Monday, March 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1751, the fourth president of the United States, James Madison, was born in Port Conway. Madison helped draft Virginia's first constitution and contributed to the Virginia Declaration of Rights before becoming the "Father of the Constitution" in 1787.

Capt. Rebecca Jenkins of the Stanley Police Department is set to make history after being promoted to police chief this week, becoming the first woman to hold that position anywhere in Page County.

Jenkins said she will be transparent with town residents. "Sometimes that means saying what isn't necessarily the most popular answer, but I will be honest, I will be direct, and I will be professional," she said.

How important is it to you that police departments are open and transparent? Hit reply to give us your take.

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Protesters Oppose Gun Bill

Gun rights advocates rallied at the state Capitol this weekend to call on Gov. Abigail Spanberger to veto Senate Bill 749, which would ban the sale of "assault firearms" and ban the sale of magazines holding more than 15 rounds beginning July 1.

"When they say that we're not responsible enough to stand on our own, that we're not responsible enough to handle ourselves and the defense of ourselves, and that we need to leave everything up to the government, that is how we tiptoe into a police state," organizer Micah Goodman said.

As part of the protest, advocates distributed high-capacity magazines to rally attendees. Spanberger is reviewing the legislation.

Gun shops reported brisk sales as customers sought to beat the potential enactment of the law. "I'd say we're selling eight to ten times as many firearms each day as we were prior to this session starting," the owner of a Roanoke County gun shop said.

ODU Reopens After Shooting

Old Dominion University will reopen for employees this morning after being closed since Thursday's shooting on campus. Students are off on spring break this week.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Army National Guardsman, yelled out "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire in an ROTC class last week, killing Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and wounding two others before students subdued and killed him. Jalloh had been released from prison in 2024 after serving time for attempting to support the terrorist group ISIS.

Federal authorities charged Kenya Chapman, 32, of Smithfield, who had allegedly stolen the gun used in the attack, with dealing in firearms without a license when he sold it to Jalloh. The weapon's serial number had been partially obliterated.

The victim was remembered as a hero. "Above all else, Lt. Col. Shah embodied what it means to be a devoted family man, a revered leader, and heroic protector even in his final moments," ODU President Brian Hemphill said. "He was a shining example for his students and all Monarchs."

Monday Storm Warnings

A late-winter storm is forecast to move across the Commonwealth today, potentially triggering dangerous weather. Storms are expected to develop in the mountains around noon and then move across central Virginia through the afternoon.

"While damaging straight-line winds are the most likely severe weather hazard, a few tornadoes, including the possibility of an especially intense tornado, cannot be ruled out, especially from near the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metro areas through Virginia and into North Carolina," a meteorologist warned.

Further east, the cold front is expected to trigger severe thunderstorms in the Tidewater region. Be alert throughout the day for thunderstorm watches or warnings, as well as tornado warnings.

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➤ Centreville: Fairfax County police released a sketch of the man who is suspected of breaking into four homes, including at least two while he was "fully nude." (See Sketch)

➤ Henrico: Police broke up a disturbance and made one arrest at Short Pump Mall after reports of a "large group of patrons actively fighting." No shots were fired in the incident, and no injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Daleville: Republican Rep. Ben Cline spoke at a rally to oppose the redistricting referendum that Virginia voters are considering. "Botetourt County is where this referendum is going to either pass or fail," Cline said. (Details)

➤ Roanoke: The federal judges in the Western District of Virginia announced they will not act to name a replacement for Acting U.S. Attorney Robert Tracci after his term expires this week. The courts will wait for a presidentially-nominated appointee. (More)

➤ Fairfax County: Lawmakers passed a bill that would allow the building of a casino in Tysons if local voters agree to it in a referendum. The proposal goes to Gov. Abigail Spanberger for approval, veto, or amendment. (More)

➤ New Kent: Incredibolt surged to victory in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, topping a field of 10 3-year-old horses. The win makes the thoroughbred a contender for May's Kentucky Derby. (Details)

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➤ VCU knocked off Dayton 70-62 to capture the Atlantic 10 men's basketball championship and an automatic NCAA tournament bid. The Rams will be a No. 11 seed and face North Carolina in the opening round on Thursday. (More)

➤ UVA, the ACC runner-up in men's basketball, will be a No. 3 seed and face Wright State in the NCAA tournament on Friday. (Bracket)

➤ Four Virginia teams qualified for the women's NCAA basketball tournament. JMU won the Sun Belt and will face Kentucky as a No. 12 seed, while Virginia Tech is a No. 9 seed, UVA is a No. 10 seed, and Richmond is a No. 11 seed. (Bracket)

➤ Virginia Tech baseball salvaged a win yesterday over UVA, 6-3. The Cavaliers, ranked No. 14, took two of three games in the Commonwealth Clash series. (Details)

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➤ The FAA ordered ground stops at Dulles, Reagan National, and Richmond International Airports on Friday after reports of a strong chemical smell—traced to an overheated circuit board—shut down a radar facility in Warrenton. (Details)

➤ Katie Cristol resigned as CEO of Tysons Community Alliance after less than three years on the job. She announced she is "departing to pursue other opportunities." (More)

➤ Electra, headquartered in Manassas, was tapped to take part in the inaugural Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program. (Details)

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➤ The family of 26-year-old Naomi Kiesow gathered to thank the Virginia Beach Fire Department crew that rescued her after a harrowing car accident this month. "You saved her life and made sure she wasn't paralyzed, all in under 19 minutes," her father told firefighters. (Details)

➤ KelRae Farm of Toano will host a launch event when it joins the Virginia Fresh Match Program on March 26. (More)

➤ Some energy analysts said power bills in the Commonwealth and nationwide are rising due to population growth, the proliferation of electronic devices in homes, and the expansion of energy-intensive industries such as data centers. (Details)

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