Latest news with #Virginian-Pilot
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrats running for attorney general say Virginia needs to challenge Trump
Democrats will choose between a longtime prosecutor from the Richmond suburbs and a former lawmaker from a politically active Hampton Roads family in the primary race for attorney general. Former state delegate Jay Jones and Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor are facing off in the Democratic primary. Democrats are hoping to win big this year. Virginia is considered to be a bellwether state because its statewide elections are held the year after the presidential election. Virginia's election in November is thought to be a referendum on the president's first year in office. The winner of the race will run against incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares in November. Early voting has already begun, and primary day is June 17. ___ Taylor has served as the commonwealth's attorney of Henrico since 2011 and has been a practicing attorney for almost 30 years. In addition to the attorney general's role as an advisor to state agencies and offer consumer protection, she said that experience particularly prepares her for the role of the state's top prosecutor. As commonwealth's attorney, the 57-year-old was appointed special prosecutor in Virginia's case against one of the men involved with the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, though the charges were ultimately dismissed following a mistrial. 'The importance of being the prosecutor for the commonwealth is two points,' she said. 'The fact that I can do our own investigation and our own prosecuting as the attorney general or be there as a resource for our local prosecutors. … I have very good relationships across this commonwealth with all of my colleagues to be able to offer assistance in whatever they may need.' Taylor is making the case that she's the more experienced candidate. In a new ad, she seemingly took aim at Jones, saying, 'I'm the only Democrat to have prosecuted a criminal case and win a Republican seat.' 757 Votes: The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2025 primary election guide Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor compete in Virginia's Attorney General Democratic primary Early voting in Virginia primary elections starts this week. Here's what you need to know. But Jones says he's prepared for the role, and his time in the consumer protection unit of Washington, D.C.'s attorney general's office offered valuable experience. He said he took on slumlords and corporate special interest groups in that time. 'My hair is all gray at this point,' the 36-year-old joked. 'I've had my experience as an assistant attorney general. I've been a trial attorney for over a decade now. … I think all of that lends itself to this moment when we need someone who's going to step up and use the office as it should be used.' Jones hails from Norfolk, where he currently resides. He previously served as state delegate, elected to his dad Jerrauld Jones Sr.'s old seat. He served in the legislature from 2018 to 2021 but stepped down shortly after he was last elected, saying he and his wife were expecting their first child. Jones' grandfather Hilary Jones Sr. was a civil rights attorney in Norfolk and the first Black member of the Norfolk School Board. Jones went on to work as an assistant attorney general in Washington, D.C., before primarying then-incumbent Mark Herring for the position of attorney general in 2021. Jones lost that race, and Herring was defeated by Miyares in the general election that year. In 2023, Jones, who now works in private practice, sued the governor's administration on behalf of the Virginia NAACP for access to the voting rights restoration database, though a judge later denied that access. ___ Both candidates are running on staunch anti-Trump platforms and say Virginia should have signed onto lawsuits brought by Democratic attorneys general against the administration, like one that states signed onto to restore federal research money. 'We are now watching our current attorney general not challenging any of the executive orders that are coming from the Trump administration, not even looking for the constitutionality or legality,' Taylor said. '(The court) found that if you were a state that did make that challenge, the research money should come and has to come to those states. But because Jason Miyares did not file in that case, the commonwealth of Virginia is losing out on millions of dollars of research money that goes to very critical issues like Alzheimer's and cancer research.' 'I think it's really important for folks to know that when we don't participate in these lawsuits, we don't get to avail ourselves of the protections that the injunctions that have been handed down offer those other states that have put those lawsuits up,' Jones said. 'In particular, (the lawsuits to protect federal funding and to protect federal workers) I would have loved to have seen Miyares engage and fight for us.' Both candidates also say they want to expand certain units within the attorney general's office. Jones said he would build out a civil rights unit and a labor justice unit. Taylor said she would expand the Medicaid fraud unit to encompass broader elder abuse investigations and protections. ___ Powerful current and former state and local Democratic officials are split in their endorsements this campaign. Jones is endorsed by former Govs. Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott and much of the Hampton Roads delegation in the state legislature, including Sen. Mamie Locke and Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler. Meanwhile, Taylor has so far been endorsed by more commonwealth's attorneys, former Attorneys General Mark Herring and Mary Sue Terry, and Eileen Filler-Corn, former speaker of the House of Delegates. In April, Taylor announced that she had fundraised more than $1 million, including $525,000 raised in the first quarter of the year, which ended in March. Jones' campaign reported that as of last filing, it had raised more than $1.8 million including more than $900,000 raised in the first quarter. Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881,
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Virginia Lt. Gov. race: Republican John Curran announces write-in campaign
John Curran, a business consultant from James City County, announced Monday that he intends to reenter Virginia's lieutenant governor race as a write-in candidate. Curran initially ran for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor but did not turn in enough signatures to qualify for the ballot ahead of the April deadline. He alleges he had gathered 10,000 signatures but many of them were stolen by a former campaign staffer, a matter he says Virginia State Police are investigating. 'I know that write-ins are historically a long shot,' he said. After Curran failed to qualify for the ballot and Fairfax Board of Supervisors member Pat Herrity dropped out of the race citing health concerns, John Reid became the party's nominee for the position. Shortly thereafter, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Reid and asked him to drop out of the race, pointing to risqué photos shared from a social media account that matched the username of other accounts Reid uses. Reid denied the account was his and was adamant he would remain in the race. Youngkin and current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate for governor, eventually said the decision was up to Reid but did not offer stronger support for his candidacy. 'We're so wrapped up in the battle between the governor and John Reid and all those kinds of things that we're losing track of what needs to be done,' Curran said. 'I decided to give the voters an option. It's a hard option because people actually have to know how to spell your name and write it in. If Virginia wants me, they'll do it.' Curran said he had been encouraged to run by religious organizations and other groups. His name will not appear on the ballot in November, and as a write-in, he will technically run as an independent candidate without the support of the state Republican party. That's an expensive endeavor. 'I think I will have the support and financial base to go through it,' he said. 'A write-in is going to cost even more because you really, really, really need to get your name out there.' Six Democrats are running for the party's nomination in the race. The winner of the June primary will be on the November ballot. 757 Votes: The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2025 primary election guide James City County business consultant to run for lieutenant governor as Republican Virginia Republicans are at war with each other. Here's how we got here. Curran said he has stronger policy positions compared to Reid on issues like abortion and business development, but also thought he was more electable. Reid is the first openly gay candidate on a statewide ballot in Virginia, though Curran said that was not his primary motivation for running. 'There's some people who just believe their religious beliefs or whatever are against it,' he said. 'I have friends and family members who are gay. I don't think that's it. I think the only part of him in that was how he portrays it and how much he makes it a part of him. I'm the other way. I'm a heterosexual. I'm a married man. I don't go out there and tell people that. I don't get into that with my orientation, and I don't think anybody needs to.' When asked for comment on Curran's announcement, a spokesperson for the Reid campaign said 'Who?' Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881,
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norfolk commonwealth's attorney faces challenge from former federal prosecutor
Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi is being challenged in the Democratic primary by former Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Butler. Fatehi is seeking a second four-year term, while Butler is making his first run for elected office. ___ Age: 46 Employment: Former Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia's Norfolk Division Education: J.D., Georgetown University Law Center; M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College; B.A. in American Government, Georgetown University Military Service: A veteran of the U.S. Navy JAG Corps, Butler currently serves as a Commander in the Navy Reserves Judiciary Unit. Party Affiliation: Democrat Website: What do you believe is the most important issue facing the office now? Effective leadership. According to the Virginian-Pilot, the office has seen an 'exodus of attorneys,' and by our count, more than 70 employees have left from an office of 85 staff. That staggering level of turnover speaks to the culture and current leadership. The office needs an effective manager, who leads by example and works to support the staff and develop their talent to accomplish the core function of the job – prosecuting cases in a fair and equitable way that delivers justice to victims and their families and upholds the rule of law. An effective leader also understands the importance of being proactive about addressing crime by prioritizing prevention and intervention efforts, which can be accomplished by building relationships of trust. With effective leadership, we can deliver justice, reduce crime and prevent it before it happens. Why do you think you're the best candidate for the job? I have a track record of success, and as a servant leader, I know how to build strong teams that deliver results. I have dedicated my life to public service both through the Navy JAG Corps, where I am currently a Commander and a Judge in the Reserves, and through a decade of service in the U.S. Attorney's Office, where for the last three years, I managed 60 federal prosecutors and staff. In that role, I successfully prosecuted some of the region's most complex cases, delivering justice to victims and their families. I also focused on building prevention and intervention programs to get ahead of crime before it happens, keeping people out of the criminal justice system and making our community safer. And that's why I am honored to have the endorsement of Mayor Kenny Alexander, Treasurer Daun Hester and Sheriff Joe Baron because they know I am the best candidate to lead this office. If you could pick only one solution, how would you reduce violent crime in our community? Reducing violent crime requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. During my time in the U.S. Attorney's Office, I knew that the old approach, focusing solely on prosecuting crime after it happens, wasn't working. We needed to get ahead of it. That's what I did in my work leading Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Hampton Roads Opioid Working Group. Teamwork is critical to tackle an issue as complicated as violent crime. Faith based leaders, community based organizations, the medical community, first responders, state, local, and federal law enforcement, as well as business, medical, and academic stakeholders all need to be a part of the solution. These entities working in concert with one another, led by an effective Commonwealth's Attorney, can focus on community violence intervention and find alternative pathways for at-risk individuals before they ever get involved in the justice system. ___ Age: 46 Employment: Commonwealth's Attorney, City of Norfolk Education: B.A., History, with Distinction in the Major, Yale University (2000); J.D., Columbia University Law School (2003) Elected Offices Candidate has Held: Elected Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Norfolk in November 2021 Party Affiliation: Democrat Website: What do you believe is the most important issue facing the office now? Donald Trump is taking a wrecking ball to the rule of law, offering pardons to cronies and oppression to political opponents and the poor, all while cutting federal funding to the social programs that prevent crime. Trump's actions will have a direct effect on the administration of justice in Norfolk: Further damaging trust in the justice system, alienating people from the police and prosecutors, and driving up crime. Meanwhile, my office has been starved for funding. My office's maximum salaries and maximum number of staff are set by the mayor and his allies. We were allotted 42 prosecutors in 2008; today we are allotted 40, despite the increased workloads from body cameras and digital evidence. I have hired and retained a diverse and talented staff in the midst of the Great Resignation and a national prosecutor shortage, but I am turning away qualified applicants for lack of space. Why do you think you're the best candidate for the job? I have a successful record of promoting public safety through criminal justice reform. Since I took office, Norfolk's homicides and violent crime are down 40%. Property crime is down 27%. The jail population is down. I am beholden to no one and ready to stand up against Donald Trump. I am committed to building trust in the system, pursuing policies supported by data, and avoiding the mistakes of mass incarceration. I am the only candidate who has real experience in Virginia's state courts. I have advocated for marijuana legalization, gun safety, and Virginia's first victim and witness protection program. I will never prosecute a woman or her doctor for an abortion legal under Roe. I go to every murder scene in Norfolk, and I have focused my office's efforts on holding violent people accountable while offering diversion, treatment, and alternatives to people who deserve a second chance. If you could pick only one solution, how would you reduce violent crime in our community? The cases we prosecute are immensely important for victims, the accused, their families, and the community, and the criminal-justice system can and should hold dangerous people accountable. Fostering community trust and the smart use of technology can help solve crime and secure convictions, but the data shows that the criminal justice system alone cannot meaningfully reduce violent crime. Crime is a manifestation of other, more profound problems. Violent crime spiked in Norfolk and nationally during COVID and then came down after COVID, and it was not because of the justice system. The real way to reduce violent crime is to address its root causes by providing good jobs at good pay, good schools for rich and poor children alike, quality healthcare, affordable housing, youth mentoring, and incentives to family formation and parenting. Only then will we see a real change in public safety.
Miami Herald
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Motormouth: Why are brakes shuddering?
Q: I put new genuine Honda OEM rotors and brake pads on the front wheels of my 2016 Honda Odyssey. 15,000 miles later the front wheels shudder when braking at higher speeds, especially downhill. Any suggestions? T.O., Las Vegas A: Since the oscillation happens when braking, it's probably not a wheel balance issue. One of the brake rotors may have gotten damaged, perhaps from hitting a pothole or other object. Bad suspension parts can't be ruled out. If you have had any wheel service like changing a tire, rotating tires or having a wheel alignment, a rotor may have been damaged by uneven lug nut torque. Personally, whenever I have service done, I double check the torque with my trusty Snap-on torque wrench even if they used torque sticks at the shop. Q: I am a woman who gets work estimates even when coming in for recall work. My dealer wants to perform evaporator service, factory coolant service, fuel system cleaning, replace cabin filter … over $1,000. My car is a 2015 RAV4 with 30,000 miles, and garage kept, driving three miles twice a week on average. Are these services needed now? P.L., Skokie, Illinois A: No. Q: I own a 2023 Kia Niro hybrid. Since I purchased it, there has been fluid leaking from the back of the vehicle. This seems to happen after using the heating/cooling system. The dealer's service department assures me that it is simply water and not harmful, but they do not know where it is coming from. They assured me it is not coming from the tailpipe. They say that it is a common problem with this model and that there is nothing they can do to stop it. Should I press this further or are they correct in saying it is not harmful? E.M., Evanston, Illinois A: You can relax. It is water and it's a result of running the HVAC system. The water is condensate from the air conditioning which, believe it or not, runs in the winter as well as the summer. Q: I'm interested in a very simple external CD player for my 2023 Honda HR-V as the car has no player and I miss it very much! Is there such a thing? I'm not so technical, so simple is very important. K.E., Minneapolis A: Yes, there are lots of them out there. Just be sure that your car has a USB port to plug into. Q: I read our local newspaper daily, and delight in seeing your column in the Home & Living section of our Virginian-Pilot. I am not a car aficionado, or mechanically inclined, but I have learned so much from your answers to readers' questions. It opens discussions about your column with my husband, who knows quite a bit about cars. Again, I learn more. Please keep up your great work. It is always an informative and helpful experience. I can at least change a tire and replace my air and cabin filters ... progress! ... especially for a 74-year-old female. T.B., Virginia Beach, Virginia A: As I type this, I am putting the finishing touches on another column. It is headed for the editor in about an hour. That hour will go much faster now. You just made my day. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
New York Post
25-04-2025
- General
- New York Post
Award-winning stunt pilot Rob Holland killed in plane crash just days before his air show performance
An award-winning stunt pilot died when his 'experimental' plane crashed at a military base in Virginia while training for an upcoming airshow Aerobatics pilot Rob Holland was preparing for this weekend's Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show when his custom MX Aircraft MXS crashed shortly before noon while landing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton. He was the only person onboard at the time. Advertisement 3 Aerobatics pilot Rob Holland was preparing for this weekend's Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show when he was killed. Rob Holland Aerosports / Facebook Rob was one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history,' said a post on his official Facebook page confirming his death. 'Even with an absolutely impressive list of accomplishments, both in classical competition aerobatics and within the air show world, Rob was the most humble person with a singular goal to simply be better than he was yesterday.' Advertisement Holland's small carbon-fiber MX Aircraft MXS was described as 'experimental' by the National Transit Safety Board, which is investigating the crash. 'Today we lost a friend of our Air Force family,' Joint Base Langley-Eustis commander Col. Matthew Altman said in a statement. 'On behalf of our entire JBLE team, I want to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this incredible aviator.' 3 Smoke rushes out of the aerobatic plane during a stunt piloted by Holland. Rob Holland Aerosports / Facebook Advertisement 3 Holland's small carbon-fiber MX Aircraft MXS was described as 'experimental' by the National Transit Safety Board, which is investigating the crash. Rob Holland Aerosports / Facebook The base where the crash occurred is composed of the Army's Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base, near the southwestern edge of the Chesapeake Bay. The annual Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the base, according to the Virginian-Pilot.
