The South Archives - Page 56 of 68

Task Force Recommends Redirecting Police Funds, Stoney Says No

November 28, 2020November 27, 2020 Eric Burk

The City of Richmond’s Task Force To Reimagine Public Safety released its final report on Monday, after three months of meetings. The task force issued several recommendations focused on using community resources more and law enforcement less. Those recommendations include a new 911 system to triage non-criminal calls away from law enforcement and reducing police funding to send more resources to other agencies. However, Mayor Levar Stoney is not implementing the policies exactly as recommended.

Puneet Ahluwalia Wants to Bring Pro-Business Leadership Back to Virginia as Lieutenant Governor

November 27, 2020November 26, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Northern Virginia lobbyist and consultant Puneet Ahluwalia is running for lieutenant governor to offer a fresh perspective in state politics and provide a pro-business mindset to help Virginians overcome the current economic challenges.

Originally from India, Ahluwalia announced his bid for the 2021 Republican lieutenant governor nomination in September and is one of many people who started campaigns for the position in the last couple months.

#WalkAway Campaign Founder Brandon Straka Announces Mass Canvassing in Georgia to Help David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler

November 27, 2020 Chris Butler

#WalkAway Campaign founder Brandon Straka announced this week that he is coordinating grand scale plans to help U.S. Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) and U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) win reelection. U.S. Senate Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock want to represent the Peach State. Perdue and Loeffler are on the January 5, 2021 ballot for the U.S. Senate against Ossoff and Warnock, respectively.

Thousands Join Virtual Roanoke Drumstick Dash

November 27, 2020November 26, 2020 Eric Burk

On a normal year, 10,000 people turn out for Roanoke’s Atlantic Union Drumstick Dash, a fundraiser that supports the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s meal services program. The Dash is still happening this year, but it’s using a new format where individual racers sign up online and complete the race distance wherever they choose, anytime in November.

Sidney Powell ‘Releases the Kraken’ in Georgia Lawsuit

November 26, 2020 Corinne Murdock

Attorney Sidney Powell filed her “Biblical” lawsuit on Wednesday in Georgia, making good on her promise to “release the Kraken.” The defendants were named as Governor Brian Kemp, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and State Election Board members David Worley, Rebecca Sullivan, Matthew Mashburn, and Anh Le. The lawsuit called into question around 146,600 votes at minimum.

The 104-page lawsuit claimed that Dominion Voting Systems (Dominion) engaged in virtual ballot-stuffing through its electronic voting software. It bolstered its claim by alleging that the software design was created to manipulate the Venezuelan elections of Hugo Chavez, and was designed in a way to hide vote manipulations from any audits.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday in 2020

November 26, 2020November 25, 2020 Eric Burk

Retailers like Target and Walmart stretched out their traditional Black Friday sales throughout the whole month, but post-Thanksgiving shopping sprees will still be available, according to press releases from the companies. Cyber Monday will feature big deals online as usual, but don’t forget Giving Tuesday and Small Business Saturday.

Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes by State

November 26, 2020November 25, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Thanksgiving is all about spending quality time with family and friends away from the everyday responsibilities such as work and school, but the holiday really centers around the large afternoon feast where so much food is consumed that a nap is usually required immediately afterward.

And everybody knows that Turkey is the mainstay of traditionally Thanksgiving meals, hence the nickname Turkey Day, but what about the side dishes? Which classic sides are more popular than others?

Politics at the Thanksgiving Table: Legislators on Holiday

November 26, 2020November 26, 2020 Eric Burk

Virginia’s legislators recently completed a long special session, and are preparing for the regular session in January. Additionally, Virginia’s state elections are just a year away, so many of them are launching campaigns for office. The Virginia Star asked several legislators how they’re escaping the stress this Thanksgiving.

Tim Anderson Announces Run for Virginia House of Delegates

November 25, 2020November 24, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Prominent Virginia Beach lawyer Tim Anderson is running for the House of Delegates 83rd District as a Republican candidate.

Anderson, who is already involved with GOP state politics, officially announced his campaign on Tuesday through a press release posted to his Twitter and Facebook profiles.

College Basketball Games to Watch Over Thanksgiving Holiday

November 25, 2020November 24, 2020 Jacob Taylor

It has been exactly 258 days since conference tournaments around the country were cancelled thanks to the coronavirus, but now fans can rejoice because college basketball is officially back.

After what feels like an eternal break from the sport, Wednesday marks the start of the season and features a slate of games from morning to night for what will essentially be non-stop action all day long.

Things to Do in Richmond This Thanksgiving Weekend

November 25, 2020November 24, 2020 Eric Burk

COVID-19 and Governor Ralph Northam’s executive orders make it more difficult to enjoy the holidays, but Richmond still has plenty of activities to offer this weekend. Enjoy historical experiences, tour the city by bike, or volunteer to help feed others this Thanksgiving.

83 Percent Increase in Middle and High School Students Earning ‘F’ Grades in at Least Two Classes in Fairfax

November 25, 2020November 24, 2020 Eric Burk

A Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) study found an 83 percent increase in middle and high school students earning ‘F’ grades in two or more classes. The study compared Quarter One 2020-2021 results to Quarter One 2019-2020, and coincided with COVID-19 virtual learning. Last school year, six percent of the students earned ‘F’ grades in two or more classes; that increased to 11 percent in the latest results.

Follow the Money: CARES Act Update

November 24, 2020November 23, 2020 Eric Burk

Congress passed the CARES Act last March, sending many taxpayers $1,200, giving $100 billion to health providers, and boosting unemployment benefits by $600 a week, according to Govtrack. The $2 trillion stimulus bill also sent $150 billion to states and localities across the country. Virginia received about $3.1 billion dollars, with a separate $200 million sent directly to Fairfax County.

Sidney Powell Makes Explosive Allegations About Dominion; Firm Won $107 Million Contract with State of Georgia Months After Former Staffer for Gov. Kemp Signed on as Lobbyist

November 24, 2020December 26, 2020 Corinne Murdock

At the center of the pending lawsuits surrounding this general election is the integrity of electronic voting systems and the companies that own them. One company of particular interest is Dominion Voting Systems (Dominion), referenced by attorney Sidney Powell in multiple press conferences and interviews.

Powell has claimed that Dominion is responsible for switching, losing, and assigning different weights to votes. The attorney has also claimed that those who awarded contracts to Dominion did so for sweetened deals: guaranteed increased power and massive payouts. Powell further alleged that Dominion’s software and executives have ties to Venezuela and the late Hugo Chavez.

Senator Amanda Chase says the Democratic Party of Virginia is Racist

November 24, 2020November 23, 2020 Jacob Taylor

State Senator Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield), a Republican gubernatorial candidate for 2021, called the Democratic Party of Virginia racist and said that the group hates white people.

On Friday night, Chase posted the statement to her Facebook page in response to an article about Virginia Democrats calling for Richmond General Registrar J. Kirk Showalter to either be removed from the position or to resign on her own.

Lynchburg-Area Counties Considering ‘No Shutdown’ Resolution

November 24, 2020November 23, 2020 Eric Burk

A resolution to block Governor Ralph Northam’s COVID-19 shutdown executive orders is circulating in the counties around Lynchburg. According to reporting by WSET, Boards of Supervisors in Campbell, Bedford, and Appomattox Counties are considering drafting a resolution repudiating Northam’s interference in local business.

Glenn Davis is Determined to Make Second Run at Virginia Lieutenant Governor a Success

November 23, 2020November 22, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Virginia State Delegate Glenn Davis (R-Virginia Beach) says he wants to restore the Commonwealth as a bastion of business and help bring increased equity to education throughout the state if elected as lieutenant governor in 2021.

Davis, 47, announced his second run for the position back in September and was the first Republican candidate to enter the 2021 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election, which will take place next November.

Joe Morrissey Commentary: Electoral Incompetence in Richmond Should Alarm Both Parties

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

Election Day 2020 has come and gone. Voters in the United States found out last week that President Donald Trump was defeated by former Vice President Joe Biden. Counts in numerous states took longer than what many expected, but results were eventually provided nonetheless. Overall, the election occurred without a hitch. The same cannot be said for the City of Richmond. Issues that arose included precincts reporting the wrong vote counts, City Council candidates allocated the wrong vote totals, individual voters receiving numerous ballots – the list goes on!

Former Portsmouth Police Chief Angela Greene Tells Her Story

November 23, 2020November 22, 2020 Eric Burk

Angela Greene says she was fired for upholding the law. The former Portsmouth Police Chief was placed on administrative leave after her department announced felony charges against Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) and others alleged to have been involved in damaging the city’s Confederate monument in June. The charges were dropped on November 16, the same day Greene was fired.

Mass Protest at CNN: Your Fake News Gig Is Up

November 22, 2020November 21, 2020 Chris Butler

Americans who once belonged to the political left, whether White, Black, straight or gay, assembled in front of CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta Saturday and explained why no one should ever again trust mainstream news outlets.

Those same people, who now support U.S. President Donald Trump, explained during a mass protest that those same legacy outlets need to disappear.

Cobb County BOE Denies Ballot Shredding-After Videos Produce Evidence of Ballot Shredding

November 22, 2020November 21, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration is defending itself after being accused of shredding election documents during Georgia’s controversial recount.

President Donald Trump’s attorney Lin Wood tweeted videos shot by a witness who identified herself as Susan Knox and said she was outside the Jim R. Miller Event Center, where ballots were stored, on Friday. She documented a mobile shredder company destroying documents, which she called ballots.

NC State Hands Liberty First Loss of the Season

November 22, 2020November 22, 2020 Jacob Taylor

The North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated No.21 Liberty Flames 15-14 Saturday night in a thrilling game that came down to the wire, snapping the Flames 10-game winning streak.

In a competitive, low-scoring contest, the Wolfpack sealed its victory by blocking a 39-yard field goal attempt by Flames kicker Alex Barbir with 1:18 left in the fourth quarter after Liberty had driven the ball down the field.

Virginia Schools Backtrack on Reopening

November 22, 2020November 21, 2020 Eric Burk

Facing pressure from teacher’s advocacy groups, school districts across Virginia are reconsidering plans to return to in-person learning. Districts including Henrico County, Fairfax County, and Virginia Beach are canceling or postponing in-person learning options, according to reporting by NBC12 and Wavy.com. Other districts, including Chesterfield County and Loudoun County, are considering similar moves, according to ABC7 and WRIC. On Sunday, a group of Northern Virginia teachers’ associations wrote a letter citing rising COVID-19 cases and state guidance about limiting group size as a reason for postponing plans.

Arlington Prosecutor Deghani-Tafti Battles to Not Prosecute Marijuana Possession Violations

November 21, 2020November 20, 2020 Eric Burk

Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Deghani-Tafti is in an unusual battle for a prosecutor — she’s fighting for a lower penalty to be imposed on a defendant alleged to have been transporting 50 pounds of marijuana at the Reagan National Airport. According to reporting by the Washington Post, Judge Daniel Fiore II refused to accept a plea deal arranged by Deghani-Tafti, a move that also forced Fiore to recuse himself from further involvement in the case. Now, Deghani-Tafti is arguing to have the original deal applied — one that would give the defendant probation with a possibility of having his felony charges purged.

Court Declines to Block Construction of Mountain Valley Pipeline

November 21, 2020November 20, 2020 Eric Burk

The Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to stay a Biological Opinion, a type of permit, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), according to Reuters. The Wednesday decision allows construction of the 303 mile natural gas pipeline to go forward while the courts consider the merits of other legal challenges to the pipeline.

RPS Has Worst Graduation and Dropout Rates in the Commonwealth

November 21, 2020November 20, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Richmond Public Schools (RPS) has both the lowest graduation rate and the highest dropout rate among school districts in the state of Virginia, Superintendent Jason Kamras said.

In the daily RPS direct newsletter for Wednesday, Kamras gave an update on the graduation and dropout rates from the 2019-20 academic year for the school districts high schools. Included within Kamras’ online newsletter was data from a presentation given to the school board on Monday by RPS chief academic officer Tracy Epp.

Extended Unemployment Benefits Federal Program Ending in Virginia

November 21, 2020November 20, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Approximately 20,000 Virginians who have been relying on extended unemployment benefits over the last several months amidst the coronavirus pandemic will no longer receive those payments come Saturday.

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) announced Wednesday that it has been notified by the U.S. Department of Labor that the Extended Benefits Program in Virginia will end on November 21.

Virginia Democrats Call for Removal of Richmond City General Registrar

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 Jacob Taylor

The Democratic Party of Virginia is calling for the removal or resignation of the Richmond City General Registrar J. Kirk Showalter.

In a letter to Richmond’s electoral board on Thursday, Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA) Chair Susan Swecker, and Richmond City Democratic Committee Chair Jamie Nolan criticized Showalter for her handling of the recent elections.

Ousted Portsmouth Police Chief Angela Greene Speaks on Tucker Carlson Tonight

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 Eric Burk

Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson hosted Portsmouth’s ousted Police Chief Angela Greene on his show Wednesday night to discuss recent events in Portsmouth. Greene’s department issued charges against Senator Louise Lucas and others after Portsmouth’s Confederate monument was damaged in a June protest. On Monday, Greene was fired and the charges were dismissed.

UVA Students Create Website for Easy Access to Virginia Colleges’ COVID-19 News

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Four University of Virginia (UVA) undergraduates have created a website called The Collegepedia that aims to make the process of finding the latest reliable, college-specific news about COVID-19 at universities throughout the Commonwealth easier.

“[Journalists] have been working tirelessly to keep communities informed about their health and safety, but there is no single media outlet or aggregator that compiles all of these stories, searchable by community, in an easy to read and straight to the point format. So, we wanted to fill that void.” UVA senior Nik Popli, one of the website’s creators, told The Virginia Star.

Drew Ferguson From Georgia’s Third Congressional District Describes the Mood of Constituents and Weighs in on the Mayhem

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 Julie Carr

Thursday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host John Fredricks welcomed U.S. Rep of Georgia’s Third District Congressman Drew Ferguson to the show to weigh in on the voting shenanigans and legal fights stirring in Georgia.

Senior Correspondent for Real America’s Voice Heather Mullins Reports Disorganization and Sketchy Details on the Ground in Georgia Counting

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 Julie Carr

Thursday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host John Fredricks welcomed news correspondent for Real America’s Voice Heather Mullins to the show to discuss her on-the-ground findings of uncounted votes in Fulton County, Georgia and the evidence of fake news.

Governor Northam Signs Revised State Budget

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 Eric Burk

Governor Ralph Northam signed Virginia’s new biennial budget, according to a Wednesday press release. The budget is the product of a recent months-long Special Session held by the General Assembly and features key provisions for homeowners, children, and businesses.

“This budget gives us the tools we need to contend with the challenges brought on by the ongoing pandemic,” Northam said in a press release.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam Executive Order Limiting Crowd Sizes Forces Cancelation of the Nation’s Gun Show

November 20, 2020November 19, 2020 Eric Burk

Organizers have canceled The Nation’s Gun Show scheduled to be held at the Dulles Expo Center this weekend after Governor Ralph Northam announced new group size restrictions at the end of last week. The organizers sued Northam and asked for an injunction that would allow them to hold the event, arguing that Northam’s emergency powers do not include the power to infringe the Second Amendment. However, the court denied the request for an injunction.

Loudoun County Takes Next Step with Proposed Gun Control Ordinance

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 Eric Burk

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to send a proposed gun control ordinance to public hearing. The proposed ordinance would ban firearms in county buildings, parks, and on streets near permitted events, similarly to new gun control ordinances in other cities. Second Amendment advocates spoke against the ordinance during public portions of the Tuesday meeting.

Georgia GOP Vote Chief Blames Trump And His Voters For Apparent Defeat

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R), who is on the defensive with his fellow Republicans over his handling of the election and the recount, is now lobbying a serious accusation against U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and blaming President Donald Trump for not receiving more votes.

Boris Epshteyn Gives Nationwide Update on Trump’s Election Battle and How Democrats Used COVID-19 to Cheat Trump Out of a Second Term

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host John Fredricks welcomed strategic advisor to the Trump-Pence campaign Boris Epshteyn to the show to give updates on pending Trump election lawsuits and the alleged fraud spanning the nation.

Morgan Griffith Weighs in on Republican House Seats and Advises Democrats to Be Loyal to District Not Speaker

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host John Fredricks welcomed Congressman of Virginia’s Ninth District Morgan Griffith to the show who weighed in on current House seat stats and Democrats loyalty to districts.

Avowed Socialist Lee Carter Mulls Run for Governor

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 Eric Burk

Delegate Lee Carter (D-Manassas) isn’t shy about his liberal ideologies. “Ask me about Socialism,” his Twitter bio states. The former Marine hinted that he’s considering a run for Governor in 2021 in a recent Twitter comment. If he does run, he will be a hard-core leftist running in a primary packed with other Democrats, likely including former Governor Terry McAuliffe, Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, and Delegate Jennifer Carrol Foy (D-Prince William).

Georgia GOP Revolt: Beach, Senators Lead Uprising Against Gov. Kemp-Demand Special Session

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 Corinne Murdock

Eleven of Georgia’s state senators are petitioning Governor Brian Kemp to call a special legislative session to amend election law, according to State Senator Brandon Beach (R-GA-Cherokee County). These legislators have also asked for an immediate oversight committee to look into the general election and rectify any mistakes prior to the January 5th runoff election.

Beach explained to The Georgia Star that widespread concern over the consent decree, voting discrepancies, and residency requirements have compromised faith in the upcoming runoff election.

Fairfax County Delays Return to Classroom for Latest Group of Students

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is delaying the return to in-person instruction for thousands of younger students, Superintendent Scott Braband announced in a letter to parents and staff on Monday.

The largest school system in Virginia had planned to send 6,800 pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and special education students (Group 5) back to school on Tuesday, but decided to put the move on pause because the current community health metrics for coronavirus cases are exceeding the threshold to expand in-person education, according to Braband.

Congressman Doug Collins Gives Updates on Trump’s Legal Fight in Georgia and the Lack of Transparency from the State

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host John Fredricks welcomed Republican Congressman Doug Collins from Georgia who weighed in on the current election legal battle and the lack of transparency from the Georgia Secretary of State.

Franklin County Board of Supervisors Vote to Keep Courthouse Confederate Statue

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 Jacob Taylor

The Confederate soldier statue outside the Franklin County courthouse in the small town of Rocky Mount will not be moved after the county’s board of supervisors unanimously voted to keep the monument in its current location during a monthly meeting Tuesday.

The motion was put forth by Boone District Supervisor Ronnie Thompson and seconded by Tommy Cundiff, Union Hall District Supervisor.

Virginia Restaurant Owners React to New COVID-19 Restrictions

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Governor Ralph Northam announced new statewide coronavirus restrictions last weekend, which went into effect Monday, that will impact a number of retail businesses throughout the Commonwealth.

“COVID-19 is surging across the country, and while cases are not rising in Virginia as rapidly as in some other states, I do not intend to wait until they are. We are acting now to prevent this health crisis from getting worse,” the governor said in a press release.

General Thomas McInerney Outlines New Evidence Alleging Nationwide Ballot Tampering to Prevent Trump Landslide

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 Julie Carr

Tuesday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host John Fredricks welcomed General Thomas McInerney to the show to discuss the alleged coordinated nationwide voter fraud using Hammer and Scorecard to defeat a Trump landslide victory in the 2020 election.

Project Veritas Interviews Witness Who Saw Georgia Election Recount Auditors Calling Trump Ballots for Biden

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

Georgia ballot recounters are calling multiple President Donald Trump ballots for Joe Biden, Project Veritas reported in a new undercover video.

Republican Delegate Kirk Cox Launches His Candiacy for Virginia Governor

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 Eric Burk

Delegate Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) announced his candidacy for Virginia governor on Tuesday. He has 30 years of experience as a Virginia delegate, including a stint as Speaker of the House. He thinks his brand of conservatism and results is what Virginia is looking for.

“I do think I have a record,” Cox said, “but I also feel like we need to bring back civility and respect.”

Governor Northam Says He Supports Marijuana Legalization in Virginia

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said Monday that he supports the legalization of Marijuana use for adults in the commonwealth.

“Legalizing marijuana will happen in Virginia,” the governor said during a briefing on Monday.

Former Virginia Speaker of the House Kirk Cox Announces His Run for Governor and How He Plans to Win It

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 Julie Carr

Tuesday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host John Fredricks welcomed former Virginia Speaker of the House of Delegates Kirk Cox to the show to announce his run for Virginia Governor and how he aims to win.

Chaotic Virginia Election Shows Need for Clearer Absentee Reporting

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 Eric Burk

It was a good day for Donald Trump in Virginia — strong in-person Election Day turnout drove the president ahead of challenger Joe Biden with 52 percent of the vote by 11 p.m. But that shifted between 11 p.m. November 3 and 5 a.m November 4, according to reporting by conservative newsblog The Gateway Pundit.