by Arion Hall Norfolk State graduate Geraldine Pittman has found a safe way for her church to be able to minister to senior citizens during the pandemic at Heals Haven nursing home. Geraldine Pittman has been a member at Lighthouse Assemblies of God church for 25 years. She serves as an usher and an advocate … Continue reading
Category Archives: Virginia
Governor Northam unveils statewide COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration system
Virginians can use vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA to pre-register for the vaccine and get clear, updated information Governor Ralph Northam invited Virginians today, Feb. 18, to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA. The Commonwealth’s new, centralized system allows individuals to easily pre-register for the free vaccine, confirm that they … Continue reading
Sen. Kaine speaks to Norfolk State students about COVID-19, the pandemic, and health disparities facing people of color
A link to the entire Zoom event is provided at the end of this article. by Siera Jones United States Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) addressed the Norfolk State University community Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 17, during a virtual informational session titled “The Black Family and Healthcare.” The event was hosted by the Center for African American … Continue reading
Norfolk State to receive $105 thousand as part of equity grant to Virginia
~ Funding will support ongoing efforts across the Commonwealth to improve postsecondary success for students of color ~ RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam announced today, Feb. 9, that the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) was awarded a grant of $725,000 from Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation to support efforts to advance equitable post-secondary outcomes across the … Continue reading
Hala Ayala strives for history
by Alsander Womack On Nov. 2, 2021, Hala Ayala has a chance to make history. Ayala is running for Lieutenant Governor in the state of Virginia. If Ayala wins, she will be the first woman and the first Afro-Latina to hold this position. Ayala was born in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1973. Ayala is the daughter … Continue reading
How did Norfolk State get $40 million?
by Alsander Womack Norfolk State University is among several other HBCUs that have something to be excited about at their respective universities. Dating back to July of 2020, Mackenzie Scott has been in a very giving mood. How giving you may ask? Scott has donated $4.1 billion to over 300 different organizations in the last … Continue reading
Virginia enacts first-in-the-nation permanent COVID-19 workplace safety and health standards amid pandemic
~ Governor Northam approves standard recently adopted by Safety and Health Codes Board, rules are effective beginning today ~ RICHMOND—Virginia’s permanent COVID-19 workplace safety and health rules take effect today, Wednesday, Jan. 27, after Governor Northam approved the standard adopted by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Safety and Health Codes Board last week. … Continue reading
Norfolk State receives $40 million donation from MacKenzie Scott
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
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