Category: Local

Kyle Debrucque was named J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School’s Volunteer of the Year for coaching the Engineering Club’s KidWind competition teams.
He started volunteering in December to help his stepson with the club’s project on clean energy design.
The fifth-grade team, the Honey Whirlers, placed second at the Virginia State KidWind Challenge last month.
The team and Debrucque are now traveling to Phoenix for the World KidWind Challenge next week.
Debrucque found the experience rewarding and plans to continue volunteering.

Two Democrats, Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor, are facing off in the Virginia primary for Attorney General.
Primary day is June 17, and early voting has begun.
The winner will run against incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares in the November election.
Both Democrats state Virginia needs to challenge Trump administration actions and criticize Miyares for not joining lawsuits that they say resulted in lost federal funding for the state.
Taylor highlights her experience as a longtime prosecutor in Henrico County.
Jones, a former delegate and assistant attorney general, points to his consumer protection work.
Taylor proposes expanding the Medicaid fraud unit while Jones suggests creating civil rights and labor justice units.
Endorsements from prominent Democrats are divided between the two candidates.
Campaign finance reports indicate Jones has raised more money than Taylor.

The York County School Board plans to seek community input on potentially renaming Magruder Elementary School due to concerns about the name’s possible link to a Confederate general.

Williamsburg is seeking community input on a proposed new downtown library.
Public input sessions will be held at the Williamsburg Fire Department.
Sessions are Thursday, May 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Monday, May 20 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
An online survey for feedback is available from May 16 through May 30 at wrl.org/new-library.
The city is gathering feedback to understand community needs for the proposed project to replace the aging current library.

Frank Shatz interviewed author David Alistair Yalof about his new book George Washington and the Two-Term Precedent. Yalof wrote the book prompted by recent discussions about presidents potentially running for more than two terms. The book argues George Washington’s decision to step down after two terms established the crucial precedent for peaceful power transition and preventing a perpetual presidency. Washington believed rotation in office was essential for maintaining a republic rather than a monarchy. Presidents like Jefferson and Truman later upheld the two-term limit, while Grant, Wilson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to run for third terms, though only FDR succeeded. A constitutional amendment now limits presidents to two terms, and changing this rule could harm the republic by encouraging presidents to stay in office indefinitely.

WILLIAMSBURG NATIVE MAX COOPER RETURNS TO LIONSBRIDGE FC

Williamsburg native Max Cooper, 17, is preparing for his second season with Lionsbridge FC.

He is set to graduate from Jamestown High School in June and will play college soccer at William & Mary.

Cooper played youth soccer locally before joining Lionsbridge in 2024.

He scored in his debut friendly match, which he described as an “unbelievable” adrenaline rush playing in front of a large crowd.

Cooper became a fan favorite last season, experiencing signing autographs for the first time.

He values the experience of playing alongside and learning from older, higher-level players on the team.

Cooper feels the speed and competitiveness of Lionsbridge is excellent preparation for college soccer.

He advises aspiring players to keep having fun, work hard, stay humble, and always strive to improve.

Lionsbridge recently played their first match and have their home opener scheduled.

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Williamsburg Native Gearing Up for Second Season with Lionsbridge FC

COLEMAN BRIDGE TOLL REMOVAL PLANNED

Governor Youngkin’s budget includes removing the toll on the Coleman Bridge.
The toll removal is scheduled to take effect by January 1, 2026.
Currently, tolls vary by vehicle axle count, paid when entering Gloucester from York.
Gloucester County officials are grateful for the financial relief for commuters.
The county is also concerned about potential rapid growth from the toll removal.
Residents are encouraged to participate in updating the county’s Comprehensive Plan to manage growth.
Volunteer opportunities are available for the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.

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Coleman Bridge Toll Removal Included in Youngkin Budget

DELAYED HISTORY GUIDES HAMPER VIRGINIA TEACHERS

Virginia teachers are struggling to implement new history standards due to delayed state instructional guides.
The Virginia Department of Education began releasing guides weekly in April but the full set is still unavailable.
The delay makes effective lesson planning and preparation for state assessments difficult for educators.
Unlike previous standards, the new ones lack a curriculum framework and rely heavily on these delayed guides.
Teachers anticipate needing unplanned time to incorporate the complex guides once released.
The delay adds significant pressure, especially for elementary teachers balancing multiple curriculum changes.
A teachers’ consortium is developing supplementary resources to support educators during this transition.
The former education superintendent resigned amid pressure concerning the guide’s release.
The state expects to release the final instructional guides within the next two weeks.

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Virginia Teachers Struggle to Keep Up as History Guide Rollout Lags

James City County business consultant John Curran announced a write-in campaign for Virginia Lieutenant Governor on Monday.
He previously sought the Republican nomination but failed to qualify for the ballot, alleging signature theft.
Curran said he is reentering the race as a write-in to offer voters an alternative option.
He cited controversy surrounding current Republican nominee John Reid.
Curran acknowledged that write-in campaigns are difficult and expensive.
He believes he has stronger policy positions and is more electable than Reid.
The campaign for Republican nominee John Reid responded to Curran’s announcement by saying “Who?”.

LOCAL COLLEGES HOST GRADUATION EVENTS THIS WEEK

Area colleges and universities in the Historic Triangle are holding commencement ceremonies this week.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) holds its ceremony Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. at the Hampton Coliseum.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) has a Candlelight Ceremony Thursday, May 15 at 8:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
CNU Graduation Ceremonies are Saturday, May 17 starting at 8 a.m. on the Great Lawn, including a Grad Walk.
CNU’s ceremony will be livestreamed online.
William & Mary (W&M) hosts a Candlelight Ceremony for seniors Thursday, May 15 from 9:30 p.m. at the Wren Yard.
W&M Graduation Commencement is Friday, May 16 at Zable Stadium, starting with the academic procession at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are required for the W&M Commencement ceremony.
W&M’s commencement will also be livestreamed.
W&M Department Ceremonies are held throughout Saturday, May 17.

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Local Colleges Celebrate Graduates This Week