Virginia Public Radio

Across parts of Appalachia, some people don’t trust their water, or their water isn’t safe to drink. So they turn to bottled water, even for cooking in some cases.

But as a recent study points out, this is costing low-income families a lot of money, as Roxy Todd reports.

Abigail Spanberger is about to be sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor.

Michael Pope tells us about how fundraising for her inauguration is breaking records.

Glenn Youngkin is heading into the last week of his term as governor, while Abigail Spanberger is putting her administration together.

Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

As a sovereign nations, Tribes in Virginia have the right to consult with state agencies on certain environmental permits and reviews.

This week, the Rappahannock Tribe said that didn’t happen with two projects related to the Rappahannock River. 

Pamela D’Angelo reports.

A hundred years ago, pianos were a fixture in many American homes.  More than 300,000 of them were sold in 1925, but today the number has fallen to under 18,000.  

Electronic keyboard sales outnumber acoustics ten to one.  They’re cheaper and easier to maintain.  But one man in Virginia says he still keeps busy ensuring existing instruments – which can last a hundred years or more – stay in tune.  

Sandy Hausman spoke with him and filed this report.

For some, it’s an inconvenience.  But for others, it could make or break their case.

A bill in the General Assembly could change what you can bring into a courthouse.

Michael Pope explains.

We wrap up some political loose ends from 2025 while setting the stage for a new administration in 2026.

Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

As Governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger appoints more people to positions of power than any other state in the country.

Michael Pope explains why it happens that way.

A recent College Board survey found the majority of high schoolers use Generative A-I tools, such as Chat GPT, for schoolwork, even though nearly half of American schools restrict its use.

As educators struggle to keep pace with AI, one rural Virginia school system is embracing it.

Christine Kueter explains.

The future is looking bright for solar energy in Virginia.

Michael Pope reports about one initiative members of the General Assembly are about to consider.

On New Year’s Day, parking is free at all Virginia State Park locations, and there are there are nearly 90 guided hikes and other events planned across the Commonwealth.

Roxy Todd has the details.

Artificial intelligence is just about everywhere these days, and that includes inside – and outside – Virginia classrooms.

As legislators head to Richmond, they have a myriad of issues to tackle, including how the Commonwealth’s schools and colleges should use or encourage the tool’s use.

Brad Kutner has this report. 

The highest-profile Republican hoping to take on incumbent Senator Mark Warner is out of the race.

Michael Pope explains.

Virginia’s outgoing governor has one more chance to cement his legacy—a budget.

Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

By early 2026, the Trump administration is poised to shift how many and who among the world’s 43-million refugees is eligible to resettle in a country once known as the world’s melting pot.

That’s leaving refugees and refugee advocates in Central Virginia collectively holding their breath, as Christine Kueter reports.

State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg has filed legislation that would direct Virginia to rejoin the Electronic Registration Information Center — known as ERIC.

It’s a multistate data-sharing consortium the Commonwealth withdrew from in 2023.

Dave Cantor has more.

The United States Capitol now has a new statue representing Virginia.

Michael Pope has more from Capitol Hill.

Changes to student loan programs and the so-called demographic cliff are set to impact Virginia college’s enrollment numbers, according to members of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Brad Kutner explains.

Rising power bills are causing increasing anxiety across Virginia, although opinions are divided about the reason for the increase and potential solutions. 

Michael Pope tells us about one approach that is expected to be considered Tuesday in Congress.

Towns and cities across Virginia are now required to test for levels of PFAS in public water. But much less is known about whether forever chemicals may be in well water.

A recent study has some answers on this, as Roxy Todd explains.

Recent state reports and the upcoming legislative session could mean changes for how the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice is operated.

Dave Cantor has more.

In Virginia, every year is an election year. And the primaries for the congressional midterms are only a few months away.

Michael Pope tells us about the bumper crop of candidates challenging Republican incumbents.

Kudzu. Spotted Lanternfly. Blue catfish.

These are just a few of the invasive species that spread fast and outcompete Virginia’s native plants and animals.

Ecology students at Virginia Tech recently hosted a potluck featuring dishes with invasive ingredients.

Roxy Todd stopped by, and she reports the food was …actually quite delicious.

Virginia’s Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is starting to give us an idea of what her term might look like. 

At an event with Politico Tuesday evening, she answered questions about her interest in working with President Donald Trump.  And the two appear to be on opposite sides of the nation’s issues, as Brad Kutner reports. 

The November election for the House of Delegates saw record-breaking numbers for campaign finance.

Michael Pope has the details.

The State Crime Commission will determine how and when to notify the families of eight individuals executed by the commonwealth whose trials involved Mary Jane Burton.

Burton was the late state forensic scientist who allegedly mishandled evidence and offered inaccurate court testimony.

Dave Cantor has more.

Members of the Virginia General Assembly may be on the verge of debating a contentious labor issue.

Then again, as Michael Pope tells us, they might pass on the opportunity to have a debate at all.

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet is coming into focus.

Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

A new poll reveals a partisan dimension to what people think about opinion research. Michael Pope reports.