UVA Rejects Federal Compact Linked to Trump Administration; Casino Debate Draws Pushback — Oct 21 | WFIR News Express

It's Tuesday, October 21st. I'm Ian Price. Here's our top local story. The University of Virginia is refusing to sign a compact that some believe would have aligned the institution with the Trump administration. More from WFIR's Clark Palmer. In a statement published on Friday, UVA's interim president Paul Mahoney announced the institution would not be signing on to a compact. The U.S. Department of Education invited UBA to join earlier this month. which offered multiple public and private institutions preferred access to research grants and other benefits if those schools agreed to pursue particular approaches to emissions, practices, tuition, foreign enrollment, and other issues. Mahoney said the university seeks no special treatment in exchange for our pursuit of those fundamental goals. During a rally on grounds last week, State Senate Majority Leader Scott Serbel said rejecting that compact was in UVA's best interest. It demands that the university banned belittlement of conservative ideas while simultaneously proclaiming to protect academic freedom. What in the world does that mean? These things cannot coexist. Serbel says that compact is riddled with contradictions that would have hurt UVA's reputation in standing in the country. But if you give a mouse a cookie.

The president they forced out, President Ryan, well, guess what? They're back. That's right. They're back for more demanding the UVA signed this so-called compact for excellence. This lesson we should have learned is that appeasement never satisfies bullies. Serval went on to say that state lawmakers needed to do more to protect former university president Jim Ryan in the institution, which were accused of lying about dismantling their DEI programs. Claude Palmer, WFIRE News. Seven members of a Lynchburg Street Gang are headed to prison following convictions tied to a violent assault. Prosecutors say the men all connected to the eight Trey Crips were arrested earlier this year during Operation Gang Green. Investigators uncovered a video showing several of them beating another gang member for breaking gang rules. Since this range from 10 to more than 50 years in prison, though much of that time was suspended. All seven will be on supervised probation and barred from gang contact once released. With the federal shutdown still in place, the clock is ticking for those food insecure Americans and Virginians who rely on assistance through the SNAP program to help put meals on the table. More from WFIRS G. Murano. Public benefits attorney Cassie Edner with the Virginia Poverty Law Center says without clear guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before November 1st states that administer SNAP, what used to be known as food stamps, are in limbo. Over 439,000 Virginia families rely on it. kids, 130,000 seniors totaling 840,000 Virginians. So this is a significant amount of Virginia's population. Virginia and other states are already experiencing very high food and security rates. Edner says the USDA does have a snap contingency fund, but that may not even cover all of the benefits people who are eligible for in November without a bill or continuing resolution that reopens the government and the federal funding stream. USDA needs to act in four families. that need these food security programs. Keep applying. If you don't get food benefits, the changes to SNAP under HR1 are coming out, and it's keep on applying because you don't want to wait until after the shutdown because how much SNAP benefits you get depends on when you apply. Edner says another program that combats food and security, women, infants, and children, or WIC, is also facing a possible service interruption if Congress can agree on a bill that ends the government shutdown. Gene Marino, WFIR News. Virginia's junior U.S. Senators. still waiting on President Trump to get involved in reopening the government. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine was asked on Meet the Press about his comments in 2019 during the last government shutdown before this one, saying in part, we first should reopen government. Why punish people who are applying for food stamps? Because the president is having a temper tantrum open government first. End quote. Kane responded by saying this time is different because the president told Republicans to write this budget without. any democratic involvement arguing democrats came up with an alternative

The public is weighing in on Roanoke City Council's surprise proposal to bring a casino to the Burgland Center. The idea sparked intense pushback, including concerns from Brian Smith, a resident, who spoke during last night's city council meeting. I believe that many of us are concerned will lead to the reallocation of funds, taking away monies from local businesses and restaurants, also a measurable increase in crime, which is a nationwide statistic. But others pointed to the potential for economic growth. And noted Casino would not become reality without multiple levels of approval, including from state lawmakers. Both delegates Joe McNamara and Sam Rasul have already come out in opposition. Council says it's still early in the process and more community input is expected in the coming weeks. A historic Roanoke landmark is turning into a boutique hotel. The former first National Exchange Bank building downtown is being transformed into the Promissory Hotel, set to open this December. Developer Lucas Thornton says the project preserves the building's original marble, vaults, and stone lions while adding space for music, dining, and art. Built in 1912, the former bank will now feature 27 rooms. Cam Thepsamung, a William Bird High School student battling stage for bone cancer, received his diploma with honors in front of family, friends, teachers, and community members during a special graduation ceremony held for him over the weekend. During that ceremony, Lisa Stover, William Bird Leo Club sponsor, said Thepsamong is relentless and selfless. Through your words, your humor, your openness and your courage. You lead more people than you could ever count. Whether you're speaking to a crowd, posting an update on your journey, or simply sharing that famous smile, you show us all how to lead with grace and grit and faith. Thepsamong became the first student to graduate from the class of 2026. City of Roanoke has earned high credit marks from Moody's ratings and S&P Global Rating. Moody's assigned Roanoke an AA2 rating, while S&P assigned a rating of AA plus. What do they mean? Well, both scores are among the highest possible. Moody cited Roanoke's consistent surplus operations and steady economic growth, while S&P ratings highlighted Roanoke's robust financial management practices and a reliable economy. Lynchburg City Councilwoman Stephanie Reid is calling on state lawmakers to enact stricter regulations that she hopes will reduce instances of children showing up to school high from secondhand marijuana smoke. Experts warns secondhand marijuana exposure in children can cause anxiety, fatigue, and distorted perception in the short term. Reed tells WDBJ7. In Virginia, exposure to marijuana smoke is not considered child neglect or abuse. And she believes that should change. You know, if we had something in place that did say, hey, this is a form of neglect or child abuse. I think that might get people to wake up. City Council is asking Senator Mark Peake to carry that request to Richmond during the upcoming legislative session. That's the latest. Check back tomorrow for our next update. Ian Price, WFIR News.