Plant identification

I have lived here for around 27 years. After 2 weeks of heavy rains, I have noticed some plants appearing along my driveway I have never seen before. Any ideas as to what they are?

sure looks like mullein, Verbascum thapsus.

…as I think, I had high speed internet brought in. I suspect brush was cut away that previously had shaded the area.

I agree with the Mullein answer!
Wonderful wonderful Mullein!
It looks like it may be on its second year, so if you leave it it will grow its very tall flower spike this season.
The bees and other pollinators adore it.
The flowers can be collected for potent medicine, especially for ear-infections.
The leaves are also good medicine, for the lungs.  
The root is supposed to have pain-relieving properties, though I haven't tried that.
It will make a jillion seeds likely, so it will spread in that area if you leave it there.

Great list George! The leaves are also called cowboy's toilet paper.