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Suffolk approves new rules for solar farms
New solar farm regulations are a “good start” for a Suffolk farmer whose family and neighborhood became a case study for future solar development in the city. “With all the frustration that we’ve experienced and my neighbors have experienced, it’s good to see that anyone going forward may not have to go through this frustration,” Shane Alexander said during the Wednesday, June 18 city council meeting. The Alexanders have been at the forefront of advocacy about the sonic impact of large solar farms on surrounding communities since the 99-acre Stratford Solar farm went up across the street from their White Marsh Road property in 2022.
Chesley: Despite tough challenge, don’t underestimate Earle-Sears
Many signs suggest a comfortable victory this fall for Democrat Abigail Spanberger against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia’s gubernatorial contest. Spanberger had $14.3 million in cash on hand this month compared to just $3 million for Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor. Spanberger, a former congresswoman, has led in early polls, including a whopping 17-point advantage in a Roanoke College survey in May. (Yeah, I know, many Virginians aren’t tuned in yet, so that barometer is shaky.) Earle-Sears, meanwhile, is the standard-bearer for Donald Trump’s party in a state that’s voted against him three times in presidential contests. He’s tried to recklessly chop the federal workforce; some 341,000 federal workers lived here in 2023. Also, Black candidates have struggled to win statewide contests in Virginia – Earle-Sears’ own victory in 2021 notwithstanding.
Electoral college reform group eyes Virginia’s elections with hope
Could Virginia become part of a growing national movement to elect presidents based on securing the popular vote? Though America is in its 47th presidency (with many presidents serving multiple terms), just five times has a candidate won the popular vote but lost the election. Although the majority of Americans voted for the losing candidate in those contests, the winners garnered enough Electoral College votes to ascend to the White House. ... National Popular Vote, a bipartisan network of advocates nationwide, is examining whether the outcome of Virginia’s gubernatorial and House of Delegates elections could influence the state to join a growing coalition of states to support the popular vote.
The fall of Levar Stoney: How Richmond cost him the race for lieutenant governor
In 2016, the city of Richmond elected a 35-year-old upstart Democrat named Levar Stoney as its mayor. In 2020, the city elected him again. But on Tuesday, Richmond voters summarily rejected him in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. He finished second among six candidates statewide and lost the race to Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield. It was a close but stunning defeat for a candidate who was once a protégé to then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe and remains well-funded and well-connected.
Va. leaders react to U.S. bombing three nuclear sites in Iran
Virginia lawmakers on both sides are either showing their concern or their support after President Donald Trump announced the United States had bombed three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, entering war. “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” Trump posted on Truth Social. This news comes just two days after the White House said Trump would decide whether to get involved in the conflict between Iran and Israel “in the next two weeks” to give a window for negotiations.
From VPAP New Episode: The Virginia Press Room Podcast
In the latest episode of the podcast from VaNews and VPM, Michael Pope is joined by Shannon Heckt of the Virginia Mercury, Teo Armus of The Washington Post, and Graham Moomaw of The Richmonder. They discuss the week's top headlines: the results of the Democratic primaries for lieutenant governor and attorney general, Richmond voters turning against former mayor Levar Stoney, and Virginia's patchwork data center regulation policies. Tune in for insights and analysis on Virginia politics. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Youngkin orders assessment of federal sexual assault prevention programs in Virginia National Guard
Hoping to provide oversight for existing federal sexual assault prevention programs in the military, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order Friday that would establish a commonwealth work group. Youngkin said he hoped the order would provide an assessment the Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR,) a federal program introduced in the 2000s to respond to sexual violence claims in all branches of the military, as well as the National Guard.
Democrats push unity in first day of bus tour
The Democratic statewide ticket held its first joint event Saturday afternoon at Abner Clay Park in Richmond, launching an eight-day bus tour. Gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, lieutenant governor nominee Ghazala Hashmi and attorney general nominee Jay Jones emphasized party unity and standing up to President Donald Trump. “Today is a really fun day,” Spanberger said. “We are starting our bus tour across the commonwealth to make sure that everywhere we travel, people get to hear from us about the things that we are for, the policies we wish and will work to pursue.” The ticket was introduced by United States Senator Mark Warner and Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-VA04, who both stressed the importance of standing up to Trump.
Republican Governors Association to invest in Earle-Sears
The Republican Governors Association is investing $500,000 in Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears. RGA also released a new digital ad attacking Earle-Sears’ Democratic opponent, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger. The RGA is prepared to spend “several million dollars to keep Virginia red,” Punchbowl reported [Saturday] morning. Earlier this month, the Democratic Governors Association announced its plans to make a $5 million initial investment in Spanberger’s campaign.
Winsome Earle-Sears, John Reid speak to each other for first time in weeks
After not speaking to each other for eight weeks, Republican nominees Winsome Earle-Sears and John Reid have spoken to each other. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for Virginia’s governor, spoke to John Reid, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, on Wednesday after eight weeks since they last spoke, according to a source familiar with the situation.