Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Wednesday, August 5. Also, check out Jeb Bush handing Democrats two excellent talking points for the general election. Thanks Jeb! :)*President Obama's Tough, Achievable Climate Plan *Jeb Bush's ad-lib offers Dems another gift ("He questions the amount of government support for women's health programs." Keep on talkin' ol' Jeb boy! LOL) *What If Trump Wins? (If he actually became President, our country would be doomed, but other than that...) *Perry out, Kasich in: Fox News announces the participants in Thursday night's debate *A wealthy oligarchy of donors is dominating the 2016 election (Thanks a lot Chief Justice Roberts...not!) *A strategy forms to combat the Islamic State ("U.S. policy now appears to be working in tandem with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, a rare alignment - although Iran remains a potential spoiler.") *Kaine announces support for Iran deal *Iran deal foes spend big, get little so far (Ha ha.) *The hideous truth about Donald Trump: Why the "Trump Surge" is here to stay - even if his campaign isn't ("The forces animating the Donald's soaring popularity are omnipresent: The deep-seated anxieties of white America") *Lawns are a soul-crushing timesuck and most of us would be better off without them (Also an environmental disaster. Replace them with native/pollinator-friendly plantings, fruit trees, anything but sod.) *Unnecessary misstep from the governor ("Virginia's system should be changed to empower bar associations, or similarly qualified panels, to recommend a list of candidates from which the governor can nominate, and for lawmakers to confirm or reject the governor's selection.") *Virginia central in national redistricting fight *McAuliffe to lead national redistricting effort by Democrats ("McAuliffe will co-chair a new redistricting fund aimed at ensuring Democratic governors in key states hold power in 2020, when states will begin redrawing congressional maps.") *Gov. McAuliffe Weighs in on VP Biden, Virginia Economy ("Governor Terry McAuliffe added he considers Joe Biden a friend and thinks he would make a great candidate.") *Virginia not part of fetal tissue program ("...while Planned Parenthood operates seven clinics in Virginia, six of which offer first-trimester abortions - any conducted after the first trimester must be performed in a hospital - none participate in the fetal tissue donation program") *Goodlatte: Criminal justice reform proposal coming next month (If Goodlatte has anything to do with it, you know it will be bad.) *Atlantic Coast Pipeline survey case in Nelson County still undecided *Solar energy farm on the horizon for Isle of Wight ("sle of Wight County - and one family farm in particular - may be host to a major solar energy farm if the Board of Supervisors approves a request from a company looking to sell power to the state's largest electrical utility.") *The New Gig ("U.S. Sen. Mark Warner on what a different kind of economy means for 83 million millennials - and everyone else.") *Appalachian Residents Joining Hands in Opposition to Pipeline Development and Fracking *Virginia Republicans plan to throw a qualified justice out of the courtroom *Bruce Allen's ugly arrogance (Seems to run in the family...) *Could one of the nation's largest school districts go without sports, activities? ("Fairfax County, Va.'s school system is planning for cuts of nearly $100 million, possibly targeting coveted programs.") *Prince William officials back 'hybrid' power line plan *Incentives in Norfolk smooth path for developer *Nationals snap four-game losing streak with win over Diamondbacks *D.C. area forecast: Hot but less humid today; shower chances return later tomorrow |