compromise for COVID-19 money

Virginia lawmakers are set to take up a compromise plan for spending $4.3 billion in federal coronavirus relief after a conference committee reconciled budgets passed by the House of Delegates and the Senate last week.

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Wren Williams upset highlights Virginia House of Delegates primaries

Read full article: Wren Williams upset highlights Virginia House of Delegates primaries

In addition to the statewide primaries, some House of Delegate districts across Virginia are holding primaries.

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Central Virginia voters are keeping eye on House District 22 race

Read full article: Central Virginia voters are keeping eye on House District 22 race

One of several primary races in our area is House District 22, which consists of Lynchburg, along with Bedford, Campbell and Franklin counties.

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Virginia House of Delegates District 7 Democratic Primary results on June 8, 2021

Read full article: Virginia House of Delegates District 7 Democratic Primary results on June 8, 2021

Derek Kitts and Tara Orlando are vying for the Democratic nomination in the Virginia House of Delegates District 7 race.

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Virginia House of Delegates Primary Results on June 8, 2021

Read full article: Virginia House of Delegates Primary Results on June 8, 2021

In addition to the statewide primaries, some House of Delegate districts across Virginia are holding primaries.

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Your guide to voting in Virginia’s June 8, 2021 primary

Read full article: Your guide to voting in Virginia’s June 8, 2021 primary

Virginians will be heading to the polls on November 3, although millions across the Commonwealth have already voted.

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West Virginia weighs income tax cut to stem population loss

Read full article: West Virginia weighs income tax cut to stem population loss

West Virginia is about to lose another congressional seat because of its steady population decline.

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West Virginia governor announces 168 unreported COVID-19 deaths

Read full article: West Virginia governor announces 168 unreported COVID-19 deaths

The Republican governor on Monday had heralded a sharp drop in COVID-19 deaths since the beginning of the year, metrics health officials cited to support the governor easing restrictions on businesses. “I'm really sorry.”Dr. Ayne Amjad, the state's health officer, said officials are waiting to find out if there are more unreported deaths. She blamed it on facilities not filling out death reports online to the state's health department in a timely matter. The single facility with the most unreported deaths was at a hospital in Parkersburg, Camden-Clark Medical Center Memorial Campus, with 12 fatalities. It’s the second such discovery of dozens of unreported deaths during the pandemic in West Virginia.

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Virginia doctors advocate for more paid sick leave amid coronavirus pandemic

Read full article: Virginia doctors advocate for more paid sick leave amid coronavirus pandemic

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va – Doctors from across the Commonwealth are calling on the Senate to expand sick leave for essential workers. House Bill 2137 would expand sick days and paid leave for essential workers hit especially hard during the coronavirus pandemic. Physicians from the Charlottesville area say passing the bill could save lives. “How can an employee stay home if they don’t have paid sick leave, and if every penny that they generate those to their families and they don’t have any spare change, so if they take time off they lose important money for their family,” family physician Dr. Gregory Gelburd said. The group of healthcare providers is hoping the Senate will consider the bill soon as the General Assembly session is almost done.

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Hiccups as Virginia lawmakers adapt to legislating by Zoom

Read full article: Hiccups as Virginia lawmakers adapt to legislating by Zoom

(AP Photo/Steve Helber)RICHMOND, Va. – The coronavirus pandemic is again upending the daily routines of the tradition-bound Virginia General Assembly. The situation has led to persistent technical difficulties, an uncharacteristically profane hot mic situation and more serious complaints from lawmakers and advocates alike. Critics say legislating over Zoom has limited transparency, stifled public participation and diluted the democratic process. I mean, given our situation, I think it’s OK," said Megan Rhyne, executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government. The House speaker has said the adjustments - made in consultation with public health experts - were essential and have succeeded in keeping lawmakers and staff healthy.

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Advocates promote social equity in Virginia marijuana bills

Read full article: Advocates promote social equity in Virginia marijuana bills

Three convictions for marijuana possession put an end to that. Thomas, who is Black, is an example of one of the main arguments made in the push to legalize recreational marijuana in Virginia. Democrats in the General Assembly frame this as a social equity issue, a necessary step to ending the disparate criminalization of people of color under the state's current marijuana laws. AdBoth bills also call for dedicating 30% of marijuana tax revenue — after program costs — to a Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund. Black Virginians with marijuana convictions say expungement is one of the most important parts, because a criminal record harms their prospects for jobs, housing and credit.

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House, Senate votes pave way for legalized marijuana in Virginia

Read full article: House, Senate votes pave way for legalized marijuana in Virginia

In a 55-42 vote, the House passed House Bill 2312, which eliminates criminal penalties for marijuana possession for anyone 21 or older. In a 23-15 vote, the Senate of Virginia passed Senate Bill 1406 on Friday evening. Ad[Marijuana legalization advancing forward after a Senate committee vote]Through the bill, there is a tax on retail marijuana, retail marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia and other products at a rate of 21% and gives localities the option to levy a 3% tax. Both measures envision retail sales starting in 2024, overseen by a newly created regulatory entity. Ad“It’s really not marijuana legalization, it’s marijuana commercialization they’re trying to pass,” Whitsett said.

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Former Va. House of Delegates candidate arrested for allegedly kidnapping 12-year-old California girl

Read full article: Former Va. House of Delegates candidate arrested for allegedly kidnapping 12-year-old California girl

– A former Virginia House of Delegates candidate police say is a well-known advocate for pedophilia was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor charge of harboring a minor after allegedly kidnapping a 12-year-old Fresno, California girl earlier in the day. In mid-October, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Larson met the young girl through social media. Their investigation uncovered a possible cross-country trip by the young girl from Fresno to Virginia to be with the man. Larson was allegedly seen boarding a flight bound for Washington, D.C. with the young girl. According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Larson is a white supremacist and a well-known advocate for pedophilia.

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Bernard Cohen, lawyer who took on mixed marriage laws, dies

Read full article: Bernard Cohen, lawyer who took on mixed marriage laws, dies

A lawyer who won a landmark case that led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of all laws forbidding interracial marriage has died. Bernard S. Cohen was 86. Cohen represented Richard and Mildred Loving, a white man and Black woman who were convicted of illegally cohabiting as man and wife and ordered to leave Virginia for 25 years. The challenge to that conviction resulted in the unanimous landmark 1967 Loving v. Virginia ruling, which declared laws against interracial marriage to be unconstitutional. Cohen later served in Virginia’s House of Delegates for 16 years.

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Virginia Senate approves police reform banning chokeholds, shooting at moving cars and other measures

Read full article: Virginia Senate approves police reform banning chokeholds, shooting at moving cars and other measures

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate approved wide-ranging police reform legislation Thursday that would prohibit the use of chokeholds, restrict no-knock search warrants, and expand the grounds to decertify law enforcement officials who commit misconduct. The legislation, Senate Bill 5030, passed along party lines, and includes many of the measures protesters around the country have called for since the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Democrats hailed it as a landmark achievement they said preserves public safety while promoting civil liberties and addressing urgent needs. Other aspects of the bill would require police to issue warnings before firing weapons and prohibit shooting at moving motor vehicles. Some Republican senators cast the bill passed Thursday as a disaster for police officers that would empower criminals and cost innocent lives.

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Virginia House approves bill to end police immunity

Read full article: Virginia House approves bill to end police immunity

Ibraheem Samirah, a Democrat who voted against the bill on Friday, asked the House to reconsider. Samirah said before the vote Tuesday that he originally voted against the bill because it had been watered down during committee. The immunity bill is one of dozens of criminal justice and police reform bills being considered by the General Assembly during a special session called by Gov. The bill sponsored by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, would restrict access to such criminal records, but would not seal them entirely. The House is expected to take a final vote on the bill later this week.

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Virginia lawmakers approve absentee voting measures

Read full article: Virginia lawmakers approve absentee voting measures

RICHMOND, Va. Virginia lawmakers gave final approval Friday to legislation aimed at making absentee voting easier in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, including having the state prepay postage and provide drop boxes for absentee ballots. Northam, a Democrat, had urged lawmakers to move quickly to approve additional funding for absentee voting, with the presidential election just two months away. States around the country are expecting a big increase in voting by mail because of the ongoing health threat from the coronavirus. Democrats have argued that the pandemic calls for unprecedented action to ensure voting is as easy as possible for every eligible voter. The legislation requires that cities and counties provide the prepaid postage for voters to mail in their absentee ballots, but they will be reimbursed by the state Department of Elections.

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