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UVa reverses course, allows nursing student arrested at protest back on Grounds
After public pressure and the threat of a lawsuit, the University of Virginia has reversed course on its decision to ban a nursing student from Grounds. Mustafa Abdelhamid was one of 27 people arrested when Virginia State Police cracked down on a May 4 anti-war protest at the school. Multiple arrestees, including Abdelhamid, say they were not even participating in the protest or the encampment where people had been voicing their opposition to Israel’s war with Palestinian terror group Hamas that has killed tens of thousands since Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack on the nation.
Va. politicians react to guilty verdicts in historic Trump trial
Within moments of the historical verdict finding former President Donald Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to influence the outcome of the 2016 election, Virginia lawmakers turned to social media to either vent their frustration with the outcome of the so-called hush-money trial or hail the verdicts of the New York City jury as just findings. “The American people see this for what it is: a politically motivated prosecution orchestrated by those who want to ‘get’ President Trump,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “On Nov. 5th, Americans will render their verdict on Joe Biden’s failed leadership based on the issues that affect them every day.”
In embezzlement sentencing, judge says McDonald ‘betrayed’ community she purported to love
The former director of a local economic development authority in Virginia who was accused of embezzling $5.2 million through an array of bogus transactions was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in federal prison — ending a legal drama that featured the death by suicide of a county sheriff who was also implicated in the crimes. Jennifer R. McDonald wore a blank expression inside the Harrisonburg District Court as a judge chastised her for using her position as director of the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority to siphon the money between 2014 and 2018 to buy properties, pay bills and gambling debts, and enrich relatives and friends.
Virginia University of Lynchburg at risk of losing accreditation
The Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL) has been placed on probation and is at risk of losing its accreditation. On May 21, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) announced the Historically Black College University (HBCU) was under a warning to lose its accreditation. This comes after the Accreditation Commission voted to place VUL on probation in April.
Recycling plant in Portsmouth launches AI system to sort through trash
Recycling and Disposal Solutions of Virginia handles about 3,000 tons of waste each month from the city of Portsmouth and private customers around Hampton Roads. For about two decades, the company has processed recycling at its Portsmouth plant, while sending trash straight to the landfill. But now, RDS is sending trash just next door, where new artificial intelligence technology can help extract valuable recyclables directly from trash bags. “We think that this is the future of recycling, and the future of trash management,” said Joe Benedetto, RDS’ president.
Yancey: Virginians from Emporia to Winchester went ashore on D-Day. Here’s what they said about it later.
In less than a week, the 80th anniversary of what came to be known as D-Day will be upon us — and then will pass on by us as time always does. The Allied landings on the Normandy beaches occupy a pivotal place in the history of the world, but they occupy a place in Virginia history as well. Coming ashore that June 6 morning 80 years ago were men who had signed up years before for the Virginia National Guard but had since been called up to the regular Army — and were now in the first waves assigned to break the Nazi hold on occupied Europe.
State police spent $13,000 providing security to VCU graduation
Virginia State Police spent about $13,000 in overtime to provide security at Virginia Commonwealth University's graduation, a spokesperson for the department said this week. The graduation needed more officers than VCU could provide, because it was attended by several thousand people and students indicated their intention to protest during Gov. Glenn Youngkin's speech. Ultimately, more than 100 students walked out as Youngkin began to speak, and the demonstration was over in a matter of seconds.
Executive director named for Virginia Commission on Electric Utility Regulation
Virginia’s commission tasked with reviewing energy-related legislative proposals now has an executive director, after announcing the hiring of a Virginia Department of Energy member to fill the position. Carrie Hearne, of Richmond, will begin as executive director of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation next month. She will take the role after five years at Virginia Energy, where she was the director of affordability and competitiveness.
Virginia’s members of Congress respond to verdict in Trump hush money trial
Virginia's Congressional delegation appeared split along party lines in their response to the conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Congressional Republicans railed against the verdict and lashed out at the Democratic Party as they issued their support for the former president on social media. Democrats noted that, though the decision was a somber reminder that no one is above the law, justice had been served.
Deren: In Shenandoah, honoring slave owners is OK?
As a retired Virginia educator, it is disheartening to read about the Shenandoah County School Board’s decision to rename two of the schools within their district after certain Confederate Civil War generals. At a time when our nation needs to turn the corner on divisiveness and begin the arduous work of healing, some still strive to maintain outdated and hurtful policies that persist in dividing us. The Civil War was absolutely fought over the issue of slavery.