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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Chesapeake parents’ lawsuit against student masking Executive Order dismissed
Reported by the WHRO News Team
The Supreme Court of Virginia dismissed a lawsuit from a group of Chesapeake parents trying to undo Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order on school mask mandates. According to the ruling, the Supreme Court doesn’t have the latitude to rule on the issue. The Governor and local School Boards have some amount of discretion when carrying out their duties. The Supreme Court said it can’t force them to do or not do something even if what they are doing is illegal. Another lawsuit filed by several school boards targeting Youngkin’s school mask order is still ongoing.
Charter school proposals face opposition in General Assembly
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Legislative proposals to make it easier for charter schools to open in the state are facing stiff opposition in the General Assembly. While a bill that would allow the state to create regional entities to authorize charter schools is advancing in the GOP-controlled House, its Senate version has failed to get support. The only bill related to charter schools that is still viable would allow public colleges and private businesse s to open them. The Senate version of that proposal hasn’t gotten a hearing yet.
State Senate rejects effort to repeal mandatory minimum sentences
Reported by VPM News’ Whittney Evans
The Virginia Senate has rejected a bill that would eliminate every mandatory minimum criminal sentence, which is the shortest period of incarceration a judge can impose against a defendant. Among the “no” votes were two Democrats. Advocates say these sentences do not reduce crime, but instead force judges and juries to ignore the unique circumstances of individual cases. But lawmakers who voted against the measure say that instead of a blanket repeal, they should evaluate each charge one by one.
In Other News:
D.C.’s Second Statue At The U.S. Capitol Will Be Unveiled This Month – DCist
Update: Youngkin expresses regret over “unauthorized” tweet attacking 17-year-old - VPM
Virginia Supreme Court rejects Chesapeake parents' challenge of Youngkin school mask order – Richmond Times-Dispatch
Lost to history, a home of Henrietta Lacks was recently demolished – The Roanoke Times
In C ase You Missed It:
Historian resigns from Executive Mansion position highlighting stories of enslaved – VPM
Bill aims to stop medical debt collectors from hounding victims of violent crime - VPM
VMI will change honor system that expels Black cadets at disproportionate rates – The Washington Post
