[6/17] Virginia Budget Battle, Cannabis Retail Deal & Lynchburg Primary Nullified | Roanoke Valley's Morning News on WFIR

Tuesday, June 17th edition of the Roanoke Valley's Morning News — uploaded June 18th.Virginia Senate committee members are pushing back against the budget proposal backed by Governor Spanberger and the House of Delegates. WFIR's Clark Palmer has the details on where the stalemate stands heading into the final stretch before the July 1st deadline.The state's cannabis retail compromise is taking shape. Governor Spanberger and lawmakers unveiled a framework that directs 75% of first-year license fee deposits to a cannabis equity business loan fund and would issue up to 100 micro business licenses by May 2027. The deal is expected to pass as part of the state budget before July 1st.New details explain why the Lynchburg Republican firehouse primary was nullified. The state party's appeals committee confirmed the local party allowed voting by email — even though only one ballot was actually returned and counted. The full nominating process was nullified 55 to 17 by the State Central Committee.Also: It's Brain Health Month — AARP Virginia outlines warning signs of cognitive decline and is hosting a free event at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture in Roanoke on June 24th. Virginia Tech launches a new AI minor open to all undergraduate students beginning in August. And the two missing giraffe calves from Natural Bridge Zoo have been found safe, with the Virginia Attorney General's Office confirming the animals are now in professional care. RAM House Executive Director Melissa Woodson says the relocated day shelter will be open by June 30th.Roanoke Valley's Morning News with Joey Self on WFIR, News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3.