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Virginia

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Rabies confirmed in wildlife across four Virginia counties in early 2026
local55 minutes ago

Rabies confirmed in wildlife across four Virginia counties in early 2026

During Q1 2026, rabid wildlife was confirmed in Culpeper (one bat, one skunk), Fauquier (three raccoons, one skunk), Madison (one skunk) and Orange (one cat, one skunk) in Virginia's Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District; no human exposures were reported. Rabies is common in Virginia wildlife, and statewide rabies positives totaled 117 in the first quarter. Officials urge avoiding wild animals, keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccines, and reporting unusual animal behavior to local animal control.

via WSET|
#local#rabies#raccoons
Body of Virginia teacher found in Peruvian Andes after monthlong disappearance
world9 days ago

Body of Virginia teacher found in Peruvian Andes after monthlong disappearance

The body of Ian Treger, a 29-year-old Virginia teacher who vanished during a 10‑day hiking trip near Cusco, Peru, has been found buried near a hiking trail in the Peruvian Andes more than a month after he disappeared. Local authorities say foul play is not suspected and describe the death as a hiking accident; Treger’s backpack, camera gear, wallet and iPhone were found near the body. Treger’s family, which launched a GoFundMe and traveled to Peru to help with the search, mourns the loss and awaits further investigation.

via New York Post|
#death#hiking#missing-persons
July 1 Brings Broad Policy Shifts Across VA, MD, and D.C.
politics10 days ago

July 1 Brings Broad Policy Shifts Across VA, MD, and D.C.

July 1 kicks off a wide wave of new laws across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., covering topics from Virginia’s law on law‑enforcement masks and cooperation with ICE to protections for immigrant workers and automatic sealing of many low‑level criminal records; Virginia’s assault‑weapons ban faces a court injunction, and new speed‑control devices will be mandatory for drivers who reach 100 mph. Other changes include contraception coverage, renter‑payment protections, Maryland’s bell‑to‑bell school cellphone policy by 2027–28, free menstrual products on college campuses, cocktails‑to‑go in Baltimore County, civically engaged excused absences for students, a racehorse‑slaughter ban, and lottery‑debt withholding; D.C. raises the minimum wage to $18.40 with tipped‑wage adjustments.

via WTOP|
#dc#legislation#maryland
Virginia judge halts assault weapons ban days before it takes effect
law-and-courts15 days ago

Virginia judge halts assault weapons ban days before it takes effect

A Lancaster County Circuit Judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking Virginia’s new assault weapons ban from taking effect July 1, finding the plaintiffs are likely to succeed under the Virginia Constitution and applying the Bruen framework. The injunction, which keeps enforcement paused through December 31 or until a final order, allows one plaintiff to proceed after a standing finding; the case involves Gun Owners of America, the Virginia Citizens Defense League and John Crump, and the commonwealth has signaled an appeal, while similar relief is being sought by the NRA in another county.

via Courthouse News|
#assault-weapons-ban#gun-control#injunction
Virginia Recall: Morningstar Farms Chik’n Nuggets and Sausage Patties Pulled for Plastic Contamination
health17 days ago

Virginia Recall: Morningstar Farms Chik’n Nuggets and Sausage Patties Pulled for Plastic Contamination

Morningstar Farms has voluntarily recalled two frozen plant-based products nationwide, including Virginia stores, due to possible plastic contamination. The Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets (10.5 oz) and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties (8 oz) have best-by dates July 5–8 and UPCs 000 28989 10110 5 and 000 28989 10094 8. Consumers who bought them should discard the products and contact Morningstar Farms for refunds. The FDA published the recall; Morningstar did not specify the contamination source.

via Patch|
#food-safety#frozen-foods#health
Two missing Virginia giraffes found safe after zoo investigation
us-news19 days ago

Two missing Virginia giraffes found safe after zoo investigation

Two baby giraffes that vanished from the Natural Bridge Zoo in Virginia in 2025 were located safe during an extensive investigation and have been placed in a professional facility for medical and behavioral care. The Natural Bridge Zoo has a history of legal trouble, including a 2023 animal-cruelty probe that led to seizures of nearly 100 animals and the arrest of co-owner Gretchen Mogensen. Births occurred around April 2025 but the newborns disappeared, prompting further scrutiny. A reward offered by Alicia Silverstone is noted in the report, and Virginia prosecutors emphasize accountability and public safety in resolving the case.

via New York Post|
#animal-cruelty#animal-rescue#giraffes
politics19 days ago

Abortion Ballot Measures Could Put GOP Candidates on the Spot in Key States

Voters in Virginia, Nevada, Idaho and Missouri will weigh abortion-rights ballot measures that could force Republican candidates to address the issue in the fall, while Democrats hope the questions boost turnout and help flip districts. GOP officials largely avoid the topic, provoking anger from anti-abortion groups, as major advocacy outfits plan and spend tens of millions to influence outcomes. Past referendums have mixed results, but organizers say abortion access remains a potent midterm driver that could reshape campaigns this year.

via Politico|
#abortion#ballot-measures#midterms
Giraffe calves recovered after year-long disappearance at Virginia's Natural Bridge Zoo
world19 days ago

Giraffe calves recovered after year-long disappearance at Virginia's Natural Bridge Zoo

Two baby giraffes missing from Virginia's Natural Bridge Zoo were found safe and are now in the care of a professional giraffe facility, months after investigators seized nearly 100 animals from the zoo in an abuse probe; four zoo co-owners face misdemeanor charges, and authorities say 95 animals were seized with 28 dead, though no details were released about how or where the giraffes were located.

via The Independent|
#animals#giraffes#missing
Virginia sets timetable for phased legal cannabis market by 2027
politics24 days ago

Virginia sets timetable for phased legal cannabis market by 2027

Virginia leaders announced a negotiated plan to launch a phased, 350-location retail cannabis marketplace by July 1, 2027, with a state tax starting at 6% and rising to 8% by 2029, and local jurisdictions allowed to add 1-3.5%. The package includes a 2-ounce per-transaction limit, up to 100 microbusiness licenses by May 1, 2027, strict testing and youth-protection measures, and revenue earmarked for childcare, education, and behavioral health; the plan ties to the state budget after vetoes and aims for a balanced rollout overseen by the Cannabis Control Authority.

via WTOP|
#budget#cannabis#legislation
Virginia sets 2027 start for regulated cannabis market with phased licensing
politics24 days ago

Virginia sets 2027 start for regulated cannabis market with phased licensing

Virginia negotiators reached a budget deal to legalize and regulate a retail cannabis market, opening July 1, 2027, with a 6% tax (rising to 8% after 2029), up to 350 licenses phased in, up to 100 microbusiness licenses by May 1, 2027, and 75% of first-year license revenue directed to the Cannabis Equity Business Loan Fund to aid equity-focused entrepreneurs; enforcement aims to curb the illicit market, protect youth, and support small businesses, while localities can add 1–3.5% tax.

via WTVR.com|
#cannabis#equity#legalization
Virginia Strikes Budget Deal to Legalize Recreational Cannabis by 2027
politics25 days ago

Virginia Strikes Budget Deal to Legalize Recreational Cannabis by 2027

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and lawmakers unveiled a negotiated budget plan to legalize adult‑use cannabis sales, setting a July 1, 2027 launch, a 2‑ounce purchase limit, and a broad regulatory framework overseen by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. The package includes a 6% excise tax plus 5.3% state/local sales taxes (with local option up to 3.5%), rising the excise tax to 8% by 2029, and a civil penalty for public consumption of $250 (effective July 1, 2027). It would permit up to about 350 stores, end local opt‑outs for cannabis operations, and direct revenue to the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund and public health initiatives, with provisions on licensing, hemp oversight, and potential on‑site consumption ideas under study. Advocates say the deal moves Virginia toward a regulated market, though some penalties drew concerns.

via Marijuana Moment|
#budget#cannabis#legalization
Storm-torn tent collapse at Virginia church anniversary leaves 1 dead, 22 injured
nation28 days ago

Storm-torn tent collapse at Virginia church anniversary leaves 1 dead, 22 injured

A large outdoor tent collapsed during EastLake Community Church’s 20th anniversary service in Moneta, Virginia, as severe weather swept through, killing one person and injuring 22 others. The roughly 21,000-square-foot tent had passed inspection days earlier and fell when wind gusts from a severe storm cell struck, prompting rapid rescue efforts by first responders as attendees were evacuated and the injured were treated.

via USA Today|
#casualties#church#nation
Spanberger's vetoes strain Virginia Democrats' unity
politics28 days ago

Spanberger's vetoes strain Virginia Democrats' unity

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, has vetoed 31 bills passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, blocking high-profile priorities like public employee collective bargaining and a cannabis sales framework. The move has sparked public frustration from labor groups and progressive lawmakers and exposed tensions within Virginia’s Democratic Party between a centrist governing style and more progressive aims. Spanberger defends the vetoes as part of governance and implementation, while critics warn of dysfunction and late-stage decisionmaking. A looming budget fight adds to the pressure as lawmakers seek a new biennial plan.

via Virginia Mercury|
#democrats#governance#politics