Virginia
Virginia House approves minimum wage increase, assault weapons ban
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The Virginia House of Delegate has approved two controversial measures: an increase in the minimum wage and a ban on assault weapons.
The bills were two of the top Democratic priorities and the first two bills that were filed in advance of the session.
House Bill 1 would raise Virginia’s minimum wage from $12/hr. to $13.50/hr. on Jan. 1, 2025, and to $15/hr. a year after that.
The bill drew opposition from Republican lawmakers who argued it will hurt employers who are barely getting by, especially in rural parts of the state.
“No Mr. Speaker, this bill won’t affect the Golden Crescent,” said Robert Bloxom Jr. (R-Accomack Co.). “But it will affect the rest of us.”
Supporters said the benefits would be widespread.
“The little increases that you are seeing will have the greatest impact on the majority of the people,” said Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton).
House Bill 2 would ban the sale and possession of assault firearms manufactured after July 1, 2024.
“These are used to protect property owners or to protect people who cannot protect themselves,” said Del. Timothy Griffin (R-Bedford Co.). “You know what I love about firearms is that they’re the great equalizer. It’s a tool that is used to defend people that wouldn’t normally be able to defend themselves.”
“These weapons of war, these weapons designed to put sustained, aimed fire on an enemy, are being used time and again to kill our children,” said Del. Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax).
Both bills passed on a narrow, party line vote.
Similar legislation is also advancing in the State Senate. And with Democratic majorities in both chambers, both bills are expected to pass.
But what happens after that is still unclear.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) hasn’t said if he will veto the bills, but he has told reporters he doesn’t believe either one is needed.
Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON – A winter storm that impacted areas to the south of the Washington, D.C. region on Monday has prompted some school systems to close and delay opening times on Tuesday.
Here are the latest snow closings and delays for Tuesday, December 9.
Stay with the FOX 5 Weather Team for the latest forecast updates and check the updated list of closings and delays. The FOX LOCAL app is your source for live FOX 5 DC weather updates. Click here to download.
Full list of school closings and delays
The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (7News) — A man was killed on Monday evening after being ejected during a rollover crash on the Dulles Greenway, according to Virginia State Police.
Troopers were called to the scene around 4:47 p.m. on Dec. 8 near Exit 6 in Loudoun County.
Investigators said the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Route 267 when it lost control, veered off the right side of the road, and flipped multiple times.
SEE ALSO | Missing Alexandria senior found dead in submerged car in Fairfax County river
The driver, identified as James E. Beach, of Manassas, died at the scene. According to authorities, he was the only person in the vehicle.
State police said speed is being investigated as a possible factor in the crash. The fatal crash is still under investigation.
The final week of the 2025 Virginia high school football season has arrived. The state public championships will take place Saturday.
No. 1 Oscar Smith will play No. 9 North Stafford for the Class 6 state championship at James Madison University. The second match at James Madison University features second-ranked and two-time defending champ Maury against No. 7 Highland Springs in the Class 5 final.
The Class 3 and 4 championship games will be at Liberty University. No. 3 Varina will take on 24th-ranked Loudoun County in the Class 4 match while Lake Taylor plays Kettle Run, which eliminated defending champ Liberty Christian Academy in the semifinals.
The Class 1 and 2 championships will be decided at Salem Stadium. No. 25 Strasburg, which enters the poll after defeating then-No. 21 Poquoson in the semifinals, plays Glenvar. Rappahannock and Rye Cove play for the Class 1 crown.
Here’s this week’s High School on SI Virginia football Top 25:
Previous rank: No. 1
Record: 12-1
Last week: Defeated James Madison, 34-28, Virginia Class 6 state semifinal
This week: vs. No. 9 North Stafford, Virginia Class 6 state final at James Madison University, Dec. 13
Previous rank: No. 2
Record: 13-1
Last week: Defeated No. 4 Stone Bridge, 48-27, Virginia Class 5 state semifinal
This week: vs. No. 7 Highland Springs, Virginia Class 5 state final at James Madison University, Dec. 13
Previous rank: No. 3
Record: 12-2
Last week: Defeated Jefferson Forest, 49-21, Virginia Class 4 state semifinal
This week: vs. No. 24 Loudoun County, Virginia Class 4 state final at Liberty University, Dec. 13
Previous rank: No. 4
Record: 11-2
Last week: Lost to No. 2 Maury, 48-27, Virginia Class 5 state semifinal
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 5 STATE SEMIFINALIST
Previous rank: No. 5
Record: 11-1
SEASON COMPLETE – VISAA DIVISION I CHAMPION
Previous rank: No. 6
Record: 8-1
SEASON COMPLETE
Previous rank: No. 13
Record: 11-3
Last week: Defeated then-No. 7 Indian River, 35-8, Virginia Class 5 state semifinal
This week: vs. No. 2 Maury, Virginia Class 5 state final at James Madison University, Dec. 13
Previous rank: No. 7
Record: 11-3
Last week: Lost to then-No. 13 Highland Springs, 35-8, Virginia Class 5 state semifinal
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 5 STATE SEMIFINALIST
Previous rank: No. 20
Record: 12-2
Last week: Defeated then-No. 19 West Springfield, 19-7, Virginia Class 6 state semifinal
This week: vs. No. 1 Oscar Smith, Virginia Class 6 state final at James Madison University, Dec. 13
Previous rank: No. 8
Record: 11-1
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 5 REGION A FINALIST
Previous rank: No. 9
Record: 11-2
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 4 REGION B FINALIST
Previous rank: No. 10
Record: 11-2
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 5 REGiON B FINALIST
Previous rank: No. 11
Record: 11-1
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 4 REGION B SEMIFINALIST
Previous rank: No. 12
Record: 9-2
SEASON COMPLETE – VISAA DIVISION I FINALIST
Previous rank: No. 14
Record: 11-1
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 5 REGION D FINALIST
Previous rank: No. 16
Record: 11-1
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 4 REGION B SEMIFINALIST
Previous rank: No. 17
Record: 7-2
SEASON COMPLETE
Previous rank: No. 18
Record: 9-2
SEASON COMPLETE – VISAA DIVISION II CHAMPION
Previous rank: No. 19
Record: 10-3
Last week: Lost to then-No. 20 North Stafford, 19-7, Virginia Class 6 state semifinal
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 6 STATE SEMIFINALIST
Previous rank: No. 22
Record: 10-2
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 6 REGION A FINALIST
Previous rank: No. 23
Record: 11-2
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 6 REGION B FINALIST
Previous rank: No. 24
Record: 10-2
SEASON COMPLETE – VIRGINIA CLASS 6 REGION B SEMIFINALIST
Previous rank: Not ranked
Record: 12-1
Last week: Defeated then-No. 15 Lafayette, 25-23, Virginia Class 4 state semifinal
This week: vs. No. 3 Varina, Virginia Class 4 state final at Liberty University at Liberty University, Dec. 13
Previous rank: Not ranked
Record: 12-1
Last week: Defeated then-No. 21 Poquoson, 31-10, Virginia Class 2 state semiffinal
This week: vs. Glenvar. Virginia Class 2 state final at Salem Stadium, Dec. 13
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