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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.
Federal judge grants request to keep Job Corps open amid lawsuit, but program’s future remains uncertain following Supreme Court ruling
A federal judge in New York this week extended a temporary restraining order against the federal government’s attempt to shut down Job Corps centers across the country — including two in Virginia — but a subsequent U.S. Supreme Court ruling raises questions about whether the order will stand. The National Job Corps Association, along with contractors who administer Job Corps sites, sued the U.S. Department of Labor after it ordered the closure of 99 federally contracted sites across the country, including the Blue Ridge Job Corps Center in Marion and the Old Dominion Job Corps Center in Amherst.
Henrico Doctors' Hospital settles with 4 more families in NICU abuse case
A judge in Salem has approved settlements for four additional victims who suffered injuries as newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. David Carson, a judge in Salem Circuit Court, approved two settlements Thursday and two Friday. Since last week, the hospital has agreed to pay nine children and is arranging settlements for two more. Carson has allowed the financial value of the settlements to remain private.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sperry: Federal spending bill would sever ‘vital link’ for health care
As a family physician who has practiced in Hampton Roads for more than 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for thousands of families — from newborns to grandparents. Time and again, I’ve seen how access to health care saves lives. And for many in our community, Medicaid is the vital link that makes that care possible. In 2019, Virginia took a monumental step forward by expanding Medicaid. More than 630,000 Virginians gained insurance — many for the first time. ... But now, that progress is under threat. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that 7.6 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage under the House-passed budget reconciliation bill.