Norfolk State University receives the largest single-donor gift in its 85-year history! President Javaune Adams-Gaston is proud to accept this 40-million-dollar donation from MacKenzie Scott on behalf of the University and notes that this tremendous donation advances the mission of NSU in support of access, student achievement, and academic excellence. The President stated, “We are … Continue reading
Category Archives: Virginia
Governor Northam announces new mitigation measures to slow COVID-19 spread
~ Virginians should stay at home from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., wear masks in indoor and outdoor settings, limit social gatherings to 10 ~ Thursday, Dec. 10, Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia announced new, targeted measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 as new cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in all areas of … Continue reading
2021 Va. Festival of the Book to take place virtually in March
November 19, 2020—Charlottesville, Va.—A program of Virginia Humanities, the Virginia Festival of the Book announced plans for the 27th annual Festival, which will take place virtually, March 13-26, 2021. In response to COVID-19, the 2021 Festival will take place over an elongated period of time—two weeks—and will continue its commitment to connecting people and ideas … Continue reading
Governor Northam signs sweeping new laws to reform policing in Virginia
~ Measures ban no-knock warrants, strengthen officer decertification process, limit the use of neck restraints ~ Governor Ralph Northam announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, thahe has signed new laws that will significantly advance police and criminal justice reform in Virginia. Governor Northam has been working closely with legislators on these measures since early summer, when the … Continue reading
Sen. Mark Warner and Dr. Gade discuss racial justice at the Senatorial Debate hosted by Norfolk State University
by Maya Dawson, editor in chief Norfolk, VA-Norfolk State University had the honor to host the second Senatorial Debate between Senator Mark Warner and his competitor Dr. Daniel Gade. It was the first time that Norfolk State has hosted a U.S. Senate debate in its 85 year history. The debate was held at L. Douglas … Continue reading
Norfolk State University to host U.S. Senatorial Debate at L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center Oct. 3
For the first time in Norfolk State University’s 85-year history, the university will host a live U.S. Senatorial Debate on campus between Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Republican challenger, Daniel Gade, Ph.D., at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center. The Oct. 3 debate will focus on racial disparities and inequities in education, healthcare, … Continue reading
Governor and First Lady Northam test positive for COVID-19
RICHMOND, Sept. 25, 2020—On Wednesday evening, Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam were notified that a member of the Governor’s official residence staff, who works closely within the couple’s living quarters, had developed symptoms and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Both the Governor and First Lady received PCR nasal swab tests yesterday afternoon, … Continue reading
Governor Northam signs Hampton Roads Transportation Funding Law, welcomes new electric transit buses
~ Virginia’s first zero-emission electric buses to transform regional transit ~ NORFOLK—Governor Ralph Northam celebrated the launch of Virginia’s first zero-emission electric buses today, as he ceremonially signed a new law that provides dedicated funding for the first time in Hampton Roads Transit’s history. The Governor was joined by Senator Louise Lucas, who sponsored Senate … Continue reading
Governor Northam announces expansion of payment relief for student loan borrowers
~ Borrowers are encouraged to contact their loan servicer immediately ~ Governor Ralph Northam announced April 29 that Virginia has secured relief options for more than 200,000 Virginians with privately held student loans. The payment relief is the result of a new initiative by Virginia and several other states to work with the major private student … Continue reading
Virginia dramatically decreases jail population following guidance from Governor
~ Virginia sees 67 percent decline in new commitments for misdemeanors, 17 percent decrease in jail population ~ RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam announced April 17 that Virginia’s collaborative efforts to release low-level offenders from local and regional jails in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are working, and the administration’s guidelines have been effective in decreasing the … Continue reading
Virginia extends business closures to May 8
~ Includes ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people ~ RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam announced April 15 that he will extend Executive Order Fifty-Three for two weeks, through Friday, May 8, 2020. Executive Order Fifty-Three originally signed on March 24, bans crowds of more than 10 people; closes recreation, entertainment, and personal care businesses; … Continue reading
A view from the front lines in Virginia’s pandemic battle
by Ian Williams COVID-19 still haunts the world in an unforgiving fashion. It has taken the lives of many and is projected to do even more damage. As time progresses during this pandemic, treatment in hospitals around the globe have been at an all-time high. Many questions are asked in search of solutions to the … Continue reading
Frequently Asked Questions on the CARES Act
~From Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA)~ Congress recently passed and President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its effect on individuals, students, families, businesses as well as states and localities. Please find answers below to common questions about direct cash payments, relief for … Continue reading
Virginia receives Major Disaster Declaration from federal government for COVID-19
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam announced April 2 that Virginia has received a Major Disaster Declaration to aid in the Commonwealth’s response to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Governor Northam requested this federal disaster assistance on Monday, March 30. A Major Disaster Declaration designation provides federal public assistance for all areas in the Commonwealth of Virginia affected by … Continue reading
Virginia governor orders statewide closure of certain non-essential businesses, K-12 schools
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam issued a statewide order March 23 to protect the health and safety of Virginians and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Executive Order Fifty-Three orders the closure of certain non-essential businesses, bans all gatherings of more than 10 people, and closes all K-12 schools for the remainder of the … Continue reading
Governor Northam orders all Virginia K-12 schools closed for minimum of two weeks
~ Statewide closure intended to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus ~ RICHMOND—On March 13, Governor Ralph Northam ordered all K-12 schools in Virginia to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Schools will close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at … Continue reading
Governor Northam declares State of Emergency in Virginia, outlines additional measures to combat COVID-19
~ Governor issues guidance on large events and state workforce, activates long-term economic plan ~ RICHMOND—On March 12, Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. While Virginia has been thoroughly preparing for weeks and has adequate funding to … Continue reading
Governor Northam outlines plans for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
~ Virginia has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of March 4 ~ RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam announced March 4 that state officials are executing longstanding public health plans in response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Virginia currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, and state officials are continuously monitoring the virus worldwide. Governor Northam, joined … Continue reading
Governor Northam encourages Virginians to honor Black History Month
~ Numerous events statewide to recognize tremendous African American contributions ~ Governor Ralph Northam made the following statement on Black History Month, which is celebrated nationwide during February. “For too long, the stories we have told about Virginia’s history have diminished or ignored the contributions of African Americans. Black History Month is just one way … Continue reading
Virginia 2019 Commemoration’s “Customs, Cultures, and Cuisine Festival” features events statewide through November
Jamestown, VA (November 4, 2019) – Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution ’s Customs, Cultures, and Cuisine Festival will be celebrated across the Commonwealth throughout the month of November and will feature more than 40 events and programs. Presented by TowneBank, the premier events, festivals and special programming will draw on 400 years of Virginia’s unique … Continue reading
Virginians advised to finalize preparations for Hurricane Dorian and take shelter
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam advised Virginians today, Sept. 5, to finalize their preparations and take shelter as Hurricane Dorian impacts Virginia overnight tonight and throughout Friday. Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) officials and partners have worked since last week preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian in southeastern and coastal Virginia. Virginians in coastal areas … Continue reading
National Weather Service issues hurricane alert for Norfolk and surrounding area, expects similar track to Matthew
Hurricane Dorian remains a dangerous hurricane and is expected to move up the Southeast US coast today, approaching the North Carolina coast Thursday and Friday. There is still some uncertainty regarding the exact forecast track, but significant impacts are expected across eastern Virginia and Eastern North Carolina. Regardless, this is a very large system and … Continue reading
Governor Northam announces improvements to emergency plans for hurricanes and other natural disasters
~ Updates enhance coordination, outline state agency responsibilities to support emergency operations in the Commonwealth ~ RICHMOND—On Tuesday, Sept. 3, Governor Ralph Northam issued the new Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan (COVEOP), which lays out improvements to policies and plans for responding to hurricanes or other major natural disasters in Virginia. With the peak … Continue reading
Two Spartans enter NASCAR Drive for Diversity program
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 20, 2019) – Following the thorough evaluation of athletes from universities across the country, NASCAR and Rev Racing have chosen seven participants to join the 2019-20 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program. The former collegiate athletes were selected based on a fitness assessment held in May at the NASCAR … Continue reading
Norfolk State names new police chief
After a national search, Norfolk State University administrators have selected Vincent M. Moore to serve as the new Chief of Police and Public Safety. Moore brings decades of leadership experience in federal law enforcement and the military. His expertise encompasses communications, crime prevention, counter-terrorism, crisis mitigation, disaster preparedness, emergency response, event security, hazardous materials, program … Continue reading