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Yancey: A convicted felon once drew nearly a million votes for president. In Virginia, he did best in Clifton Forge.
Former President Donald Trump is now a convicted felon, 34 times over. Among the many questions that this raises is a very practical one: Will Americans vote for a convicted felon for president? They have before. Eugene Debs ran for president five times: in 1900 as a Social Democrat and in 1904, 1908, 1912 and 1920 as the nominee of the Socialist Party of America. That last time he ran from a prison cell in Atlanta, having been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sedition after criticizing U.S. involvement in World War I. Despite his conviction and incarceration — or perhaps because of it — he received more votes in 1920 than he ever had before, just under one million nationwide. He also made it to the White House later, albeit as a guest of President Warren Harding.
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.
University of Lynchburg to cut 17 programs, dozens of faculty and staff positions
The University of Lynchburg announced Thursday it will eliminate 12 undergraduate and five graduate programs, phasing them out over the next few years as students complete those programs. The announcement is the private university’s latest move to cut costs at a time when small colleges are in intense competition to attract new students. The reduction will impact about 5% of undergraduate students and 4% of graduate students.
Prince William Co. teachers get parental leave under ‘historic’ agreement
The Prince William Education Association, the union representing over 11,000 Prince William County public school teachers, finalized their negotiations for a historic collective bargaining agreement Thursday with the county school district. The finalized negotiations include more flexibility for staff leave, more support for staff transitioning to different grade levels and more compensation for staff acting as club leaders.
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.
State budget provides $4.9M to tackle invasive species
About a decade ago, Charlottesville landowners Rod and Maggie Walker realized that Asiatic bittersweet, a vining plant invasive in the eastern United States, had overtaken about 15 acres of their land. The vines climb over native trees, blocking sunlight, hogging nutrients and water, and weighing down branches. Like other invasives, they don’t have to deal with the predators and diseases from their native range in China, Japan and Korea — and local organisms aren’t able to fill those gaps.
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.
Family of Central State Hospital patient repeats call for federal prosecution
The family of a mental patient who died in law-enforcement custody last year at Central State Hospital is re-stressing its call for U.S. Justice Department involvement after Dinwiddie’s top prosecutor downgraded charges against the remaining three defendants from second-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter.
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.
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.