Two HBCUs Lock Down

Two of Virginia’s five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were shut down yesterday. Hampton University and Virginia State University (VSU) cancelled classes, with VSU citing a “potential threat” on campus and imposing a lockdown.

Hampton’s campus will be closed again today. “All non-essential personnel, including faculty and staff, should evacuate campus immediately. Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus,” the university announced.

Neither university immediately identified the nature of the threats. VSU is in Petersburg, roughly 90 minutes from Hampton.

Stonewall Jackson Name Change Ruled Unconstitutional

A federal judge ruled that the Shenandoah County School Board’s decision to restore the name of Stonewall Jackson High School violates the First Amendment rights of a group of five students.

Jackson’s name “is expressive as a symbol of racial exclusion in public schools,” U.S. District Judge Michael F. Urbanski wrote.

However, the judge declined to issue a final judgment that would require the school to be renamed for the third time in five years. He wrote that he wants to resolve other legal questions raised by the case before taking such a step.

The school board renamed the school to Mountain View in 2020 and restored Jackson’s name in 2024.

COVID Shot Policy Updated

The Virginia Department of Health announced it will not require all patients to get a doctor’s prescription for a COVID-19 vaccine shot.

The state health commissioner testified that people older than 65 and those with underlying conditions may get a shot on demand, a change from a policy unveiled earlier this week.

The latest approach tracks federal policy. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved COVID vaccines only for senior citizens and those with a medical condition that puts them at higher risk.

Such shots are often covered by insurance, but out-of-pocket costs can reach hundreds of dollars.

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➤ Statewide: Flags will be at half-staff through the weekend in remembrance of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Wednesday in Utah. He had been scheduled to speak at Virginia Tech on Sept. 24 and at Liberty next month. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: The city’s Police Benevolent Association endorsed Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the governor’s race. The statewide PBA endorsed Democrat Abigail Spanberger last month. (More)

➤ Washington, D.C.: The federal government’s Chesapeake Bay Program released a report indicating that less pollution is now flowing in. Overall water quality in the Bay, however, remains roughly the same. (Details)

➤ Sterling: The Secret Service admitted it failed to detect a handgun despite a hand search of a visitor’s bag at Trump National Golf Club while the commander-in-chief was on site last month. (More)

➤ Fairfax: George Mason University Rector Charles Stimson told Virginia senators that he will not resign from the school’s governing board. He said he will be able to do the job and leave his personal opinions “at the door.” (Details)

➤ Hampton Roads: House Speaker Mike Johnson told Trump administration cabinet secretaries that he supports the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans said the project, which is nearly complete, is “important to Virginia.” (Details) 

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➤ VCU men’s soccer shocked No. 2 Clemson, handing the Tigers their first loss by a 2-1 score. (Details)

➤ The Virginia Invitational cross country meet is today, featuring UVA, William & Mary, Richmond, Norfolk State, and Mary Washington, among others. (Results)

➤ The Washington Commanders struggled on the road, suffering a 27-18 loss at Green Bay on Thursday night. (Score)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NCAAF | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Virginia Tech’s Coalition for Smart Construction provided a total of $280,000 in seed grants to support five projects that are currently underway. (Details)

➤ Krop’s Crops, a vintage market in Fairfax County, burned this week. (More)

➤ Caroline County officials unveiled plans to build a data center on 650 acres at the site of the former Virginia Bazaar in Ladysmith. (Details)

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➤ The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center released a Merlin falcon that it has been caring for since July. So far, there is only one known Merlin nesting site in Virginia. (Details)

➤ The James River Hikers, a group of outdoor enthusiasts, is working to restore Richmond’s historic Shockoe Hill Cemetery, one gravestone at a time. (More)

➤ A former motel in Suffolk is being renovated to serve as a homeless shelter. The project, funded entirely by federal and state grants, is expected to be finished this fall. (Details)

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Did you fly the flag on September 11?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Every day!

Thursday’s Results:

Would you support a professional basketball or hockey team in Virginia Beach? 

1. No: 46%
2. Yes: 31%
3. Only if they win!: 23%

What was the first college fraternity in the United States?

Show me the answer