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Kaine urges young people to get involved in politics
Tim Kaine has spent most of his adult life in politics. He was first elected to public office in 1994, serving on Richmond’s city council. Four years later he became mayor, and would then go on to be Virginia’s lieutenant governor and governor. He’s now in the U.S. Senate where he’s served since 2012. Constituents find him thoughtful, likeable and always an optimist. He told worried students in Charlottesville that things will get better. "I mean I think there will be some damage along the way and some challenges," he admits, "but I think we’re going to be okay."
Griffith visits Martinsville clinic, praises program
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited Connect Health + Wellness in Martinsville to discuss rural health care and tour the organization’s dental clinic. “The Martinsville-Henry County area is served by dedicated health care professionals, like those at Connect Health + Wellness,” Griffith said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to tour their dental facility in Martinsville. As the new chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I support finding ways that help our rural hospitals provide critical health care access to rural communities.”
Kaine amends defense bill to change Fort Lee back to Gregg-Adams
Tucked away in the Senate’s version of the defense spending bill for 2026 is an amendment that could have ramifications for the future of Fort Lee, or at the very least, the way it is now known. On July 9, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted 26-1 to send its version of the National Defense Authorization Act to the full chamber for a vote. Located on page 182 of the 1,119-page bill is a provision that would override Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s order earlier this year to reinstall the names of three Army bases in Virginia that were changed in 2023 to reflect diversity and inclusivity in the armed forces.
Loudoun Leaders Laud Greenway Toll Ruling; Federal Case Continues
Elected representatives are hailing yesterday’s state Supreme Court ruling upholding the State Corporation Commission’s denial of rate increases sought by the owners of the Dulles Greenway last year as a victory for area residents. The Dulles Greenway owner, Toll Road Investors Partnership II, had sought a toll increase for most cars to $8.10 during peak hours and $6.40 during off-peak hours. “I am pleased that Loudoun County’s position on Greenway toll increases has once again been validated,” stated County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).
Virginia’s unemployment rate rises for sixth straight month
Virginia’s unemployment rate rose in June for the six consecutive month, as the state continues to feel the effects of cuts in federal employment and government contracts under President Donald Trump. The state unemployment rate rose by 0.1%, as it has every month this year, to 3.5%. The rate has risen 0.7% in 12 months, but remains below the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.
These Hampton Roads candidates have raised the most money in House of Delegates races
Four out of the top five biggest fundraisers for House of Delegates races in Hampton Roads are Democrats. All 100 seats are up for election in the fall, and Democrats have fielded candidates in each race. Republicans have candidates in 83 races. Top fundraising Democrats in the region include House Speaker Don Scott of Portsmouth, who raised about $3.4 million; Del. Jeion Ward of Hampton, who raised $394,000; Del. Michael Feggans of Virginia Beach, who raised $378,423; and Jessica Anderson, a Democratic candidate for District 71, who raised $357,000, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which consolidated numbers from campaign finance filings made last week.
32nd District candidate Lucci says he's a different type of Democrat
Running as a first-time candidate can be a daunting task for anyone. But making your introductory foray into politics as a Democratic candidate, looking to win in a majority Republican district, is even more of an uphill battle. However, Jon Lucci, a small business owner running for the Virginia House of Delegates 32nd District seat, thinks that in times like these, more ordinary voices are needed in politics. "I just think we're the kind of people that need to come off the sidelines and get involved... and less, honestly, career politicians," Lucci said in a recent interview.
This year’s House of Delegates elections feature several ‘reruns’
All 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates will be on the ballot this year, although only a dozen or so are competitive. Three of the most competitive races are rematches between the same candidates that ran in the last election cycle. Two years ago, Democrat Kim Pope Adams lost to Republican Kim Taylor in one of the most competitive elections for the House of Delegates. The margin of victory was only 78 votes; that’s less than one percent of the vote in a district that includes Petersburg and Dinwiddie. After the election, her 17-year-old son had some advice.
Va. was the only state to see unemployment rise in June
With Virginia’s unemployment rate being the highest it’s been in four years, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that it’s the only state to see an unemployment rate rise in June. According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Friday, July 18, the unemployment rate in Virginia rose again in June, to 3.5%, saying, “Virginia had the only rate increase,” while Illinois decreased by 0.2% and Maine by 0.1%. 8News previously reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate has increased steadily to 3.4% in May since January, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Virginia’s rate is 0.6% lower than the national rate of 4.1%.
Luckman: The Virginia Beach ‘Green Line’ is under attack
Established in 1979 to preserve Virginia Beach’s rural area and thwart urban growth, the Green Line has been a stalwart as a policy tool to stop urban sprawl and channel growth and infrastructure improvement to the northern half of the city. For 45 years city councils have reinforced its original purpose. It is an integral part of the city’s numerous updated comprehensive plans. The current draft comprehensive plan continues to state the well-known Green Line policy under its overview, context area goals, objectives and big ideas, thus documenting the fact that during its lengthy work-up citizens overwhelmingly favored continuing this established open space protection and minimal growth strategy.