The Virginia General Assembly approved the state budget over the weekend. Now it rests in Governor Glenn Youngkin's hands.

Lynchburg’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison is discussing the consequences of swatting after a threat Monday.

The law leads to either or both a $2,500 fine and up to 12 months in jail for calling in a fake emergency.

The Safety While Accessing Technology (SWAT) education program is being talked about by lawmakers in Richmond.

Police plan to allocate more resources towards the patrol force to be more proactive.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines in Southwest Virginia.

As legislators prepare to head to Richmond, the newly-elected Republican majority has proposed several sweeping legislative changes across the Commonwealth.

Natalie Short (D) and Wendell Walker (R) are vying for the seat in the Virginia House of Delegates District 23 race.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Governor Ralph Northam cited racial equity as one reason he’s supporting the legalization of recreational marijuana. The governor plans on introducing legislation when the General Assembly convenes in January. While Walker supported legislation for medical marijuana, he calls marijuana a gateway drug. “This is another form of drugs that lead to harder drugs, which then lead to the destruction of life.”But others support the governor’s decision. While Pedini says legalization could bring millions of dollars of tax revenue to the Commonwealth, Walker suggests finding others ways help with costs.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Lynchburg City School Board spent Friday morning presenting their legislative goals for this school year. The group discussed their agenda virtually with lawmakers including Senator Mark Peake and Delegate Wendell Walker. Their goals include focusing on students' mental health, strengthening broadband access and supporting funds for social workers in schools. Crystal Edwards says despite COVID-19, they’re trying to make sure students have a normal school experience. “We owe it to ourselves to work together to make sure that this pandemic does not rob our children of childhood,” said EdwardsNearly 8,000 LCS students are currently spending three days in virtual learning while attending in-person classes the other two days.

A Virginia house bill that was shut down in special session Tuesday would have protected the rights of people who dont want to take a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available due to religious beliefs. Lynchburg representative Wendell Walker is a co-sponsor of the bill. He said the purpose of the bill is to protect peoples rights. Walker said House Bill 5016 was created after state health experts said they may make the vaccine mandatory. While everyone is concerned about COVID-19, were also concerned about the impact it can have on peoples lives out here who feel they may not want to take a vaccine.

RICHMOND, Va. A Virginia delegate is working to make sure peoples religious liberties are not violated by an expected coronavirus vaccine. Republican Delegate Wendell Walker, who represents parts of Lynchburg, Amherst County and Bedford County, is co-sponsoring a bill that would create a religious exemption to a coronavirus vaccine. House Bill 5016, introduced during the current special session, eliminates the authority of the Commissioner of Health to require immunization of individuals who object to such administration on religious grounds, according to Walker. This follows last weeks announcement that Dr. Norman Oliver, Virginias Commissioner of Health, that when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, he plans to make it mandatory for all Virginians, according to WRIC. Code of Virginia, 32.1-48 - A, as proposed in HB5016As of August 14, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg City Council members voted against making the city a Second Amendment sanctuary after hours of input from local citizens. The vote was 5-2 against Lynchburg joining more than 100 cities and counties in Virginia that have approved Second Amendment sanctuary status to declare their support for gun rights. City leaders moved Tuesday night’s City Council meeting to E.C. Curt Diemer is the petition organizer who has pushed for Lynchburg to become a sanctuary city. Lynchburg’s representative, Wendell Walker, was also in the crowd Tuesday night, coming from Richmond to make his voice heard and remind Lynchburg citizens of one thing.

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Days after electing a new delegate, Lynchburg city school leaders are hoping to see policy changes come out of Richmond next year. New and reelected Lynchburg delegates: Wendell Walker, Kathy Bryon and Senator Mark Pete met with school board members and city leaders over breakfast at E.C. LCS officials tell 10 News they want to be a high achieving school board and need legislators support with policy changes. School leaders say they need help with employment salary, recruiting and retaining teachers, and funding. School leaders say they will follow up with city leaders in January and meet again with legislators in Richmond.