Curated News from The Virginia Council 2/22/26

Legislative & Redistricting updates:

Virginia judge temporarily halts Democrats' redistricting referendum bid | AP News By Olivia Diaz

Spanberger signs Virginia Democrats’ proposed congressional map despite ongoing court battle | WRIC ABC 8News By Ryan Nadeau

(4) No Gerrymandering Virginia on X: ""It is important to note that, in conjunction with the proposed amendment, the legislature would also do away with all statutory standards and criteria for congressional legislative districts, allowing the General Assembly to gerrymander our national representation. No regard" / X

Virginia Republicans target Del Dan Helmer over redistricting 'power grab' | Fox News By Paul Steinhauser & Charles Creitz

Redistricting ballot language says it's vote for 'fairness.' Republicans say that's not fair - Cardinal News By David M. Poole

Redistricting Betrayal in Virginia | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics By David Catron

10 things to know about where the General Assembly stands at crossover - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey

Firearm industry liability bill clears General Assembly | urcapitalnews By Sam Jurick

Virginia General Assembly advances cannabis retail framework • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt

Where bills stand at the midpoint of the General Assembly - Cardinal News By Cardinal News staff

Virginia faces nation’s highest vehicle property taxes By Heather Olinger

Virginia Attorney General to enforce new social media restrictions for minors By Kate Nuechterlein

Unregulated iGaming seen as $12B market; House approves legislation to regulate By Rachel Branning

Virginia House Passes Data Center Tax Exemption, With Conditions - Inside Climate News By Charles Paullin

Budget amendments would direct millions to Virginia free clinics as demand for their services surges - Cardinal News By Emily Schabacker

Crossover 2026 By VPAP.org "Crossover" is the General Assembly's deadline for bills to pass out of their chamber of origin to be considered by the other chamber. 

Virginia Government updates:

VA Supreme Court Shows How The Judiciary Harms Its Credibility By Shawn Fleetwood

Gov. Spanberger Claimed She Was A Moderate But Is A Radical By Casey Chalk

Virginia Gov. Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union address • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt

Democrats Make Pick to Respond to Trump’s SOTU Address By George Caldwell

Former Virginia Attorney General’s Office employee sues Miyares, alleging wrongful firing after raising concerns about possible conflict of interest | WRIC ABC 8News By Katelyn Harlow

After police reforms, Virginia traffic stops increase By Kunle Falayi

UVa names new rector after Spanberger reshapes board By David Velazquez

Rouse has switched sides in the battle between Clean Virginia and Dominion Energy By Brandon Jarvis

Articles, News, & Quotes:

Virginia Dems Lose Leftist Media Support Over Gerrymandering — Kerry: By Kerry Dougherty

(5) Virginians 4 Safe Communities on X: "INSANE: Exclusive List of 11 Killers Fairfax Soros DA Steve Descano let plea "Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity" - meaning they could go free at ANYTIME <50 cases for 1st & 2nd degree murder have been disposed in the last 3 years -Joshua Danehower (Gret Glyer's premeditated https://t.co/oX3SljmpH8" / X

White teens vindicated after woke Virginia professor accused them of hate crime -- for blasting rap musicWhite teens vindicated after woke Virginia professor accused them of hate crime -- for blasting rap music By Anna Young

Virginia health officials warn to avoid contact with Potomac River due to sewage spill - WTOP News By Diane Morris

Arlington loses Boeing’s defense HQ to St. Louis | ARLnow.com By Dan Egitto

More people moving to the Commonwealth than leaving, according to Virginia Realtors | WRIC ABC 8News By Katelyn Harlow

Over 300 students suspended in Virginia over anti-ICE walkout | Just The News By Misty Severi

Authorities still cleaning up after Newport News Shipbuilding dumped more than 7,000 gallons of jet fuel into the James River By Steve Walsh

Spanberger says Virginia is losing nearly half its college graduates. Here's who they are. - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey

https://open.substack.com/pub/theliberalpatriot/p/the-democrats-fraud-problem?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email By Ruy Teixeira

650 acres at Dragon Run protected for its ecological and cultural significance • Virginia Mercury By Evan Visconti

History Blooms - Garden Club of Virginia To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, this year’s event carries the theme Revolutionary Gardens

History, Tradition, & the 250th Anniversary of Independence:

How George Washington Laid the Foundations of America’s Economic Freedom and Prosperity | The Epoch Times

Correcting the Liberal Myths of George Washington | Presidents Series | Andrew Klavan

The Disbanding of Virginia's Capitol Square Preservation Council By Don Smith

Dissent! Liberty & Loyalty in Early Richmond - The Valentine Museum at The Valentine Museum

(4) The White House on X: ""Nearly 10,000 African-Americans fought for the patriot cause in the Revolutionary War... Black Americans have stepped forward to defend the flag and to defend our country like few others." - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 https://t.co/T3PtpoLPvu" / X

(6) Brianna Lyman on X: "Imagine it's February 19, 1776. In just a few years, you'll nearly sacrifice your two sons for the Cause -- all because you signed the Declaration of Independence Another inspiring story of one of our lesser known Founders https://t.co/J0v9pfNxNY" / X

The Revolution's Impact on American Society | National Archives Museum

Dispatch from 1776: Insulted by his military rank, Patrick Henry quits the army - Cardinal News By Patrick Henry

Heritage Guide to Historic Sites | The Heritage Foundation

VMHC Events Stunning floral displays created by member clubs of the GCV will be on view throughout the museum and center on the theme of Revolutionary Gardens as we commemorate America's 250th anniversary.

The Constitution, Bill of Rights, & Liberty:

Why Virginia should think twice about the NPV compact "in seeking a nationalized popular vote for president, they threaten to tear down the constitutional protections of federalism, minority rights, regional diversity, our two-party system, and national unity in a nation already too divided." By Michael C. Maibach

Our churches are being priced out of Virginia. Lawmakers could help them survive. • Virginia Mercury By Rev. Dr. Keith Savage & Rev. Dr. Michael Sessoms

(4) Delegate Eric Zehr on X: "The bill that strips your Second Amendment Rights! https://t.co/NDBKAyOiRG" / X

Lovings' 'quiet determination' honored as Caroline Courthouse added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail - Fredericksburg Free Press By Taft Coghill Jr.

Surprising Revival: Gen Z Men & Highly Educated Lead Return to Religion | RealClearInvestigations By Joel Kotkin & Bheki Mahlobo

A constitutional amendment on reproductive rights is headed to Virginia’s ballot. Here’s what it would do. By Yiqing Wang

(7) William Meijer on X: "Western culture is characterized by higher individualism, a greater willingness to cooperate and extend moral concern beyond kin, a greater emphasis on personal freedom and self-expression, greater tolerance for individual variation, and less emphasis on obedience to authority. https://t.co/aOfsrRsAcP" / X