Newslinks

“A newly introduced bill for Virginia’s 2026 legislative session would prohibit most law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing official duties,” 13NewsNow reported. The bill defines “facial covering” broadly — including opaque masks, balaclavas, tactical or ski masks, gaiters or any item concealing a substantial portion of the face — and bans them unless one of several narrow exceptions applies.

Under HB 7, officers who violate the prohibition could face serious consequences. The bill authorizes disciplinary action (including dismissal, suspension, demotion, transfer, or decertification), establishes a Class 1 misdemeanor for unauthorized face-covering use (unless the employing agency has a written policy allowing it), and enables civil lawsuits — allowing a person injured by misconduct of an officer knowingly wearing a prohibited covering to sue for damages, with sovereign immunity waived.

The survey comes as national polls show similar restraint, with Gallup and Deloitte reporting flat or declining holiday budgets across the U.S. The Roanoke College survey points to price pressures and a softening job market as factors shaping household expectations.

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“I developed an idea to establish an impactful platform with an important mission,” The Center Square reported, “to provide individuals from the foster care community the ability to secure an entry level job position and in turn, financial independence.”

“Each year, more than 15,000 young people age out of the foster care system and unfortunately, too many struggle to become self-sufficient,” said President Donald Trump. “The order I will sign in a few moments will provide vital new resources to help young people transition out of the foster care system and live a very happy and a very successful life.”

“The White House is committed to making that happen,” The Center Square reported. “We are currently exploring all legal options to get that done.”

“The president made it clear that he wants to make it happen, so his team of economic advisers is looking into it,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt added.

“This resolution is about empowering communities to choose governance that truly reflects their values and needs,” State Sen. Chris Rose announced. “West Virginia was born from the spirit of self-determination, and we’re extending that invitation to our neighbors who share our way of life. By uniting, we can foster economic growth, better infrastructure, and a stronger voice for Appalachia.”

The Senate Resolution, introduced November 5, 2025, invites 21 Virginia counties—including Augusta, Lee, Rockingham, and Wise—and three Maryland counties to explore joining West Virginia. The proposal cites shared Appalachian heritage, rural traditions, and values centered on individual liberties and local governance.

“The verdict sends a message that what happened at the school was wrong and is not going to be tolerated, that safety has to be the first concern at school,” attorney Diane Toscano said after a jury awarded $10 million to former teacher Abby Zwerner, The Associated Press reported. “I think it’s a great message.”

The jury found former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker liable for failing to act on repeated warnings that a 6-year-old student had a gun before shooting Zwerner in January 2023. “Who would think a 6-year-old would bring a gun to school and shoot their teacher?” Toscano told jurors. “It’s Dr. Parker’s job to believe that is possible. It’s her job to investigate it and get to the very bottom of it.”