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Whyte: Virginia could set a new standard for responsible gambling
Last session, the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate introduced companion bills to legalize and license online gaming, commonly referred to as iGaming. Virginia was among several states contemplating similar measures amidst a dramatic rise in consumer popularity in states with legalized iGaming — and to establish a clear regulatory framework for an activity that is already occurring in Virginia, largely through illegal and unregulated operators.
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.
Atkins: Teach all history? Thanks to Youngkin, that's exactly what Virginia is doing
In recent weeks, I’ve seen some commentators writing that the governor’s veto of a bill — which would have allowed African American history electives to be substituted for basic World History or World Geography — goes against his campaign promises to “teach all history, the good and the bad.” I disagree. As a lifelong educator, former school division superintendent in Virginia and a member of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s cabinet charged with ensuring all Virginians have the opportunity to succeed, I witnessed firsthand how this promise is being realized.
Coggin: To tackle sea level rise, Hampton Roads needs NOAA
Since Hampton Roads was settled, it has fought a tug-of-war with its surrounding waters. Nowhere is this more evident than at Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base. Naval Station Norfolk, home to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, supports 75 ships and 134 aircraft including five of the Navy’s 12 aircraft carriers. Sea level rise threatens its operational readiness. ... Yet, President Donald Trump’s White House proposes to cut NOAA’s fiscal year 2026 budget by 25%, severing a lifeline of weather and climate data and services for Hampton Roads. Now, NOAA’s fate is in the hands of Congress as it considers the Trump-endorsed “big, beautiful” budget bill.
In Chesterfield, ICE does its job – stoking fear for political gain
Whatcha gonna do? The bad boys showed up at the Chesterfield County courthouse last week as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) descended on RVA, snatching more than a dozen immigrants as they made their way out of General District Court. It just wasn’t altogether clear who the villains were — the federal agents, faces covered, refusing to identify themselves or their purpose, or the unsuspecting “illegals” who showed up to court voluntarily for misdemeanors and mostly minor criminal offenses.
In Charles City County, a data center and financial strain upset residents
For Charles City County, which has had to borrow money to pay its bills, the promise of a financial windfall has butted up against citizens’ fervent opposition to a proposed data center — and for many, a deepened lack of trust in government. The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday decided to delay voting on the request from Kansas-based developer Diode Ventures to let it use 515 acres of land zoned for agriculture in the northwestern corner of the county. But feelings in the county, 20 miles east of Richmond, are running high, and not just because of the data center.
Judge rules Norfolk Electoral Board member can stay in her position
A Norfolk Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of a Norfolk Electoral Board member. Judge Everett Martin, in an opinion released Wednesday, allowed Norfolk Electoral Board Vice Chair Marianne McKay to retain her position. The order comes after several Norfolk election officials attempted to remove McKay, alleging she failed to perform her job duties and betrayed the nonpartisan nature of the office.
Henrico parents push to extend elementary school recess time to 45 minutes
“Just 15 more minutes!” More than 500 Henrico parents and community members are calling on Henrico Schools to extend elementary-schoolers’ 30-minute daily recess by another 15 minutes – a small change that they say will have significant positive impacts. At the June 12 Henrico School Board meeting, several parents spoke out in favor of establishing a 45-minute recess for all elementary schools countywide starting this upcoming fall. A petition supporting the change also has 524 signatures from community members.
Documents show Richmond has spent $230K defending $250K whistleblower lawsuit
Records obtained by The Times-Dispatch show that city officials have spent $234,111.35 defending the wrongful termination lawsuit brought by Connie Clay, a former Freedom of Information Act officer who in 2024 was fired by former city spokesperson Petula Burks. That’s only $15,888.65 less than Clay is seeking in her filing. And with the two sides yet to go to trial, the legal fees are all but certain to increase.
Fairfax City considers expanding ban on guns in public places
Four years after voting to prohibit firearms on public property, the Fairfax City Council is contemplating whether to expand those restrictions. At a city council meeting on Tuesday (June 24), Fairfax leaders took a preliminary look at the 2021 ordinance and planned further discussion for another meeting on July 22. The adopted ordinance prohibits the possession, carrying or transportation of firearms and ammunition in City buildings or facilities, public property or permitted events.