Guns
U.S. Supreme Court considers Biden administration regulation of ‘ghost guns’
WASHINGTON — U.S. Supreme Court justices Tuesday grappled with whether the Biden administration exceeded its authority when it set regulations for kits that can be assembled into untraceable firearms, and a majority of justices seemed somewhat skeptical the rule was an overreach. In Garland v. VanDerStok, the nine justices are tasked with determining whether a rule issued […]
After recent school shootings, Virginia NAACP wants more social media education
In the aftermath of the recent school shooting in Winder, Georgia, that left four students and teachers dead, and the threats of violence made online in various Virginia school districts, the NAACP Virginia State Conference has pushed for increased action on social media education, mental health services and a renewed commitment to addressing racism and […]
Where do Virginia congressional candidates in key districts stand on top policy issues?
As Election Day draws closer, The Mercury asked candidates in four key Virginia congressional races — Districts 2, 7, 9 and 10 — to share their views and policy plans on the issues that most impact the commonwealth, and reviewed their positions on their campaign websites, social media pages, and in other media. Read their […]
Today’s students practice running for their lives
A 6-year-old girl lost one of her white Adidas lace-up sneakers as she and her 21 classmates practiced fleeing for their lives after an imaginary intruder entered their school. The girl’s teacher told her to keep moving without her shoe, then grabbed it herself and gave it back to the girl when the class settled […]
US surgeon general declares gun violence ‘a public health crisis’
By Rachana Pradhan and Fred Clasen-Kelly U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared firearm violence a public health crisis, as gun deaths and injuries punctuate daily life in America. On nearly every day of 2024 so far, a burst of gunfire has hit at least four people somewhere in the country. Some days, communities have endured four or […]
U.S. Supreme Court upholds law that prevents domestic abusers from owning guns
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court Friday upheld a federal law that bars people subject to domestic violence restraining orders from owning a firearm. In an 8-1 decision on United States v. Rahimi, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the opinion that “our Nation’s firearm laws have included provisions preventing individuals who threaten physical harm […]
Swing-state legislatures diverge on election-year gun measures
Read more Stateline coverage of the 2024 election. States continued to diverge on gun policy this year, with especially intense debate in the swing states that will decide November’s election. In Michigan, legislators are considering at least half a dozen gun bills that would create storage requirements and establish gun-free zones. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are still debating […]
Virginia lawmakers send more than 30 gun bills to skeptical governor
As Virginia General Assembly members and employees showed up to one of the final workdays of the legislative session, the perennial debate over guns got violently real. An unknown perpetrator fatally shot a man at the “Government Center” bus stop between Richmond City Hall and Capitol Square, causing a brief lockdown on the second-to-last day […]
A safer Virginia Capitol and a stronger democracy: progress that needs protection
I’ve been advocating at the Virginia General Assembly since the Virginia Tech mass shooting in 2007. Now, more than 15 years later, it is a pleasure to enjoy the modern facilities and amenities of Virginia’s new legislative office building, commonly known as the GAB (General Assembly building). As I walk across the Capitol grounds and […]
Va. Senate passes bill creating $500 fine for leaving handguns visible in vehicles
In an attempt to stem what Democratic lawmakers say is an epidemic of guns being stolen from vehicles, the Virginia Senate passed legislation Thursday that would create a $500 civil penalty for firearm owners who leave handguns on a car seat or other areas visible to passersby. The legislation, one of the first gun control […]
A court fight to hold Richmond Public Schools to account shows strong journalism lives
It was astonishing governmental arrogance by any measure. What legitimate grounds could Richmond Public Schools assert for withholding a report on an independent, third-party review of a deadly shooting at commencement ceremonies for Huguenot High School graduates last summer? The only reason I could imagine for denying public access to the findings of a probe […]
Virginia Democrats press major new gun control measures despite GOP opposition
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s assertion this month that the state’s gun laws are already strong enough for his liking isn’t deterring Democrats from moving forward with major proposals limiting access to firearms. Policymaking committees in both chambers of the General Assembly have started to advance significant gun control bills while defeating Republican efforts to repeal […]