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Virginia State Trooper Logan Pingleys extortion trial delayed; defense plans First Amendment defense. Pingley, charged with leaving a threatening note in November, claims First Amendment right to free speech and denies intended recipient. No new trial date set.

Delegate Candi Mundon King, a Democrat from Prince William, is poised to become Virginias next Secretary of the Commonwealth, a role that oversees clemency petitions and restoration of rights for felons. Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger announced the appointment, praising Mundon Kings dedication. The Secretary of the Commonwealths office also manages board and commission appointments, extradition requests, notary public commissions, service of process, Native American tribe relations, and state seal authorization. Recently, the office has been tasked with managing the restoration of rights for people who have served their time. However, under former Governor Glenn Youngkin, the process became more complex, leading to a significant drop in voting rights restorations. Mundon King aims to enhance constituent services in her new role.

Student leaders from the University and the College at Wise join forces to advocate for new laws benefiting students. Their shared goals include removing politics from school decisions, increasing student voting power, and making college more affordable. This partnership, marked by monthly meetings, aims to address common concerns like rising costs and the need for more student voices. They seek a student representative with voting power on the Board of Visitors, advocating for better governance and coordinated efforts. Their collaboration extends to other student governments across Virginia, aiming to strengthen public higher education throughout the Commonwealth.

Charlottesville braces for snowy weather, Grand Illumination postponed; Police investigate fatal fall and shots fired incident; Local student earns full ride scholarship to UVA; Virginia football team prepares for Gator Bowl; Construction impacts Emmet Street traffic.

Tragic accident on Afton Mountain: Gabe L. Frye, 26, from Culpeper County, dies after single-vehicle crash on I-64 in Augusta County. Frye lost control of his 1999 Chevy Silverado, striking an embankment, overturning multiple times, and ejecting him from the vehicle. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Frye was not wearing a seat belt. Investigation ongoing.

President Trump signs executive order to prevent states from creating AI regulations, emphasizing the need for one central source of approval to boost American dominance in the technology. Critics worry about unfettered development leaving Americans vulnerable, while the order also takes aim at anti-discrimination efforts. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to evaluate state laws for conflicts with Trumps AI priorities and block conflicting states from accessing a broadband fund. Democratic Representative Don Beyer expresses concern that the order could squelch safety reforms and create a lawless Wild West environment for AI companies, potentially violating the Tenth Amendment.