Curated News from The Virginia Council 11/1/26

Virginia Government updates:

Tensions between House and Sen. Lucas flare at meeting on data center tax break | WVTF By Brad Kutner

DOJ Unseals RICO Case Against Virginia State Senator Lucas and Six Others By Just Human

Virginia proposes shifting construction funds to tackle $1.7 Billion highway maintenance gap • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline

In rural Virginia, school construction needs are bringing Republicans and Democrats together on 1% sales tax - Cardinal News By Meghan Mangrum

Let him X-plain: Spotsylvania supervisor Mullins addresses offensive social media posts - Fredericksburg Free Press By Taft Coghill Jr.

(2) Virginia News Vanguard on X: "🚨BREAKING: VIRGINIA COURT WILL HEAR STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CASE: Tazewell Judge Clears Hearing on Abortion Amendment Nov. 13; FFLC Challenges Marriage Repeal Amendment Both lawsuits seek the courts to invalidate the proposed amendments if they pass on Nov. 3, on the https://t.co/ruV5F0jwe4" / X

Loudoun County Public Schools freezes hiring, considers potential school closures By Nick Minock

TAYLOR: U.Va.’s quest to ensure free speech remains an ongoing process - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper By Nat Taylor

When Politics Run the School By Joe Thomas

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

Thomas Jefferson's Influence on Texas' Declaration of Independence By Dr. Mark Holowchak

Visitor to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate calls out new 'woke' tours: 'Depressing and demoralizing' | Fox News with Jeffrey Tucker

The Constitution, Bill of Rights, & Liberty:

(2) Lawsuit against Amendment #1 Moves Forward By Shirley M. Furey, MD

If Virginians approve reproductive rights amendment, a hearing is set for Nov. 13 to challenge it • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods

The Raised Eyebrow and the Closed Account - The Daily Signal Between 2020 and September 2025, all nine maintained policies under which Americans could be denied banking services because of their political opinions, their religious convictions, or their lawful but unfashionable lines of work. By Allen Mendenhall

The First Amendment Is American. The Fight for It Is Global. By Sayer Ji

Anti-Gun Virginia Senator Louise Lucas Indicted in Federal Drug Case By John Crump

Abortion Measures Confuse Voters in 4 Key States By Caroline Berkness

Articles, News & Quotes:

Mysterious new group targets House Republicans with 'dark money' mailers | Fox News By Elizabeth Elkind

Surprise on the Potomac River: a fragile oyster bonanza | Fisheries | bayjournal.com By Timothy B. Wheeler