The week’s essential news from across the DMV — Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. — covering the courts, two primaries, the state budget and a major port seizure, June 20–25, 2026.
In This Roundup
1 Judge blocks Virginia’s assault weapons ban days before it takes effect
A judge in Lancaster County granted a preliminary injunction barring Virginia State Police from enforcing the Commonwealth’s new assault weapons ban, which was set to begin July 1. The order holds until Dec. 31 or until a final ruling.
Attorney General Jay Jones said the state will urgently seek a stay and appeal, arguing the law is constitutional and saves lives. Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s office reaffirmed her support for the measure she signed.
Gun-rights groups celebrated the decision. The Virginia Citizens Defense League said it expects to prevail, and House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore called the ruling welcome but unsurprising. The case, which also touches magazine-capacity limits, now heads toward appellate review.
Reported by WTVR CBS 6, with statements drawn from the Lancaster County Circuit Court order.
A Virginia judge blocked the state’s new assault weapons ban just days before it was set to take effect on July 1. — WTVR CBS 6
2 Moore wins primary; November rematch with Cox is set
Gov. Wes Moore cruised to the Democratic nomination in Maryland’s June 23 primary, taking roughly 88% against lone challenger Eric Felber. On the Republican side, former Del. Dan Cox led businessman Ed Hale about 45% to 36% with 95% of precincts reporting.
The result sets up a November rematch of the 2022 race that Moore won by a 2-to-1 margin. Cox, who had Trump’s endorsement in 2022, emerged from a crowded GOP field.
Results remained unofficial as election officials processed mail-in and provisional ballots, though those were unlikely to change the projected nominees. Down-ballot, Adrian Boafo won the open 5th District congressional nomination.
Results via the Maryland State Board of Elections; reported by Maryland Matters.
3 Progressive wave sweeps DC’s Democratic primary
Left-leaning candidates dominated the District’s June 16 Democratic primary, with results finalizing this week. Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist, won the mayoral nomination decisively over colleague Kenyan McDuffie — about 54% — positioning her to succeed retiring Mayor Muriel Bowser. McDuffie conceded.
Councilmember Robert White won the nomination for DC’s congressional delegate seat over Brooke Pinto, as longtime Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton steps down. Elissa Silverman took an at-large special election, while progressives Aparna Raj (Ward 1) and Oye Owolewa (at-large) also won.
In heavily Democratic DC, the primaries effectively decide the seats. Mail and provisional ballots were still being tallied as totals were certified.
Results via the DC Board of Elections; reported by The 51st.
4 $200B-plus Virginia budget heads to Spanberger’s desk
Virginia lawmakers approved a biennial state budget exceeding $200 billion, sending it to Gov. Abigail Spanberger for final action. The House cleared the plan 71-22 after a session marked by sharp disputes over data-center tax incentives, spending, and a planned retail marijuana market.
Under the compromise, data centers would pay a new electric fee while keeping certain tax breaks — a deal Spanberger and many House Democrats backed, after the Senate pushed to eliminate the incentives.
The budget funds raises for teachers and public employees, new school investments, and a RGGI credit for residential and small-business customers. Republicans who opposed it argued it offered no tax relief.
Statement via the Office of Gov. Spanberger; reported by WSET ABC13.
5 CBP seizes five tons of England-bound marijuana at Port of Baltimore
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted more than 10,000 pounds of marijuana — about five tons — at the Port of Baltimore, the agency announced. Inspecting a 40-foot container on May 29, officers found 238 boxes of vacuum-sealed bags after a detection dog flagged the shipment, which was manifested as men’s shirts and bound for Liverpool, England.
CBP estimated the haul’s U.S. street value near $24 million, potentially double in Europe. No arrests have been made, and Homeland Security Investigations is leading the ongoing probe.
Officials said smugglers increasingly route marijuana through commercial cargo toward higher-priced European markets. The seizure followed other recent regional interdictions.
Announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; reported by WTOP.
Editor’s Note: This roundup covers significant DMV news published between June 20 and 25, 2026. Each item is attributed on first mention to a primary source and a local outlet.
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