WEATHER ALERT
Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equality
Read full article: Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equalityDemocratic lawmakers who wield control of the Virginia Legislature are hoping to make good on promises made on the campaign trail, including becoming the first Southern state to expand constitutional protections for abortion access.
Inspector general finds no fault in Park Police shooting of Virginia man in 2017
Read full article: Inspector general finds no fault in Park Police shooting of Virginia man in 2017A federal inspector general has exonerated two U.S. Park Police officers who fatally shot a Virginia man after a highway chase seven years ago.
CIA employee accused of leaking classified info on Israeli attack plans to face charges in Virginia
Read full article: CIA employee accused of leaking classified info on Israeli attack plans to face charges in VirginiaA CIA employee accused of leaking classified information assessing Israel’s earlier plans to attack Iran has been ordered by a federal judge to face felony charges in Virginia.
Competitive Virginia races could play a critical role in the battle for Congress
Read full article: Competitive Virginia races could play a critical role in the battle for CongressDemocrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson remained locked in a close contest early Wednesday in a U.S. House race in Virginia for the seat being vacated by three-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger.
Harris and Trump focus on Sunbelt states during final weekend push for votes
Read full article: Harris and Trump focus on Sunbelt states during final weekend push for votesDemocrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are zeroing in on Sunbelt states as they embark on one last weekend quest to sway undecided voters in battleground states that will determine the next president.
A man is accused of punching and bloodying another passenger who was sleeping on a US flight
Read full article: A man is accused of punching and bloodying another passenger who was sleeping on a US flightAn airline passenger is sitting in jail in Virginia after being accused of an unprovoked attack on a fellow passenger who was sleeping.
Virginia citizens make plans to vote after finding they've been wrongly purged from rolls
Read full article: Virginia citizens make plans to vote after finding they've been wrongly purged from rollsSome voters in Virginia are making alternate plans to cast ballots after learning that their registrations were mistakenly canceled by the state.
A Virginia jury acquits an ex-CIA recruit in an assault case that led to sexual misconduct reforms
Read full article: A Virginia jury acquits an ex-CIA recruit in an assault case that led to sexual misconduct reformsA former CIA officer-trainee has been acquitted of charges that he attacked a female colleague in a stairwell at CIA headquarters.
Liberty University sued by former IT staffer fired after disclosing she's a transgender woman
Read full article: Liberty University sued by former IT staffer fired after disclosing she's a transgender womanThe nationwide debate over transgender rights is playing out on a personal level in a federal court lawsuit filed by a former Liberty University employee fired by the Christian school after disclosing her identity as a transgender woman.
USDA launches an internal investigation into the deadly Boar's Head outbreak
Read full article: USDA launches an internal investigation into the deadly Boar's Head outbreakU.S. Agriculture Department officials have launched an internal investigation into how the agency handled reports of serious problems tied to a deadly listeria outbreak at a Boar's Head deli meat plant in Virginia.
Departures in House create crucial Republican targets in the fight for majority control
Read full article: Departures in House create crucial Republican targets in the fight for majority controlAfter a tumultuous and unproductive session of Congress, nearly 50 House members have decided either to not seek reelection or to run for a higher office.
Kaine and Cao face off in only debate of campaign for US Senate seat from Virginia
Read full article: Kaine and Cao face off in only debate of campaign for US Senate seat from VirginiaU.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Republican challenger Hung Cao have gone toe to toe in their only debate of the campaign over issues from illegal immigration to tariffs on foreign goods.
Traffic stop in Flagler County leads to arrest of man wanted in Virginia for 2010 murder
Read full article: Traffic stop in Flagler County leads to arrest of man wanted in Virginia for 2010 murderA man connected to a 14-year-old Virginia cold case murder was arrested in Palm Coast after a traffic stop.
Google begins its defense in antitrust case alleging monopoly over advertising technology
Read full article: Google begins its defense in antitrust case alleging monopoly over advertising technologyGoogle has opened its defense against allegations that it holds an illegal monopoly on online advertising technology with witness testimony saying the industry is vastly more complex and competitive than portrayed by the federal government.
At Google antitrust trial, documents say one thing. The tech giant's witnesses say different
Read full article: At Google antitrust trial, documents say one thing. The tech giant's witnesses say differentThe judge who will decide whether Google holds a monopoly over technology that matches buyers and sellers of online advertising must choose whether to believe what Google executives wrote or what they’ve said on the witness stand.
Late-blooming American standout Lauren Coughlin prepares for Solheim Cup debut at age 31
Read full article: Late-blooming American standout Lauren Coughlin prepares for Solheim Cup debut at age 31Lauren Coughlin enters the Solheim Cup as the newest and perhaps unlikeliest standout in American women's golf.
Google faces a new antitrust trial after ruling declaring search engine a monopoly
Read full article: Google faces a new antitrust trial after ruling declaring search engine a monopolyOne month after a judge declared Google’s search engine an illegal monopoly, the tech giant is defending against another antitrust lawsuit that threatens to break up the company.
First in the nation: Natural Bridge State Park pioneers accessibility for the blind
Read full article: First in the nation: Natural Bridge State Park pioneers accessibility for the blindNatural Bridge State Park in Virginia is the first state park in the U.S. to install RightHear, creating a fully accessible location for people who are blind or have low vision.
Death toll is now 9 in listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meat, CDC says
Read full article: Death toll is now 9 in listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meat, CDC saysAt least nine people have died after being infected with listeria from eating Boar's Head deli meats tied to a massive recall last month.
Archaeologists in Virginia unearth colonial-era garden with clues about its enslaved gardeners
Read full article: Archaeologists in Virginia unearth colonial-era garden with clues about its enslaved gardenersArchaeologists in Virginia are uncovering an ornamental garden from the 1700s where a wealthy politician and enslaved gardeners grew exotic plants from around the world.
Duval students required to keep phones off and ‘out-of-sight’ inside bookbags during class
Read full article: Duval students required to keep phones off and ‘out-of-sight’ inside bookbags during classThe Duval County School Board has revised its “out-of-sight” cell phone policy under the Student Code of Conduct for the upcoming school year.
‘We’ve seen an increase’: FBI warns students about consequences of swatting ahead of the school year
Read full article: ‘We’ve seen an increase’: FBI warns students about consequences of swatting ahead of the school yearIn short, it’s when someone calls 911 or alerts authorities to a fake threat that causes a mass police response.
After the end of Roe v. Wade, a new beginning for maternity homes
Read full article: After the end of Roe v. Wade, a new beginning for maternity homesThere has been a nationwide expansion of maternity homes in the two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the federal right to abortion.
Trump-backed Virginia state Sen. John McGuire defeats US Rep. Bob Good in GOP primary recount
Read full article: Trump-backed Virginia state Sen. John McGuire defeats US Rep. Bob Good in GOP primary recountTrump-backed Virginia state Sen. John McGuire has defeated conservative U.S. Rep. Bob Good in a recount of the Republican primary results in the 5th Congressional District.
An 11-year-old Virginia boy is charged with making swatting calls to Florida schools
Read full article: An 11-year-old Virginia boy is charged with making swatting calls to Florida schoolsAuthorities say an 11-year-Virginia boy is charged in Florida with calling in more than 20 bomb or shooting threats at schools.
Virginia 11-year-old arrested, accused of bomb threats at Flagler County schools last year
Read full article: Virginia 11-year-old arrested, accused of bomb threats at Flagler County schools last yearThe Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said it has arrested an 11-year-old boy from Virginia who is accused of making threats against Flagler County schools.
Cliffhanger Virginia race between Good and Trump-backed challenger is too close to call
Read full article: Cliffhanger Virginia race between Good and Trump-backed challenger is too close to callThe Associated Press says a tightly contested race in Virginia between one of America’s most conservative congressmen and a challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump is too close to call.
FBI identifies serial rapist as person responsible for 1996 Shenandoah National Park killings
Read full article: FBI identifies serial rapist as person responsible for 1996 Shenandoah National Park killingsFederal authorities have identified a now-deceased serial rapist from Ohio as the man they believe raped and murdered two women in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park almost three decades ago.
Bob Good hopes final vote count will put him ahead of Trump-endorsed challenger
Read full article: Bob Good hopes final vote count will put him ahead of Trump-endorsed challengerConservative Virginia Congressman Bob Good is asking for patience as he hopes the final ballot count from Tuesday’s primary will allow him to fend off a challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
Cliffhanger congressional contest between Bob Good and John McGuire tests power of Trump endorsement
Read full article: Cliffhanger congressional contest between Bob Good and John McGuire tests power of Trump endorsementOne of America’s most conservative congressmen is locked in a tight renomination battle against an opponent endorsed by former President Donald Trump in Virginia.
In reversal, Virginia school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools
Read full article: In reversal, Virginia school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schoolsA Virginia school board has voted to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school four years after the names were removed.
Many Florida women can't get abortions past 6 weeks. Where else can they go?
Read full article: Many Florida women can't get abortions past 6 weeks. Where else can they go?Since Florida enacted a six-week abortion ban, clinics in several other Southern and mid-Atlantic states have sprung into action.
Jury deliberating in Iraq Abu Ghraib prison abuse civil case; contractor casts blame on Army
Read full article: Jury deliberating in Iraq Abu Ghraib prison abuse civil case; contractor casts blame on ArmyA lawyer for a military contractor being sued by three survivors of the notorious Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq says the plaintiffs are suing the wrong people.
Florida's stricter ban on abortions could put more pressure on clinics elsewhere
Read full article: Florida's stricter ban on abortions could put more pressure on clinics elsewhereA Florida ban on abortions earlier in pregnancy is expected to have an impact on providers in other parts of the country.
Company helping immigrants in detention ordered to pay $811M+ in lawsuit alleging deceptive tactics
Read full article: Company helping immigrants in detention ordered to pay $811M+ in lawsuit alleging deceptive tacticsA company that provides services for immigrants in federal detention has been ordered to pay more than $811 million in restitution and penalties in a lawsuit alleging it used deceptive and abusive tactics.
Late caution gives Hamlin a second chance and he beats Gibbs teammate Truex at Richmond Raceway
Read full article: Late caution gives Hamlin a second chance and he beats Gibbs teammate Truex at Richmond RacewayDenny Hamlin won the race off pit road with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. after a caution with two laps to go and won in overtime at Richmond Raceway.
Youngkin vetoes Virginia bills mandating minimum wage increase, establishing marijuana retail sales
Read full article: Youngkin vetoes Virginia bills mandating minimum wage increase, establishing marijuana retail salesRepublican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed two top Democratic legislative priorities.
DC attorney general argues NHL's Capitals, NBA's Wizards must play in Washington through 2047
Read full article: DC attorney general argues NHL's Capitals, NBA's Wizards must play in Washington through 2047The attorney general for the District of Columbia contends that the NBA's Washington Wizards and NHL's Washington Capitals are obligated to play their games in the downtown arena through 2047.
Joel Scott scores 23 as Colorado State routs Virginia 67-42 to cap Day 1 of March Madness
Read full article: Joel Scott scores 23 as Colorado State routs Virginia 67-42 to cap Day 1 of March MadnessJoel Scott had 23 points and 11 rebounds as Colorado State won an NCAA Tournament game for the first time in 11 years, blowing out Virginia 67-42 in the First Four.
March Madness kicks off with First Four games and teams looking to do some bracket busting
Read full article: March Madness kicks off with First Four games and teams looking to do some bracket bustingLast year, a team from New Jersey called Fairleigh Dickinson played its way out of the First Four and then became one of the most improbable bracket-busters in NCAA Tournament history.
News4JAX Super 6 girls lacrosse: Top teams stay put after Spring Break lull
Read full article: News4JAX Super 6 girls lacrosse: Top teams stay put after Spring Break lullThe News4JAX girls lacrosse Super 6 will be published Monday through the end of the regular season. Records are through March 17 games.
These Republicans won states that Trump lost in 2020. Their endorsements are lukewarm (or withheld)
Read full article: These Republicans won states that Trump lost in 2020. Their endorsements are lukewarm (or withheld)Former President Donald Trump dominated the Republican presidential primaries on his way to a third consecutive nomination.
US Army boats head out on a mission to build a floating pier off Gaza's shore for food deliveries
Read full article: US Army boats head out on a mission to build a floating pier off Gaza's shore for food deliveriesFour U.S. Army boats, loaded with tons of equipment and steel pier segments, have left Virginia and are heading to Gaza.
Virginia budget bill leaves out governor's $2 billion deal to lure NBA and NHL teams from Washington
Read full article: Virginia budget bill leaves out governor's $2 billion deal to lure NBA and NHL teams from WashingtonWork on compromise budget legislation Virginia lawmakers will take up later this week is complete, and the bill does not include language enabling a proposed relocation by the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to Alexandria.
Top Virginia Senate negotiator vows to keep Alexandria arena out of the budget
Read full article: Top Virginia Senate negotiator vows to keep Alexandria arena out of the budgetA top Democratic Virginia lawmaker is vowing to keep language enabling a proposed relocation by the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to Alexandria out of the state budget.
Children in the courtroom: How Virginia judges are giving kids a voice
Read full article: Children in the courtroom: How Virginia judges are giving kids a voiceJudges found a way to ensure kids are being heard before life-changing decisions are made for their families. One of the ways they’re doing it is with a goldfish in the courtroom.
Two fragile DC neighborhoods hang in the balance as the Wizards and Capitals consider leaving town
Read full article: Two fragile DC neighborhoods hang in the balance as the Wizards and Capitals consider leaving townThe proposed move of the Capitals and Wizards sports teams to nearby Virginia has stoked concern in a pair of fragile Washington neighborhoods.
Trump escalates his immigration rhetoric with baseless claim about Biden trying to overthrow the US
Read full article: Trump escalates his immigration rhetoric with baseless claim about Biden trying to overthrow the USFormer President Donald Trump has further escalated his immigration rhetoric, baselessly accusing President Joe Biden of waging a “conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America” at the border as he campaigned ahead of next week’s Super Tuesday contests.
Virginia knocks off Wichita State in weather-delayed baseball game in Jacksonville
Read full article: Virginia knocks off Wichita State in weather-delayed baseball game in JacksonvilleThe first-ever matchup between Virginia and Wichita State baseball programs is far from the story of the game, as rain delays would total over three hours throughout Friday’s first clash. The Cavaliers prevailed in extra innings, handing the Shockers their second loss on the season on a walk-off double.
'Totally cold' is not too cold for winter swimmers competing in a frozen Vermont lake
Read full article: 'Totally cold' is not too cold for winter swimmers competing in a frozen Vermont lakePlunging into a frozen lake and swimming laps may not be everyone’s good time but it is for some winter swimmers.
Two Navy SEALs drowned in the Arabian Sea. How the US charged foreign crew with smuggling weapons
Read full article: Two Navy SEALs drowned in the Arabian Sea. How the US charged foreign crew with smuggling weaponsTwo Navy SEALs drowned last month while trying to board a vessel that was intercepted by U.S. naval forces in the Arabian Sea.
4 charged in transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons. 2 SEALs died in intercepting the ship
Read full article: 4 charged in transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons. 2 SEALs died in intercepting the shipFour foreign nationals have been arrested and charged with transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons after U.S. naval forces interdicted a vessel in the Arabian Sea last month.
How police are using cameras in school zones to catch speeders
Read full article: How police are using cameras in school zones to catch speedersAs more and more localities are using the technology, or talking about adding the technology, the Solutionaries team is working for you on if it’s really a solution to the speeding problem.
The Supreme Court leaves in place the admissions plan at an elite Virginia public high school
Read full article: The Supreme Court leaves in place the admissions plan at an elite Virginia public high schoolThe Supreme Court has left in place the admissions policy at an elite public high school in Virginia, despite claims that it discriminates against highly qualified Asian Americans.
Hundreds of nonprofit newsrooms will get free US election results and graphics from the AP
Read full article: Hundreds of nonprofit newsrooms will get free US election results and graphics from the APThe Associated Press says it will be making some of its U.S. election data available for free this year to more than 400 nonprofit news organizations for the first time.
Top Virginia Senate Democrats deal setback to legislation to relocate Washington Capitals, Wizards
Read full article: Top Virginia Senate Democrats deal setback to legislation to relocate Washington Capitals, WizardsA leading Democratic Virginia legislator says proposed legislation to help pave the way for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to relocate to northern Virginia is dead.
Virginia lawmakers set to take up proposal to help fund new arena for Capitals, Wizards
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers set to take up proposal to help fund new arena for Capitals, WizardsVirginia lawmakers are set to take up legislation to enable Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's plan to build a new professional sports arena and entertainment district in Alexandria.
Yellen says 100,000 firms have joined a business database aimed at unmasking shell company owners
Read full article: Yellen says 100,000 firms have joined a business database aimed at unmasking shell company ownersTreasury Secretary Janet Yellen has announced that 100,000 businesses have signed up for a new database of that collects ownership information intended to help unmask shell company owners.
Gaming proponents size up the odds of a northern Virginia casino
Read full article: Gaming proponents size up the odds of a northern Virginia casinoAs casinos start to pop up on Virginia’s southern border, some lawmakers are ready to explore whether wealthy northern Virginia should get in on the action.
Judge issues order keeping Confederate memorial at Arlington Cemetery for now
Read full article: Judge issues order keeping Confederate memorial at Arlington Cemetery for nowA federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order barring removal of a memorial to Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Virginia girl who lost both feet in tragic incident defies odds, is now dancing happily
Read full article: Virginia girl who lost both feet in tragic incident defies odds, is now dancing happilyIt's nothing short of miracle. Aubrey Scaletta from the New River Valley lost both her feet in an accident while riding in her father's pickup truck. After six surgeries, Aubrey is defying odds, not only walking, but dancing.
Wizards, Capitals would move to Virginia in tentative deal, Youngkin says. Mystics would stay in DC
Read full article: Wizards, Capitals would move to Virginia in tentative deal, Youngkin says. Mystics would stay in DCVirginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has a tentative agreement with the parent company of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to move those teams out of D.
An explosion leveled a home in Arlington, Virginia, as officers tried to serve a search warrant
Read full article: An explosion leveled a home in Arlington, Virginia, as officers tried to serve a search warrantPolice in a Virginia suburb of the nation’s capital are investigating a massive explosion at a house where officers were trying to serve a search warrant.
Don't eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows
Read full article: Don't eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak growsU.S. health officials say consumers should not eat pre-cut cantaloupe if they don’t know the source.
Inspector general investigating decision to relocate FBI headquarters to Maryland
Read full article: Inspector general investigating decision to relocate FBI headquarters to MarylandA federal watchdog is investigating how the Biden administration chose the site for a new FBI headquarters following a contentious competition marked by allegations of conflict of interest from the bureau’s director.
Salmonella in cantaloupes sickens dozens in 15 states, U.S. health officials say
Read full article: Salmonella in cantaloupes sickens dozens in 15 states, U.S. health officials sayU.S. health officials said at least 43 people have been sickened in 15 states by salmonella linked to certain whole and cut cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit products.
GOP election losses in Virginia are likely to quiet the presidential speculation about Gov. Youngkin
Read full article: GOP election losses in Virginia are likely to quiet the presidential speculation about Gov. YoungkinRepublican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia had made clear his Election Day expectations.
Siemens Gamesa scraps plans to build blades for offshore wind turbines on Virginia's coast
Read full article: Siemens Gamesa scraps plans to build blades for offshore wind turbines on Virginia's coastA European company has cancelled plans to build blades for offshore wind turbines in coastal Virginia.
Virginia Democrats lost in several key swing districts. So how did they win the General Assembly?
Read full article: Virginia Democrats lost in several key swing districts. So how did they win the General Assembly?The election results this week in Virginia suggest that Republicans must essentially run the table in competitive areas in order to find statewide success at the ballot box.
Biden administration picks Maryland for new FBI headquarters, AP sources say
Read full article: Biden administration picks Maryland for new FBI headquarters, AP sources sayThe Biden administration has chosen a location for a new FBI headquarters in Maryland, selecting the site over one in Virginia following a sharp competition between the two states.
GOP’s David Owen wins Virginia legislative race over Democratic opponent who livestreamed sex videos
Read full article: GOP’s David Owen wins Virginia legislative race over Democratic opponent who livestreamed sex videosRepublican businessman David Owen has won election to Virginia’s House of Delegates against Democratic opponent Susanna Gibson.
Virginia Democrats sweep legislative elections after campaigning on abortion rights
Read full article: Virginia Democrats sweep legislative elections after campaigning on abortion rightsVirginia Democrats who campaigned on protecting abortion rights have swept this year’s legislative elections, retaking full control of the General Assembly after two years of divided power.
Republican leads over Democrat whose House of Delegates race became embroiled in sex scandal
Read full article: Republican leads over Democrat whose House of Delegates race became embroiled in sex scandalRepublican David Owen held a narrow lead over Democrat Susanna Gibson in a Virginia House of Delegates race that drew attention after revelations that Gibson engaged in sex acts with her husband on a pornographic website, but the margin left the race too early to call.
Why the nation’s eyes on election night should turn to Virginia
Read full article: Why the nation’s eyes on election night should turn to VirginiaIt’s not hyperbole to say that whatever happens in Virginia could determine the course of the 2024 presidential election, and possibly the tenor of government years beyond that.
American player for Polish women's basketball team attacked, left with injured eye socket
Read full article: American player for Polish women's basketball team attacked, left with injured eye socketPolish officials and media are reporting that an American basketball player with a professional Polish women's club has been badly beaten, sustaining a head injury.
A potential presidential run for Glenn Youngkin would face logistical hurdles and voter skepticism
Read full article: A potential presidential run for Glenn Youngkin would face logistical hurdles and voter skepticismSpeculation that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin might jump in the race for president has long swirled and could be set to further escalate, depending on the outcome of next month's legislative elections in the state.
See how technology is linking guns used in crimes, helping investigators solve cases
Read full article: See how technology is linking guns used in crimes, helping investigators solve casesNIBIN, short for National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, is being used across the country. There are some limitations, but the evidence shows it's working.
‘Tiger King’ animal trainer 'Doc' Antle gets suspended sentence for wildlife trafficking in Virginia
Read full article: ‘Tiger King’ animal trainer 'Doc' Antle gets suspended sentence for wildlife trafficking in VirginiaVirginia's attorney general says an animal trainer featured in the popular Netflix series “Tiger King” has received a suspended two-year sentence after being convicted of wildlife trafficking.
DeSantis said he would support a 15-week abortion ban, after avoiding a direct answer for months
Read full article: DeSantis said he would support a 15-week abortion ban, after avoiding a direct answer for monthsWhen Ron DeSantis said during last week’s Republican presidential debate that he would support a federal ban on abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy, some anti-abortion activists called it the news they had been waiting months to hear.
Weakening Ophelia still poses a risk of coastal flooding and heavy rain in some parts of the US
Read full article: Weakening Ophelia still poses a risk of coastal flooding and heavy rain in some parts of the USNearly a day after being downgraded from a tropical storm, Ophelia is still threatening much of the Northeast with coastal flooding, life-threatening waves and heavy rain from Washington to New York City.
Both parties rally supporters as voting begins in Virginia's closely watched legislative elections
Read full article: Both parties rally supporters as voting begins in Virginia's closely watched legislative electionsEarly voting has begun in Virginia’s costly, high-stakes and closely watched legislative elections after a week in which elected officials and candidates rallied their supporters across the state.