Podcast appearances and mentions of Virginia House

[This blog will always be free to read, but it's also how I pay my bills. If you have suggestions or feedback on how I can earn your paid subscription, shoot me an email: cmclymer@gmail.com. And if this is too big of a commitment, I'm always thankful for a simple cup of coffee.]For the past eighteen months, a favorite talking point of legacy political pundits is that Democrats have a young male voter problem. It's been incessant and so ubiquitous that you'd be led to believe—based on the commentary—that Democratic candidates had all but told young men they don't want their votes.Last November, one of the biggest stories coming out of the election was that Democrats are lackluster in their outreach to young men. There had been too much focus on young women (defending bodily autonomy and talking about the need for paid family leave is, apparently, “too much focus” on young women).Legacy pundits (mostly straight, white men) had ideas on how to solve this crisis. They said the left needs a Joe Rogan type. They said Democrats should “moderate” on issues like trans equality. They opined that the Democratic Party had become too feminized.Remember James Carville ranting about “preachy females” and claiming that women's empowerment in messaging is somehow a dealbreaker? As far as I can tell, none of the big Democratic winners from last night got these histrionic memos from the legacy pundit class. Not Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger. Not New Jersey Gov-elect Mikie Shirrell. Not NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. None of the baker's dozen of Democrats who increased the party's majority in the Virginia House of Delegates. None of them.There were no special ads cut begging for young men specifically to vote for them or radio spots stumbling through a weak Rogan impression or comprehensive plans published by these campaigns addressing young men. Hell, not only did Zohran Mamdani reject their advice, but he released an ad dedicated to the proud history of trans advocacy in New York City. And not even during Pride Month! He just put it out there late in the campaign like a reckless lunatic.So, how did these candidates do with young men? According to NBC exit polling:Abigail Spanberger won 58 percent of male voters aged 18-29 and just edged out her Republican opponent among male voters aged 30-44. In fact, she damn near won the overall male vote, regardless of age — 49 percent. And she did this while flipping a swing state.Mikie Shirrell won 57 percent of male voters aged 18-29 and 62 percent among male voters aged 30-44. Likewise, she barely lost the overall male vote — 49 percent.Zohran Mamdani won 67 percent of male voters aged 18-29 and 67 percent among male voters aged 30-44. A full two-thirds of all young male voters. He won half of the male vote overall — exactly 50 percent.Ghazala Hashmi—the first Muslim American elected to lieutenant governor of any state—also performed well among young male voters in Virginia: 55 percent among the 18-29 bracket and 49 percent of men aged 30-44. She didn't lose by much among men overall — 46 percent.Even Jay Jones—who many predicted would lose the race for Virginia Attorney General in the wake of his texting scandal—not only defeated his Republican opponent with a comfortable overall margin but did well among male voters: 50 percent of men 18-29, 49 percent of men 30-44, and 45 percent of men overall.Did I mention that Virginia Democrats achieved their largest majority in the House of Delegates in modern history? They're on track to win 64 seats, an increase of 13, in opposition to relentless anti-trans messaging from Virginia Republicans all year. Democrats clearly won young men last night. There is no debate over this. The numbers are loud and unyielding. They didn't do it by pandering to young men. They didn't do it by begging in broken fratboy speak. They didn't do it by treating young men like special little boys who need their hands held. They didn't do it by abandoning women and trans people.They did it by talking to young men about affordability. They talked to young men like young voters who are worried about the cost-of-living, not like men who need some dipshit masculinized pitch. That doesn't mean they didn't have fun or decline to chat with young men. Zohran Mamdani went on podcasts and chatted it up with conservative young men about the need to focus on working class families. Mikie Shirrell and Abigail Spanberger talked to young male influencers and content creators about addressing their generation's lack of enthusiasm about owning a home someday or just paying for basic needs.They didn't condescend to young men; they made them part of the solution. They told them they're essential and deserve better because they're adults living in a society where no one should get left behind — not because they're men.All of these candidates who won last night didn't shy away from talking about gender equality and LGBTQ rights. They didn't buy the ridiculous theory that doing so would alienate young men.And they were right. My god, were they right. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr. Carville.Charlotte's Web Thoughts is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Charlotte's Web Thoughts at charlotteclymer.substack.com/subscribe

Fairfax Democrat Dan Helmer led the campaign to expand his party's majority in the Virginia House of Delegates. He speaks with WAMU about Democrats' big wins in Virginia.

Democrats in Virginia's House of Delegates picked up 13 seats in Tuesday’s election. During a news conference Wednesday morning, leadership in both parties offered their reasons for the dramatic gains. Brad Kutner has this story.

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 first look at cannabis sales in Virginia sheds light on pot preferences in the commonwealth; and a technology overhaul means layoffs for Goochland-based CarMax.  Read more House of Delegates passes redistricting amendment Tazewell judge denies injunction against GA redistricting effort Blue Ridge Area Food Bank reports record levels of food insecurity 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. 

WMAL GUEST: NICK FREITAS (Republican Member of the Virginia House of Delegates) WEBSITE: NickForVA.com SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/NickJFreitas Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 7 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: JOHN REID (Republican Nominee for Lt. Governor of Virginia) on Next Week's Elections CNN: Trump Asia Diplomacy Tour WMAL GUEST: NICK FREITAS (Republican Member of the Virginia House of Delegates) on the Mess in Richmond ON X: AOC Clashes With Riley Gaines Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Virginia House of Delegates' money committee met Monday morning. While representatives from the governor painted a rosy picture of the Commonwealth's financial future, uncertainty continues to plague economic forecasts. Brad Kutner has this report. 

On Friday, National Review published text messages from former Virginia House of Delegates member Jay Jones (D) sent to a Republican colleague — House Delegate Carrie Coyner — in 2022. In the messages, Jones expresses disdain for Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R), then says that he would shoot Gilbert in a hypothetical scenario where he could kill either him or dictators Pol Pot and Adolf Hitler. Jones went on to suggest that he wanted Gilbert's children to die from gun violence because it might prompt the speaker to change his stance on gun control. You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, our “Under the Radar” story ⁠here and today's “Have a nice day” story ⁠here⁠.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Take the survey: Do you think Jay Jones should drop out of the race? Let us know.Disagree? That's okay. My opinion is just one of many. Write in and let us know why, and we'll consider publishing your feedback.Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Lindsey Knuth, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Americans don't talk about state attorney generals very much. Technically it's “attorneys general”—like “sisters-in-law” instead of “sister-in-laws”—but don't get hung up on the wording. It's what AGs actually do that matters so much.A state attorney general is basically the top legal expert in their state; they're also known as The People's Lawyers because they fight for us, their constituents, against bad actors who don't have our best interests in mind. That can mean prosecuting companies that are polluting waterways or landlords who are illegally raising rent prices or banks that are selling people's private data. Sometimes state AGs band together on lawsuits, like a recent case against Purdue Pharma for aggressively pushing medications like OxyContin and contributing to the opioid crisis we're facing in this country.Unfortunately, we also have a lot of examples of the harm that a corrupt or extremist attorney general can do. (Ken Paxton, for example) But the good news is, we the people have the power to elect them. In all but seven states (AK, HI, NH, NJ, WY, TN, & ME), voters choose their AG at the ballot box. Most attorneys general are up for election in 2026 or 2028, and in one pivotal state, Virginia, voters will get to elect a new attorney general in just a couple of months.This November, Jay Jones—a lawyer and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates—will square off against the current Virginia Attorney General, Jason Miyares. Miyares is a Republican and a supporter of Donald Trump, campaigning for him and supporting his policies.If you live in Virginia, be sure you come to the polls in November prepared to vote for attorney general. And if you don't live in Virginia, chances are you'll have the chance to vote for your own AG very soon! It's not just about rejecting extremism. It's about choosing a “People's Lawyer” who actually works for the people.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Americans don't talk about state attorney generals very much. Technically it's “attorneys general”—like “sisters-in-law” instead of “sister-in-laws”—but don't get hung up on the wording. It's what AGs actually do that matters so much.A state attorney general is basically the top legal expert in their state; they're also known as The People's Lawyers because they fight for us, their constituents, against bad actors who don't have our best interests in mind. That can mean prosecuting companies that are polluting waterways or landlords who are illegally raising rent prices or banks that are selling people's private data. Sometimes state AGs band together on lawsuits, like a recent case against Purdue Pharma for aggressively pushing medications like OxyContin and contributing to the opioid crisis we're facing in this country. The company settled for $7.4 billion dollars just this past January, which means billions of dollars that can now be put back into treatment and prevention programs. It's a great example of how an attorney general can have a real positive impact on the people of their state.Unfortunately, we also have a lot of examples of the harm that a corrupt or extremist attorney general can do. (Ken Paxton, for example) But the good news is, we the people have the power to elect them. In all but seven states (AK, HI, NH, NJ, WY, TN, & ME), voters choose their AG at the ballot box. Most attorneys general are up for election in 2026 or 2028, and in one pivotal state, Virginia, voters will get to elect a new attorney general in just a couple of months.This November, Jay Jones—a lawyer and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates—will square off against the current Virginia Attorney General, Jason Miyares. Miyares is a Republican and a supporter of Donald Trump, campaigning for him and supporting his policies.If you live in Virginia, be sure you come to the polls in November prepared to vote for attorney general. And if you don't live in Virginia, chances are you'll have the chance to vote for your own AG very soon! It's not just about rejecting extremism. It's about choosing a “People's Lawyer” who actually works for the people.

Today's Headlines: Conservative pundit Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event yesterday with thousands in attendance. The shooter  is still on the run despite an FBI “person of interest” briefly being detained. Utah's governor called it a political assassination, while Trump lowered flags and blamed the “radical left” without evidence. Hours later, another shooting at a Colorado high school left four hospitalized, including the gunman. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans blocked a Schumer amendment to force the DOJ to release the Epstein files—yes, the same Republicans who were once demanding them—while Democrats flipped a Virginia House seat in a special election. In economic news, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick wants the U.S. to claim a share of university patents funded by federal grants (hello, communism?). Abroad, Poland accused Russia of 19 drone incursions in one night and invoked NATO's Article 4, Nepal's protests exploded into riots that toppled the prime minister, and France's government collapsed after a debt-driven no-confidence vote—booting its fifth prime minister in under two years. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Live updates: Manhunt underway after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead on Utah campus CPR: Shooting at Evergreen High School leaves three students with gunshot wounds, including the suspected shooter Axios: Senate GOP blocks amendment to release Epstein files Politico: Democrats add 1 more vote in Congress after Virginia special election - Live Updates Axios: "The Axios Show" exclusive: Lutnick says U.S. should take a chunk of universities' patent revenue WaPo: What to know as Poland invokes NATO Article 4, citing Russian drone violation CNN: Trump on Russia's incursion into NATO: ‘Here we go!' CNN: A parliament in flames, a leader toppled. Nepal Gen-Z protesters ask: what comes next? Time: What Comes Next for France After Another Government Collapse Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Virginia National Guard will begin training with ICE this month... The Wildlife Center of Virginia will release two bald eagles... Poll workers are being recruited ahead of election season... A former associate of the embattled company Nexus has opened a 3D printing business... Higher education is hot topic among candidates running for the Virginia House of Delegates... And community leaders got a chance to meet the new executive director for the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity

All 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates are on the ballot this year, and candidates are talking about everything from environmental policy to immigration. One issue that has become important in districts with colleges and universities is higher ed. Michael Pope reports.

Harrisonburg police arrested a man suspected of a knife attack... Republic candidates are facing off against familiar Democratic opponents in the Virginia House of Delegates... Meanwhile, labor issues are on the ballot in Virginia's statewide elections.... and the Virginia Department of Health is warning of increased drowning deaths of children...

All 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates are on the ballot this year. That includes some Republican candidates facing off against familiar Democratic opponents. Michael Pope explains.

All 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates will be on the ballot this year, although only a dozen or so are competitive. Michael Pope tells us three of the most competitive races are rematches between the same candidates that ran in the last election cycle.

X: @JasonMiyaresVA @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Attorney General Jason Miyares, Commonwealth of Virginia. The conversation on America's Roundtable focuses on AG Jason Miyares's leadership in fighting opioids, reducing overdose deaths and reducing violence, thus making communitites in Virginia safer. The data released by Virginia Department of Health Office of the Chief Medical Examiner show fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Virginia declined 44 percent year-over-year and are down over 46 percent from its peak in 2021. Virginia led the nation in annual percentage declines in drug overdose deaths in 2024.   The recent celebration of America's Independence Day on July 4th 2025, reminds us of America Founding Fathers' ingenuity in creating America's Founding Documents: The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Virginia played a historic role in the founding of the American Republic - 249 years ago. America's Founding Fathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, James Monroe, Patrick Henry and John Marshall were all Virginians. The timely discussion elevates the importance of combating anti-Semitism, and advancing principled policies based on the rule of law as well as affirming the significance of peace through strength. Bio | Jason S. Miyares (https://jasonmiyares.com/about/) Attorney General Jason Miyares' story doesn't start in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but in Havana, Cuba when his mother, Miriam Miyares, fled communist Cuba, penniless and homeless. She taught Jason a love for freedom, democracy, and that America is indeed the “last best hope on earth.” A product of Virginia public schools, Jason graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration from James Madison University and received his J.D. from the College of William and Mary School of Law. He previously served as a prosecutor in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Office, where he worked alongside law enforcement to keep violent criminals off our streets and our communities safe. In 2015, almost fifty years to the day that she fled Cuba, Miriam was able to vote for her son Jason Miyares to represent her in the oldest democracy in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia House of Delegates. While representing Virginia Beach, Jason was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” in both 2018 and 2019 from the College Affordability and Public Trust for his work on transparency and affordability in higher education, as well as by the Hampton Roads Military Officers Association of America in 2018. He was also recognized in 2019 by the Safe House Project for his work combatting human trafficking, an issue that his administration is prioritizing. Jason Miyares is the first Cuban American elected to the General Assembly, the first Hispanic elected statewide in Virginia, and the first son of an immigrant ever elected to be Attorney General. He is passionate about preserving the American Miracle for the next generation of Virginians. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://summitleadersusa.com/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @JasonMiyaresVA @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

fWotD Episode 2982: George Washington Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Friday, 4 July 2025, is George Washington.George Washington (February 22, 1732 [O. S. February 11, 1731] – December 14, 1799) was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War against the British Empire. He is commonly known as the Father of the Nation for his role in bringing about American independence.Born in the Colony of Virginia, Washington became the commander of the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). He was later elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, and opposed the perceived oppression of the American colonists by the British Crown. When the American Revolutionary War against the British began in 1775, Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He directed a poorly organized and equipped force against disciplined British troops. Washington and his army achieved an early victory at the Siege of Boston in March 1776 but were forced to retreat from New York City in November. Washington crossed the Delaware River and won the battles of Trenton in late 1776 and Princeton in early 1777, then lost the battles of Brandywine and Germantown later that year. He faced criticism of his command, low troop morale, and a lack of provisions for his forces as the war continued. Ultimately Washington led a combined French and American force to a decisive victory over the British at Yorktown in 1781. In the resulting Treaty of Paris in 1783, the British acknowledged the sovereign independence of the United States. Washington then served as president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which drafted the current Constitution of the United States.Washington was unanimously elected the first U. S. president by the Electoral College in 1788 and 1792. He implemented a strong, well-financed national government while remaining impartial in the fierce rivalry that emerged within his cabinet between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. During the French Revolution, he proclaimed a policy of neutrality while supporting the Jay Treaty with Britain. Washington set enduring precedents for the office of president, including republicanism, a peaceful transfer of power, the use of the title "Mr. President", and the two-term tradition. His 1796 farewell address became a preeminent statement on republicanism: Washington wrote about the importance of national unity and the dangers that regionalism, partisanship, and foreign influence pose to it. As a planter of tobacco and wheat at Mount Vernon, Washington owned many slaves. He began opposing slavery near the end of his life, and provided in his will for the eventual manumission of his slaves.Washington's image is an icon of American culture and he has been extensively memorialized; his namesakes include the national capital and the State of Washington. In both popular and scholarly polls, he is consistently considered one of the greatest presidents in American history.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:46 UTC on Friday, 4 July 2025.For the full current version of the article, see George Washington on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Olivia.

Democrats are targeting more than a dozen Republican-held seats in the Virginia House of Delegates this year. Michael Pope reports.

Arrington sits down with Rodney Nickens Jr. Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates District 90. He is young Democrat with a wealth of experience in politics and if elected, Rodney would become one of the first openly LGBTQ+ Black legislators in Virginia history. He's running a justice-centered, people-powered campaign to protect civil rights, invest in communities, and build a more equitable Commonwealth.

Send us a textLifestyle Interview: Can a Swinger Win an Election? Yvonne Rorrer Thinks So | Episode 196In this episode of The Swing Nation Podcast, the top-rated podcast about non-monogamy and swinging, Dan and Lacy sit down with Yvonne Rorrer, a Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, who recently made headlines around the world.After publicly sharing on social media that she and her husband are swingers, Yvonne sparked a wave of media attention—including a spotlight on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Dan and Lacy dive into her bold decision to live authentically in the public eye, the national reaction to her announcement, and how it's impacted her political campaign.They also discuss Yvonne's hopes for the future and her desire to be a voice for non-monogamous individuals and couples if elected. This candid and inspiring conversation breaks down stigma, champions transparency, and highlights the growing movement toward acceptance in politics and beyond.Don't miss this groundbreaking episode that blends lifestyle and leadership in a way that's never been heard before!To learn more about Yvonne or support her campaign go to: https://yvonnerorrer.com/- The Swing Nation -Main Website Quick Navigation Website: -- (Find all our social media links & more!)- Swinger Society - Our Website to meet, connect & events Swinger Society Discord Our Facebook Group- Swinger Websites -Kasadie 90 day free trialUsername: TheSwingNation SDC 14 day free trial Username: TheSwingNation** Use code 36313 for 14 days free! ** SLSUsername: NorthernGuynSouthernGirl- Merch & More -Order Your Merch Here!- Lacy's Fun Links -VIP OnlyFansPREMIUM OnlyFans-- THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS --I Know my Status : Get 15% your first test with by using promo code: "Lifestyle" https://iknowmystatus.com/ Wisp : Making sexual healthcare inclusive, cost-effective, and accessible—for everyoneUse Code SWING at checkout for 15% off your oder!Shameless Care: ED Medication and at home STD testingUse Code TSN at checkout for $30 off your order!Promescent® Make Love Longer, It's Time for Great SexUse CodeSupport the show- Thank you for the support! -

Dave Crance: Libertarian Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates Dave Crance is a dedicated Libertarian and community leader running for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 13, encompassing Falls Church and parts of Fairfax County. A resident of the area for over 25 years, Crance has deep roots in Northern Virginia, where he lives with his wife, Suman, and their children. He is active in the local Chamber of Commerce serving on its Board, the American legion and VFW where he serves in the roll of Chaplain, and has coached youth sports in multiple local leagues. His commitment to individual liberty, limited government, and community service defines his campaign and Libertarian philosophy. Crance's journey to libertarianism is grounded in his belief in self-ownership, private property rights, and the non-aggression principle—core tenets of the Libertarian Party. He advocates for a government that is as limited and localized as possible, prioritizing individual freedoms over the influence of special interests, corporations, or national political parties. Crance has stated, “One of the few things all libertarians agree on is that in a perfect world there would be no need for Government at all, but as such a world doesn't exist, Government should remain as limited and localized as possible belonging to the people.” His platform emphasizes lowering taxes, protecting local institutions, such as school boards and councils from overreach by state or national politics, ensuring that decisions about education and community matters remain non partisan and in the hands of local residents.

How Will Terry Kilgore Lead the Virginia House GOP? (Hour 3) full 1312 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:08:00 +0000 g9z63FiXzuYGBAMuVp644mv6M0opJciF news Richmond's Morning News news How Will Terry Kilgore Lead the Virginia House GOP? (Hour 3) On Richmond's Morning News our team discusses the top stories of the day from around the world, nationally, in Virginia, and right here in the Richmond area.  Listen to news you can use, newsmakers, and analysis of what's happening every weekday from 5:30 to 10:00 AM on NewsRadio 1140 WRVA and 96.1 FM!   2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasti

Arrington welcomes back to the show for a part 2 conversation Blaizen Buckshot Bloom, (D) Candidate for Virginia House of Delegate District 89.

We're living in a new moment—one where truth is winning, normalcy is making a comeback, and the Left has finally overplayed its hand.In this best of episode of The Kevin Roberts Show, we revisit some of the most powerful conversations about the cultural realignment happening right now—from the role of artists and new media to the collapse of elite institutions and the spiritual hunger rising in America.Hear Andrew Klavan reflect on building conservative cultural infrastructure, John Rich on how pain awakened the American people, and Spencer Klavan on why the end of materialism may spark a revival. This episode is a roadmap for conservatives ready to press the advantage—and rebuild a culture rooted in truth, beauty, and freedom.

In this week's episode of Cultural Catalysts, Kris welcomes Anne Ferrell Tata, a delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates who is making a profound impact through faith-driven legislation. Anne Ferrell shares her remarkable journey into politics, including a divine 3 a.m. wake-up call that changed her life's direction. As the daughter of an Army chaplain and now serving her third term, Anne Ferrell reveals how her faith guides her legislative priorities in foster care, human trafficking prevention, and education reform. Join us as Anne Ferrell explains how Isaiah 58 became her guiding scripture and witness how one person's "yes" to God's call can transform systems and break cycles of poverty. Discover how building bridges between promise and possibility creates hope for the most vulnerable in our society. Connect with Anne Ferrell Tata: Website: https://teamtata.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anneferrelltata/?hl=en Connect with Kris Vallotton: Website: https://www.krisvallotton.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kvministries/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvministries/ X: https://x.com/kvministries Additional Resources by Kris Vallotton: https://shop.bethel.com/collections/kris-vallotton About Kris Vallotton: Kris Vallotton is the Senior Associate Leader of Bethel Church, Redding, and is the Co-Founder of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) and Spiritual Intelligence Institute. He is also the Founder and President of Moral Revolution and a sought-after international conference speaker. Kris and his wife, Kathy, have trained, developed, and pastored prophetic teams and supernatural schools all over the world.

WMAL GUEST: 8:05 AM - INTERVIEW - GEARY HIGGINS - Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates – Recapped this legislative session, his legislative priorities and what’s next SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/GearyHiggins ABOUT THIS SESSION OF THE VA GENERAL ASSEMBLY On the evening of Feb. 22, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned after a short, 45-day session. The session got off to a rocky start after a winter storm and power outage disrupted the water supply system in Richmond and the surrounding area, delaying the start to the session. In the beginning of the session there were nearly 2,000 bills introduced. Of those, roughly 900 are headed to the desk of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. He now has until March 24 to sign, amend or veto each of these bills. After he has done that, the general assembly will return to Richmond on April 2 to vote on the governor’s actions. The bills that the governor and both chambers agree to then become law on July 1. GEARY’S BILLS: More than 150 bills sponsored by Republicans were never given a hearing at all, including 5 of Geary’s bills – Banning Sanctuary Cities, Parent’s Bill Rights, School Safety, etc. Dems did however hear and pass a bunch of absurd bills that the Governor already vetoed last year. JAMES MONROE’S HOME: Geary is working very hard on getting James Monroe’s home, “Oak Hill”, which is in his district in Loudoun, to be a State Park. This would be huge for the Commonwealth and Nova specifically. Might be a good question to ask “Did the Democrats fail on getting this in the budget?” CBS: A plan to make James Monroe's Virginia estate a state park was rejected. Now, it's in limbo. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Monday, March 24, 2025 / 8 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 8 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: 8:05 AM - INTERVIEW - GEARY HIGGINS - Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates – Recapped this legislative session, his legislative priorities and what’s next SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/GearyHigginsABOUT THIS SESSION OF THE VA GENERAL ASSEMBLY On the evening of Feb. 22, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned after a short, 45-day session. The session got off to a rocky start after a winter storm and power outage disrupted the water supply system in Richmond and the surrounding area, delaying the start to the session. In the beginning of the session there were nearly 2,000 bills introduced. Of those, roughly 900 are headed to the desk of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. He now has until March 24 to sign, amend or veto each of these bills. After he has done that, the general assembly will return to Richmond on April 2 to vote on the governor’s actions. The bills that the governor and both chambers agree to then become law on July 1. GEARY’S BILLS: More than 150 bills sponsored by Republicans were never given a hearing at all, including 5 of Geary’s bills – Banning Sanctuary Cities, Parent’s Bill Rights, School Safety, etc. Dems did however hear and pass a bunch of absurd bills that the Governor already vetoed last year. JAMES MONROE’S HOME: Geary is working very hard on getting James Monroe’s home, “Oak Hill”, which is in his district in Loudoun, to be a State Park. This would be huge for the Commonwealth and Nova specifically. Might be a good question to ask “Did the Democrats fail on getting this in the budget?” CBS: A plan to make James Monroe's Virginia estate a state park was rejected. Now, it's in limbo.Rosie O’Donnell says leaving US was part of therapy plan for a second Trump term WMAL GUEST: 8:35 AM - INTERVIEW - CHRISTIAN TOTO - Film critic and host of the Hollywood in Toto podcast - Discuss Snow White’s soft launch weekendSOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/HollywoodInTotoTOTO: ‘Snow White’s’ Box Office Collapse Suggests Ominous Trend AXIOS DC: A few days left until peak bloom Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Monday, March 24, 2025 / 8 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virginia’s emergency committee looking at reductions to the federal workforce is planning a tour across the Commonwealth. Michael Pope has this preview.

WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - DAVE LAROCK - running for Virginia Governor and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates for the 33rd district (includes parts of Frederick, Loudoun and Clarke counties) WEBSITE: https://davelarockforva.com/ Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Monday, March 3, 2025 / 6 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM Hour: Julie Gunlock and Joe Concha discussed: WMAL GUEST: 6:05 AM - INTERVIEW - SEAN KENNEDY - president of Virginians for Safe Communities SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/VA4SafeComm Soros DA Trying to HIDE Trans Pedophile Case – Arlington Va Parisa Dehghani-Tafti is trying to CLOSE COURT to public -- to cover up failures to protect kids – HEARING - 10AM Monday March 3rd 2025) Youngkin commutes sentence of ex-officer who fatally shot unarmed man RAHM EMANUEL: I don't want to hear another word about the locker room, I don't want to hear another word about the bathroom. You better start focusing on the classroom. WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - DAVE LAROCK - running for Virginia Governor and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates for the 33rd district (includes parts of Frederick, Loudoun and Clarke counties) Federal workers hit with second wave of emails demanding job details Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Monday, March 3, 2025 / 6 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump is expected to issue an executive order focused on crime and homeless encampments in the District. Some fear this could be a first step toward the White House stripping away the District's ability to govern itself. D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson joined the show to weigh in. Plus, we asked Mendelson's thoughts on the long-term future of the RFK Stadium site. The question of using taxpayer dollars to subsidize the construction of a multi-billion dollar stadium is expected to be a major sticking point in the conversation. At Thursday's community meeting in Ward seven, D-C Mayor Muriel Bowser alluded to the possibility of the city spending money to sweeten the deal for the team.Mendelson disagrees with using public money andited his long standing view on the issue. “I think there are a lot of advantages to a stadium. But we also know from research in city after city after city… public dollars don't have that return,” he said. The stadium would likely anchor a larger development including a sports and entertainment complex, retail, and housing.A Virginia House subcommittee this week tabled the much-discussed Fairfax County casino bill. Does this mean the effort to bring a casino and entertainment complex to Tysons has gone bust? We asked WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel. And what's the future of the Virginia Democratic Party now that Susan Swecker is stepping down after a decade at the helm?Maryland is one of the states suing the Trump administration over recent executive actions, from ending birthright citizenship to granting Elon Musk access to sensitive Treasury Department data. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined Kojo and Tom to break down the legal strategy and why it is necessary. “Elon Musk is in the central payment system. Maryland gets eleven billion dollars through that system and Marylanders get fifty-one billion,” Brown said. “So, the 1.5 million to protect Marylanders and defend the interest of the state are well worth it.” Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Representative Rob Wittman is a Republican representing Virginia's 1st Congressional district in the US House of Representatives. Representative Pat Ryan is a Democrat representing New York's 18th Congressional district, and is a former Army intelligence officer who deployed to Iraq.  Together, they formed the House Modernization Caucus, driving key policies in national security innovation. On this episode of the Defense Tech Underground, Representative Wittman and Representative Ryan discuss the launch of the bipartisan Defense Modernization Caucus and early wins from the caucus in the 2025 NDAA. They explain the challenges for the Pentagon to move from a hardware centric organization to a software centric one, and discuss opportunities for the caucus to drive impact in defense innovation.  This episode is hosted by Jeff Phaneuf and Helen Phillips.    Congressman Wittman:  Congressman Rob Wittman was first elected to the United States Congress to serve Virginia's First Congressional District in 2007. While in office, he has focused on strengthening our military and supporting our nation's veterans, promoting a flourishing economy through fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, increasing access to high-speed internet, and promoting workforce development through Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. In the U.S. Congress, Congressman Wittman serves as vice chairman of both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, where he is well-positioned to represent the needs of Virginia's First District. He has earned a strong reputation for being an advocate for our men and women in uniform and for being a champion of the Chesapeake Bay. Congressman Wittman was re-elected for his ninth full term in the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2024 and prior to that, he served in several levels of government. Congressman Wittman won his first campaign for public office in 1986 when he was elected to the Montross Town Council, where he served for 10 years, four of them as mayor. In 1995, he was elected to the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors and was elected its chairman in 2003. In 2005, voters in the 99th Legislative District elected Rob to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2007. Prior to his election to Congress, Rob spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Health Department's Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier in his career, he worked as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Tech.   Congressman Ryan:  Congressman Pat Ryan is a fifth-generation Hudson Valley native, proud Kingston High School alum, and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ryan served two combat tours in Iraq, earning two Bronze Stars. Prior to his 2022 election to Congress, Ryan served the community that raised him as Ulster County Executive. There, Ryan led the County through the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded policies that delivered relief to working families while never raising taxes. He led the charge to revitalize the former IBM site, now known as iPark 87, helped put money back in small business owners and residents' pockets, took on corporate special interests, and delivered new investments in mental health services. In Congress, Ryan is focused on defending fundamental freedoms and delivering relief for Hudson Valley families. Serving on the House Armed Services Committee, Ryan is working on issues of military preparedness, countering the threat of a rising China, and investing in the United States Military Academy and the next generation of military leaders. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ryan is committed to improving the daily lives of all residents in NY-18. Whether you commute to work on Metro North, travel Route 17 through Orange County, or need broadband access in Dutchess County, he will fight every day to improve our region's infrastructure. Ryan has also championed efforts to expand access to affordable health care, support local law enforcement, preserve Social Security and Medicare, prevent gun violence, and protect a woman's right to choose. Ryan lives in Gardiner, NY with his wife, Rebecca, and their two young sons, Theo and Cameron.

President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk are looking to cut billions in federal research funding to organizations across the country. The issue came up during a feisty debate in the Virginia House of Delegates today/Wednesday. Brad Kutner has more. 

Plus: an update on federal grant payments to community health centers and a piece from partner station WMRA on the federal hiring freeze. 

This year all of the seats in the Virginia's House of Delegates are up for grabs. Shelly Arnoldi is running as an Independent Candidate for Virginia's 16th District. In this episode we discuss her motivation for running for this seat, and what her vision for Virginia looks like. Facebook: Shelly Arnoldi for Virginia Instagram: @shellyarnoldi VanMeterforVirginia.com Music-Scott Buckley-Monomyth, The Fury

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiwarcom/Phone bank for Defend the Guard: https://defendtheguard.us/phonebankChapters00:00 - Intro00:21 - Trump Says US Will 'Take Over' the Gaza Strip07:01 - Trump: Palestinians in Gaza Should Be Removed 'Permanently'10:21 - Trump Signs 'Maximum Pressure' Order for Iran12:03 - US Hypes Iran Nuclear Ambitions Despite CIA Conclusion14:16 - US Bombers Fly Near Chinese-Controlled Shoal15:38 - China To Impose Tariffs on US Products, Launches Probe Into Google17:16 - Lebanon Brings Israeli Truce Violations to UN18:49 - Virginia House Passes Defend the Guard Act23:33 - Sen. Murphy Says USAID Funds 'Freedom Fighters'27:08 - Zelensky: Give Us Nukes or NATO Membership28:55 - Trump Sends First Migrants to Guantanamo Bay30:22 - Viewpoints/Outro

If Virginia's House of Delegates gets its way, contraception might be cheaper in the Commonwealth, or at least easier to get. The effort got 70 votes to pass the chamber Tuesday, Brad Kutner has more from Richmond. 

Plus: A Henrico County gaming facility could be impacted by statehouse legislation; A bill to repeal a prohibition on public employees' collective bargaining rights across Virginia cleared a vote in the State Senate on Monday; and other stories.    In the podcast: An update on where the Virginia budget stands, and applications for Richmond's Water Recovery Assistance fund have paused. 

Why is masculine energy the topic on everyone's mind? Andrew Tate's relentless chatter about manhood has sparked controversy, while even figures like Mark Zuckerberg are calling for more masculinity in the business world. But what does true masculinity really look like? Today's guest, Nick Freitas—husband, father, podcaster, Green Beret combat veteran, and member of the Virginia House of Delegates—offers a grounded, principled perspective. He shares how men can embrace authentic masculinity by becoming dependable providers, rejecting womanizing, and committing fully to their families. Nick also explains where influencers like Tate go wrong and lays out a better roadmap for young men to follow. Plus, we dive into a surprising pro-life vote in Virginia and its significance for the broader movement. Tune in for this must-hear conversation!   Check out Nick's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Nickjfreitas/ Join our Locals community: https://lilarose.locals.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LilaRose865A big thank to our partner, EWTN, the world's leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/Check out our sponsors!-Good Ranchers: https://go.goodranchers.com/lila Purchase your American Meat Delivered subscription today and get a free add-on of beef, chicken, bacon, or salmon! Use code LILA for $25 off!  -Seven Weeks Coffee: https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com Buy your pro-life coffee with code LILA and get up to 25% off!-Crowd Health: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ The new alternative to health insurance - sign up and use the code "LILA" for a special deal of $99 for your first 3 months!

In this episode, we welcome Nick Freitas to the show. He is a Youtuber, social media influencer, Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates, and a Retired Green Beret. His YouTube channel has over a million subscribers, and he hosts the “Making the Argument” podcast. In this interview, we discuss where the idea of the coffee mug videos came from, why he joined the US Military and whether or not he would do so again given the current climate, what Americans can and should expect during the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, what he thinks the Republicans can realistically get done during the first two years of Trump's term, how the porous southern border has caused a legitimate terrorist threat in the interior of the country, why he thinks Christianity and the Church have not done a good job raising up men, where true masculinity comes from, how to model appropriate manhood to our sons and daughters, and much more. Let's get into it…  Episode notes and links HERE. Donate to support our mission of equipping men to push back darkness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 "For every young kid that makes a mistake, they can look at Don Scott and say, 'I'll never give up. I can still be what I want to be in America.'" That was former Republican governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia speaking about our guest this week, the state's newly elected Democratic speaker of the House of Delegates. Don Scott talks about the hurdles he overcame, including spending almost eight years in prison, to become Virginia's first Black speaker in 405 years.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 "For every young kid that makes a mistake, they can look at Don Scott and say, 'I'll never give up. I can still be what I want to be in America.'" That was former Republican governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia speaking about our guest this week, the state's newly elected Democratic speaker of the House of Delegates. Don Scott talks about the hurdles he overcame, including spending almost eight years in prison, to become Virginia's first Black speaker in 405 years.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 6 AM Hour: Patrice Onwuka and Sean Spicer discussed: Trump's incoming border czar hails meeting with Mayor Eric Adams: 'NYC is about to get a lot safer' Border czar Tom Homan vows to hit Chicago first with mass deportation: ‘Your mayor sucks and your governor sucks’ Biden admin quietly clears away border wall parts for auction ahead of Trump’s second term WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - REAGAN REESE - White House correspondent at The Daily Caller SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/reaganreese_ REAGAN REESE'S DAILY CALLER EXCLUSIVE: Emails, Phone Logs Reveal How Botched Pete Hegseth West Point Story Imploded Virginia Gov. Youngkin aims at stamping out ‘sanctuary cities’ in new plan Early voting begins in two special elections for Virginia House, Senate Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Friday, December 13, 2024 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda brings you news about state laws that affect our daily lives every week. In today's State of The State, we learn about what happened in Ohio and Virginia. The Ohio Senate passed a bill that bans transgender students from using bathrooms that match their gender identity. The Virginia House of Delegates' Privileges and Elections Committee advanced three Democrat-led constitutional amendments on Nov. 13, 2024.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:  Unpacks the recent U.S. elections as well as the annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops   Expands on how the Church serves the poor following the 7th annual World Day of the Poor, observed on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time To serve, contact Catholic Charities, the Arlington Council of St. Vincent de Paul, or your local parish Elaborates on the recent letter he and Bishop Knestout issued responding to a Virginia House of Delegates committee action on proposed constitutional amendments on abortion, marriage, and restoration of voting rights  Sign up to receive alerts and news from the Virginia Catholic Conference   Clarifies the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception as a holy day of obligation – and an opportunity - for the faithful in the Diocese of Arlington   Shares his Thanksgiving plans—including the tradition of starting the day with Mass   He also answers the following question from the faithful: “The holidays, Thanksgiving in particular, can be a contentious time for some families. I've even heard stories of families not wanting to talk to each other because of their political affiliations. What is your pastoral guidance for families as we approach the upcoming holidays?”

Chris Saxman is the Executive Director of Virginia FREE a non-partisan, non-profit established in 1988 that informs the business community in order to advance free enterprise and responsible, pro-business government. Delegate Saxman served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2010. 2024 - We're Just Not That Into You. Success lies in the simplicity, failure in the sophistication. Bottom Line on the 2024 Election

Could our biggest enemy actually be embedded in our culture? What happened to truth, value, fatherhood and gender. This radically honest and wildly inspiring podcast is with Nick Freitas, a Green Beret combat veteran, elected member of the Virginia House of Delegates, and a devoted husband and father. We discuss the spiritual battle of good vs. evil, the relevance of traditional gender roles, the catastrophic impact of postmodern ideologies, the future of education, and his own philosophy on the difference between raising both a son and a daughter. This is a conversation not to be missed! Episode sponsored by: HELIX is offering up to 30% off all mattress orders AND two free pillows for our listeners! Go to ⁠⁠helixsleep.com/AMP⁠⁠ MUD/WTR Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mudwtr.com/amp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, to get a free frother and $20 off. RAICES INKA Helping to raise one more person‘s consciousness, which ultimately raises global consciousness. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.raicesinkas.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SAYU Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sayu.Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to discover our new collection of magically potent essential oil blends made from the purest organic and wildcrafted ingredients. Use the code AUBREY for 15% off your first order.  | Connect with Nick Freitas | Website | ⁠⁠www.nickforva.com/⁠⁠ Instagram |⁠⁠ @nickjfreitas/⁠⁠ X | ⁠⁠@Nickjfreitas⁠⁠ Facebook | ⁠⁠@NickFreitasVA/⁠⁠ | Connect with Aubrey | Website | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/2GesYqi ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/2BlfCEO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/2F4nBZk ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://bit.ly/2BlGBAdAd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out "Own your Day, Own Your Life" by Aubrey Marcus | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/2vRz4so⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Aubrey Marcus newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.aubreymarcus.com/pages/email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Aubrey Marcus podcast: iTunes | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/2lMZRCn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://spoti.fi/2EaELZO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stitcher | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/2G8ccJt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IHeartRadio | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ihr.fm/3CiV4x3 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google Podcasts | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3nzCJEh ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Android | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2OQeBQg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠