News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

Published

4 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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What ‘El Boogie' FBI agent accused of Maryland rapes said in his defense | NBC4 Washington

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1 day ago

July 17, 2025

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www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-07-17 15:48:33

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Accused of rape, an FBI agent who went by El Boogie and Lalo Brown online testified in his defense. He called the encounters consensual but admitted to deleting photos and videos. News4’s Aimee Cho shares details from the courtroom.
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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Staying muggy with storm chances increasing the rest of the week

Published

2 days ago

July 17, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WTVR CBS 6 – 2025-07-17 06:03:52

SUMMARY: Staying muggy with storm chances increasing throughout the week. Expect hot, humid conditions with dew points in the mid-70s lasting through the weekend. Today will reach 94°F, with a heat advisory in effect around Richmond and eastward. Scattered thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into evening, producing downpours and some gusty winds, though storms will move rather than stall. Storm chances increase Friday and Saturday, with Saturday potentially having widespread storms. Overnight lows remain warm and muggy, around 77°F. A Gulf Coast system brings heavy rain to Louisiana but has only a 30-40% chance of becoming a named storm. Stay prepared for frequent afternoon storms.

Staying muggy with storm chances increasing the rest of the week

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Prosecutors seek first-degree murder charge for Camari Warren

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-07-16 16:52:09

SUMMARY: Prosecutors have upgraded charges against Kamari Warren to first-degree murder for the 2023 death of Norfolk State University student Jahari George. Warren is accused of orchestrating a drive-by shooting that killed the 20-year-old. Prosecutors claim phone records and video show Warren coordinating the attack and signaling George’s car. Cameron Brown, charged with second-degree murder, allegedly pulled the trigger. Warren’s defense argues that another uncharged witness, cooperating for leniency, is the true mastermind. That witness is expected to testify soon. Warren’s trial is ongoing and set to continue through Friday.