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Will GOP post-Trump strategy lead to win in Virginia governor race?


It is somehow already Monday. Today we had a column on this Virginia's governor race, which has been dominating the news cycle recently. We also have a column on what to do if you son wants to be Elsa for Halloween. Personally, I'd rather be Anna.

Will GOP post-Trump strategy lead to win in Virginia governor race?

By Kurt Bardella

In 2020, Virginians rejected President Donald Trump and his toxic brand of white supremacy by a decisive 10%. A once reliably red state, Virginia has had a political reckoning throughout the previous decade aligning with mainstream progressive values. Virginia voters have continued to show support for gun control, the expansion of reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights, as well as aggressive policies to protect the right to vote.

Virginia has become the most progressive southern state, yet protecting this trajectory of progress is a perpetual struggle against the Republican Party. While Trumpism was perfected by its namesake, its proponents know that delivered through a more palatable messenger, it’s much easier to build support for its core tenets.

In this year’s gubernatorial race, Republican Glenn Youngkin is a test case for how the GOP plans to metastasize Trumpism elsewhere across the nation. There’s an endless supply of Youngkins in states and districts across the country who have enough self-control not to say the quiet parts out loud but whose vision entails keeping white men at the pinnacle of our society.

Today's Editorial Cartoon

What to do when your son wants to be a princess for Halloween. (Hint: Have fun!)

By Lisa Kenney

My son wants to be Elsa for Halloween. What should I do?!

This type of question pops up frequently on parenting message boards, Reddit threads and Facebook groups. Every year around Halloween, parents reach out to me and ask how to navigate this situation. Their son or daughter wants to dress up as something outside of gender norms – and they’re not sure what to do. 

The first thing to understand is that there’s nothing problematic about your son wanting to dress up like Elsa, or your daughter wanting to dress up and use the Force to get candy as Kylo Ren. It may make you uncomfortable, and you might be concerned about the response they or you will get from other kids and parents. But letting those concerns get in the way of your child being able to wear what they want on Halloween is the wrong approach to take here and can leave young people feeling unsupported and ashamed for their interests, like they need to hide part of themselves. 

Why domestic violence victims won't leave unless their pets are safe

By Andrew Campbell

Domestic violence affects everyone who resides in a home where it occurs. That includes humans and pets.

Ninety-five percent of Americans consider their pets to be part of the family. These animal family members are often a critical component of households, providing comfort during life’s hardest moments and enhancing joy during life’s best.

Yet, despite their important role in the household, pets are rarely included in domestic violence prevention or intervention initiatives.

Some columns from over the weekend

Columns on qualified immunity

Here's a new section we're adding to the newsletter.  Currently, we are doing a series examining the issue of qualified immunity. For more on the series read here. 

This newsletter was compiled by Jaden Amos.