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Virginia Supreme Court, examining new law, rules in railroad’s favor against internet provider
A Virginia law meant to speed broadband deployment across railroad lines has hit its first guardrail, in the form of a state Supreme Court ruling. The court, drawing a distinction between a “public benefit” and a “public use,” ruled that Cox Communications cannot use the 2023 law to impose eminent domain on railways’ property while trying to reach the commonwealth’s more remote areas. Cox, a private, for-profit company, attempted to use the law to cross Norfolk Southern lines in eastern Virginia last year.
New poll shows Spanberger with 17-point lead over Earle-Sears
Former congresswoman and Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger fared better with voters than current lieutenant governor and Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, according to a Roanoke College poll released Thursday showing Spanberger leading Earle-Sears 43%-26%. This follows another poll published this week showing Spanberger with a 4-point lead over Earle-Sears. The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College interviewed 658 Virginia residents between May 12 and May 19 to determine that Spanberger leads Earle-Sears by 17 percentage points. Meanwhile, another new poll commissioned by business organization Virginia FREE conducted between May 9 and May 13 shows independent voters favoring Spanberger by 53%-47%.
In Virginia’s 100th House District, Democrats choose their fighter
Democrats in part of Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore were preparing for a firehouse primary this month to select a nominee to challenge Del. Rob Bloxom in November. But now, one candidate says he’s dropping out of the House District 100 race and endorsing the other, eliminating the need for the planned caucus vote on May 31. Rocco DeBellis, a New York native who serves as personal chef to Judge Judy, announced Tuesday he was stepping down from the race. If no other Democrats throw a hat in the ring by 5 p.m. Saturday, that would make Liz Richardson, of the Eastern Shore, the Democratic nominee.
Gerber: UVA should set the standard for true equality in education
I received my Ph.D. and J.D. from the University of Virginia. I loved my time at UVA but I’m concerned the university has become an institution of indoctrination rather than education. On April 29, UVA’s Board of Visitors resolved to strengthen efforts to ensure that the university is an inclusive and welcoming community where everyone can freely express their ideas. In March the board had pledged to dismantle UVA’s diversity, equity and inclusion apparatus. History matters at Thomas Jefferson’s university, and UVA’s recent history is disturbing.
Spanberger shares priorities to lower healthcare, prescription drug costs
Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger stood in front of a crowd at a Mechanicsville drug store Wednesday, announcing how she looks to lower drug costs and make healthcare more affordable for Virginians. The Democratic nominee for Virginia governor announced her main priorities at the Mechanicsville Drug Store — a family-owned pharmacy that opened in 1957 — on Wednesday, May 21, saying she aims to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs for seniors and working families.
Long waitlist for subsidized child care to continue into next fiscal year
Virginia’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year does not include funding requested by a coalition of lawmakers, business owners and advocates to fully fund slots for thousands of children currently waitlisted for subsidized child care programs in the commonwealth. State officials estimate about 4,000 children will be able to move off a waitlist for the Child Care Subsidy Program in the new fiscal year (which runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026), but thousands of additional families will remain waitlisted.
VDH issues changes to harmful algal bloom reporting
The Virginia Department of Health has announced a change in how it will issue swim advisories due to harmful algal blooms, and a Smith Mountain Lake group is saying it may reduce protections for public health. This summer, advisories will be issued based solely on the toxin levels of the harmful algal blooms.
Northern Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly dies at 75
Gerry Connolly, a longtime Democratic member of Congress from Northern Virginia known for his advocacy of the federal workforce, died Wednesday. He was 75 years old. The longtime lawmaker’s death was announced by his family via a statement from his congressional office. “We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years because that was his joy, his purpose, and his passion,” the family said in its statement. “His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that his life’s work will endure for future generations.” ... The former chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors represented a Virginia district that was heavy on government workers, and he never flagged in his support for them.
Gerry Connolly, congressman who protected federal workforce, dies at 75
Gerry Connolly, a Democratic congressman who played a large part in Northern Virginia’s transformation from a bedroom community into a thriving technology hub and who steadfastly defended federal workers’ rights in the face of Trump-era rollbacks, died May 21 at his home in Fairfax County. He was 75. His staff director, Jamie Smith, confirmed the death. Mr. Connolly announced in November that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, just days after winning reelection to his ninth term in the House of Representatives.
Tributes pour in for Connolly, ‘the epitome of a public servant’
Friends and colleagues mourned Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia) on Wednesday, remembering the 75-year-old Democrat as a steward of civic improvements in Fairfax County and a fiery champion of federal workers. ... Members held a moment of silence in the House Rules Committee on Wednesday and later renamed the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act in his memory. In doing so, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (Massachusetts), acting as the leading Democrat in Oversight, called Connolly “the epitome of a public servant” with more federal employees in his district than any other.