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White Oak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park. 6/1/24
Monday’s Top Stories
Trump campaign tells Va. Rep. Good to stop implying Trump has endorsed him - WaPo
by Antonio Olivo
Former presidentDonald Trump’s campaign onFriday demanded that the campaign of Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) stop displaying signs and other material that suggest Trump has endorsed the congressman for reelection,noting in a letter that Good’s primary opponent, state Sen. John McGuire (R-Goochland), has that support.
“Producing and displaying materials that give the false impression that President Trump is supportive of your candidacy is a fraud on the voters of the 5th Congressional District,” a Trump presidential campaign attorney said in a cease-and-desist letter emailed to Good and his campaign that included a photo of a yard sign with Trump’s name prominently over Good’s. “President Trump is very concerned with ensuring that his supporters are not deceived into thinking they are contributing to a candidate — like you — that President Trump does not support.”
Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Virginia primary discuss national issues in Appomattox - News & Advance
by Emily Barber
At the Appomattox Community Center last month, Jonathan Emord and Scott Parkinson, Republican candidates running for the U.S. Senate in the Virginia primary, discussed hot topics such as abortion, domestic security and the national budget.
Emord is a constitutional law and litigation expert from Clifton, and Parkinson is from Arlington and has multiple experiences working for the Republican Party. According to his campaign website, Parkinson worked as Ron DeSantis’ chief of staff during his campaign for Florida governor in 2018.
Dems weigh local ties, anti-Trump fame in primary for Spanberger seat - WaPo
by Teo Armus
Craig Barrett was a little star-struck, he confessed, when he answered the door at his Northern Virginia townhouse to find a Trump whistleblower standing outside.
“It’s an honor to meet you, sir,” he said as former Army colonel Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman handed him a campaign brochure. “Hold on, hold on — I’ve got to get a picture, if you don’t mind.”
Democrats smell blood amid vicious GOP primary battle in the 5th District - Cardinal News
by Markus Schmidt
Crozet resident Paul Riley, an intelligence analyst and U.S. Army veteran, faces Gary Terry, also a veteran and engineer from Danville, and Gloria Witt, a businesswoman and community activist from Amherst County, in the June 18 Democratic primary election. All three are political newcomers.
UVA to pay $9 million related to shooting that killed 3 football players, wounded 2 students - AP
The University of Virginia will pay $9 million in a settlement related to a 2022 campus shooting that killed three football players and wounded two students, a lawyer representing some of the victims and their families said Friday.
But some of the families are calling for more: The immediate release of an independent probe into the shooting that was completed last year. Its focus included efforts by the university to assess the potential threat of the student who was eventually charged with murder as well as recommendations from what was learned.
This is a daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider becoming the ultimate political insider by supporting non-partisan, independent news and becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter today.
On the 200th and final day of school at Fairfield Court Elementary in Richmond’s East End on Friday, “This Is How We Do It” blared from speakers outside as staff members — even the crossing guard — danced and greeted students arriving at school, hugging or high-fiving each one.
Richmond raises Progress flag for Pride month, faces backlash from protesters - RTD
by Em Holter
Mayor Levar Stoney, City Council members and queer community leaders met at City Hall on Friday morning to officially recognize June as Pride month and raise the Progress flag alongside the Richmond city and American flags.
The flag-raising event began under the Stoney administration five years ago as an effort to highlight the importance of LGBTQ history. It also serves as a symbol for current and future queer residents that the city is a welcoming place to reside, Stoney said.
School division’s legal bills for lawsuit against Bedford County parent reach almost $30,000 - Cardinal News
by Lisa Rowan
Bedford County Public Schools has spent nearly $30,000 on a lawsuit against a parent that was filed in March.
The suit was filed during a period when the school board has been closely examining the division’s expenditures, and it has drawn attention because several school board members have said it was filed without their authorization.
The school board sued David Rife for damages of $600,000 in late March, alleging he used crude language and threatened police and legal action during repeated calls to the school district about his son.
During a divisive meeting on May 20, the Orange County School Board voted 3-2 to not recertify its membership with the Virginia School Boards Association, claiming the nonpartisan statewide organization was a drain on resources and leaned too far to the political left.
“I’ve seen recordings where they mock our governor and anyone with a conservative viewpoint,” said Board Member Darlene Dawson, who referred to the organization as a “monopoly.” “They lobby for many things that I, on principle, stand against, and I’m not interested in supporting them. If you try to disagree with them, they will shut you down. I’ve seen it happen.”
