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From artificial intelligence to zoos, here’s what happened to some of the key bills in Richmond
Here’s the status of some of the main pieces of legislation.
Politics
The 2026 General Assembly session wraps with no budget, special session on the horizon
The legislature will reconvene April 23 to deal with the budget. Among the bills that passed on the final day: Cannabis sales legalized, “skill” games legalized, task force to study VMI established, collective bargaining for state employees authorized.
Local
Industrial growth in Danville puts energy supply on city council’s agenda
The Danville City Council will consider three energy-related items, in the wake of major economic development announcements, at its Tuesday meeting.
Culture
Only 13 of the nearly 100 known lynching sites in Virginia have historic markers. A new state program seeks to change that.
The General Assembly allocated $76,008 to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to cover the costs of 15 new markers at or near the sites of lynchings.
education
Roanoke City School Board approves preliminary budget in preparation of cuts
The school board’s budget is not final and does not yet detail cuts to programs or personnel that will need to be made in the upcoming fiscal year, but it did include 2% raises for RCPS employees.
eCONOMY
Cardinal Commerce Notes: Elbit nets $120M contract, Appalachian Power reps at upcoming home shows, Virginia seeks coal methane capture ideas
Get up to speed on recent business happenings.
OPinion
Russia apprehends former Salem man at sea, sentences him to 5 years in prison
Chuck Zimmerman, a 1985 Salem High School graduate, was sailing to New Zealand when the Russians picked him up in international waters on a side trip into the Black Sea. Those who follow Russia say it’s common practice for the country to “collect” Americans and then trade them in prisoner swaps.
Health Care
Budget bill could cap Medicaid payments for adult dental services
Dentists warn that a $2,000 annual limit would halt treatment plans and worsen access to care in a region already short on providers.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: With addition of Petersburg casino, Virginia’s gaming revenues top record in February
From elsewhere: Sen. Mark Warner files for reelection. Forensic audit reveals problems with Halifax County finances. Study released to expand Mendota Trail into Bristol.
Sports
VHSL basketball: Abingdon girls win state title, Salem girls come up short
Also winning state titles Saturday were the John Handley boys and the Petersburg boys. Full list of state championship winners, scores and box scores.
WEATHER
Gusty winds knock out power for over 100,000 in Virginia
A dynamic storm system was not as prolific with tornadoes as expected in Virginia, but brought heavier snow than anticipated to much of Southwest Virginia.
Cardinal 250
An army of ghosts haunts Prince Edward County history
Local legend says that 70 French soldiers from the Revolutionary War are buried at Kingsville. But were they really? Historians dig into the story to separate fact from folklore.
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