Virginia Democrats predict dire consequences if Republicans in Washington cut funds to entitlement programs like Medicaid, social security and SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Brad Kutner spoke with some of those potentially impacted and has this report. 

Scientists continue to learn more and more about bacteria that exists naturally inside our gut.

The foods we eat affect that bacteria, but so do other organisms that live inside us.

Roxy Todd spoke with a researcher who recently made a new discovery that could change how we treat chronic illness by changing the bacteria inside our stomachs.

With a major election just months away, both of Virginia’s major political parties are undergoing leadership shake-ups.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Virginia spends more than 1.6 billion dollars a year on its Department of Corrections, and some of that money pays to monitor people who were sentenced to probation. 

Two Republicans in the General Assembly passed a bill that could reduce the time under supervision for those who take certain positive steps.

But the governor has yet to sign it as Sandy Hausman reports.

Moves by the administration in Washington are trickling down to Virginia lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Virginia politicians are starting the feel the fallout from federal budget cuts.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

The issue of tracking license plates continues to create controversy as the General Assembly heads into its final days.

Michael Pope has the developments.

The National Institutes of Health fund most of the medical research in the United States.

The Trump administration recently announced a reduction in NIH funding. Meanwhile, universities are watching to see if other federal agencies begin restricting research dollars too.

In addition to the knowledge that would be lost, these changes could have economic impacts on communities like Blacksburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville, as Roxy Todd reports.

The General Assembly session is in its waning days but there’s still work ahead.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk are looking to cut billions in federal research funding to organizations across the country.

The issue came up during a feisty debate in the Virginia House of Delegates today/Wednesday.

Brad Kutner has more. 

Virginia law requires oversight of a dog’s history when they enter a shelter, but private pet shops have avoided such scrutiny. That could change if a bill from one Southside Senator gets the okay from the governor.

Brad Kutner has explains. 

Republicans are taking aim at a system that allows some incarcerated people to earn credits toward early release.

And as Michael Pope reports, Democrats are pushing back.

Members of the General Assembly are considering efforts to change how some local governments work and how people are elected to those bodies.

Michael Pope reports.

With the General Assembly session now in its second half, arguments about casinos and skill games are heating up again.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

President Donald Trump has long decried the use of wind power.

But billions of dollars have and will flow through Virginia as public-private partnerships help create the nation’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach.

Brad Kutner has more. 

Democratic majorities in Virginia’s House and Senate released their budget proposals for the 2025 legislative session Sunday.

Brad Kutner has some of the highlights. 

The plane crash in Northern Virginia and the funeral of a former state senator have tempered the mood in Richmond.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Changes in Washington and revenge in Richmond are among the headlines this week.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Members of the General Assembly are moving forward with three constitutional amendments proposed by Democrats.

But as Michael Pope tells us, they are rejecting an amendment supported by Republicans.

Members of the General Assembly are moving forward with three constitutional amendments proposed by Democrats.

But as Michael Pope tells us, they are rejecting an amendment supported by Republicans.

There are some new insights into the shape of the race for governor.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

The 21^st century has already been marked by two events that shook many people’s faith in democracy and the rule of law. 

Violence by white supremacists in Charlottesville and pro-Trump forces attacking Congress left many people asking what can and should be done to restore faith in government. 

One Virginia lawyer – tasked with investigating both events – has some answers in a new book. 

Sandy Hausman spoke with him.

After an unexpected delay, the General Assembly session is underway in earnest this week.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope have this analysis.

The General Assembly took a back seat to running water this week.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

President-elect Donald Trump has signaled both opposition and support for a federal ban on contraceptives, and Virginia Democrats are saying this puts future access to birth control at risk.

Brad Kutner has more on the bipartisan legislative effort to protect access from last year that will return this General Assembly session. 

The car tax continues to be a hot issue at the General Assembly, where lawmakers are considering a proposal from the governor that would provide some relief.

Michael Pope tells us that the legislative vehicle may be headed for partisan gridlock.

Voters in some parts of Virginia will go to the polls Tuesday in three special elections for the General Assembly.

And as Michael Pope tells us, the outcome will determine which party controls the House and the Senate.

Many campaign ads are already notoriously negative and manipulative.

That’s why some people are worried AI might make them even worse.

Michael Pope reports.

It’s a new year and that always means it’s just about time for a new General Assembly session.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Governor Glenn Youngkin is entering his final year in office.

And as Michael Pope reports, his approach to energy may have consequences for years to come.

Move over Moo Deng, there’s a new viral baby pygmy hippo on the internet.  And this one’s in Virginia.

Brad Kutner traveled to the Metro Richmond Zoo where the yet-to-be-named baby is stirring up interest online and in person. 

The number of people who are food insecure tends to be higher among families with children — nearly three in 10 families according to the United States Department of Agriculture. This can have negative impacts on physical as well as mental wellbeing.

A Virginia Tech researcher has been working to learn more about the links between food insecurity among moms and mental health, as Roxy Todd reports.

The Commonwealth has numerous green energy goals to meet in the coming years. But local pushback on solar projects has slowed those efforts.

Brad Kutner says some legislative efforts to turn the tide of opposition might be coming in the 2025 session. 

Paying off tax debt can be difficult for people who are having a hard time making ends meet. And when state tax officials hire private debt collectors the methods get controversial.

Michael Pope reports. 

The 1976 election that put Jimmy Carter in the White House was one in which Virginia was an outlier.

As Michael Pope reports, Virginia was the only southern state to not go Carter’s way.

Dry January is the idea that you take a break from drinking alcohol for a month.

Brad Kutner spoke with researchers who say it’s a good idea, even if you stop for just one month. 

A team of engineers and veterinarians are developing a device that can destroy brain cancer tumors in dogs.

Eventually, they hope to adapt the technology to use the method to help humans too, as Roxy Todd reports.

As 2024 ticks away, many in Richmond and Washington are looking ahead to 2025 political battles.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Over the last year, Christine Kueter has crisscrossed Virginia, introducing us to some of the more than eight million people who call the Commonwealth home.

In this final part of the series, we meet Lottie Smith Payne and the tiny town she’s always called home.

The presidential transition in Washington, along with a surprising presidential pardon, have dominated the headlines.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Long before COVID-19 hit, Virginia was talking about a nursing shortage. 

The pandemic made it worse, but programs around the state are making progress in drawing new people to the field and keeping those who are already in practice. 

Sandy Hausman has details.

Members of the General Assembly are about to consider legislation aimed at reducing the number of children who are shackled while appearing in court.

Michael Pope has more.

Indigenous Communities throughout the country are reclaiming their languages.

Here in Virginia, eight Tribes are fostering the use of their Powhatan Algonquian language in a cultural renaissance.

Pamela D’Angelo saw the education effort in action at the Rappahannock Indian Tribe Pow Wow this fall.

There were some big reveals in Virginia’s political, climate and financial futures over the last few days.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

In West Virginia’s most remote mountains are two research facilities that analyze radio waves.

Since the 1950s, the federal government has designated parts of Pocahontas and Pendleton Counties as a National Radio Quiet Zone, meaning radio, TV and other communication signals must operate at low power.

Now, ten West Virginia and Virginia counties are asking the government to change these restrictions, to ensure 9-1-1 calls get to emergency responders.

Roxy Todd reports.

Over the weekend, voters in Loudoun County selected candidates for a special election for the Senate seat vacated by Congressman-elect Suhas Subramanyam.

Michael Pope tells us this election will determine control of the Senate.

It’s been one year since Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority took over regulating the state’s legal medical dispensaries.

Brad Kutner has details on what the state’s patients have to say about the program and what changes members of the authority might like to see. 

While the dust from this month’s election settles, there’s plenty of looking ahead to 2025.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

While many are preparing to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, others are preparing for another, more somber event. 

This Sunday, November 17th, families from around the globe will hold vigils and memorials to honor the people lost due to road-related tragedies.

It’s called World Day of Remembrance. And for some Virginians, the day is a reminder to keep fighting for changes in legislation to make the streets safer for everyone.

Ian Stewart has more.

The U.S. has nearly 200 ambassadors in other countries, and when a new president takes office, some of them will likely be replaced. 

One of them is a Virginia man with a remarkable story to tell. 

Sandy Hausman spoke with him and filed this report.