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Same-sex marriage in Virginia would be banned without Obergefell
Virginia is one of 32 states where same-sex marriage would immediately be banned if the Supreme Court overturned the federal ruling that legalized it a decade ago. The state is in the middle of a multiyear process to repeal its own ban through a constitutional amendment. If passed, it would cement marriage equality in Virginia regardless of future Supreme Court decisions. Obergefell v. Hodges, the federal ruling that makes Virginia's constitutional ban unenforceable, marked its 10-year anniversary Thursday. But access to marriage equality faces increasing opposition.
Friday Read Hampton Roads citizen scientist makes ‘significant’ astronomical find
Most people might not seek out an empty soccer field in the dead of night, but that’s often where you can find Van Ruckman, a James City County resident who made a significant astronomical discovery earlier this year. Ruckman, 78, lives in Kingsmill on the James and contributes to a global network of citizen scientists who provide near-continuous monitoring of outer space. In January, Ruckman made a remarkable discovery on Kingsmill’s soccer field when he observed a distant asteroid and its moon, a feat that electrified the worldwide astronomical community.
Jumper: Funding cuts threaten a life-changing college grant program
For the last 25 years, GEAR UP Virginia has helped more than 20,000 students, mostly from low-income families, fulfill their academic and career goals. Unfortunately, discussions are underway in Washington, D.C., to cut funding for the program. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded grant program that increases the number of students from low-income communities who successfully transition to and through postsecondary education. It is a coordinated effort between the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and local school divisions.
A guide to the Republican primary in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District
Republicans in Northern Virginia may have had a sleepy few months during primary election season, but that’s about to change: There’s a set of special primaries this week to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D). Connolly’s death in May after his esophageal cancer returned has opened up a deep-blue seat representing much of Fairfax County — and unleashed a high-velocity set of primaries on both sides of the aisle ... The GOP nominee will face a steep uphill climb to flip Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which elected Kamala Harris for president last fall by more than 34 points. But that hasn’t gotten in the way of a crowded race with longtime party activists and some newer faces seeking to jump in.
Virginia Democrats target Trump in race to replace Gerry Connolly in Congress
Democrats vying to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly in a deep-blue northern Virginia district are zeroing in on one issue: who can best take on President Donald Trump. In his announcement video, former Connolly chief of staff and Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw said Trump officials threatened to throw him in jail, referring to letters sent to local officials in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions last December that threatened jail time for supporting and enforcing sanctuary laws. State Sen. Stella Pekarsky’s launch video touts her Greek heritage, which she said helps her “stand up to Donald Trump.” And state Del. Irene Shin said Democrats are running the “same old tired plays” while Trump is “dismembering and defunding our government.”
Spanberger’s ‘Span Virginia’ bus tour stops in the ’Burg
Even though she pulled up in a big purple tour bus with her name on it, Abigail Spanberger made sure to introduce herself to the cashier while ordering an iced coffee at Anita’s Cafe. “I’m Abigail,” she said. “I used to represent you in Congress, and now I’m running for governor.” Spanberger’s “Span Virginia Bus Tour” stopped in Fredericksburg on Thursday morning. The tour kicked off in Richmond last Saturday and is taking the Democratic gubernatorial candidate to more than 40 stops across the Commonwealth.
Spanberger stumps in Fredericksburg
Democratic nominee for Virginia governor Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer turned congresswoman, visited Fredericksburg Thursday during her “Span Virginia Bus Tour.” In the 7th District representative’s gubernatorial run versus GOP candidate Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Spanberger has been traveling the state since Saturday and will make more than 40 stops in various localities during the tour. On Thursday, Spanberger stopped by several businesses in downtown Fredericksburg during her stop.
Deeds, Youngkin react to BOV appointees lawsuit
State Senator Creigh Deeds and Gov. Glenn Youngkin offered their opinions on the lawsuit filed regarding the latter's Board of Visitors appointees. The suit, filed by the Democratic members of the Virginia Senate Privileges and Elections Committee, challenges eight appointments to the boards at UVA, GMU and VMI, including former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to UVA.
Youngkin signs law expanding school transportation options
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin was in Botetourt County Thursday, to sign a bill into law. The signing okays a pilot program allowing small school divisions to use forms of student transportation other than buses, such as passenger vans. This comes during a shortage of CDL-trained bus drivers.
State legislators respond to Reid opposing amendment to repeal defunct same-sex marriage ban
Two state legislators responded Thursday to Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid’s opposition to the repeal of Virginia’s defunct ban on same-sex marriage. Virginia Scope recently asked Reid, the first openly gay statewide nominee in Virginia, why he opposes the repeal. “It doesn’t provide protection for people who sincerely don’t agree with gay marriage,” he said. “I’m running to be the lieutenant governor, not to be somebody’s pastor, but I’ve got to protect everybody’s rights.” ... Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, is sponsoring the amendment to repeal the ban. Ebbin was the first openly gay member of the House of Delegates and state Senate.