Dear friends and fellow citizens, The Mary Washington monument in Fredericksburg has been defaced and spray painted with the anarchy symbol and word ‘ANTIFA’ this week! The obelisk memorial to Mary Washington, George Washington's mother, was the first one erected by women, for a woman in 1889. What was first an attack against confederates has expanded and morphed into an attack against history and our past. This remembrance for the woman who raised one of the greatest leaders in Virginia and American history is fair game for those who don't value what is good about our history, but revel in all our faults. They give lip service to our common values, rights, and freedoms while they use those gifts to tear down and destroy. People of good will and respect for the rule of law need to stand up and vocalize their opposition to this anarchy! In Charleston, South Carolina, where the heritage preservation laws are stronger and more easily enforced, preservationists have recently scored another win. They should give us encouragement for our efforts to fight the callous and capricious treatment of our disassembled artworks and memorials. The Virginia Council is an all-volunteer 501c3 organization that has never taken any state or federal funds. We rely on contributions from individuals and foundations who believe in our mission and goals. We hope that you continue to support us by attending our events, volunteering, and contributing if you can. Sincerely,
 Will McGurn Interim President, The Virginia Council
It's not too late to make a difference! Please donate now to support our non-profit help to preserve and defend the guideposts of our past. Here's an update from South Carolina: Plans underway to put Robert E. Lee monument back on display The American Heritage Association says the Robert E. Lee monument, which was taken down in 2021, will be put back up on public display in Charleston County.. The association filed a lawsuit against the Charleston County School Board in 2021. South Carolina AG Alan Wilson said in 2022 that the monument’s removal violated the state’s Heritage Act, the group said. DONATE HERE
Virginia Election Updates: Virginia statewide candidates are passing on debates, at least for right now | WVTF By Michael Pope Facing GOP skeptics, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears insists she can win the Virginia governor’s race | CNN Politics By Eva McKend PolitiFact | Spanberger agrees with Biden most of the time "Abigail Spanberger still votes with and shares Joe Biden’s positions 100% of the time." Vega correctly cites data from a nonpartisan website that measures the percentage of times a congress member votes in support of the president when the White House has taken a clear position on legislation. Winsome Earle-Sears, Abigail Spanberger differ on transgender sports and bathroom policies By Nick Minock John Reid: Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia with The Appalachian Podcast Virginia’s 11th Congressional District election candidates weigh in - WTOP News By Alan Etter Virginia GOP Facing Challenging Forecast for November Elections By Joe Thomas The Court Should Disqualify AG Miyares' Office from LG Earle-Sears' Ethics Case By Josh Stanfield The largest donor to Rouse’s lieutenant governor campaign won’t be known until months after the primary - Cardinal News By Elizabeth Beyer (6) John Reid on X: "The Virginia Taliban strikes again… the only way to stop this constant vandalism is to start aggressively and harshly punishing people when they are discovered to have done this type of thing. I know how much money and time is wasted on this defacement and how allowing it to https://t.co/P4TFLSlagz" / X VIRGINIA: Two Reasons People with a Moral Compass Should Oppose Ghazala Hashmi for Lt. Gov. | Restoration News By Jacob Grandstaff Virginia House Democrats announce record $9M election TV ad spend By Julia Manchester How much money is this year's gubernatorial race bringing in? | WVTF By Michael Pope

The Virginia Council Annual Achievement Report 2024-25 The board of The Virginia Council is proud to share our accomplishments over the past year. Thanks to your support and participation in our monthly meetings, Virginia Forum events, and our fun celebrations! We are gearing up for another year and welcome your support as volunteers or contributors. Here's a link to the complete report detailing our efforts to facilitate civil discourse, education, and solutions at a crucial time in the Commonwealth. TVC Annual Achievement Report
Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates: Youngkin, Miyares slam CA Descano over Fair Oaks Mall attempted abduction | wusa9.com By Matt Pusatory & Melissa Kim Fairfax court bars Youngkin’s boards of visitors appointees from serving; Miyares will appeal preliminary injunction - Cardinal News By Elizabeth Beyer Judge temporarily suspends appointees senators rejected from serving on Va. college governing boards • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline Youngkin blasts Richmond over city’s failure to pay $5.8M to wrongfully convicted man By Graham Moomaw Gov. Youngkin signs anti-trafficking bill, talks release of Epstein files | WAVY.com By Nick Broadway Judge's ruling on Youngkin appointees could slow Trump DEI purge in Virginia universities: Insiders - Washington Times By Sean Salai (3) Steve McGuire on X: "BREAKING: The George Mason University Board of Visitors just shut down DEI and affirmed its commitments to merit and non-discrimination in admissions and hiring. “Ensure that all University programs, policies, practices, and actions in every regard comply with the Equal https://t.co/B3wb7xSoXd" / X (2) Stu on X: "🚨 BREAKING: Instead of firing GMU President Gregory Washington, George Mason’s Board of Visitors gave him a raise. His new salary: $823,452.43, paid with state and other funds. Name another industry where you’re on the verge of being fired—and get a raise. https://t.co/0EXAyT4Pf1" / X George Mason Prioritized “Demographic Diversity” in New Hires By John D. Sailer Education Dept. Targets Virginia Schools' Transgender Policies By Joe Thomas Leadership changes impact VDH office that inspects nursing homes, hospitals By Tyler Layne Youngkin Isn't Doing Enough To Purge Virginia Public Schools By Stephanie Lundquist-Arora Virginia raises minimum wage rate By Leslie Johnson Virginia Sens. Warner, Kaine introduce bill to unmask ICE agents - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno Virginia fishermen call on President Trump to protect menhaden in Chesapeake Bay • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt
Articles, News, & Quotes:
 Mary Washington Monument Defaced With Antifa Graffiti By Abigail Johnson Mary Washington Monument Vandalized With Apparent Antifa Graffiti By Shawn Fleetwood Alleged Fair Oaks Mall child abductor involved in more than 30 prior criminal cases By Christian Flores (4) Virginians 4 Safe Communities on X: "BIG Updates: Fairfax Child Kidnapper Andres Caceres Jaldin: released right before crime, new video out 1) was freed 3 days before kidnapping "on recognizance" (No Bail) after felony hit & run (w/ injury) faces 10yrs (July 15 vs. July 18 2025) 2) 43 prior charges (2017-2025) w/ https://t.co/Zl6gVuLcvL" / X Virginia levies $120K penalty for Henry County solar facility - Cardinal News By Matt Busse (4) Nick Minock on X: "🚨New: A senior U.S. Department of Education official told me they are giving the Virginia school districts until August 15 “to see if they are serious about coming into compliance with Title IX…” Full statement ⬇️ https://t.co/CRiMR9mLfN" / X Amid a court battle over appointments, UVA begins president search despite Democrats' opposition • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline Following Ryan’s resignation, community initiatives remain in limbo - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper By Lucia Gambacini VCU Health to end gender-affirming care for trans youth again - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno (4) Joe Dodson on X: "Breaking: 66th Virginia Governor Doug Wilder sued the president of VCU in federal court Friday. Wilder brings defamation and denial of due process claims relating to a hostile work environment investigation at Wilder's School of Government and Public Affairs. @CourthouseNews https://t.co/oIu8WLpbTZ" / X This Tuckahoe home won a $1.26 billion contract for an ICE detention center. The owner isn't talking. By Juliana Vandermark Virginia city councilman Lee Vogler set on fire by maniac who dumped 5-gallon bucket of gas on him By Anthony Blair and Anna Young Vogler was Danville's 'comeback kid' for years before attack - Cardinal News By Grace Mamon Amtrak Virginia sees record-setting growth, including in Norfolk & Newport News By Conor Hollingsworth Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announce $85 billion transcontinental railroad deal | AP News By Josh Funk New flood gate project nears completion in Virginia Beach By Ashley Knight Military bases revert to original names with different namesakes | AP News By Fernanda Figueroa Historic marker recounting Danville Riot of 1883 to be unveiled this week - Cardinal News By Grace Mamon ~ and here's the rest of the story ~ Danville Riot (1883) - Encyclopedia Virginia By Brendan Wolfe Largest Chesapeake Bay oyster habitat restoration project nears finish, plans for more growth • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt WATCH: The importance of the Renwick Building downtown - Fredericksburg Free Press By Ted Schubel Smithsonian warns potential Texas move could damage Space Shuttle Discovery | FFXnow By Vernon Miles

Interviews & Videos of Interest Lt. Governor candidate John Reid visits Rocky Mount By Colby Johnson Biz Beat Clips: Allman's BBQ - Fredericksburg Free Press By Bill Freehling Inside Politics on X: "As Virginia prepares to select its next governor - the Republican Candidate, and current Lt. Governor, @WinsomeSears joins @mkraju for a lively interview. https://t.co/aAU4sca8MB" / X Virginia’s problem gambling committee takes lessons from other states By Brad Kutner WATCH: Historic batteau fragment connects visitors to Rappahannock’s past - Fredericksburg Free Press By Ted Schubel (2) ((( C'villeBubble ))) on X: "UVA had racial quotas for admissions & hiring 4/28: @CivilRights sent UVA a letter advising it was under investigation 4/29: UVA Board voted to end racial quotas ⬇️UVA Law alumni @SenJohnKennedy & @HarmeetKDhillon discuss quotas https://t.co/Wuj5qmXnMw" / X Virginia family rejects development to save historic Varina property By Greg McQuade

The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty
The Virginia Council has been blessed with unwavering support from the community since its founding a few years ago. And we decided to add some new ways to thank you for your ongoing assistance in our efforts to educate and inform Virginians. "Announcing The Virginia Council membership reward program. Sign up today on our website for the various levels of support!" Member level: Simple membership is free when you sign up for our email newsletter or attend a monthly meeting. Liberty level: For an annual contribution of $100 you get the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings and a commemorative Virginia Council lapel pin. Patriot level: When you step up to make an annual contribution of $250 you receive first access to tickets to our annual Christmas and Patriot Parties, the commemorative Virginia Council pin, and the newsletter and monthly meeting access. President's Council level: For a commitment of $1000 you receive the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings, 2 lapel pins, 2 invitations to both of our annual parties, and 2 VIP tickets to one Virginia Forum lecture of your choice. We hope you'll find these rewards an added incentive to help fund our efforts to restore a full view of Virginia's history, monuments & role that government plays in our lives. We appreciate all your support and encouragement and look forward to bringing you more compelling voices of liberty, freedom, and conscience over the next year. To become a Liberty, Patriot, or President's Council member, please make a contribution here. To volunteer, click here. The Executive Board of the Virginia Council If you are interested in donating appreciated securities, we now have an account to make it easy for you (see the information below). Contact us HERE for more details.

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