iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 14h

I saw this movie when I was way too young to do so, and then couldn’t sleep in a room with a TV in it for years.

static.klipy.com

Poltergeist Theyre Here

Alt: Poltergeist Theyre Here

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Reposted by R. Kirk McPike

Naomi Brooks Elementary School Bike Bus @brooksbikebus.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Margarita Monday, anyone? Join us for a night out at Los Tios Nov 9. It’s going to be caliente 🔥

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Jenny wasn’t going to let me sneak off to the airport this morning without a bit of guilt tripping.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Pardon the link to Twitter, but this is amazing. For my Virginia friends, this would be like a Republican outraising a Democrat in Alexandria. x.com/joefromohio2...

x.com

Yousef Is Margin Calling Ohio (@JoefromOhio2) on X

This is the worst sign for Paxton I've seen (this is Highland Park)

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

We need a lot of reforms to Congress, but term limits would be disastrous. They’d transfer even more power and influence to the Presidency, staffers, lobbyists, etc.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We had a great discussion about AI and XR at the #ARVRPolicy2026 conference yesterday. With the Federal government refusing to act, coordination will be necessary as states take the lead in developing policies around AI and mixed reality technologies.

Panelists discuss AI, XR and VR policy at 2026 AR/VR Policy Conference.

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Reposted by R. Kirk McPike

Congressman Don Beyer @beyer.house.gov · 20/09/2026

All but seven House Republicans voted to continue Trump's disastrous Iran War. It's one of the most unpopular conflicts in U.S. history, and it's doing nothing to advance our national interests while making everything more expensive for the American people.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Alexandria! Today is the day we start taking back our democracy. Early voting has now begun! I was proud to join @markwarner.bsky.social, @beyer.house.gov, @ebpforva.bsky.social, @canekforcouncil.bsky.social, @abdelelnoubi.bsky.social and John Taylor Chapman at the polls this morning.

Councilman John Taylor Chapman introduces Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Don Beyer as voters gather for the start of early vote.

It was fun greeting voters with Elizabeth Bennett-Parker this morning!

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

If (when, let's say when) Democrats take the Senate in November, I fully expect both Thomas and Alito to immediately resign from the Supreme Court to allow Trump to ram through replacements before the majority changes on January 3.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

This would be devastating to America's economy. It is a *good* thing that the best and brightest from around the world want to come to America to study and that many of them stay here and build great companies in America instead of abroad. Everything Trump does makes us weaker and poorer.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Last night, I was honored to attend a dinner in support of the project to create a permanent learning center about the 9/11 attacks near the Pentagon. We heard from survivors of the attack, first responders who were on the scene, and family members of those who were lost.

Attendees, including first responders, survivors of the attack on the Pentagon, family members of those who were lost, and ambassadors from NATO nations, gathered in Arlington to remember the 9/11 attacks and raise funds for a permanent visitor education center at the Pentagon.

Plans for the permanent memorial and learning center on display at the 25th Anniversary Pentagon Memorial Fund gala.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

As one of the legislators who asked the SCC to do so, I am happy that they are expanding the ways Virginians can weigh in on the proposed merger. Virginians’ concerns about rates, infrastructure costs caused by large power users, and environmental standards must drive the consideration process.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Last month, I sent a letter asking the SCC to hold in-person public hearings across Virginia regarding the proposed Dominion/NextEra merger. Last night, I attended @ltgovhashmi.bsky.social's Richmond listening tour meeting. It is essential that the voices of Virginians be heard regarding this deal.

Letter from Delegate Kirk McPike:

August 24, 2026
State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218
RE: Request for in-person public hearings regarding Case No. PUR-2026-00112
Dear Chair Bagot, Commissioner Hudson, and Commissioner Tow ell:
I am writing to request that the Commission add a series of in-person public hearings at locations
across the Commonwealth to the review process for Case No. PUR-2026-00112, the proposed
merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy.
As Commission members are aware, this proposed merger would create the largest electric utility
company in the world and affect residents across Virginia. The review of this $67
billion proposal is the most important work the Commission has undertaken in years, and the
ramifications of its final decision will be felt for generations. For that reason, I believe adding in-
person public hearings to the already scheduled series of telephonic hearings is essential.
The rising cost of energy is weighing heavily on Virginia’s families. I applaud the Commission’s
recent decision to require Dominion to ensure that large-load users, such as data centers, pay for
the electrical transmission infrastructure they require. In doing so, the Commission responded to
concerns raised by Virginians. I believe that a broader engagement process would allow the
Commission to similarly weigh the thoughts and needs of Virginians when considering the
proposed merger. At a time of growing electrical demand and instability in the global energy
economy, Virginians deserve that level of engagement and transparency.
Further, my constituents are particularly concerned that the requirements of the Virginia Clean
Economy Act (Acts of Assembly 2020, Chapter 1193) be met on the legally mandated schedule.
Balancing the need to protect Virginians from large rate increases while undertaking the
infrastructure construction and sourcing changes needed to achieve 100% carbon-free electrical
generation for customers currently…

The purpose of this letter is merely to address the specific process question of adding in-person
public hearings to the comment process for this case. It should not be considered a comment on
the merits of the proposal itself.
Thank you for the efforts you have already undertaken to solicit input from impacted
Virginians regarding the proposed merger, and for your work on behalf of our Commonwealth as
members of the State Corporation Commission.
My staff and I would be happy to help facilitate in-person public hearings in or near my
district regarding this merger. Please do not hesitate to contact us about this or any other matter
at delkmcpike@house.virginia.gov.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.

R. Kirk McPike

Lt. Governor Hashmi leads a discussion about the merger in Richmond.

Members of the public in Richmond attend Lt. Governor Hashmi's listening tour regarding the proposed merger.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

This morning, I had the honor of joining incredible advocates from across Virginia and @ebpforva.bsky.social for a press conference with one simple message: Vote YES on ballot question 3. This amendment will strengthen our democracy and secure the voting rights of every Virginian. Let’s pass it!

Advocates gather in Arlandria to support the passage of Ballot Question 3: the constitutional amendment to restore and secure the voting rights of every Virginian.

Kirk McPike speaks in support of Amendment 3.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

It was a weekend of celebrating the contributions of America's labor movement in Northern Virginia — first we had the NOVA Labor Picnic on Sunday, and today the ADC Labor Day Picnic. Thank you to all the union members who helped build America. It's an honor to work with you for a better future!

Congressman Beyer speaks at the ADC Picnic.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I hope everyone is weathering the post-storm blackouts okay. Jason and I live at the intersection of three of them, it seems. Alexandrians deserve more reliable service than this, but I’m very skeptical that the proposed merger would lead to more of a focus on highly local concerns like this.

Dominion Power blackout map shows three overlapping blackout zones.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Can we please dispense with the idea that "prediction market" sites are anything but straight up gambling? There's no special wisdom underlying these "predictions." They are just bets that can be gamed by insiders. These aren't investments markets. It is gambling and should be regulated as such.

The "odds" on Kalshi for the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor go from nearly 100% for Hong to absolute chaos as votes begin to be counted.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

It’s been a big few days in Northern Virginia on questions regarding energy costs and our climate. Yesterday, the SCC ordered Dominion to ensure that large energy users like data centers, not consumers, cover the costs of building out the infrastructure they need. apple.news/AW5MqG6MbSNy... (1/7)

apple.news

SCC orders Dominion to develop tariff to assign more transmission costs to data centers — Virginia Mercury

More of the cost to build the high-voltage transmission lines that serve as power highways across the state could soon be covered by data centers, after a recent decision by state regulators.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

This is so cynical and evil that you’d think even a company like Kalshi would never allow it. And yet…. The “prediction market” industry produces nothing of value to society. It’s a crass effort to monetize economic desperation and profit off of human misery. futurism.com/health-medic...

futurism.com

Kalshi Defends Plan to Bet on Lives of Cancer Patients

Users on Kalshi will even allow users to bet on whether drug trials for potentially lifesaving drug trials will succeed.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Alexandria — there's only a few hours left to vote today! You can cast your ballot in the Democratic primary at your normal voting location until 7:00pm. Please get out and vote — and join me in voting to renominate our incredible Congressman, Don Beyer (@beyer.house.gov)!

Jason and Kirk with Congressman Don Beyer.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Heading back from Chicago after a great National Conference of State Legislators Summit. Really enjoyed attending sessions on federalism, state budgeting, AI policy, and prediction market regulation. It was also great to connect with legislators from around the country to exchange ideas.

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Reposted by R. Kirk McPike

Alex Goyette @alexgoyette.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Having multiple transportation options really is amazing Sometimes i have a late mtg and want to get home quickly for dinner, so I take that top-line time saving from the car But most days I get to either save time on net w/ a working bus ride, or steal time for myself to read or exercise ❤️

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

*standing up on a plane* … So, I know many of you are confused why not one but two major battles of the Dominion War were fought over control of Chin’toka, an unremarkable system of resource-poor planets. But when you consider the strength of Alliance lines across the Klingon and Romulan frontiers…

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

They also don’t wave goodbye to each other at the end of their video calls. The future is a magical place.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I am so sorry this happened to Dianne. As someone who increasingly uses a bike as my primary means to get around Alexandria, I’ve definitely felt aggression from drivers who’ve done things like cross double yellow lines to roar past me. But this aggression is beyond the pale.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

It’s a beautiful day to get out to the polls and vote for @beyer.house.gov in the Democratic primary! Polls are open for early vote today through next Saturday at the Voter Registrar’s office, and this weekend and next Saturday at Beatley. Get out and vote, Alexandria!

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Back in Richmond for the second meeting of the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Consolidation and Scheduling of General Elections.

Brooks Braun speaks to the Joint Subcommittee on

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I continue to hope that this daylight saving time debate will settle on the only reasonable compromise: we continue to set our clocks back an hour in the fall to get more sleep, but stop setting them forward an hour in the spring. What could possibly go wrong?

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I was happy to join Senator @scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social and many of my colleagues in signing this letter. Large energy users should cover the costs of the infrastructure and energy demand that they create.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Now that the odometer on my e-bike has hit the perfect number, I have mixed feelings about riding it more… 🖖🚀🖖

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

How it started… how it’s going.

Cake and frosting ingredients on a counter.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

If Joe Biden had referred to Iran as "the Islamic Republic of Japan," it would have led every nightly news broadcast and been the subject of a dozen of op-ed columns within 24 hours.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

I spent 13 years as a Chief on the Hill. There are only a few members in Congress who are universally seen as thoughtful, effective, and principled. I was honored to work for one, and to be represented by another: @beyer.house.gov who I am proud to support as he runs for reelection this year.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Jason and I had a great time celebrating the Fourth of July in Colonial Williamsburg. Great performances, an amazing drone and fireworks show, and thousands of people celebrating the fact that America was Made in Virginia!

Kirk and Jason at the 250th Celebration.

Drones write America: Made in Virginia in the sky.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Alexandria, it's going to be sunny and hot today. Please drink water and wear sunscreen as you celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation. Let's be proud, live out our American values, and never stop striving to build an ever more perfect union. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

"Today we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. I am honored to represent a community that understands that true patriotism means fighting for the values at the heart of the great American experiment: freedom, equality, and liberty for all people. Together, we will ensure that America’s future lives up to the promise of its founding.

Happy Independence Day!"

Kirk McPike

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

I think I've figured out how to fix the memory chip shortage...

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Big crowds in Del Ray and a US lead at the half. Let’s go, USA!

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

It was a beautiful day to cut the ribbon on River Renew! After many years of incredible work, this system is now up and running and ensuring that outflows from Alexandria no longer pollute the Potomac River!

River Renew received its official permit to operate.

Mayor Gaskins speaks at the River Renew ribbon cutting.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Last night, Governor @abigailspanberger.com hosted folks from across Virginia at the Governor’s Mansion to celebrate Pride Month. We are so fortunate to live in a Commonwealth where our leaders are committed to equality! Let’s keep the hope of Pride going into July — and onto victory in November!

Governor Spanberger speaks at the Pride Event.

Members of the House LGBTQ+ Caucus with the Governor.

The Governor’s official recognition of Pride Month in Virginia.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

As a former Sunday School teacher, let me assure you those signs are in no way based on or structured like the Nicene Creed; however, everything on them is compatible with that Creed. Vance really doesn’t understand his professed religion.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Today, the Supreme Court issued a decision that undermines the rights of trans Americans, particularly students. This decision is harmful and wrong. Virginia must continue to stand up for the rights of all LGBTQ people, and I will not back down from the fight for full equality for trans Virginians.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Yesterday, before we voted to pass the budget, I had the opportunity to speak about the importance of Pride Month — and of voting yes on the Marriage Equality amendment — on the floor of the House. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sZX...

youtube.com

Delegate Kirk McPike- Pride Month Speech 6/29/2026

YouTube video by Kirk McPike for Delegate

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

We have a budget! With the approval of the governor’s amendments, the FY 2027 Virginia budget is now law. I’m proud of the investments we are making in transit, in health care, in education, and more. This budget also starts the funding of the upcoming paid family leave program.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Come on down to Carlyle Square for the 2026 Alexandria Pride Festival. Now until 6pm!

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Bluesky friends, please join me for one last celebrationof Pride Month at Hi/Fi Tex-Mex on Monday, June 29, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. There will good food, great drinks, and fun people — particularly if you are there! secure.actblue.com/donate/pride...

secure.actblue.com

Donate to Kirk McPike

Show your support with a contribution.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Come out to Charles Houston Rec from now until 8pm to take part in Alexandria’s celebration of Juneteenth!

Alyia Gaskins kicks off the Juneteenth celebration.

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R. Kirk McPike @kirkmcpike.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Folks are out in force to root for Team USA at Pork Barrel in Del Ray!

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Reposted by R. Kirk McPike

City of Alexandria, VA @alexandriavagov.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Happy Loving Day, Alexandria. Alexandria played a small part in one of the most significant civil rights rulings in American history, Loving v. Virginia. Visit the historic marker at the corner of Pitt and King St. in Old Town to remember that love wins 💕

A black and white photo of two smiling individuals, Mildred and Richard Loving, is overlaid with text and a blue emblem. The text reads "June 12 is Loving Day" with additional historical context about the Lovings' legal battle for interracial marriage rights.

A historical photograph depicts a family sitting on the steps of a porch. Two adults and three children appear together. The accompanying text describes June 12, 1967, when Mildred and Richard Loving received news that the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, impacting their lives and the country.

The image features text discussing the landmark decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down Virginia's ban on interracial marriage, citing a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. It highlights that their victory is a reminder that love knows no boundaries, and all love is welcome in Alexandria.

A historic marker stands on the sidewalk with tree-lined buildings in the background. The marker honors the Loving's legacy, located at Pitt and King streets in Old Town.

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