Virginia

Randolph-Macon College offers free stargazing through one of Virginia’s largest telescopes

Published

6 days ago

April 9, 2026

Randolph-Macon College offers free stargazing through one of Virginia’s largest telescopes

ASHLAND, Va. — Eighth-grade students from Richmond Public Schools are getting a hands-on look at the stars at the Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College.

The observatory, located on the campus in Ashland, is a research, outreach, and teaching telescope for the college’s Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astrophysics.

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It is the largest telescope of its kind between Washington, D.C., and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Earth Science teacher Chloe Tremper brought her class from Boushall Middle School to the observatory to learn about celestial objects.

“I think more people should know about it, especially when they have public nights on Thursdays. I’ll definitely be coming back with some folks,” Tremper said.

Randolph-Macon engineering and astrophysics students Brielle Baughman and Kamaya Wilson helped guide the middle schoolers during their visit.

“It never gets old. It’s beautiful looking at it every time. And then seeing others see how beautiful it is, and their reactions, it’s amazing,” Baughman said.

“We usually have something already up. Something cool, shocking. Typically, a planet. We can look at Saturn. That’s a really popular one. I personally think Saturn’s my favorite,” Wilson said.

Randolph-Macon engineering and astrophysics students Brielle Baughman and Kamaya Wilson.jpg — Randolph-Macon engineering and astrophysics students Brielle Baughman and Kamaya Wilson

The telescope and lab provide hands-on learning for students of all ages.

The campus hosts weekly public stargazing sessions on Thursdays during the academic semester, weather permitting.

Visitors can even play a form of cosmic bingo, marking off cards with everything they see.

Physics professor Michael Rodruck knows not all the middle school students will become astrophysicists, but he hopes they all find an interest in discovering new things.

“I hope they just get amazed by the night sky. Usually when kids look through that telescope, it’s always ‘Wow, that’s so cool!’ And seeing that spark of curiosity. Seeing that spark of interest, that really is making it worth it,” Rodruck said.

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Virginia

Virginia State Parks recognized as a 2026 top Virginia employer for interns

Published

6 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

Virginia State Parks recognized as a 2026 top Virginia employer for interns

VIRGINIA – Virginia State Parks just earned a major accolade. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced that the park system has been named a 2026 Top Virginia Employer for Interns by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

This honor celebrates employers who go above and beyond in mentorship, professional development, workplace culture and giving students real opportunities to contribute.

“DCR recognizes the exceptional work Virginia State Parks does to open doors for students and service members pursuing careers in conservation,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “This recognition underscores Virginia State Parks’ dedication to fostering future leaders, and it’s gratifying to see their efforts recognized statewide.”

Virginia State Parks offers a range of hands-on experiences through its internship programs, including the new Ranger Conservation Corps, which launched in 2025, and participation in the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge program for transitioning service members. The Ranger Conservation Corps is designed to immerse students in natural resource management, environmental education and park operations.

“Developing the next generation of conservation leadership in Virginia is critical to our mission to protect and conserve Virginia’s natural and cultural resources for the future,” said DCR Deputy Director of Operations Frank Stovall. “Our state parks personnel, with support from our human resources team, have created an award-winning program that prepares interns for the next steps in their conservation career.”

Every year, Virginia State Parks hosts interns from colleges, universities and service members from across the state.

To learn more about internship and career opportunities with Virginia State Parks, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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Virginia

Greensburg Central Catholic star Erica Gribble changes plans, follows coach from Richmond to Virginia of the ACC

Published

18 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Greensburg Central Catholic star Erica Gribble changes plans, follows coach from Richmond to Virginia of the ACC

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Virginia

Virginia’s Spanberger Approves Workplace Heat Safety Standards

Published

1 day ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Virginia’s Spanberger Approves Workplace Heat Safety Standards

Virginia will join a growing list of states with workplace heat safety standards that private-sector employers must follow under legislation approved by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D).

The bill (SB 288) tasks the state’s Safety and Health Codes Board with creating standards for indoor and outdoor workplaces no later than May 1, 2028, adding Virginia to a handful of states that have dictated heat safety protocols in the absence of a federal standard.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration continued work on developing a national heat safety rule in 2025, but President Donald Trump’s deregulatory goals are likely to yield a more employer-friendly standard than those passed in Democratic-majority states.

Virginia employers will be required to provide water, access to shade, rest periods, acclimatization, and training for working in heat. High-heat procedures would take effect at a temperature threshold to be determined by the board in its rulemaking.

Deciding on an appropriate temperature threshold to trigger protections has been a notable challenge, both in state proposals and OSHA’s federal regulatory efforts.

California, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington state have mandated workplace heat safety standards, while Colorado has imposed a standard specific to agriculture workers.

Virginia regulators previously considered a workplace heat safety proposal but halted the rulemaking process in late 2021, with some board members citing concerns it would conflict or be redundant with the federal regulation that they thought at the time would be implemented soon.

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