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Virginia House approves minimum wage increase, assault weapons ban

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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.

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“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.”

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“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.

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Events this Weekend in Virginia's Blue Ridge

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Events this Weekend in Virginia's Blue Ridge


Things to Do This Weekend in Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Looking for a guide to the events happening this weekend in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge? We’ve got you covered!

Jump straight to the list of this weekend’s events >

Whether it’s a major festival, great live music, art show, outdoor activities, sporting events, or any of the other fun events happening in the region, this list will help you make the most of the weekend in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

This page highlights events taking place from Friday – Sunday in the Roanoke Valley. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive list of things going on, refer to our main Calendar of Events.

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This list is geared to our weekend warriors – who make the most of every opportunity to be a #Trailsetter!

When you’re not enjoying an event, check out many of the other great things to do in the area, such as an outdoor adventure, visiting a local museum, or checking in at a few spots on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. We even have information on hotels & places to stay, as well as restaurants, to help you have an awesome weekend!

You can also follow us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter to find out more about what’s going on in the region.

Download our special VBR Savings Pass to get exclusive deals and specials at local businesses.

Here’s to having a fantastic weekend in Virginia’s Blue Ridge!

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NOTE: While we do our best to keep this list updated, times, dates, and event information is subject to change. Please contact the venue and/or event host directly if you have questions about specific events.



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Virginia falls to Clemson in ACC Quarterfinal

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Virginia falls to Clemson in ACC Quarterfinal


DURHAM, N.C. – The Virginia softball team loss in the quarterfinals round of the ACC Championship to Clemson 8-1.

The TIgers got on the board in the first inning as Valerie Cagle delivered a bases-loaded single through the left side to bring a run home and keep the bases loaded. The Hoos would record three straight outs to get out of the jam down only 1-0. The Tigers added a second run in the second inning as a single followed by back-to-back wild pitches and a walk put runners at the corners with one out. A single through the right side following a Cavalier pitching change brought the run home , but again the Hoos limited the inning to one run.

Virginia got on the board in the fourth with an RBI single up the middle from Sarah Coon. The Hoos got two on with a bunt single from Abby Weaver and Shelby Barbee was hit by pitch. Coon then drove a ball back up the middle to score Weaver from second and cut the lead to 2-1. Clemson pushed three runs home in the fifth, using a sac fly followed by a two-out, two-RBI single from Alex Brown taking the lead out to 5-1. The Tigers then added three more runs in the seventh, beginning with an RBI double from McKenzie Clark before Valerie Cagle drove in two more with a single up the middle.

Courtney Layne (3-2) suffered the loss, allowing two runs on two hits with two walks and a strikeout in 1.1 innings of work. She was the first of three pitchers used on the afternoon. Regan Spencer (10-3) picked up the win, allowing one run on two hits with a walk and three strikeouts in a complete-game effort.

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Virginia budget negotiators, Youngkin strike deal on spending plan

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Virginia budget negotiators, Youngkin strike deal on spending plan


RICHMOND — General Assembly negotiators and Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) have reached a deal on the state budget, agreeing to use several hundred million dollars in excess state revenue to pay for spending priorities favored by the General Assembly without resorting to the tax expansion opposed by the governor.

“We have a budget!” House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian (D-Prince William) said Thursday afternoon after meetings between lawmakers and Youngkin. The full document will be made public Saturday morning and still has to be approved by the legislature in a special session next week.



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