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Biden Administration’s New Title IX Rules Are Blocked in Six More States, Including Virginia
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Biden administration’s new Title IX regulations in six more states as Republicans and conservative groups try to overturn a policy that expanded protections for L.G.B.T.Q. students. In a 93-page opinion, Judge Danny C. Reeves of the Eastern District of Kentucky ruled that the Education Department had overreached in expanding the definition of “sex” to include gender identity. Judge Reeves halted the regulations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia and West Virginia just days after a federal judge made a similar ruling for Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana and Idaho.
Strong storms may have played role in Lake Anna E. coli outbreak
Storm activity may have played a role in an E. coli outbreak that led to the hospitalization of several people who visited Lake Anna, a popular recreation spot in Virginia, over Memorial weekend. According to Margaret Smigo, the waterborne hazards manager with the Virginia Department of Health, there was a storm at one point “that even knocked out power over that weekend.” Public health officials recommend not swimming in any public waterways within two to three days of heavy rain.
Democratic Brawl in Virginia May Put House Seat in Play
Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, in the suburbs of Washington, was never meant to be a linchpin in the battle for control of the House. But with the ugliest Democratic primary campaign of 2024 finally ending, national Democrats may be nervously watching as the results roll in on Tuesday night. The front-runner, State Representative Dan Helmer, is fending off a last-minute accusation of sexual harassment that he strenuously denies. Another top candidate, Eileen Filler-Corn, has been attacked by a progressive political action committee over a donation to a pro-Israel group that then endorsed her. One of the field’s top fund-raisers, Krystle Kaul, faces charges of embellishing her résumé well beyond the usual flourishes of a political campaign.
New skill games bill would offer referendum option for localities
New legislation to allow skill games to again operate in Virginia, but allow communities to opt out via referendum, was introduced this week in the Virginia General Assembly. Senate Bill 8008 was introduced by Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth and Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach and is being touted as a compromise. During the regular session the General Assembly approved SB 212 to allow skill games but it was vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who recommended a series of changes.
Casey: An optimist’s perspective of the amazing Mountain Valley Pipeline
Did you hear the big news? After a decade of controversy, $7 billion from investors, more lawsuits than the 2020 election and enough hot air to refloat 10,000 Hindenburgs, the Mountain Valley Pipeline is complete. Last week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave final approval for the frackers to turn on the gas taps over yonder in West Virginia. That happened Friday. Yippee! Because what could go wrong, really?
Trump Seeks Payback by Targeting Va. Republican Good
Republican Rep. Bob Good angered former President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, it could cost the Virginia congressman his seat. Good, the chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus, faces a tough primary battle against Virginia state Sen. John McGuire. Trump sees Good as disloyal for not initially endorsing him for president and has roasted him on social media. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also wants Good gone, after he was one of eight Republicans who engineered his ouster last year. The incumbent, however, retains support among some grass-roots voters and has a number of lawmakers in his corner, including Rep. Chip Roy (R., Texas), who paint Good as a brave conservative taking on powerful interests.
Majority of House GOP, including 3 Black Republicans, vote for failed Confederate memorial measure
Almost 200 House Republicans voted Thursday to reinstall a Confederate memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. All of the House GOP leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), voted for the measure. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) — a Black conservative and Donald Trump surrogate who took heat this month for seeming to praise aspects of the Jim Crow era — voted for it as well. Stefanik and Donalds have been mentioned as possible vice-presidential picks for Trump.
Virginia program shows success in addressing problem gambling
Virginia has significantly loosened gambling laws in the last five years and with it has come a rise in problem gambling. But some treatment programs are seeing success. “What we’ve seen since 2019 to 2023, an increase of 973% of callers,” said Carolyn Hawley, Director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, part of the state’s effort to combat problem gambling. Hawley told the General Assembly’s Joint Subcommittee to Study the Feasibility of Establishing the Virginia Gaming Commission about the increase in calls her group has gotten from those experiencing gambling addiction.
Does Trump still have the Midas touch? Virginia Republicans think so
Ramona Christian believes an endorsement by former President Donald Trump is vital to the campaign of Republican candidates in 2024. “I feel like it is one of the most important aspects of a campaign: President Trump’s endorsement,” Christian, chairwoman of the Buckingham County Republican Committee, told the News Virginian. She said it is also a matter of respect to Trump, who will be officially nominated as the Republican candidate for president next month.
Hanover considers ending membership with Virginia School Boards Association
The Hanover County School Board is considering ending its membership in the Virginia School Boards Association. Some board members say the organization has become too political and that it does not advocate for the needs of Hanover, among other gripes. The 116-year-old organization has membership from almost every school board in the state. ... Three school districts have recently voted to leave the VSBA, saying that the organization had become too politically left-leaning.