RICHMOND (AP) — Hunting on private land on Sundays is one step closer to becoming law with passage of a bill by the Virginia Senate.

Sen. Ralph Northam’s measure advanced to the House of Delegates on a 29-11 vote Thursday over the objection of senators who said it would discourage people from other outdoor pursuits on Sundays, the only day when sportsmen aren’t firing guns nearby.

Top local law enforcement officers do not believe repealing the state’s one-handgun-a-month law would lead to increased crime or have much discernible impact.

Legislation approved by a Virginia Senate committee this week would repeal the law, which was passed in 1994 to curb the trafficking of guns from Virginia to the Northeast, The Associated Press reported.

The United Way of Henry County & Martinsville raised 88 percent of its $800,000 goal in this year’s fundraising campaign, United Way officials announced Thursday.

The organization held an End of Campaign Celebration luncheon at The Dutch Inn to announce that it has raised $702,408, according to a news release. About 80 volunteers, corporate representatives and individuals from various United Way agencies attended the luncheon.

GALAX (AP) — Vaughn-Bassett Furniture is planning an $8 million expansion of its operations in Galax.

The expansion includes the $1.5 million acquisition of a former Webb bedroom furniture factory next to Vaughn-Bassett’s main factory. The main factory will be expanded.