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    U.S. colleges and universities are preparing for end-of-year commencement ceremonies with a unique challenge: providing safety for graduates while honoring the free speech rights of students involved in protests over the Israel-Hamas war. Since the conflict began, colleges and universities have struggled to maintain a balance between security and civil liberties amid intense student debate and protests. Many schools that tolerated protests and other disruptions for months are now doling out more heavy-handed discipline. That, in turn, has sparked criticism from some students and civil liberties advocates, who contend the crackdowns threaten free speech.

      Democratic Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney says he's dropping his bid for Virginia governor in 2025 and will instead run for lieutenant governor. Stoney said Tuesday he believes the best way to ensure Virginia families get the change they deserve is for the Democratic party to avoid a damaging primary. When Stoney entered the gubernatorial race in December, it set up a Democratic nomination contest with U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin is term-limited. No Republicans have announced a bid, but Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are seen as likely contenders.

        Thousands of United Methodists are gathering Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, to begin an 11-day denominational General Conference. Typically it is held every four years, but church leaders delayed the 2020 gathering until now due to the pandemic. Hundreds of delegates will vote on policies, though many international delegates are not confirmed as able to attend. It's the first gathering since thousands of conservative U.S. congregations left the denomination over its failure to enforce bans on LGBTQ clergy and on same-sex marriages. Progressive delegates will attempt to overturn these bans. Other proposals include allowing regional autonomy in deciding such policies, and making it easier for international churches to disaffiliate.

          Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney's departure could clear Rep. Abigail Spanberger's path to the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025. Stoney will face competition for the party's lieutenant governor nomination.

          Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney's departure could clear Rep. Abigail Spanberger's path to the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025. Stoney will face competition for the party's lieutenant governor nomination.

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          Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney's departure could clear Rep. Abigail Spanberger's path to the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025. Stoney will face competition for the party's lieutenant governor nomination.

          The Sullivan County Commission gave the county school system the green light on Thursday to move forward on several capital improvement projects, including a new access road at West Ridge High School and football field lighting at Sullivan East High School.

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