Dogwood Daily: Trump's approval rating hits new low in Virginia

Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. We’ve got a round-up of all of today’s Virginia news coming right up. And if you’re a fan, please forward to three friends who need to know what’s going on in the Commonwealth and tell them to subscribe here. 

But First…

Former Vice President Joe Biden claimed at a fundraiser in Richmond on Tuesday that he felt compelled to run for the presidency after the riots in Charlottesville. “I never thought I’d see something like that again in my life. That’s when I decided,” Biden said.

5 Things you need to know today

1. President Trump’s approval rating in Virginia hits a new low— Virginia’s dislike for President Donald Trump is at an all-time high according to a new Roanoke College poll released Monday. Fifty-three percent of potential Virginia voters said they disapprove of Trump’s efforts in the White House. The president appears to be dragging down the Republicans in Virginia state elections as well. A majority of the potential voters polled said they would prefer Democratic leadership in both the state Senate and House. -The Free Lance-Star
   
2. Artist chosen for Fort Monroe slavery memorial— Artist Brian Owens will design a memorial at Fort Monroe to pay tribute to the first African slaves who were brought to Virginia 400 years ago. Governor Northam announced the decision during a commemoration at the park this past Saturday. Northam has set aside $500,000 for the project while the National Park Service and Virginia Arts Commission are joining forces to raise additional funds. -Daily Press
   
3. Restriction passed to rebuild striped bass population– In an effort to protect striped bass fish, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission will limit fishermen to catching a single striped bass per day. Charter business owners criticized the decision, saying their livelihood is threatened by the new rule. But the commission said the move was necessary to protect the species. “We need other states to follow our example and help rebuild the striped bass population immediately,” said Matthew Stickler, the state’s Secretary of Natural Resources. “Delay is unacceptable.” –Virginia Mercury
   
4. Virginia Beach city manager resigns— Virginia Beach’s top official, Dave Hansen, said this morning he would resign. Several city council members recently said they were unsure if Hansen should continue in his role. Hansen’s response to the deadly mass shooting attracted criticism from families of the 12 victims. -The Virginian Pilot
   
5. Republican state Senator posts inflammatory campaign ads– Incumbent Republican state Senator Richard Stuart of Stafford is running ads claiming that his Democratic opponent, Qasim Rashid, who is Muslim, has denied the existence of Islamic terrorism. Rashid says that is wrong and sees the attack as a diversion tactic “He wants to talk about my faith,” Rashid said, “I want to talk about issues.” –Richmond Times-Dispatch

From the Gram