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George Mason University faces investigation in Trump administration’s anti-DEI crackdown
The Trump administration on Thursday opened a civil rights investigation into the hiring practices at George Mason University, expanding a national campaign against diversity policies to Virginia’s largest public university. The Education Department said it is responding to a complaint from multiple professors at George Mason who accuse the university of favoring those from underrepresented groups. The complaint takes aim at the university’s president, Gregory Washington, saying he issued guidance that favors faculty candidates based on diversity considerations rather than their credentials, according to the department.
Judge slams Virginia Beach election referendum as ‘intentional effort’ to sidestep federal law
A federal judge lambasted city officials this week for what he described as Virginia Beach’s “intentional effort to avoid compliance with federal law” by pursuing an election system referendum question on the November ballot. In a memorandum opinion and order issued Tuesday, Judge Raymond Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia called the referendum effort “problematic,” in part because he said it invites the public to legitimize a voting system that would violate federal law. His written memo followed a hearing last month where Jackson rescinded his previous dismissal of the Holloway v. City of Virginia Beach case.
Mingle: UVa's board of visitors must be held to account
As a former general counsel for the University of Virginia and other major universities, I have worked closely with many presidents and board members. One board chair I worked with used to open orientation sessions for new members with this imperative: “The most important responsibility of the board is selecting the university’s president.” And I would remind them of another essential governance responsibility: “Protecting the university’s independence against undue governmental interference.” ... If recent media reports detailing how the UVa Board of Visitors forced president James Ryan’s resignation in lockstep with a federal agency are accurate, it's clear this current UVa board did not.
Jemaine: Virginia should reject false choice about our economy
I’ve worked in politics and policy in Virginia for more than a decade. I started out working on election campaigns, eventually shifted to environmental and clean energy policy, and now run a national climate and clean energy advocacy organization. My career is deeply rooted in the belief that government can and should improve the lives of everyday people. That means addressing the kitchen table issues that are plaguing people every day, from the cost of groceries to the cost of child care to the availability of good paying jobs. But, it also means solving for the big challenges quickly coming over the horizon.
Yancey: Virginia loses its CNBC ranking as the No. 1 state for business. Here’s why.
The champion has been dethroned. Virginia, which last year was CNBC’s “best state for business,” and which has occupied the No. 1 spot a record six times, has been demoted in this year’s rankings to fourth place. It’s the state’s worst showing since 2018. This is an awkward moment for Virginia Republicans.
As expansion proceeds, a light at the end of the (bridge-)tunnel
With the travel season in full swing, our region’s perpetually congested roads require a little extra patience from everyone. Frustrating as it may be, traffic congestion is as much a feature of life in Hampton Roads as the waterways that define our landscape. However, there’s good news for those who spend an inordinate amount of time idling on our highways: Some relief is on the way. Expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel — long a regional goal and a sought-after dream of those who use it daily — is on schedule and, remarkably, on budget.
Bristol, Va. files complaint to start Virginia Intermont property transfer
The City of Bristol, Virginia has started the legal process to acquire the former Virginia Intermont College (VI) campus from its owner. After a massive fire destroyed a large part of the campus in December 2024, the city’s leadership has been exploring options to regain ownership of VI. State Sen. Todd Pillion filed a bill at the urging of the Bristol, Virginia City Council. The bill was later signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and allowed localities to petition the circuit court to appoint a special commissioner. That commissioner would then oversee and execute a transfer of ownership of a blighted and vacant property.
Residents look to historical tourism to preserve Cumberland County’s past and create economic opportunities for its future
Robin Stocks is 69 and lives in Midlothian but grew up in Cumberland County. A Black Army veteran, she said her life wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for the Pine Grove School she was allowed to attend during the era of Jim Crow segregation. “Everything about the school molded us for the rest of our lives,” Stocks said. . . . That school’s history — as well as that of the other schools, churches and homes the African American community relied on in the central Virginia rural community — is what several community members are pushing to preserve as an economic driver in the region instead of a proposed landfill: historical tourism.
Richmond finance director Sheila White resigns
Sheila White, who oversaw Richmond's Department of Finance for the last four years, submitted her resignation on Thursday. Her last day will be July 25. White was appointed by former Mayor Levar Stoney, who said at the time that White was "the right (person) at the right time to continue the successful management and upward trajectory of our city.” However, her department has been in the middle of a number of controversies in recent months. Real estate tax refund checks were sent incorrectly, and then tax bills went out to mortgage holders instead of lenders.
Candidate facing bestiality porn charges makes the ballot in Patrick County
A man facing 10 felony charges of attempting to possess bestiality materials has made the ballot for a seat on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors. Malcolm Roach Sr., 70, of Stuart was arrested by the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office on June 9 and was released the same day on a $7,500 secured bond, Sgt. Michael Harris said via email on Thursday. Harris declined to provide the incident or arrest report, citing the ongoing investigation. Roach filed the paperwork necessary to run for the board of supervisors seat on June 11, according to the Patrick County Registrar, two days after his arrest. The signatures, or petitions, he collected in order to make it onto the ballot were notarized on June 4, before his arrest.