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Background checks for private firearm sales not happening, one month after bill’s emergency enactment
The governor’s office and Virginia State Police have said they’re working to implement the bill, but neither will provide a timeline for when the background checks will resume, or details as to why the checks are not yet happening.
Politics
Notes from the Square: What a week, Virginia
Catch up on the news from Richmond, including a recap of the governor’s vetoes and where the state budget stands (or doesn’t).
Local
Martinsville residents can comment on the $122 million city budget at Tuesday council meeting
The spending plan for 2026-27 includes tax and fee increases, along with spending cuts.
Culture
American Aquarium, Rhonda Vincent among headliners for this year’s Floyd Small Town Summer series
Local acts Hoppie Vaughan & the Ministers of Soul and JStop Latin Soul also will be featured, along with family-friendly movies on some nights.
education
Roanoke school division reconsidering online platform after recent data breach
A cyberattack left the platform offline for days and thousands of students’ information exposed.
eCONOMY
Southwest Virginia needs to solve its housing shortage if it wants economic growth, new jobs, governor says
Later in the day, the governor attended two health-related events in Abingdon.
OPinion
Maxey: Civility at Kroger check out
Small acts of civility lead to lessened conflict and more harmony, contributing to a world where confrontations are diminished.
Health Care
The Pulse: UVa researchers make new discoveries into why cancer relapses
Plus: Plans for a home-away-from-home for patients and caregivers in Roanoke, Virginia smoking rates tick upward.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: Virginia Tech board to vote on creating LLC for athletics
From elsewhere: Lynchburg City Council uncomfortable with more Flock cameras. Justices say they have secured financing to pay off loans at heart of Greenbrier dispute. American Airlines launches new direct flight to Chicago from Tri-Cities.
Sports
‘Martinsville Missile’ sets a new land speed record for a stock car
With a Henry County driver behind the wheel, the car designed and built in Martinsville broke the record of 244.9 mph with a top speed of 253 mph.
WEATHER
Price for some drought relief may be showery Memorial Day weekend
Temperatures will cool down from early week record highs as we see an extended period of shower chances unlike any we’ve seen in many months.
Cardinal 250
One of Virginia’s most eccentric patriots was John Sinclair, a government-sanctioned pirate
Privateers were an important component of the American war effort. They were something akin to government-sanctioned pirates — armed vessels that chased down and confiscated the cargo of civilian enemy merchant ships. The techniques privateers employed wouldn’t pass muster today. They’d often approach a ship under a false flag and captain and crew would get…
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