Javascript is required to run this page
VaNews

Search


Whyte: Virginia could set a new standard for responsible gambling

By KEITH WHYTE, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Last session, the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate introduced companion bills to legalize and license online gaming, commonly referred to as iGaming. Virginia was among several states contemplating similar measures amidst a dramatic rise in consumer popularity in states with legalized iGaming — and to establish a clear regulatory framework for an activity that is already occurring in Virginia, largely through illegal and unregulated operators.

Whyte served 26 years as executive director for the National Council of Problem Gambling. He now leads problem gambling advisory firm Safer Gambling Strategies and serves as a board member on the Virginia Council on Problem Gaming.

VaNews July 1, 2025


Federal overreach will not end with President Ryan

Cavalier Daily Editorial

Throughout the last months, the Department of Justice has pressured University President Jim Ryan to step down, alleging that the University had violated a federal order to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs. This was an unprecedented and invasive ultimatum — lose vital federal funding for the University, or resign. Yesterday, Ryan submitted his resignation to the Board of Visitors, putting an end to his tenure of seven years and choosing to put the longevity of the institution and the security of its students above his own job. As the six students who make up this Editorial Board, we mourn the resignation of an iconic University leader and condemn the unprecedented circumstances which forced him into it.

VaNews June 30, 2025


State lawmakers explore parole changes amid abuse claims at Red Onion

By DEAN MIRSHAHI, VPM News

Two state lawmakers floated potential changes to Virginia’s parole system on Tuesday after discussing their recent visits to Red Onion State Prison, a facility in Wise County facing claims of deteriorating conditions and prolonged lockdowns. Virginia abolished discretionary parole for felonies committed since Jan. 1, 1995. The General Assembly’s efforts to bring back parole in Virginia have been rejected, although the Legislature has restored some eligibility. Sens. Dave Marsden (D–Fairfax) and Danny Diggs (R–York County) said they backed a study to examine how Virginia could modify parole, but stressed it would take time.

VaNews June 30, 2025


While SCOTUS punts on birthright citizenship case, Virginia AG Miyares pushes back on citizenship question

By BRAD KUTNER, WVTF-FM

As the nation's highest court weighs a landmark birthright citizenship case, Virginia's Attorney General is pushing back on questions about his mother's citizenship status. When asked if Attorney General Jason Miyares qualified as a birthright citizen, Miyares said he’s tired of people questioning his citizenship and the legal status of his mother. “There’s been a lot of speculation in the media, I think erroneously, I think irresponsibly, that somehow indicated my mother was not legally allowed to be in this country," he told Radio IQ at an event earlier this month.

VaNews June 30, 2025


Bracknell: Election shenanigans by Norfolk officials disgraced city

By BUTCH BRACKNELL, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

May 13 likely went unnoticed by many Norfolk residents, but was a sad day in the city’s political history. This was the day special interests and the City Council hijacked the Norfolk Charter in an unsuccessful yet formidable attempt to tip the scales in a local election. The opacity of the process and the influence of relatively big money on the race for the commonwealth’s attorney’s office is the latest example of the foul state of opaque insider politics in the Mermaid City.

Bracknell of Norfolk is a lawyer and retired US Marine Corps officer.

VaNews June 30, 2025


Walkinshaw wins Virginia primary to replace Rep. Connolly, his former boss

By TEO ARMUS, DARANEE BALACHANDAR AND LAURA VOZZELLA, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw won the Democratic nomination to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia) in Congress, leveraging an endorsement from the late lawmaker — who had long enlisted him as a top aide — to win a crowded race animated by growing frustrations with the party establishment. His victory, announced Saturday night following a party-run primary, capped a breakneck special-election contest in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District against two state lawmakers and several political newcomers, many of whom called for a shake-up on Capitol Hill.

VaNews June 30, 2025


Dem Walkinshaw, GOP's Whitson to vie for Connolly's congressional seat

By ANDREW CAIN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Subscription Required)

Democrat James Walkinshaw, who spent a decade as Rep. Gerry Connolly's chief of staff, will face Republican Stewart Whitson, a U.S. Army veteran and former FBI special agent, in a Sept. 9 special election to fill the seat of the late Northern Virginia congressman. Walkinshaw, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since 2020, prevailed in a 10-candidate field in Saturday's Democratic nomination contest that included state Sen. Stella Pekarsky, D-Fairfax, and Del. Irene Shin, D-Fairfax. ... In the GOP nominating contest, Whitson prevailed in a field of seven candidates that included Mike Van Meter, who lost to Connolly by about 34 percentage points in 2024.

VaNews June 30, 2025


Walkinshaw wins Democratic nomination for Virginia’s Eleventh Congressional District

By ANDREW KERLEY, Virginia Scope

Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw beat out nine other candidates in a contentious firehouse primary on Saturday to become the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District in Northern Virginia. His opponent in the general election will be the Republican nominee, Stewart Whitson. “I’m honored and humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination for the district I’ve spent my career serving,” Walkinshaw said in a statement Saturday night.

VaNews June 30, 2025


James Walkinshaw wins Democratic nod in Congressional special election

By JARED SERRE AND ANGELA WOOLSEY, FFXnow

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw is now one election away from succeeding his political mentor in Congress. Walkinshaw bested nine other candidates in a firehouse primary to secure the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, local party officials announced Saturday shortly before midnight. He advances to face Republican nominee Stewart Whitson in September’s general election.

VaNews June 30, 2025


Republicans nominate former FBI agent in race to succeed Gerry Connolly

By JARED SERRE, FFXnow

A former FBI staffer who said at a forum last Sunday (June 22) that he supports President Donald Trump “a hundred percent” will be the GOP’s nominee for a Fairfax-area Congressional seat this fall. Stewart Whitson will advance to face the Democratic nominee in a Sept. 9 special election for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, local Republican officials announced this Saturday.

VaNews June 30, 2025