State’s Role in Independence Remembered

The Commonwealth played a pivotal role in the nation’s push for independence 250 years ago.

Thomas Jefferson wanted to return to Virginia in 1776 to write the state’s constitution, but the Continental Congress had a larger job in mind for him: drafting a declaration of colonial independence from Britain.

Jefferson’s draft was a powerful summary of the colonists’ right to establish a government of their own based on fundamental principles: that all men are created equal, with inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Jefferson said his draft was “an expression of the American mind,” codifying political ideas that had become the consensus of the colonists, and particularly Virginians, over many years.

Judge OKs Form of Conversion Therapy

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares agreed to a consent decree allowing therapists to engage in talk therapy about gender identity issues with youth. 

The consent decree was signed by a Henrico County judge and the state Attorney General’s office on June 4 but wasn’t announced until this week.

The agreement permits counselors to use a therapy option banned under a 2020 state law and discouraged by some medical associations and LGBTQ+ advocates. Supporters called the consent decree “a landmark free-speech victory.”

State Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax County, said he expects the order will be appealed.

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➤ Richmond: The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday by hosting a live-streamed Naturalization Ceremony at 11 a.m. today. (Details)

➤ Blacksburg: A Virginia Tech-led team of researchers determined that a solar facility increased the value of nearby agricultural and vacant land by 19% on average nationwide. However, the value of nearby residential properties dropped by about 5%. (Details)

➤ Charlottesville: Virginia Humanities awarded more than $113,000 to 24 cultural nonprofits. It’s the first round of grants from the organization since the federal government cut funding to the National Endowment for the Humanities. (More)

➤ Washington, D.C.: The Washington Nationals host their annual July 4 morning game at 11 a.m. today against the Red Sox. (Box Score)

➤ Statewide: If you plan to set off fireworks at home, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs has a website to explain which types are legal and how to handle them safely. (More)

➤ Fairfax County: The police department’s Marine Patrol One boat will be on duty on the Occoquan River throughout the holiday weekend to keep 80 miles of shoreline safe. (Details)

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➤ If you are looking for a fireworks display, just look up. The skies all over the Commonwealth will light up tonight. (Fireworks Shows Guide)

➤ Mount Vernon will celebrate the holiday by hosting the swearing-in of more than 100 new citizens. Arnold Schwarzenegger, an Austrian immigrant who became a U.S. citizen in 1983, will speak at 10 a.m. (Details)

➤ Colonial Williamsburg will celebrate the holiday with public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, and a fireworks display. (More)

➤ Runners in Southwest Virginia will brave the heat for Four on the Fourth, a 4-mile morning run. Elsewhere around the region, a parade, a fair, and many fireworks shows are scheduled. (Details) 

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What’s your favorite patriotic pop song?

1. God Bless the U.S.A.
2. America
3. Born in the U.S.A.
4. Party in the U.S.A.
5. Other (reply and tell us!)

Thursday’s Results:

Can you roller skate? 

1. Yes: 35%
2. Not anymore 34%
3. No: 31%

Which other Founding Father died on July 4, exactly five years after Thomas Jefferson passed away in 1826?

Show me the answer