News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

Published

6 months ago

March 14, 2025

Staff Editor

virginiamercury.com – Nathaniel Cline – 2025-03-14 17:49:00

Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury
March 14, 2025

Less than two years after joining the Virginia Department of Education, Lisa Coons is out as superintendent of public instruction, after replacing former superintendent Jillian Balow.

The news of Coons’ resignation was first reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Chief Deputy Secretary of Education Emily Anne Gullickson will serve as acting state superintendent, the newspaper reported.

Coons joined the department on April 17, 2023 after leading Tennessee’s revisions for English Language Arts instruction. Appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, she was hired to help Virginia address low student proficiency ratings in math and reading.

Coons joined the department during a period when the Board of Education was focused on following Youngkin’s directive of “restoring excellence” in Virginia’s public schools.

The board, along with Coons, navigated a turbulent period marked by a controversial revision of Virginia’s history and social science standards, which set Virginia’s expectations for K-12 student learning in those areas. The education department also worked to enhance special education regulations and practices, after a number of complaints were filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, prompting a federal investigation.

During her tenure, the board also overhauled the standards of learning, reduced regulatory barriers, approved new laboratory schools, enhanced the public charter school review process and lowered the vacancy rate of teachers.

The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment before press time.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

The post Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction appeared first on virginiamercury.com

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Some employers take action against employees for social media comments on Charlie Kirk's death

Published

4 days ago

September 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-13 22:37:43

SUMMARY: Following Charlie Kirk’s death, some Virginia employers have taken action against employees who made controversial social media comments. In healthcare and education sectors, individuals were placed on leave or terminated for remarks deemed unprofessional or supportive of violence. Riverside Walter Reed Hospital fired an anesthesiologist, and Newport News and Accomack County schools disciplined staff members. Experts highlight the blurred line between personal expression and professional conduct due to social media’s reach. William and Mary law professor Margaret Hugh emphasized that employment laws and at-will policies allow employers broad authority to act. She urges unity and respect amid heightened tensions.

Some Virginia employers are taking action against employees for social media comments made regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. A legal expert weighed in on where the line is drawn.

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Area of interest forms in the Atlantic

Published

6 days ago

September 11, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-11 19:22:59

SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandages reported on Hurricane Hub Live about tropical developments in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. In the Atlantic, a low-chance area of interest near the Cabo Verde Islands may become Tropical Storm Gabrielle but requires favorable conditions. Recent tropical waves have struggled due to stable atmospheric conditions. Models show possible development east of the Leeward Islands with a likely recurving path away from Bermuda. In the eastern Pacific, Tropical Depression 13E has formed, expected to become Hurricane Mario, the season’s 8th hurricane. The Atlantic has had only one hurricane so far, Major Hurricane Aaron. Activity is expected to increase into October.

The newly formed area of interest could become Invest 92-L off the coast of Africa. Find out about that and more during tonight’s episode of Hurricane Hub LIVE! Livestream from Thursday, September 11, 2025.

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Cat cafes, chromotherapy and pumpkin delivery: Here’s what’s new in RVA this September

Published

6 days ago

September 11, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – 12 On Your Side – 2025-09-11 19:05:58

SUMMARY: This September in RVA, Patch to Porch RVA delivers handpicked pumpkins from local farms, offering design, setup, and cleanup services for homes and events in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Shore Pump introduces Beam Light Sauna, featuring infrared sauna and chromotherapy, promoting detox, skin renewal, and wellness with customizable sessions and memberships. The Fan now hosts River City’s first cat café, The Perfect Bean, combining a coffee bar with an adoptable cat lounge upstairs. Sourced locally, their drinks include seasonal, cat-themed specials. Cats come from Purring Hearts VA rescue, offering adoption opportunities, fostering community engagement and animal welfare.