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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Friday, February 4, 2022
Governor's office refuses to disclose teacher tip line submissions
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently launched a tip line to report teachers and schools for “inherently divisive teaching practices.” Members of the media across the state – including VPM News – and community members have submitted public records requests for copies of emails and voicemails sent to the tip line so far. But thus far, Youngkin’s office has fully withheld this information, claiming the records are exempt as the “working papers and correspondence” of the governor’s office.
Youngkin administration joins Loudoun parents in lawsuit against mask mandate
Reported by WAMU's Amanda Michelle Gomez
Members of the Youngkin administration are asking a Loudon County Circuit Court judge to immediately put a stop to the mask requirement.This is one of two dueling lawsuits over masking in Virginia schools. The other one was filed by parents of children with disabilities and challenges Youngkin’s executive order aiming to make face coverings optional in schools.
New Executive Mansion residents may spell changes for project on history of enslaved
Reported by VPM News’ Ben Paviour
Historian and archeologist Kelley Fanto Deetz arrived to work at Virginia’s Executive Mansion last month to find her office had been emptied. Items in a historic kitchen in the building’s annex, which had been reimagined to tell the stories of enslaved workers to visitors, had been shoved aside, she said. Deetz is unsure whether she still has a job as the mansion’s director of historic interpretation and education. Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s spokesperson, Macaulay Porter, says First Lady Suzanne Youngkin and her staff are “in the decision-making process about the mansion”.
In Other News:
Busch Gardens' parent company makes unsolicited bid to owner of Kings Dominion – Richmond Times-Dispatch
Federal court overturns another Mountain Valley Pipeline permit – Virginia Mercury
Sen. Kaine and wife, Ann Holton, plan to move out of Richmond’s Northside – Style Weekly
University of Virginia changing some COVID-19 policies
In Case You Missed It:
Former financial aid director for Reynolds Community College charged with stealing nearly $400K in student loan funds – Richmond Times-Dispatch
Press groups concerned after Va. senator publicly attacks reporter who asked her questions – Richmond Times-Dispatch
