Weather forecasts are key to a good emergency response, but a team at the University of Virginia says planners need something more to protect the public. Sandy Hausman reports on how they’re helping first responders and communities to be more resilient.

Virginia made it easier to vote a few years back, including expanded options for early and absentee voting. Republicans nationally have been slow to embrace early voting, and it’s given Democrats in the Commonwealth an edge every November. Brad Kutner has this report from Virginia Republicans who hope to change that. 

An advisory committee aiming to help Virginia handle gambling addiction is taking lessons from other states as the Commonwealth rapidly embraces the once-taboo practice. Brad Kutner has this report. 

Virginia is a hot spot for Lyme disease – an infection spread by the deer tick, and residents of this state have also been diagnosed with other tick-borne illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichia. 

Now, doctors report another condition spread by ticks, and they say it’s important to be on the lookout. Sandy Hausman reports.

Another Virginia university is in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss that and the week that was in state politics and government.

Women are outperforming men in state legislatures across the country. Michael Pope has the latest.

Legislation introduced during the 2024 General Assembly session created an ombudsman position to oversee the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Andrea Sapone took the role in September, and later promised to prioritize an investigation into Red Onion State Prison.

Dave Cantor reports she held her first stakeholder meeting Tuesday to explain how the office works and what it’s accomplished so far. 

Farmers in Virginia face some serious challenges.  The climate is changing – bringing more floods and drought.  World trade has brought new weeds and insects that can destroy or displace crops, but in Albemarle County, one farm owner is hopeful that by improving her land, she can help plants and animals to survive and thrive. Sandy Hausman has that story.

As most of America celebrates our country’s independence, some are giving back to the community. As part of their 75th annual convention in Richmond this weekend, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community cleaned up parts of town and spoke with Brad Kutner. 

You may have heard that fire ants are on the move and spreading in parts of Southside and Southwest Virginia. There’s another invasive ant that’s been in Virginia for nearly a century—called the Asian Needle Ant.

As Roxy Todd reports, these ants sting, and their numbers are growing.

As Pride Month comes to a close, Virginia’s 2025 election cycle stands out – John Reid is the first openly gay candidate to run for statewide office in Virginia. Brad Kutner spoke with Reid and existing members of Virginia’s Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and has this story. 

As the nation’s highest court weighs a landmark birthright citizenship case, Virginia’s Attorney General is pushing back on questions on his mother’s citizenship status. Brad Kutner spoke with the AG and filed this report.