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Godfrey: Decarbonizing Virginia’s economy is feasible and affordable
Reducing the Earth’s atmospheric temperature caused by fossil fuel production is crucial to combat the climate crisis. The U.N. World Meteorological Organization issued a red alert in March, citing alarming increases in greenhouse gasses, land and water temperatures, and the rapid melting of glaciers and sea ice. It emphatically warned that the world’s efforts to reverse the trend have been insufficient. … Currently in Virginia, there are seven active fossil fuel infrastructure projects in development ...
5th District GOP primary draws big names, big money
When the motorcoach wrapped in former President Donald Trump’s likeness and “Take America Back” campaign slogan turned the corner into the parking lot of the Louisa County Office of Elections last Wednesday afternoon, a crowd of about four dozen supporters of Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland County, erupted in cheers. For a brief moment, one could have imagined that Trump himself had come to pay a surprise visit to the county of 40,000 in the eastern part of Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, which political observers consider to be ground zero in one of the most viciously fought GOP primary battles nationwide this year — pitting a Trump-endorsed candidate against the chair of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus who orchestrated last year’s ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Va. Senate to return next week to address military education benefits
The Virginia Senate will return to special session on Tuesday — 10 days earlier than previously announced — to consider a new legislative proposal that would exempt some military families from pending changes in eligibility for educational benefits at public colleges and universities under a state program that waives tuition for survivors and dependents of military veterans either killed or almost fully disabled on active duty. The surprise announcement by the Senate Democratic Caucus on Thursday sets up a potential confrontation with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other members of the General Assembly, including some Democrats ...
Yancey: 3 questions that Tuesday’s primaries will answer
Elections don’t just tell us who has won and who has lost. They also help us answer questions. Here are some questions that Tuesday’s primaries across Virginia will help answer — at least for a while. What kind of Republican Party do Republicans want? The marquee race is the 5th District Republican primary, where state Sen. John McGuire of Goochland County is challenging Rep. Bob Good of Campbell County. Much of this race has been around who is the stronger supporter of former President Donald Trump. Trump himself has endorsed McGuire and called Good “bad for Virginia.”
Clary: Who’s the fairest ‘liberal’ of all? It’s not Good, or McGuire
I started this summer as I normally do — binge-watching a classic American program while chipping away at other projects. “How I Met Your Mother” was the sitcom of choice. ... I didn’t expect to confront the harsh reality of political grandstanding in today’s partisan climate. But, alas, here we are. ... What does any of this have to do with “How I Met Your Mother”? Virtually nothing. It was the ads that brought me to this point. They were everywhere.
Alumna launches GoFundMe in response to University of Lynchburg’s academic and staff cuts
The University of Lynchburg recently announced plans to cut 17 academic programs and eliminate 80 jobs, a decision that has not been well received by the university community. The cuts have sparked significant outrage, particularly among alumni and staff. Barbara Yauss, a 2020 alumna, has responded by launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise over $270,000. Her goal is to donate the funds to the university on the condition that the president and vice president step down.
Virginia, Maryland debate expanding Beltway express lanes
Heated debate about putting more express lanes on the Capital Beltway is dividing Maryland and Virginia leaders. The Potomac River is very much so the dividing line, and right in the middle of the tension is the Wilson Bridge. Some officials say there’s enough space on top of the bridge to make major changes, but not everyone is sold. The question is whether express lanes in Virginia should be expanded across the bridge into Prince George’s County. The Virginia Department of Transportation says that’s an easy yes.
Trump dings Bob Good in person and on Truth Social ahead of Virginia primary
Donald Trump on Thursday took aim at House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-VA) as the former president actively campaigns against the Republican incumbent in his primary election next week. In a closed-door meeting on Thursday, Trump addressed GOP lawmakers to strategize ahead of the 2024 election and how the party can remain unified heading into November. But the former president also wasted no time to get in a handful of subtle jabs at other prominent Republicans, including some who were in the room, according to members present.
What is in Potomac Yard’s future after dead arena deal?
Months after Virginia’s Wizards and Capitals arena deal died, a big question remains: What’s next for Potomac Yard? It’s a large, valuable chunk of land with close proximity to D.C. and a new $370 million Metro stop that sits in what Alexandria and Arlington are trying to establish as an innovation corridor, thanks to nearby Amazon HQ2 and Virginia Tech’s forthcoming Innovation Campus. Plus, Alexandria needs more commercial growth to diversify its tax base and alleviate the burden placed on homeowners.
Washington County supervisors approve solar framework regulations
Washington County, Virginia officials on Tuesday approved a revised ordinance governing any future solar operations there. ... The ordinance incorporates state law language which provides “any locality may grant a special exception permit” and include in its zoning ordinance “reasonable regulations and provisions for a special exception for any solar photovoltaic (electric energy) project or energy storage project ... Expanding the solar ordinance comes as a Texas-based company, Catalyst Energy Partners, is seeking a special exception permit from the Washington County Planning Commission.