VA DMV launches cannabis-impaired driving campaign

commercial license renewal

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched its first-ever campaign focused on the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving.

The campaign encourages Virginians to make the safe choice: if you get high to relax, relax – don’t drive high.

DMV officials are reminding drivers that cannabis and other impairing substances can affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Drivers are urged to take a few simple steps: If you’ve consumed any impairing substance, don’t drive.

Instead, call a rideshare service, get a ride from a sober friend, or plan a sober ride home ahead of time.

And if you know someone who is impaired, don’t let them get behind the wheel.

DMV says making the safe choice can help prevent crashes and keep Virginia roads safer.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

New laws for July 1st

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Several new Virginia laws take effect July first, bringing changes that could affect many residents.

The new Clean Slate Act will allow eligible misdemeanor and some low-level felony records to be automatically sealed.

This will help more Virginians qualify for jobs and housing.

Job seekers will also benefit from new workplace rules.

Many employers will now have to include salary ranges in job postings and will no longer be allowed to ask applicants about their salary history.

For drivers, judges can now require certain repeat reckless driving offenders to install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles.

And beginning July first, all remaining food vendors across Virginia must stop using Styrofoam takeout containers as the state’s environmental ban expands statewide.

Most of the new laws take effect Tuesday, although some enforcement provisions will be phased in over time.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Try it, you will be hooked!

Whether you’re chasing stripers along the coast or casting for trout in the mountains, or just enjoying your favorite fishing spot, now is the perfect time to experience the fun of fishing in Virginia!

Today and tomorrow (June 6th & 7th), anglers can fish without purchasing a fishing license during Virginia’s Free Fishing Days.

It’s a great opportunity to introduce a family member or friend to the sport and spend time outdoors together.

During Free Fishing Days:

  • No fishing license is required for recreational rod-and-reel fishing.
  • No facility permits are needed.
  • Fishing is permitted on stocked trout waters, including 2,900+ miles of trout streams and many lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.

Please remember that all fishing regulations, including size limits, seasons, catch limits, and gear restrictions, remain in effect.

Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) fishing areas will still require applicable fees.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Box Tree Moth quarantine

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced a Box Tree Moth quarantine for Clarke and Frederick counties and the City of Winchester.

Box tree moth is an invasive insect that poses a serious threat to boxwood plants.

Its caterpillars feed aggressively and can completely strip plants of their leaves, eventually killing them.

The pest is native to East Asia and was first detected in the United States in New York in 2021.

Inspectors first found box tree moth at several sites in the areas in July and August of this year.

All known sites were treated during the summer and fall.

Follow-up surveys show the moth has continued to spread and is now established in the region.

The quarantine is intended to slow the movement of the insect into new areas.

It restricts the transport of boxwood plants out of the quarantined locations unless a permit or compliance agreement is obtained from VDACS.

These agreements let businesses self-certify plants by inspecting for box tree moth, monitoring traps, applying treatments, and notifying recipients when shipping outside the quarantine zone.

Permits and agreements are available at no cost.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected box tree moth damage using VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.

More information is available through the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

UVA warns of a powerful drug making its way to VA

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The University of Virginia School of Medicine is warning that a powerful drug is making its way into Virginia.

Veterinary sedative medetomidine is increasingly appearing in illegal drugs across the country, creating new health risks for users.

While it has been found in drugs like heroin and cocaine, those using fentanyl are particularly at risk of exposure.

Medetomidine, a non-opioid animal sedative, poses serious dangers because of its powerful effects.

Ingesting it can cause a significant drop in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

This is especially dangerous when combined with opioids, which also suppress the respiratory system.

Reported cases have appeared in major cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, and experts believe the substance may have already reached other areas, including Virginia.

A key challenge is that medetomidine does not show up on standard drug tests, making it difficult to track its spread and impact.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Miyares leads coalition for veteran education benefits

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares led a bipartisan coalition of 51 other attorneys general in an effort to support military veterans and their families who were denied full G.I. Bill education benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The amicus brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Court is focused on Virginian and 24 year Army veteran Lieutenant Colonel Paul Yoon.

LTC Yoon claimed his educational benefits blocked from being transferred to his daughter.

The attorneys general claim the VA’s refusal to provide full education benefits contradicts the Supreme Court ruling of Rudisill v. McDonough which gave veterans who qualify 48 months of combined education benefits based on length of service.

Miyares said, “Our veterans kept their promise to defend our nation. The federal government has a legal and moral obligation to keep its promise to them.”

To read the full announcement, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

New VA law creates crime for distributing Fentanyl that leads to death

In Richmond on Friday, June 13th, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a new law aimed at curbing the deadly impact of fentanyl in Virginia (VA).

Senate Bill 746, sponsored by Senator Ryan McDougle, creates a new crime of involuntary manslaughter for anyone who knowingly manufactures, sells, or distributes drugs containing fentanyl, if that sale results in someone’s death.

Governor Youngkin called it a “crucial step” in Virginia’s effort to hold fentanyl dealers accountable. The new law is part of a larger four-part strategy by the Youngkin administration to combat the opioid crisis.

That plan includes:

  • Disrupting drug trafficking operations.
  • Increasing penalties for dealers.
  • Educating communities about the risks of fentanyl.
  • And providing tools like naloxone to reverse overdoses

Through Operation FREE, authorities have already seized nearly 800 pounds of fentanyl, with a street value approaching $4 billion.

And since 2022, more than 388,000 doses of naloxone have been distributed across Virginia, along with training for nearly 100,000 people on how to use it.

Senate Bill 746 officially takes aim at those profiting from fentanyl and the lives lost in its wake.

Virginia’s message is clear: if you sell fentanyl and someone dies, you’ll face serious consequences.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

VSP updates this week’s operations

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

The Virginia State Police (VSP) from March 20 to March 27, 2025, in partnership with federal and local agencies, successfully conducted multiple criminal operations across the Commonwealth.

Their coordinated efforts resulted in the recovery of firearms, the seizure of significant amounts of
narcotics, and the investigation of various criminal activities.

Key Operation Highlights:

  • Firearms Recovery:
    • 19 firearms were recovered, with an estimated total value of $14,000.
      Narcotics Seizures:
    • A total of 91.7 pounds of narcotics were seized, along with 76 controlled substance pills.
  • The total denied revenue from these seized narcotics is approximately $2.7 million.
  • Breakdown of narcotics recovered:
    • Cocaine: 9.77 pounds
    • Crack Cocaine: 0.25 ounces
    • Marijuana: 8.50 pounds
    • Methamphetamine: 66.35 pounds
    • Oxycontin Pills: 12
    • Fentanyl Pills: 64
  • Explosive Device Seized:
    •  One explosive device was safely seized and neutralized by authorities.
      Gaming Enforcement:
    • 8 new gaming-related tips were received, bringing the total to 1,400 tips to date.
  • Human Trafficking Investigations:
    • 12 new human trafficking tips were received, contributing to a total of 779 tips so far this year.
    • Investigations: 198 cases being investigated or under review.
    •  Individual investigative activities: 2,602
    •  Victims identified and offered services: 62

The Virginia State Police continue to prioritize public safety by working in close coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.

These efforts contribute to disrupting criminal enterprises, removing illegal substances and weapons from communities, and supporting the Governor’s initiatives aimed at combating violent crime.

By maintaining a strong law enforcement presence, the Virginia State Police remain dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of all Virginians.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Virginia The First State In South To Ban Child Marriage

Virginia has become the first state in the south to ban child marriage.

This new law goes into effect July 1st, and will close the loophole that has allowed minors sixteen or older to marry if a court has declared them a legal adult through emancipation.

This law establishes the minimum age of 18 to marry with zero exceptions.

Virginia is the 12th state to completely ban child marriage.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here