Podcasts about General assembly

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When the next General Assembly goes into session in January, the House of Delegates committees will have more Democrats and fewer Republicans. Michael Pope explains. 

Veterans Affairs Director Kasim Yarn talks about the services available for our veterans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My interview guest today, Axel Marschik, is a veteran Austrian diplomat who has thought extensively about how the General Assembly can play a more robust role in peace and security when the Security Council fails to do so. In a paper that was widely discussed around the UN, Ambassador Marschik proposed that the General Assembly craft pre-authorized sanctions that would be automatically triggered if the Security Council is "unable or unwilling to act to confront some of the most serious violations of international law, including aggression and mass atrocity crimes." Under his proposal, the General Assembly would design a suite of sanctions in the abstract that would become very real—and automatically imposed on the offending party—through a General Assembly vote should the Security Council fail to take meaningful action. In our conversation, Ambassador Marschik fleshes out this idea, including what sorts of sanctions he has in mind and how to translate this concept into a General Assembly resolution creating such a mechanism. Ambassador Marschik currently serves as Austria's Ambassador to Germany and previously served as Austria's Permanent Representative to the UN from 2020 to 2025. This episode of Global Dispatches is produced in partnership with Lex International Fund, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to strengthening international law to solve global challenges. It's part of our ongoing series highlighting the real-world impact of treaties on state behavior, called "When Treaties Work."

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As members of the General Assembly prepare for the upcoming session with a new governor, tax policy is likely to be a topic of debate. Michael Pope has a preview. You can find the report from the Commonwealth Institute here.

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Virginia just delivered a historic election, electing the first female chief executive, Abigail Spanberger, and expanding the Democratic House of Delegates majority by 13 seats. What does this shift mean for Virginia's business climate, the upcoming 2026 General Assembly session, and franchise auto dealers? Join host Dan Carrigan with two members of VADA's Lobbying team, Tripp Perrin (Lindl Government Affairs) and Greg Habeeb (Gentry Locke Consulting), as they provide an in-depth breakdown of the election results and the political landscape moving forward. This discussion is for auto dealers and those following the campaigns and election of Governor-elect Spanberger, Attorney General-elect Jay Jones and more.

"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli started Tuesday's show looking at a demand from the Connecticut ACLU that local license plate scanners be turned off until legal safeguards are put in place regarding the use of any data collected by those units (00:46). Alexis Harrison joined us from CT169Strong to chat about latest "affordable housing" bill from the General Assembly (14:54). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio briefed us on the State of Connecticut's bid to possibly buy some failing hospitals (21:22). Finally, CBS News reporter Taurean Small joined us from Washington, D.C. to talk about progress in Congress to end the government shutdown (31:50) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

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Virginia Democrats had a big night in Tuesday's elections, sweeping all the statewide races and winning a supermajority in the House of Delegates. We broke down the historic election from all angles. We dove into the results with WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter, Margaret Barthel, and David Poole, founder of the Virginia Public Access Project.We were then joined by one of the big winners, Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi, to discuss what it means for Virginians and her historic election victory as the first Muslim woman to win statewide office in the U.S.During the campaign, Hashmi dealt with comments about her background, including from her Republican opponent, John Reid, who suggested she was supported by "radical Islamists." Hashmi said voters made clear they disagreed with that rhetoric. "It was Virginians who made their choice known, and the ugliness of the bigotry that my opponent was targeting me with was soundly rejected on Tuesday night," she said.Hashmi said that, as Lieutenant Governor, she plans to focus on housing affordability, energy concerns, and healthcare. Finally, Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell took the mic to discuss what the Democrats' "trifecta" means for governing, constitutional amendments, and the much-discussed redistricting plan. He cautioned that Democrats will need to navigate significant budget challenges, which could hamper the party's agenda."A lot of these new policies require money in order to implement," he said. "And given our budget situation, we're gonna have to figure out what we can afford and what we can prioritize."At the top of the agenda when the General Assembly reconvenes in January will be raising the minimum wage, banning assault weapons, and paid family leave.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

In the second episode of our Essentials series, Dean sits down with Dr. Clifton Ward, Associate Professor of Church History and Theology, to explore the enduring theological depth and practical significance of the Essentials of Our Faith. Together, they unpack the relationship between the Essentials and the Westminster Confession, tracing how both shape our understanding of Reformed theology and the unity of the Church. Their conversation highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in illuminating truth, guiding the Church in charity and conviction, and binding believers together across generations and traditions. Dean and Clifton also reflect on how the EPC's Essentials foster unity amid diversity, and how these core affirmations of faith can serve as a spiritual anchor for the next generation of believers seeking a firm foundation in an ever-changing world.

To listen to the full bonus show, subscribe at Patreon.com/Gaslit for ad free shows, all bonus shows, exclusive events, support independent journalism, and more at Patreon.com/Gaslit.  "We can respond to oligarchy and authoritarianism with the strength it fears, not the appeasement it craves."  – Zohran Mamdani Welcome to the Gaslit Nation Election Super Special – a block party celebrating the proud American tradition of punching Nazis. Election Day 2025 will go down in history as D-Day for democracy. Terrell Starr joins Andrea to break down what these nationwide victories mean for the future, from the midterms and beyond. It's clear who Americans blame for the government shutdown. The blue tsunami showed up and reshaped the map, literally. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger made history as the state's first woman governor as Democrats swept the governorship, lieutenant governorship, and attorney general, with nearly every county shifting blue. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill became the first Democratic woman to lead the state, with Democrats gaining seats across the legislature. Our people-powered victories weren't a "blue bubble" story as Donald Trump wants you to believe. Democrats flipped two seats in Mississippi, two statewide offices in Georgia, won the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and wiped GOP control off the Bucks County school board. Colorado voted to feed kids, Charlotte funded transit, Maine rejected voter suppression, progressive D.A.s Larry Krasner in Philadelphia and Alvin Bragg in Manhattan won re-election, and California overwhelmingly voted for redistricting self-defense against GOP autocracy. More on the redistricting battle in future episodes. And in New York City, Zohran Mamdani, just 34, the city's first Muslim mayor and the youngest since 1982, the first candidate to get over 1 million votes since 1969, delivered a victory speech so electric it could light up Times Square, reminding us that unity and humanity are the real antidotes to greed and fear. The fascists forced a fight, and democracy punched back. This is only the beginning. Thank you to every Gaslit Nation listener who voted, who showed up for your community, for our shared livable future that we will build together, and who kept hope alive on our darkest days. We will overcome with our moral force and defiance. To listen to the full episode, join the Gaslit Nation community. Want to hear Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Show Notes:   Zohran Mamdani announces all-female transition team as he prepares for New York mayoralty: Team includes Lina Khan, the FTC commissioner under Biden, and other Democratic former city officials https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/05/zohran-mamdani-transition-team   From Michael Moore's 2018 Trump-era epic, Fahrenheit 11/9. In this scene, President Obama comes to Flint amidst the poisoned water crisis. His appearance left the residents of Flint stunned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvlcI2TmfdI   Nearly all Virginia counties shift blue as Democrats win big across commonwealth: Democrats won Virginia's top three offices and expanded their majority in the House of Delegates. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/politics/elections/virginia-democrats-republicans-elections-balance-of-power/65-2dd07df2-7f70-4a03-b965-f22f39292c9b   Election 2025: A Blue Wave in Bucks County as Democrats Sweep Row Offices, Dominate Races Across the County (LIVE Results) https://buckscountybeacon.com/2025/11/election-2025-bucks-county-and-statewide-pennsylvania-live-results/   The Candidates Who Made History In The 2025 Elections From New York City to Detroit, five candidates broke the glass ceiling. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/historic-firsts-2025-elections_n_690b3976e4b09953a605f0ed?origin=home-zone-b-unit   Clip: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQjxCjZAK1k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link   Clip: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQqgszTDD6k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link   Clip: https://bsky.app/profile/kendrawrites.com/post/3m4uzjgs6tk2m   'Absolute terror': Day care teacher detained by ICE agents on Chicago's North Side https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/video-daycare-teacher-detained-by-ice-agents-on-chicagos-north-side/   Voters Soundly Reject Trump's Plot to Rig the Next Election On Tuesday, Democrats passed new congressional maps, defeated GOP attempts to make it harder to vote, and protected pro-democracy judges. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/11/election-trump-newsom-california-redistricting-gerrymandering-pennsylvania-judges-maine-voter-id/   Beshear: Let me be clear. The president has both the funding and the authority to fund snap during a shutdown. In fact, every other president in every other shutdown has done so. People going hungry in this instance is a choice that this president has made. https://bsky.app/profile/acyn.bsky.social/post/3m4vioc3kvg2f   How Zohran Mamdani Beat Back New York's Elite and Was Elected Mayor The 34-year-old assemblyman won the Democratic primary by defying the city's all-powerful establishment. He secured the mayoralty by delicately disarming it https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/nyregion/how-zohran-mamdani-won-nyc-mayor.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare   Mamdani Did All the Things the Establishment Hates. He Won Anyway. There's a growing appetite for something new and innovative growing among the electorate—and an opportunity for Democrats to grow that electorate, as well. https://newrepublic.com/article/197247/mamdani-versus-establishment-democrats-cuomo   A Little-Noted Element Propelled Mamdani's Rise: Gen Z Loneliness Members of Gen Z found something unexpected in the mayoral race: a chance to hang out. Their enthusiasm turned into real votes. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/nyregion/mamdani-young-voters.html?unlocked_article_code=1.y08.95dX.Kxm_9AhFCK5b&smid=url-share   The Billionaires Who Failed to Stop Zohran Mamdani, and How Much They Spent https://time.com/7331119/zohran-mamdani-billionaires-ackman-bloomberg/   Va. House pushes through last-minute redistricting amendment as GOP cries foul The 51-42 vote follows fiery debate over whether the General Assembly should re-draw congressional lines mid-decade to counter actions in other states. https://virginiamercury.com/2025/10/29/va-house-pushes-through-last-minute-redistricting-amendment-as-gop-cries-foul/   Daniel Nichanian. Editor in chief of @boltsmag.org provide an election results overview: https://bsky.app/profile/taniel.bsky.social/post/3m4uhevs76k2n   FULL SPEECH: Zohran Mamdani's victory speech following historic NYC mayoral win https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOQT_4A1eb8  

Subscribe to support Koinonia Connect Apple Podcast! All episodes remain free—this is just to show your support.:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/koinonia-connect-with-apostle-joshua-selman/id1680799163   THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 DAILY PROPHETIC PRAYER & FASTING DAY 3 WITH APOSTLE JOSHUA SELMAN

It's Wednesday, November 5th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Vulnerable Asian and African girls kidnapped, abused, converted to Islam Christian women and girls are easy targets for persecution in South Asian and African nations. Last Tuesday, a panel at the World Evangelical Alliance's 14th General Assembly shared details. For example, girls in Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are often kidnapped, abused, and forced to convert to Islam. Even if they escape, they often face rejection after returning to their families, communities, or churches.  The panel called for better care for the women and girls subjected to such persecution. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Finnish stateswoman on trial again for affirming Biblical sexuality Speaking of persecuted women, a Christian woman in Finland is on trial for posting online about her biblical views on marriage and sexuality.  Last Thursday, the country's Supreme Court heard the case of Päivi Räsänen, a 65-year-old Finnish Member of Parliament. The state prosecution of her religious expression continues despite lower courts clearing her of wrongdoing. Listen to her recent comments to CitizenGo.  RÄSÄNEN: “This has been my calling. This has been some kind of privilege, to defend these very crucial values, to defend the freedom of speech and freedom of faith, because that is what we need just now. And also to bring the teachings of the Bible in public.” Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola is also on trial in the case. He said, “I think it is important that Christians continue to be able to defend Christian marriage and the Christian view of humanity without fear.” In 2 Thessalonians 1:8, the Apostle Paul wrote “Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God.” 40 Days for Life has saved 25,000 babies from abortion 40 Days for Life completed its latest campaign on Sunday. Pro-lifers mobilized for vigils in 671 cities worldwide for the last 40 days.  Shawn Carney, president of the pro-life group, said, “Thanks to your prayers and God's generosity, we continue to receive reports of babies who were scheduled to be aborted--but are instead alive and well!” In some cities, vigils are continuing year-round through the 40 Days for Life 365 initiative. Since 2007, 40 Days for Life has saved over 25,000 babies from abortion.  Former Vice President Dick Cheney died In the United States, former Vice President Dick Cheney died on Monday at the age of 84. His family said in a statement that he died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.  The statement noted, “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.” Sadly, Cheney supported homosexual faux marriage because his daughter, Mary Cheney, married her lesbian lover, Heather Poe. Cheney was known as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. He served as vice president under both terms of President George W. Bush. He was a key yet controversial leader in the “War on Terror” following the 9/11 terrorists attacks. Cheney was a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also the first Methodist vice president to serve under a Methodist president. U.S. Episcopal Church shrinking for anti-Biblical stances The U.S. Episcopal Church released its 2024 Parochial Report last month. And it's not good news. Not surprisingly, the mainline Protestant denomination reported fewer baptisms and a drop in the total number of parishes -- no doubt the result of the Episcopal Church's rejection of Biblical authority and an embrace of sodomy and baby killing through abortion. Worship attendance did increase last year, but is still down compared to a decade ago. At its rate of decline, the denomination could have no Sunday attendance in 30 years. Deuteronomy 4:2 warns, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Slight decrease in U.S. obesity rate And finally, Gallup reports obesity rates are declining in the U.S. The adult obesity rate stands at 37% this year. That's down from a high of 39.9% in 2022 but up from 25.5% in 2008. While obesity rates have declined recently, diagnoses of diabetes have reached an all-time high of 13.8%. That's up slightly from 10.6% in 2008. The use of weight loss injectable drugs has risen sharply over the past year. The popularity of these weight loss drugs is connected with lower obesity rates but has not lessened the rate of diabetes diagnoses.  Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, November 5th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Subscribe to support Koinonia Connect Apple Podcast! All episodes remain free—this is just to show your support.:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/koinonia-connect-with-apostle-joshua-selman/id1680799163   THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 DAILY PROPHETIC PRAYER & FASTING DAY 1 WITH APOSTLE JOSHUA SELMAN 

Subscribe to support Koinonia Connect Apple Podcast! All episodes remain free—this is just to show your support.:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/koinonia-connect-with-apostle-joshua-selman/id1680799163   THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 DAILY PROPHETIC PRAYER & FASTING DAY 2 WITH APOSTLE JOSHUA SELMAN

Welcome back to The NERVE! Conversations With Movement Elders a podcast from the National Council of Elders featuring intergenerational conversations between elder and younger organizers about important topics in our movements today.  This episode features a conversation about Federal Abuse of Power: ICE Violations and Militarized Cities. We'll hear from organizers based in NYC, Arizona, and North Carolina about the work they are doing to support migrant communities who are under attack. They'll share strategies from their organizing and ideas for how listeners can get involved in helping protect and support immigrant communities in these times. This episode is hosted by Aljosie Aldrich Harding (she/her) a member of NCOE, a community organizer, a memory worker, and a strong believer in political education and spiritual healing.  Joining Aljosie in this conversation are: Reverend John Fife, co-founder of the Sanctuary Movement which protected Central American refugees from deportation in the 1980's. He is a founding volunteer with No More Deaths, which provides humanitarian aid to migrants in the Sonoran Desert borderlands. In 1992 Fife was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Emanuel Gomez-Gonzalez is the Communications Strategist at Siembra NC Mateo Guerrero-Tabares is the Trans Justice and Leadership Program Manager at Make the Road New York CREDITS: Created and produced by the National Council of Elders podcast and oral history team: Aljosie Aldrich Harding, Frances Reid, Eddie Gonzalez, Sarayah Wright, alyzza may, and Rae Garringer. RESOURCES: Defend and Recruit - Workbook produced by Siembra NC about developing local ICE Watch groups, organizing 4th Ammendment Workplace Trainings and more. Don't Be a Copogandist: Migration Edition - produced by Migrant Roots Media and Interrupting Criminalization for media makers and journalists

When the next General Assembly gavels into session in January, Northern Virginia will have zero Republican members.  Michael Pope has more on the fallout from Tuesday’s election.

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one newsletter to produce an audio version, than this shall be what happens. As in, this a stand-alone audio edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement, a newsletter produced by Town Crier Productions with information about growth, development, government, and the occasional attempt at humor. I'm Sean Tubbs, encouraging readers to become listeners, listeners to become readers, and glad you're here either way.On this edition of the program:* The Virginia Senate follows the Virginia House of Delegates in advancing a Constitutional amendment to allow for a one-time redrawing of Congressional districts (House story) (Senate story below)* A preview of two readings coming up this month from the poet and author MaKshya Tolbert (story below)* Charlottesville design panel approves design for fence at Downtown Mall business, though Council must approve special exception (read the story)* Work continues to prepare candidate projects for VDOT's next Smart Scale Round (read the story)* Greene Supervisors briefed on innovation corridor planning (read the story)* Council signs off on revenue-sharing application for sidewalk in Meadows neighborhood (learn more)Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.First shout-out: Westwind FlowersFall is in full bloom at Westwind Flowers! With the crisp autumn air settling in, they're celebrating the season with fresh, local blooms perfect for every occasion.And as the holidays approach, let Westwind Flowers bring local beauty to your celebrations. Dress up your Thanksgiving table with seasonal blooms, gift your host or hostess with a gorgeous indoor plant, or join us for one of our Holiday Wreath Workshops on November 29th or December 6th. Create your own festive wreath, from the base to the finishing touch, with expert guidance and fresh, locally grown greenery.Westwind Flowers offers sustainably grown, thoughtfully curated cut flowers, perfectly suited to the season and the special moments in your life. They believe the blooms in your vase should be just as fresh, and just as local, as the food on your table. Visit their website to learn more!Virginia Senate passes first reference of Constitutional amendment to allow mid-Census redistrictingThe Virginia General Assembly has taken the first step towards amending the state constitution in order to allow for a one-time redrawing of Congressional boundaries to counter similar moves being made elsewhere.Democrats hold the majority in both the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, and Republicans in both chambers objected to the process, arguing there was not sufficient notice to voters and that at least a million people have already cast their ballots in early voting. A lawsuit has been filed and the first hearing is on November 5, a day after the election.Article XII of the Virginia Constitution describes how that document can be changed. Section 1 explains that both houses of the General Assembly must first adopt a resolution. Then an election has to take place in the House of Delegates. Then the General Assembly has to vote on the resolution a second time before it goes to the voters in a referendum.Amendments to the Virginia Constitution are fairly common with the last one approved by voters in 2024. Over 92 percent of the electorate approved a proposal to extend tax exemptions to spouses of soldiers killed in the line of duty.In 2020, two-thirds of the electorate voted to establish an eight member Virginia Redistricting Commission which would take over the process of establishing legislative districts from the General Assembly.In the final week of October 2025, Republicans argued in committee meetings and from the House and Senate floor that this amendment counters the will of the people. Democrats argued the step is necessary to counter a presidency that is acting beyond its power by asking other states to change their rules.This story covers the Virginia Senate debate on October 31.For more background, go back and read these two stories:* Virginia General Assembly has begun consideration of Congressional redistricting during special session, October 29, 2025* Constitutional amendment for Virginia redistricting passes House, awaits action in Senate, October 31, 2025The Senate took up House Joint Resolution 6007 the Friday morning of Halloween. The day before, the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee approved the amendment on an 8 to 6 vote.Before the full debate, there were three requests to amend the resolution including one from Senator Christoper Head that would have required the mid-Census boundary change to go through the Virginia Redistricting Commission. Those failed on partisan lines, and three Republican members were not present.A long debate over the resolution kicked off when Senator Aaron Rouse (D-22) made a motion for its adoption. He said the amendment would give Virginians a chance to weigh in with their vote on whether the lines should be redrawn.“We do see evidence that the system is being rigged by a wannabee dictator out of Washington,” Rouse said. “During this Republican shutdown we've seen this dictator be enabled by a coequal but separate branch of government. Virginians may have something to say about that.”Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-16) was one of the patrons for the Constitutional amendment that set up the Virginia Redistricting Commission. He said Republican claims that the amendment would eliminate the body are false.“That's not what this is and that's not what we're doing,” VanValkenburg said. “Today we are taking a truly proportional response to an extreme situation. The current outbreak of opportunistic mid-decade redistricting means that we are in a truly unprecedented, Constitutional norm breaking time.”Senator Glen Sturtevant (R-12) said the resolution is a betrayal of voters in part because over a million people had already voted.“That's not reform, that's reversal,” Sturtevant said. “It's not transparency, it's a power grab. It's been rushed. It's been secretive. And it is purposely timed to avoid accountability in this election.”Senator J.D. “Danny” Diggs (R-24) said the Constitution is intended to be updated every ten years to accommodate for population shifts.“This amendment is being proposed not to protect our citizens or to make our government better,” Diggs said. “This amendment is about increasing the political power of the Democrat party. It has an expiration date so that if the political winds change, the Republican party can't do the same thing in a few years.”Senator Luther Cifers (R-10), elected earlier this in a special election to replace John McGuire, took issue with Democrats advancing the process in late October, over a month after early voting had begun. Some voters might have changed vote if they had known the General Assembly would take this action.“It appears to be well-established that the intent of the intervening election in the Constitutional amendment process is so that voters can respond at the ballot box between the two passages of an amending resolution,” Cifers said.Senator Christie New Craig (R-19) said the resolution is intended to advance national interests rather than those of Virginia's.“The timing of H.J. 6007, positioned as an urgent matter, was not authored based on constituent demands,” New Craig said. “It was authored based on instructions from national leadership.”Senator Mark Peake (R-22) echoed comments made by Delegate Lee Ware (R-72) during debate in the House of Delegates.“Texas embarking on a mid-decade redistricting was probably not a good idea but because they have embarked on that endeavor doesn't mean we have to engage in the endeavor,” Peake said.One argument made by Republicans is that the resolution does not pass legal muster because it doesn't follow language in state code that requires court clerks to post a public notice of a pending Constitutional amendment 90 days before an election. Senator Head said that has not been followed.“There's no way we can do this,” Head said. “I mean you can do this today. You're going to do this today. We know that you're going to do this today. It's going to get the 21 votes. You're going to pass it because you're not paying attention to what people are screaming about out there or any of the arguments that are valid that any of us are going to have made.”Senator Mamie Locke (D-23) said Republicans making arguments about her party taking national direction were hypocritical and they would be doing something similar if they controlled the General Assembly.“Be assured if the proverbial shoe was on the other foot, a directive from D.C. to the Governor would have been adhered to, quick, fast, and in a hurry to undo the Constitutional amendment in Virginia mid-stream and not one of you would be talking about the sanctity of the bipartisan redistricting commission or the needs of the voters or respect for the will of the people,” Locke said.Locke said the federal government has been transformed by executive orders from the White House which have been followed by Virginia's executive branch.Senator Barbara Favola (D-40) called the resolution one of hope that would give Virginia voters another opportunity to weigh in on a presidency that is bending the rules of the U.S. Constitution.“That's what this is,” Favola said. “We're not redrawing anything today. We're not doing anything magical. We're saying to voters, if this goes through the process we've laid out, and we've explained that multiple times, should the Constitutional amendment go to the voters, they will have the final say. We are in no way undermining the principles that all of us have stood for.”Senator Scott Surovell (D-34) said the resolution is necessary to combat an unprecedented attempt to change Congressional boundaries to keep Republicans in power no matter what.“This is a coordinated national strategy to grab power,” Surovell said. “The fundamental power problem that we are giving ourselves the option to address is that Virginia cannot fight with one hand tied behind its back.”Surovell said a mid-census redistricting is not ideal but is necessary to have as an option as more Republican-controlled states adjust their boundaries.“What do you do when one side refuses to play by the rules?” Surovell asked. “Do you maintain principles and accept defeat? Or do you recognize that preserving democracy sometimes requires tools you find distasteful to prevent permanent entrenchment of minority rule? We owe it to our constituents to have this conversation. We owe it to democracy to consider all of the options.”Soon after, the resolution was adopted 21 to 16. The Senate adjourned about an hour later.Now what? There's an election on Tuesday. There's always something to pay attention to.MaKshya Tolbert reads two poems from Shade is a PlaceThere are more stories about the mechanics of government coming up later in this edition of the program. But first, let's take a quick break to hear a poem from MaKshya Tolbert. They're the 2025 Art in Library Spaces Artist-in-Residence at the University of Virginia as well as a former Chair of other.Tolbert has two events coming up as part of the launch of their National Poetry Series-winning debut poetry collection It's called SHADE IS A PLACE and it is on sale November 4 from Penguin BooksHere's Ways to Measure Trees, originally published in Poem-a-Day on February 11, 2025, by the Academy of American Poets.Tolbert will lead a public shade walk on the Downtown Mall at 4:45 p.m. with New City Arts on November 4 with a reception and artist talk at 6 p.m. followed by a book signing at the Welcome Gallery at 114 3rd St. NE. The shade walk begins at the Free Expression Monument. (learn more)On November 15, Tolbert will discuss SHADE IS A PLACE, in conversation with Lisa Russ Spaar, from 7:00pm-8:00pm, New Dominion Bookshop. (learn more). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

A woman arrested near Harrisonburg by federal agents is now awaiting trial for allegedly resisting the arrest… Both chambers of the General Assembly vote to pass a constitutional amendment to redraw Virginia's congressional map districts… Will the next General Assembly do more to “tax the rich”?

In the first episode of our series on The Essentials of Our Faith, Dean sits down with Bob Stauffer, who was present at the very first General Assembly of the EPC. Together, they look back on the denomination's formative years, exploring the streams of thought that flowed into the river of the EPC's development and the theological and cultural moments that gave rise to who we are today. Bob shares his firsthand perspective on the early vision of the EPC, the conversations that shaped our identity, and the foundation that led to the creation of the Essentials of Our Faith. This episode provides both historical insight and heartfelt reflection on how God's providence has guided our denomination from the beginning, laying a firm foundation for generations to come.

After the Senate of Virginia approved a redistricting constitutional amendment Friday afternoon, the chamber's Republicans pushed a message for Virginia voters: you can stop redistricting by voting next week. Brad Kutner has this report. 

When the General Assembly goes into session in January, members will have to balance the books on the next budget. Michael Pope reports on one idea advocates say should be considered.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for October 30th Publish Date: October 30th PRE-ROLL: From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, October 30th and Happy birthday to Henry Winkler I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Walgreens and InCommunity partner to offer free vaccination clinics in Norcross A state representative steps down, creating another vacancy in the General Assembly Gwinnett senator to Kemp: Declare SNAP benefits emergency Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Ingles Markets 9 STORY 1: Walgreens and InCommunity partner to offer free vaccination clinics in Norcross Walgreens and InCommunity are hosting free vaccination clinics around the metro area, including one this Friday in Norcross. No insurance? No problem. Everyone’s welcome—individuals, families, whoever needs it. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., head to the Gwinnett Academic Assist Program Training Center at 1600 Oakbrook Drive. Flu shots, COVID boosters, RSV, shingles, pneumonia—you name it, they’ve got it. Licensed Walgreens pharmacists will be there to handle it all. And yes, it’s completely free. If you’ve got Medicaid or insurance, they’ll process it, but it’s not required. Walk-ins are fine, or register online through Walgreens. Don’t miss it! STORY 2: A state representative steps down, creating another vacancy in the General Assembly  Another Georgia lawmaker is stepping down, adding to the growing list of vacancies in the state legislature. Rep. Marcus Wiedower announced Tuesday he’s resigning after six years in the House. Why? His job at Hillpointe, a real estate development firm, is booming—13 states now, up from one when he started. “It’s bittersweet,” he said, explaining the travel demands would pull him away from the Capitol. Wiedower chaired the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. A special election will be held to fill his seat in District 121, along with three others left vacant by resignations and, tragically, a death. Politics never slows down. STORY 3: Gwinnett senator to Kemp: Declare SNAP benefits emergency   State Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes, is urging Gov. Brian Kemp to step in and help Georgia families who are about to lose their SNAP benefits because of the federal government shutdown. The shutdown, which started Oct. 1, has left Congress at a standstill, and now the USDA says SNAP benefits won’t be issued after Nov. 1. For 1.4 million Georgians—kids, seniors, working families—that’s a crisis. “Food isn’t optional. We have a moral duty to act.” She said. She’s asking Kemp to declare a state of emergency and use Georgia’s $14.6 billion surplus to provide aid, pointing to similar actions in Virginia and Louisiana. Meanwhile, the blame game rages on. But for families relying on SNAP? The politics don’t matter. They just need food. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 4: GDOT: Expect congestion near Netherworld on Halloween  If you’re heading to Netherworld this Halloween, brace yourself—it’s not just the haunted house that’ll be packed. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is warning drivers to expect traffic nightmares around metro Atlanta’s Halloween hotspots, especially Friday and Saturday. Netherworld, Six Flags, Stone Mountain Park, The Battery, and even Little 5 Points? All on the list of places where traffic’s gonna crawl. GDOT says the worst congestion will hit Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. And don’t forget the neighborhoods. Trick-or-treaters will be out, so slow down, stay alert, and for the love of candy, don’t drive distracted—or worse, drunk. STORY 5: Helping Kids Shine: Former Athletes Bring KidStrong to Gwinnett to Boost Youth Confidence When Jordan and Shaun Wade moved to Atlanta, they were just looking for something—anything—that could help their 3-year-old son, Shiloh, come out of his shell. Confidence, they thought, was the key. Jordan, a former Team USA track star, and Shaun, an Ohio State football standout now with the Chicago Bears, tried a few programs. Nothing clicked. Then they found KidStrong in Alpharetta. KidStrong, a science-based program for kids (walking to age 11), focuses on emotional, mental, and physical growth. With over 160 locations nationwide, it’s helping 65,000 kids a week. And now, thanks to the Wades, it’s coming to Gwinnett County—Snellville in 2026, Lawrenceville in 2027. Though new to business, Jordan’s no stranger to leadership. A former captain of South Carolina’s track team, she’s ready to bring that same energy to KidStrong. For more info, visit kidstrong.com or email Jordan at jordan.wade@kidstrong.com. Break 3: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots Break 4: We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: Ingles Markets 9 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A viral video shows a woman being aggressively detained by two federal agents near Harrisonburg... Given a choice between jail and telling authorities what happened to two missing baby giraffes, the manager at Natural Bridge Zoo chooses jail... Legislation pushed by Democrats to allow mid-decade redistricting moves forward in the General Assembly....

In today's episode, Philip Ziegler joins the podcast to talk about his new Baylor Press book God's Adversary and Ours. Ziegler leads us on a cautious but determined biblical-theological exploration of the identity, ontology, and agency of "that old serpent," the Enemy, whose image becomes most discernible and salient in direct contact with the person and work of the Savior. Fixing attention upon the figure of the devil in a soteriological context confronts us with what the devil does; what the devil might be trails behind. Treating diabolical temptation, demonic possession, and devilish falsehood in turn, Ziegler demonstrates what resistance to—and faithful disbelief of—these three aspects of the devil's business might mean for the shape of a Christian life.Professor Philip G. Ziegler is a theologian specializing in systematic theology, historical theology, and ethics. He holds the personal chair of Professor of Christian Dogmatics at the University of Aberdeen's School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History. Previously, he taught at the Atlantic School of Theology in Canada and held postdoctoral fellowships at Princeton University. Ordained in the United Church of Canada since 1996, he also serves as an associated elder at St Machar Cathedral and Trustee of the Church of Scotland's General Assembly. His research focuses on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Karl Barth, and apocalyptic theology, with recent work exploring Christology, ethical responsibility, and divine freedom.

Today's sponsor is Piedmont Master Gardeners: Now accepting applications for their 2026 training class. Apply by December 1, 2025No study of American history or macroeconomics would leave out the impact played by the Great Crash of the New York Stock Exchange of 1929 which culminated on Black Tuesday, 96 years ago today. Stock prices had continued to increase throughout the Roaring Twenties but would generally decline until 1932, marking the era of the Great Depression. This edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement does not have the time or resources to delve into the causes of a financial panic that transformed the United States. I'm Sean Tubbs, and I think people should look back on their own time.In this edition:* Earlier this year, President Trump asked officials in Texas to redraw the Congressional maps to give the Republican Party an advantage in the 2026 midterms* Other states with Democratic majorities such as California have countered with redistricting proposals of their own* This week, the Virginia General Assembly is meeting in a special session to take a first step to amend the state's constitution to allow for a mid-Census redistricting* The podcast version features an audio version of yesterday's story on 530 East Main Street (read the story)Charlottesville Community Engagement is the work of one person and that one person sometimes neglects the marketing. You can help fill the gap by sharing with friends!First-shout: The new WTJU mobile app is here!WTJU is pleased to announce our brand new mobile app! You can download a version from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Here are the links to both:* iPhone version* Android versionThe WTJU app is the place to tune in and listen live to WTJU, WXTJ, and Charlottesville Classical. Aside from the live stream, listen to archived shows, view recent songs, playlists, and program schedules, check out videos of live performances, stay up-to-date on WTJU's most recent news and articles, and more!Live chat with your favorite hosts, share stories with your friends, and tune into your community all in the palm of your hand.Virginia General Assembly takes up redistricting amendment during special sessionThe second presidency of Donald Trump has introduced many novel approaches to governance in the United States, including pressure on legislators in Texas to break from precedent to redraw Congressional districts in advance of the 2026 mid-term elections.Traditionally redistricting happens every ten years as mandated in Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. States can determine the method of how they draw districts but for many years Southern states were required to submit boundaries for review to ensure compliance with civil rights legislation such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.The Republican Party currently holds a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives with 219 members to 213 Democrats with three vacancies. One of those vacancies has been filled in a special election in Arizona won on September 23 by Democrat Adelita Grijalva but Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has so far refused to swear her in until he calls the full House of Representatives back into session.According to the Texas Tribune, redistricting in Texas is expected to create five additional safe seats for Republicans. The state's delegation of 38 Representatives consists of 25 Republicans, 12 Democrats, and one vacancy. Governor Greg Abbott signed the new Congressional map on August 29 with no need for voters to approve the measure.In response, California Governor Gavin Newsome, a Democrat, suggested legislation called the “Election Rigging Response Act” in direct response to the new maps in Texas, and a voter initiative to redraw maps in the nation's largest state mentions efforts underway by Republicans to redistrict in Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and South Carolina. Proposition 50 is on the ballot on November 4.Last week, the Virginia Political Newsletter reported that Democrats who control a narrow majority in the General Assembly are seeking to follow California's lead. On Monday, the House of Delegates agreed to take up House Joint Resolution 6007 which would amend the Virginia Constitution to allow the General Assembly to make a one-time adjustment.The General Assembly is able to meet because a special session from 2024 was never technically adjourned. To allow consideration of the Constitutional amendment, the joint resolution that sets the rules for the special session had to be changed and agreed to by both the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate.One adopted on February 22 of this year lists six items of acceptable business including memorials and resolutions commending people or businesses. A seventh was added to House Joint Resolution 6006 which was introduced by Delegate Charniele Herring (D-4) on October 24. This would allow a “joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia related to reapportionment or redistricting.”Both the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate convened on Monday, October 27.As the debate in the House of Delegates began, Delegate Bobby Orrock (R-66) made a parliamentary inquiry.“My first inquiry would be given that special sessions have by their very nature only occurred for specific reasons. Ergo, we have resolutions controlling what can be considered during them. And subsequently, to my knowledge and experience here, they've never extended for more than a one year period.”Orrock said the 2024 Special Session was continued to allow progress toward adopting a budget that year. He said that had taken place and the stated reason for the special session was moot.The amendment itself was not made available until Tuesday afternoon. More on that later.Delegate Jay Leftwich (R-90) read from §30-13 of the Virginia Code which lays out what steps the Clerk of the House of Delegates has to take when publishing proposed amendments to the Constitution.“It goes on to say, Mr. Speaker, the Clerk of the House of Delegates shall have published all proposed amendments to the constitution for the distribution from his office and to the clerk of the circuit court of each county and the city two copies of the proposed amendments, one of which shall be posted at the front door of the courthouse and the other shall be made available for public inspection,” Leftwich said.Delegate Herring countered that that section of code predates the Virginia Constitution of 1971 which does not have those requirements. Leftwich continued to press on this note but Speaker of the House Don Scott ruled that his questions were not germane to the procedural issue.Delegate Lee Ware (R-72) said the move across the United States to redraw districts mid-Census to gain partisan advantage was a bad idea no matter what party was proposing it.“Just because a bad idea was proposed and even taken up by a few of our sister states such as North Carolina or California, is not a reason for Virginia to follow suit,” Ware said. “ For nearly two and a half centuries, the states have redistricted following the decennial census, responding to the population shifts both in our country and in the states.”A motion to amend HJ6006 passed 50 to 42.The House of Delegates currently only has 99 members due to the resignation of Todd Gilbert. Gilbert had been named as the U.S. Attorney for Western Virginia but lasted for less than a month. Former Albemarle Commonwealth's Attorney Robert Tracci was appointed to the position on an interim basis.Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Second-shout out: Cville Village seeks volunteersCan you drive a neighbor to a doctor's appointment? Change an overhead lightbulb, plant a flower, walk a dog for someone who is sick, visit someone who is lonely? If so, Cville Village needs you!Cville Village is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization loosely affiliated with a national network of Villages whose goals are to help seniors stay in their own homes as long as possible, and to build connections among them that diminish social isolation. Volunteers do small chores for, and have gatherings of, professors and schoolteachers, nurses and lawyers, aides and housekeepers. Time and chance come to all – a fall, an order not to drive, failing eyesight, a sudden stroke. They assist folks continue living at home, with a little help from their friends.Cville Village volunteers consult software that shows them who has requested a service and where they are located. Volunteers accept only the requests that fit their schedule and their skills.Volunteering for Cville Village can expand your circle of friends and shower you with thanks.To learn more, visit cvillevillage.org or attend one of their monthly Village “meet-ups” and see for yourself. To find out where and when the next meetup is, or to get more information and a volunteer application, email us at info@cvillevillage.org, or call them at (434) 218-3727.Virginia Senators pre-debate the amendment on TuesdayThe Virginia Senate took up the matter on Monday as well. Democrats have a 21 to 19 majority and were unable that day to suspend the rules to immediately consider an amendment to HJ6006. They had a second reading on Tuesday.The initial discussion of the Constitutional amendment took place during a portion of the meeting where Senators got to speak on matters of personal privilege. As with the House of Delegates, many inquiries from Republican legislators happened because the document itself was not yet available for review.Senator Bill Stanley (R–20) rose to remind his colleagues that the General Assembly passed a bipartisan Constitutional amendment to require that redistricting be conducted by a nonpartisan committee.“We listened to Virginians who were tired of the gerrymandering,” Stanley said. “In 2019, polls showed 70 percent of Virginians supported redistricting reform. Not 51 percent, not 55 percent, [but] 70 percent. The Mason Dixon poll showed 72% support. And crucially, over 60 percent of Republicans and Democrats alike supported this amendment. Equally when it came to a vote in the Commonwealth. This was not partisan.”Senator Mamie Locke (D-2) served on the bipartisan redistricting committee and reminded her colleagues that the process broke down in October 2021, as I reported at the time. The Virginia Supreme Court ended up appointing two special masters to draw the current boundaries.“There was constant gridlock and partisan roadblocks,” Locke said. “[Those] Were the reasons why the Supreme Court ended up drawing the lines because the commission ended up discussing things as tedious as which university could be trusted to provide unbiased data.”Locke said the proposal in Virginia would still have a bipartisan commission draw new maps after the 2030 Census and that voters in Virginia would still have to approve the amendment.Senator Scott Surovell (D-34) said the amendment is intended to step in when other branches of government are not exercising their Constitutional authority to provide checks and balances. He echoed Locke's comment that the redistricting commission would continue to exist.“There's no maps that have been drawn,” Surovell said. “There's no repeal of the constitutional amendment. The only thing that's on the table or will be on the table later this week is giving the General assembly the option to take further action in January to then give Virginia voters the option of protecting our country.”Senator Richard Stuart (R-25) said he thinks President Trump is doing a job of bringing manufacturing back to the country and dismissed Surovell's notion that democracy is at threat.“I'm not seeing any threat to democracy,” Stuart said. “I heard the word king, and I would remind the Senator that if he was a king, he would be beheaded for what he just said. But in this country, we enjoy free speech. We get to say what we want to say, and that is a valued right and privilege.”Senator Barbara Favola (D-40) said many of her constituents are concerned about cuts to federal programs due to the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill including threats to Medicaid. She explained why she supports her Democratic colleagues in Congress in the current state of things.“We are in a shutdown situation because the Democrats are standing up and saying we must extend the tax credits that are available on the health marketplace so individuals can afford their insurance,” Favola said. “Health insurance. This is not going unnoticed by the Virginians we represent.”Senator Mark Peake (R-22) said Republicans were entitled to govern how they want because they are in control of the federal government.“The current president won an overwhelming majority in the Electoral College and he won the popular vote by over 4 million or 5 million votes,” Peake said. “That is called democracy. That is what we have. And the Republicans won the Senate and they won the House of Congress. We will have another election next year and it will be time for the citizens to vote. But we are going under a democracy right now, and that's where we stand.”The points of personal privilege continued. Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-72) said elections are a chance for citizens to weigh in on a presidency that started the process of mid-Census redistricting.“The key point is this,” VanValkenburg said. “The president's ideas are unpopular. He knows it. He's going to his ideological friends, he's asking them to carve up maps, and now the other side is upset because they're going to get called on it in elections.”The Senate adjourned soon afterward and will take up a third reading of HJ6006 today.Democrats file Constitutional Amendment for first referenceEarly discussions about a potential constitutional amendment in the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate this week did not include a lot of details about how a mid-Census Congressional redistricting would take place.House Joint Resolution 6007 was filed with the Virginia Legislative Information System on Tuesday, October 28. As of this publication it is in the House Privileges and Elections Committee because the Senate has not yet given itself permission to take up the matter.The amendment would amend Article II, Section 6, of the Virginia Constitution to insert language into the second paragraph.Here is the full text, with italicized words indicating new language.The Commonwealth shall be reapportioned into electoral districts in accordance with this section and Section 6-A in the year 2021 and every ten years thereafter, except that the General Assembly shall be authorized to modify one or more congressional districts at any point following the adoption of a decennial reapportionment law, but prior to the next decennial census, in the event that any State of the United States of America conducts a redistricting of such state's congressional districts at any point following that state's adoption of a decennial reapportionment law for any purpose other than (i) the completion of the state's decennial redistricting in response to a federal census and reapportionment mandated by the Constitution of the United States and established in federal law or (ii) as ordered by any state or federal court to remedy an unlawful or unconstitutional district map.Take a look at the whole text here. I'll continue to provide updates. Stories you might also read for October 29, 2025* Charlottesville Ale Trail brings people to craft beverage makers, Jackson Shock, October 27, 2025* U.Va. leaders defend Justice Department deal in letter to Charlottesville legislators, Cecilia Mould and Ford McCracken, Cavalier Daily, October 28, 2025* Council agrees to purchase $6.2 million office building for low-barrier shelter, Sean Tubbs, C-Ville Weekly, October 29, 2025* Republican legislators slam Virginia redistricting proposal, Colby Johnson, WDBJ-7, October 27, 2025* Democrat Abigail Spanberger backs Virginia legislature's redistricting push, Steve People and Olivia Diaz, Associated Press, October 27, 2025* Va. Democrats roll out redistricting amendment to counter GOP map changes in other states, Markus Schmidt, October 28, 2025* Virginia Republicans Sue to Block Democratic Redistricting Push, Jen Rice, Democracy Docket, October 28, 2025* Redistricting session to resume Wednesday, WWBT, October 29, 2025Back to local again shortly after #947This is a unique version based on me wanting to go through the General Assembly recordings myself. I have a lot of local stories to get back to in the near future and I'm working extra this week to make sure I get back to them.They include:* Coverage of the discussion of 204 7th Street at the October 21, 2025 Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review* Coverage of last night's Albemarle Planning Commission public hearing on Attain on Fifth Street* Coverage of two discussions at last night's Greene County Board of SupervisorsAs expected, I work longer hours when I'm out of town on family business because I don't have the usual places to go. This is okay. Summer is over and it's time to hunker down and get to work. Today's end video is The Streets: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Read more General Assembly starts hashing out redistricting amendment for 2026  How do data centers figure into Virginia's 2025 elections?  Richmond looks for holistic solutions to gun violence  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠   Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

Governor Braun calls a special session of the General Assembly to discuss redrawing Indiana's congressional districts... Eleven hundred Henderson water customers are under a boil advisory after a water main break... The Niagara fire chief says it was definitely a gas leak that sparked an explosion and fire that destroyed a home... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read more  Virginia moves to join redistricting trend Mehta looks to unseat Earley in Chesterfield House of Delegates race On the agenda: this week in public meetings⁠  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism. 

Susan discusses Medicaid cut impacts on our families and schools while Renee does a deep dive on what is going on with the University system. In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book dig into what happens when the North Carolina legislature simply… does nothing. From stalled Medicaid funding to the growing crisis in the UNC university system, this conversation exposes how legislative inaction and political meddling are creating real harm for students, families, educators, and care workers across the state. Susan unpacks how the General Assembly's failure to reconcile its budget has left Medicaid providers, schools, and vulnerable North Carolinians facing devastating cuts — including $200 million in lost support for public schools. Then, Renee takes listeners inside the UNC System, revealing how decades of political control have eroded academic freedom, gutted funding, and fueled efforts to reshape higher education through partisan oversight and ideological censorship. It's a revealing, infuriating, and deeply important conversation about public education, healthcare, and democracy in North Carolina — and what everyday advocates can do to fight back.

Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week with a busy edition of "Connecticut Today," looking at the latest absentee ballot allegations against an embattled member of the Bridgeport City Council (01:15). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his weekly update and thoughts on those latest absentee ballot rumblings (16:06). State Senate GOP Leader Steve Harding joined the show to talk about rumors of a resurrected housing bill for an upcoming General Assembly special session next month (25:23). Sacred Heart University Sports Management Professor Dr. Josh Shuart offered his thoughts on the current betting scandals connected to the National Basketball Association (32:03). CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman joined us for an update on the latest developments regarding the ongoing government shutdown (38:19). Finally - on "United Nations Day" - we welcomed Thant Myint-U, author of, "Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World" (42:34) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

In this week's episode, Maggie Mick hosts David Hallock, president of Two Capitols Consulting in Virginia. With 30 years of experience working in the Virginia Governor's office and General Assembly, the United States Senate, and the private sector, David is one of the most seasoned and respected operatives in the Commonwealth. Maggie and David walk through the evolving dynamics in this year's statewide election including gubernatorial and attorney general races and what could be in store in the closing weeks ahead of November's election. 

A new congressional map passes the N.C. General Assembly likely adding an additional Republican seat in the midterms. 'No Kings' protests push back on the Trump administration. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden has yet to decide if he'll run for reelection. And Charlotte FC is in the playoffs.

Plus: Gov. Youngkin declares state of emergency over lapsing SNAP funds; National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday; Preliminary results from a new survey of families waitlisted for subsidized child care in the commonwealth have been released; and other stories. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Episode 414 of Boss Hog of Liberty is out! Jeremiah Morrell and Bones Harcourt are your hosts. Zach Burcham is working as your producer. Retired State Representative Tom Saunders joins us with his thoughts on the mid cycle redistricting proposal. Tom was involved in two redistricting processes in his more than 20 years in the General Assembly. Former Governor Daniels has come out asking Indiana to not redistrict. Multiple visits by Vice President Vance, and a trip to Washington for most of the GOP members have put immense pressure on the members. Tom has been working with Paul Landis, the last surviving Secret Service officer from Dallas during the JFK assassination. We hear stories from the book tour. Finally, we discuss the recent demolition of the East Wing of the White House and the new Ballroom that President Trump is erecting in its place. Tom reminds us that when he visited President Nixon, he entered through the East Wing. Our program is community supported on Patreon. Do your part by chipping into the cause by donating monthly at any level at www.patreon.com/bosshogofliberty and receive even more BONUS coverage and content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Montgomery County is home to more than 50,000 federal workers and numerous federal agencies, so residents are feeling the impact of the weeks-long shutdown. Plus, the possibility remains for tens of thousands of federal employees to be fired as the shutdown continues. Local officials are sounding the alarm on rising rates of homelessness and longer lines at food banks. Council President Kate Stewart joined the show to discuss how the county is managing the crisis. She also weighed in on the Council's upheaval and Maryland lawmakers considering calling a special session of the General Assembly to redraw the state's congressional districts. This follows Republican-led redistricting efforts around the country, triggering similar efforts by Democrats, including in Virginia. Stewart said redistricting could flip Maryland's lone Republican seat in Congress. It's currently held by the leader of the House Freedom Caucus, Andy Harris. “We do need to get rid of Andy Harris. As someone who lives in the state of Maryland," she said. "Quite frankly, he does not represent the values of Maryland, and we need somebody else.”The D.C. Council voted this week to roll back tenant rights for some renters in the city. Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau got behind the mic to explain why she thinks this was a bad idea. Plus, we ask Nadeau about her decision not to run for reelection and her "bottle bill."The measure, introduced earlier this year, would add a ten-cent deposit to the price of most beverage containers while creating a system for people to get the deposit back when they return the empty bottles. Nadeau said fees from the big beverage companies would fund the system."It's all about getting litter up, and everybody hates litter. You know, this is the most effective way to cut litter off our streets, off our out of our parks, out of our rivers," she said.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

Wind and solar energy are now the cheapest sources of energy, bringing cleaner air, stronger communities, and new economic opportunities. In September at UN Headquarters in New York, the SDG Media Zone hosted a discussion highlighting the momentum of the clean energy transition, and how expanding access to wind and solar can improve public health, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth.The talk featured Jamie Henn of Fossil Free Media, activist and artist Antonique Smith, and Emerson Clark from the Global Wind Energy Council.The moderator, Melina Waling of the Associated Press, asked Mr Clark for his thoughts on the speech made by US President Donald Trump at General Assembly high-level week, in which he declared that climate change is “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”Watch the full SDG Media Zone session here.Music: "Rise and Shine," Audiobinger

Russia and China's UN Cyber Crime Treaty: Redefining Crime to Authorize Persecution of Dissent. Ivana Stradner (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) discusses the UN cyber crime treaty drafted largely by Russia and China, which is likely to be approved by the General Assembly and would replace the Budapest Convention of 2001. The treaty's terms would dangerously allow Russia and China to persecute citizens for what is understood as dissent and pursue other countries for commenting upon them. Stradner notes the treaty emphasizes "all power to the state, not to the individual," serving the goals of digital sovereignty and authorizing authoritarian countries to regulate information security. The United States must reject ratification. Stradner emphasizes that powerful offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, not UN treaties, are what deter Russia and China from cyber attacks against the West.

“C” is for College of Charleston. In 1785 the General Assembly passed an act creating a college “in or near the city of Charleston.”

Lisa Stifler is the Chief of Staff to Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch — who also happens to be her friend since they were 15. Lisa shares how their lifelong friendship shapes their work at the General Assembly and how she helps navigate the challenges of leading the Senate Democratic caucus.   Plus, Skye and Brian break down the week in #ncpol: new congressional redistricting developments, the mini-budget, a Cecil Brockman update, Skye's exciting family news, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB] system causes inflation, the housing market has become so expensive that people can no longer afford it. Trump and Bessent are now putting the blame on the D's shutdown because it is hurting the economy, [CB] failed again. Trump funding Argentina, not the IMF, boom. Fed ready to tighten, they are trying to raise long term rates, this plan will not work. The [DS] is in panic mode. All they have left is protect what they have here in this country, if they lose the illegals and the ability to cheat in the election they are screwed. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in regards to the Voting Rights Act. If the SC rules against the D's they will lose 19 seats. Trump is pushing the [DS] down the path of war. "To Know Your Enemy, You Must Become Your Enemy" Sun Tzu. Every Battle Is Won Before It's Ever Fought.   Economy   https://twitter.com/Barchart/status/1978420195581448671 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1978461005668606355  https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1978458451048116621 Trump Warns Argentina: Back Milei or Lose US Funds In a rare presidential endorsement in a foreign election, President Donald Trump has thrown his political cachet into the reelection campaign of Argentine President Javier Milei on Tuesday night. "Great meeting today with Javier Milei!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "He is doing the right things for his Country. I hope the people of Argentina understand how good a job he is doing, and will support his work during the upcoming Midterms, so we can continue to help him achieve Argentina's incredible potential. "Javier Milei has my Complete and Total Endorsement — He will not let you down. MAKE ARGENTINA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump said at the White House on Tuesday he would endorse Milei for reelection and previously had already indicated during the U.N. General Assembly in September he was endorsing Milei, when he handed the Argentine leader a print-out of a Truth Social post with his endorsement. Trump threatened to pull assistance for Argentina — led by a political kindred spirit whose philosophy aligns with that of the Republican administration — if the nation's internal politics don't go the U.S.' way in its upcoming elections. The comments came during a meeting with Milei, whose country is set to hold midterm elections for its legislative body later this month. Source: newsmax.com https://twitter.com/JoeLang51440671/status/1978170213301399633   an extraordinary bailout of Argentina.” “The U.S. is providing a $20 billion currency swap line with Argentina's central bank — essentially exchanging stable U.S. dollars with volatile pesos.” https://cnbc.com/2025/10/13/the-us-has-stepped-in-with-an-extraordinary-bailout-of-argentina-heres-what-it-means.html Did you know that Argentina used to be one of the most wealthy countries in the world? Guess when they were considered one of the wealthiest countries and the significance of what happened in America that year? “By 1913, Argentina was among the world's wealthiest nations per capita, with its income comparable to that of Western Europe and even surpassing countries like France, Germany, and Italy.

Within hours of each other, multiple polls showed that Hoosiers are down on redistricting and their governor. As sour as Indiana residents appear to be on changing congressional maps, they may be even less impressed with Mike Braun's performance. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss why the governor and General Assembly won't let redistricting go, and how Braun can right the ship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.