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Yancey: Senate Democratic leader warns University of Virginia not to pick a new president ‘anytime soon’
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax County, warned the University of Virginia’s governing board Saturday not to pick a new president “anytime soon” in the wake of President James Ryan’s resignation under pressure from the Trump administration, because Democrats could install a new majority on the board if Abigail Spanberger wins this fall’s governor’s race. “There will be a different ideological majority come next July 1,” Surovell said. He also warned that if the board allows former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, whose appointment to the board is now the subject of a court case, to take his seat, that would give a future Democratic governor grounds to remove board members for “malfeasance.”
UVA President’s Resignation Reflects a New Front in Trump’s Bid to Remake Higher Education
The Trump administration is ramping up its battle against DEI practices at universities—and the University of Virginia’s president was the first big casualty. UVA President James E. Ryan told the school community Friday that he had resigned amid tension with the Trump administration. Ryan had come under scrutiny over what the Justice Department said was his refusal to dismantle the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs, according to a person familiar with the matter. . . . The Trump administration’s pressure on UVA reflects a broadening of the government campaign to remake higher education, moving beyond accusations of antisemitism into a wider attack on DEI.
Bracknell: Election shenanigans by Norfolk officials disgraced city
May 13 likely went unnoticed by many Norfolk residents, but was a sad day in the city’s political history. This was the day special interests and the City Council hijacked the Norfolk Charter in an unsuccessful yet formidable attempt to tip the scales in a local election. The opacity of the process and the influence of relatively big money on the race for the commonwealth’s attorney’s office is the latest example of the foul state of opaque insider politics in the Mermaid City.
Outside of DOJ official’s CNN appearance, Republicans largely mum on Ryan resignation
Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for Civil Rights and herself a UVA law graduate, defended the Department of Justice’s aggressive posturing that led to the resignation of University of Virginia president Jim Ryan on Friday. Appearing on CNN for an interview with Jake Tapper on Friday evening, Dhillon said the university was not responsive to DOJ requests for confirmation that it was in compliance with federal law and indicated she believed Ryan was largely responsible for that.
Big crowds turn out to vote in Fairfax County
Voters across Fairfax County showed up in large numbers Saturday to cast ballots in party primaries that will decide who advances to a special election this September for Virginia's 11th Congressional District seat. The seat was left open by longtime Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, who passed away May 21 after a battle with esophageal cancer. . . . Voters on both sides expressed enthusiasm and a sense of civic duty. "It's exciting," said Dan Clark, a Republican from Laurel Hill. "I've never missed a vote since I turned 18, and I'm not about to miss one now."
State lawmakers explore parole changes amid abuse claims at Red Onion
Two state lawmakers floated potential changes to Virginia’s parole system on Tuesday after discussing their recent visits to Red Onion State Prison, a facility in Wise County facing claims of deteriorating conditions and prolonged lockdowns. Virginia abolished discretionary parole for felonies committed since Jan. 1, 1995. The General Assembly’s efforts to bring back parole in Virginia have been rejected, although the Legislature has restored some eligibility. Sens. Dave Marsden (D–Fairfax) and Danny Diggs (R–York County) said they backed a study to examine how Virginia could modify parole, but stressed it would take time.
Univ. of Virginia president resigns amid Trump administration inquiry into diversity initiatives
The president of the University of Virginia is resigning following pressure from the Trump administration to step aside amid a Justice Department investigation into the school’s diversity practices. James E. Ryan convened a meeting with his senior leadership Friday and announced that he would be stepping down, according to a source who attended the UVA Board of Visitors meeting.
Lawmakers, UVa faculty blame Trump admin's 'gross overreach' for Ryan resignation
University of Virginia President Jim Ryan has resigned after the Trump administration Department of Justice led an unprecedented pressure campaign against UVa’s chief executive. The DOJ faulted Ryan for not dismantling the diversity, equity and inclusion programs he established during America’s yearslong racial reckoning. Further, DOJ officials claimed Ryan misrepresented UVa’s efforts to eliminate DEI on Grounds — rebranding those initiatives instead of removing them. ... U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, estimated Friday that UVa has already lost $400 million in federal funding since President Donald Trump took office.
Metro begins Better Bus Program, biggest change to system in half-century
Metro began its Better Bus program Sunday morning, it’s the biggest overhaul of the road-based transit system in 50 years. Hundreds of bus routes, route names and times have changed. “This is the first time in decades that we are making comprehensive changes to the bus,” said Metro General Manager Randy Clarke. . . . The system also has all-new route names, using regional letter prefixes for improved navigation. For example, routes with an “A” stand for Arlington/Alexandria, “M” are for Montgomery County, “D” is for downtown D.C. and “C” is for crosstown routes. “F” is for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church. Limited-stop routes are indicated by an “X” at the end of their names.
James Walkinshaw wins Democratic nod in Congressional special election
Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw is now one election away from succeeding his political mentor in Congress. Walkinshaw bested nine other candidates in a firehouse primary to secure the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, local party officials announced Saturday shortly before midnight. He advances to face Republican nominee Stewart Whitson in September’s general election.