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Schapiro: Does Trump’s endorsement trump all?
In the parallel universe that is a Republican primary in Virginia, the outcome these days is supposed to be decided by the company a candidate keeps. That being blessed by Donald Trump ensures victory, reducing the primary to a mere formality. U.S. Rep Bob Good, an uber-conservative Republican in the sprawling, largely rural 5th District, is seeking renomination in less than three weeks to a third two-year term, running this time — as he did the first time in 2020 — without the endorsement of the former president.
Youngkin says 24-hour notice of overdoses will be required by state
A bill directing the Virginia Board of Education to develop a parental notification policy for school-connected suspected overdoses has become a law without a provision calling for those notifications to be sent within 24 hours of an incident. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed the bill on May 17 but said the House of Delegates diluted the legislation by removing the 24-hour notification provision included in the state Senate version of the bill. “While the current language does not go far enough to ensure parental notification of school-connected overdoses, it allows the (Virginia) Board of Education to establish guidelines,” he said in a news release. “The Board of Education will begin this work immediately.”
Stafford, Fredericksburg eye solar farms on landfill sites
After touring the R-Board Regional Landfill for the first time two years ago, Monica Gary couldn’t shake the idea that the site held wasted potential. Landfills, Gary explained, aren’t monolithic wastelands; rather, they’re divided into cells that are retired once they reach a certain height or capacity of refuse. Specifically, the land atop these retired cells sparked Gary’s imagination as she sat down for a post-visit coffee with then-Stafford County Administrator Randy Vosburg. In this case, the proverbial light bulb in her head was powered by solar energy. “I said, ‘Hey, I really think that we need to put solar on the expired landfill cells,’” recalled Gary, a member of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and R-Board chair. … Gary’s vision could soon be realized at two sites as a joint venture between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.
Judge nixes bid to block work on Va. offshore wind farm
The construction of a massive wind farm off the coast of Virginia can continue as scheduled after a federal judge on Friday rejected calls to freeze work on the project. The Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, the Heartland Institute, and the National Legal and Policy Center sought a court order to block Dominion Energy’s 176-turbine project — the largest of its kind in the nation — over claims construction would harm the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
A word from a Buckingham County Republican may have led to Trump endorsement of McGuire
John McGuire has secured the golden endorsement in his Republican primary battle with Bob Good: Former President Donald Trump has sided with the Virginia state senator over the incumbent representative after recent urging from a McGuire supporter. “Bob Good is BAD FOR VIRGINIA, AND BAD FOR THE USA,” Trump wrote Tuesday morning on his social media platform Truth Social. “John McGuire has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” ... He may owe the endorsement to one of his closest supporters: Ramona Christian.
School-Based Money Largely Unspent in Loudoun Amid Teachers Asking for Help with Costs
About 88.3% of money given to individual schools for instructional and administrative uses—including for teacher classroom supplies—goes unspent, according to division administrators. The report surprised School Board members as many teachers still ask parents to help offset classroom costs. The School Board’s Finance & Operations Committee on May 21 was briefed on the funding by members of the Department of Business and Financial Services.
Virginia’s finance secretary: Commonwealth’s economy ‘chugging along’
There was good economic news out of Richmond Tuesday morning as Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Secretary of Finance updated Virginia’s legislature. “We have still continued confidence on where we stand with the Virginia Economy,” said Finance Secretary Stephen Cummings, speaking before a House Appropriations Committee meeting. He was describing—in arguably less exciting terms—that the Commonwealth is thriving despite a few hiccups.
Petersburg formalizes casino partnership with Cordish, faces lottery-board vetting
City Council cleared the path Tuesday for the state Lottery Board to review – and hopefully approve – the vendor for a planned casino in the southern part of town. In a specially called council meeting that lasted less than five minutes, council voted 6-0 to formalize its partnership with The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise to open a 92-acre casino-centric community off Wagner Road and Interstate 95. It was the first of several state-required steps to get the casino issue on a November referendum.
Va. Beach residents call for change after alleged racism on Kempsville High baseball team
Alleged racism on a Virginia Beach baseball team prompted community discussion at Tuesday night’s school board meeting. The Kempsville High School boys’ varsity baseball team forfeited its season after Virginia Beach City Public Schools said an investigation uncovered evidence of racism, hate speech and harassment.
Spotsylvania School Board rep charged with assault of fellow board member
A Spotsylvania County School board representative was served a warrant Tuesday morning on charges of assault and battery of a fellow board member. The charge is related to Nicole Cole of the Battlefield District allegedly slamming a door into the shoulder of Lee Hill District representative Lisa Phelps and allegedly extending her leg to trip Phelps. Phelps said in a telephone interview that the incident occurred during closed session of the May 20 meeting.