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Editorial: Welcome to Youngkin’s Virginia

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Editorial: Welcome to Youngkin’s Virginia


No matter one may consider Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, there’s no denying the person is telegenic.

Thus it appears solely pure that the Virginia Tourism Company selected to incorporate him in a promotional video. Youngkin, with shirt collar casually unbuttoned, delivers a hearty welcome to the vacationers who will see this brief taking part in in Virginia airports and tourism welcoming facilities.

“In Virginia, there’s one million alternative ways to say welcome,” the governor congenially intones, “and I wish to be one of many first.”

The video has stirred controversy as a result of Poolhouse, the Richmond promoting agency that obtained the $268,600 contract from a state company to provide it, labored on Youngkin’s gubernatorial marketing campaign. Elsewhere on this web page, columnist John Lengthy argues persuasively that this tempest in a teapot has little steam, because the video positively just isn’t a marketing campaign video.

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Individuals are additionally studying…

But the advert does encourage a query, one the tourism company ought to have thought of extra deeply: when Youngkin says “Welcome to Virginia,” who’s he welcoming?

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In any case, the governor has unwisely made the stamping out of “divisive ideas” like discussions of racial injustice and the trampling of rights afforded to transgender college students a part of his model.

His appointees have deepened the issue. For instance, State Well being Commissioner Colin Greene dismissed the notion that racism has ever been a supply of well being disparities for Black People, and Board of Historic Assets member Ann Hunter McLean asserted slavery wasn’t the principle explanation for the Civil Struggle.

Greene walked again his feedback after a rebuke from Youngkin, whereas McLean resigned.

The varied faces whose smiles are showcased within the “Welcome to Virginia” video broadcast an attraction to all comers, but the governor’s mere presence considerably undercuts that message.

Bear with us right here: the Roanoke Occasions mailbag brings in books on a continuing foundation.

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Lately the put up workplace delivered “Nothing Particular” by creator Desiree Cooper and illustrator Bec Sloane.

This beautiful image guide comprises a story of a 6-year-old Black boy from Detroit who has traveled to Virginia to summer season for per week along with his grandparents. Younger Jax, frightened he’ll be bored whereas away from his metropolis’s facilities, discovers he loves serving to grandpa and grandma catch blue crabs and shuck corn. It’s as candy a narrative as they arrive.

Serendipitously, it was poignant to find “Nothing Particular” mendacity atop the Roanoke Occasions’ copy of “When Aidan Grew to become a Brother,” one other candy image guide about an all-Black household that the Roanoke County college district yanked from a library shelf as a result of the protagonist is a transgender boy — precisely the sort of guide banning Youngkin has thrown his weight behind.

The story in “Nothing Particular” at first appears freed from “divisive” context within the troubling approach Youngkin’s administration has outlined it. However behind the guide, journalist and group activist Cooper discusses the Nice Migration that occurred from 1910 to 1970, by which tens of millions of Black American households left southern states to flee Jim Crow oppression.

Cooper writes that like many different Black households within the North, hers would journey south each summer season to attend household reunions and church homecomings.

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“Little is claimed concerning the annual reverse-migration that has change into central to black nostalgia,” writes Cooper, who intends “Nothing Particular” as an homage to that custom.

In sharing that household anecdote, Cooper additionally imparts an vital historical past lesson, one each Virginia little one ought to know. It’s appalling to assume that, as a result of elements of that lesson are upsetting, elected officers that share the mindset of the Roanoke County Faculty Board may as a substitute choose to maintain the guide out of the palms of youngsters.

And but: welcome to Glenn Youngkin’s Virginia.

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Virginia hospital halts NICU admissions after babies found with ‘unexplainable fractures’

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Virginia hospital halts NICU admissions after babies found with ‘unexplainable fractures’


A hospital in Virginia shut down its neonatal intensive care unit after three pre-term babies were found with “unexplainable fractures” – more than a year after several newborns suffered similar injuries. 

Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond paused all admissions to its NICU and initiated an internal investigation after medical officials made the disturbing discovery in late November and December. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are not admitting any additional babies into our NICU at this time,” the hospital said in a statement on its website, adding that it informed families, authorities and regulatory agencies of their findings. 

“While fractures occasionally happen with pre-term babies since they lack full fetal bone development, we are actively working to determine how these fractures occurred.”

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Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond paused all admissions to its NICU and initiated an internal investigation. Henrico Doctors’ Hospital

The medical center said the injuries shared similarities to an incident involving four babies last summer, explaining that they are taking immediate steps to enhance safety measures in the hospital wing.

Safety improvements include mandatory training for staff who interact with minors, refined examinations, new security, an observer system, and live-streaming technology allowing parents to view their babies.

Footage from the NICU has also been provided to “proper authorities,” with healthcare professionals reviewing hospital surveillance, the medical center said.

“The process is thorough and time-consuming, but they are making steady progress,” the hospital wrote.

The medical center said the injuries shared similarities to an incident involving four babies (none pictured) last summer. Iryna – stock.adobe.com
The Virginia Department of Health, along with state police, is also probing the unsettling situation. Henrico Doctors’ Hospital

“So far during our review of the videos, no misconduct or accidental actions have been found. The safety of our NICU babies is our highest priority and we are actively working to pursue additional precautions to prevent any future incidents.”

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The Virginia Department of Health, along with state police, is also probing the unsettling situation, according to Fox Richmond.

Henrico police said no charges have been filed.

“Henrico County is prepared to utilize all available resources to ensure a thorough investigation,” police said in a statement to the outlet.

“Henrico police are partnering with Child Protective Services within Henrico’s Department of Social Services, Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Health Department, and the Attorney General’s Office to ensure all evidence is examined meticulously.”

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Obituary for Virginia Kay Gregory at EVARTS FUNERAL HOME

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Obituary for Virginia Kay Gregory at EVARTS FUNERAL HOME


Virginia Kaye Frederick Gregory, 45, of Ewing, Virginia, formerly of Closplint, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at the UK Hospital in Lexington. Born September 25, 1979 in Harlan, Kentucky, she was a homemaker and believed in the Baptist faith. She loved her pets, especially Scrappy,



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West Virginia Pursuing Big-Name Talent in the Transfer Portal • The Voice Of Motown

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West Virginia Pursuing Big-Name Talent in the Transfer Portal • The Voice Of Motown



MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — New West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez has been hard at work putting together his staff, attempting to keep players on the current roster, and finding players in the transfer portal.

Since Neal Brown was fired earlier this month, West Virginia has lost 18 players to the transfer portal, including Jaylen Anderson, Ryder Burton, Raleigh Collins, Hudson Clement, TJ Crandall, CJ Donaldson, Will Dixon, Aiden Ellis, Ric’Darious Farmer, Ayden Garnes, Josiah Jackson, Trey Lathan, Sullivan Weidman, Tomas Rimac, Bryce Briggs, Josiah Trotter, Johnny Williams IV and Obinna Onwuka.

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Since Rodriguez has taken over, he has brought two players from Jacksonville State – former Martinsburg High School players Jarod Bowie and Jacob Barrick – as well as Tulsa offensive line transfer Walter Young Bear, Jordan Scruggs, a cornerback from South Alabama and Oran Singleton, a wide receiver from Eastern Michigan.

Rodriguez now has his eyes set on several players who are set to Morgantown in the coming weeks. Here’s who West Virginia is currently targeting in the transfer portal:

1. Cam Vaughn: Vaughn tells me that he has already visited West Virginia, but has other visits set up in the coming days. Vaughn, a freshman from Temple, Georgia, 49 receptions for 804 yards and 5 touchdowns last season under Rodriguez at Jacksonville State. Vaughn is a big (6’2) receiver with great speed who would be a perfect big-play receiver for the Mountaineers. (8/10 confidence)

2. Fred Perry: Perry, a 5’11 safety from Vienna, Georgia, is another former Jacksonville State player who has visited West Virginia since Rodriguez became the head coach of the Mountaineers. An All-Conference player last year, Perry finished his junior year with 97 tackles (42 solo), nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. (9/10 confidence)

3. Hauss Hejny: Hejny, a 6’0 freshman quarterback from Aledo, Texas, Hejny had 15 rushes for 65 yards at TCU during his freshman season, but did not throw a pass. Hejny has followed several WVU-related accounts over the last couple of days on social media and clearly has interest, but it remains to be seen if West Virginia has the same level of interest. Since entering the portal last week, Hejny has reportedly been contacted by BYU, James Madison, UCF, Utah, and Utah State. Hejny would be an ideal backup to presumed starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol, but he may want to play immediately. With elite speed and athleticism, Hejny could make his way on the field next season in certain spots while he develops under Marchiol for the next two seasons. West Virginia has its starter, but will need to add depth with freshman Khalil Wilkins not yet ready to step in to lead the program yet.  (7/10 confidence) 

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4. David Pantelis: In four seasons with Yale, David Pantelis has 127 career receptions 1,778 career receiving yards, and 17 career touchdowns. That’s an average of 14 yards per reception. He also averaged 52.3 yards per game. Pantelis was exceptional in 2024, finishing the season with 69 receptions for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games. (8/10 confidence)

5. Adam Tomczyk: A 6’3 250 pound defensive end, Tomczyk is an under-the-radar player who the coaching staff has identified as a Power 4 talent who can contribute immediately. According to his social media footprint, Tomczyk and West Virginia have major mutual interest right now.  (9/10 confidence)

6. Matthew Henry: A 6’1 wide receiver from Miami, Florida, Henry had 63 receptions for 1,179 yards and 6 touchdowns this season at Western Illinois before entering the transfer portal. Henry is an ultra-talented receiver who has a ton of experience. (8/10 confidence)

7. Mo Westmoreland II: A two-time JUCO All-American, 2 time Conference USA first team All-Conference player and Conference USA’s Sack Leader in 2024 with 7.5 sacks, Westmoreland is an experienced, proven player on the defensive line that West Virginia is very high on. (9/10 confidence)

8. Chris Henry, Jr.: The son of former West Virginia wide receiver Chris Henry and the “nephew” of Adam “Pacman” Jones, Henry, Jr. is the #1 rated wide receiver, the #1 player in California and the #6 overall rated player in the nation, and is reportedly being heavily recruited by Rodriguez and the Mountaineers. Although he is currently still “locked in” as a commit at Ohio State, there are multiple programs, including West Virginia, attempting to steal him from the Buckeyes. Henry recently told national recruiting analyst Tom Loy that Oregon, Tennessee, Alabama and West Virginia are all heavily pursuing him, despite his current commitment to Ohio State. On his interest in West Virginia, Henry said, “Rich Rod coached my pops (the late Chris Henry, Sr.) and my uncle (Adam “Pacman” Jones). It’s West Virginia.” (5/10 confidence) 

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