Nick Gilmore
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College Students, Teachers Could Get Caught in Medicaid Debate Crosshairs
Posted in Virginia's News on February 22, 2018
Credit: Virginia Tech
Lawmakers in Richmond are trying to balance the books, but the numbers aren’t adding up. At least not yet. Michael Pope has more from the Capitol.
Lawmakers Are Struggling to Find the Funds Needed to Help At-Risk Students
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2018
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Lawmakers in Richmond want to help at-risk students. But Michael Pope reports they’re struggling to find the money.
Should Hair Dryers Have a Professional License in Virginia?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2018
Credit: Marco Verch / Flickr
Elected officials are often known for their blow-dry hairdos. Now they are debating whether the people on the other side of the blow-dryers need professional licenses. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Efforts to Expand Access to Feminine Hygiene Products Continue in Richmond
Posted in Virginia's News on February 20, 2018
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers in Richmond are debating a number of bills on the subject of menstrual equity. And, as Michael Pope reports, it’s a mixed picture.
Republicans Head into Second Half of Session Optimistic
Posted in Virginia's News on February 14, 2018
House speaker, Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, presides over the House session at the Capitol. The House completed it’s business for crossover. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Heading into this year’s General Assembly Republicans had been battered at the polls. They were clinging to a single-vote majority that they won by by the luck of the draw. Now, one month in, Republican Speaker of the House Kirk Cox is upbeat. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Looking To the Future with Virginia’s Millennial Lawmakers
Posted in Virginia's News on February 14, 2018
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
The future is now. Or at least that’s what some lawmakers in Richmond say. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Virginia Doesn’t Have Any Sanctuary Cities, But What About Sanctuary Policies?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 13, 2018
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Sanctuary cities became one of the hottest issues in the campaign last year. Now it’s become one of the most divisive issues in the General Assembly. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
What a Limited Medicaid Expansion in Virginia Could Look Like
Posted in Virginia's News on February 12, 2018
Republican Senator Siobhan Dunnavant is spearheading a number of healthcare reforms, including a limited expansion of the Medicaid program.
Virginia’s Governor is calling for a full expansion of Medicaid, the state run health insurance program for the poor. But many Republicans in the statehouse don’t like the idea of able bodied adults, no matter how poor, getting government-funded healthcare.
So they’re eyeing something else: a more narrow expansion of the program. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
The Right of Way: Lawmakers Look Into Turn Restrictions
Posted in Virginia's News on February 12, 2018
Credit: AP Photo / Cliff Owen
Should local governments be able to restrict which drivers can make turns? Lawmakers in Richmond are debating it, and Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
At CodeRVA, High School Mimics the Workplace
Posted in Virginia's News on February 12, 2018
Most of the school is a big open air office space, located in an industrial part of Richmond. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
There’s a push to get students excited about computer science and tech. A new public high school in Richmond is tapping into that trend. But the school, called CodeRVA, isn’t just relying on innovative curriculum. It’s also an entirely different model of teaching, where school is a workplace. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
VA News: Law Enforcement transporting Mental Patients, FBI Texts Upset Loudoun County
Posted in Virginia's News on February 12, 2018
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Police and sheriff’s departments in southwest Virginia are feeling the strain of transporting patients to mental hospitals, and Virginia’s technology-rich Loudoun County has gone on the attack after seeing its population called “ignorant hillbillies” in an FBI text message.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VA News link. More now from Fred Echols.
Click here for the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News Link.
Gender Bending the Role of A King
Posted in Virginia's News on February 9, 2018
Sarah Fallon, who has been with the American Shakespeare Center since 2004, will play the role of King Richard II. (Credit: American Shakespeare Center)
Drawing crowds to a small town to see Shakespeare can be challenging, but the Blackfriar’s Theater in Staunton finds way to intrigue the public. This season, for example, it has cast a woman in the role of Richard the Second. Sandy Hausman has the story.
When It Comes to Cell Towers, Lawmakers Are Divided on Local Government Role
Posted in Virginia's News on February 9, 2018
Credit: Michael Dorausch / Flickr
How much control should local governments have over where cell towers go up? Lawmakers in Richmond are divided. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Should Virginia Inquire About Immigration Status When Someone Reports a Crime?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 8, 2018
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Should undocumented immigrants fear reporting crime? That’s an issue lawmakers in Richmond are debating. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
A Bipartisan Deal to Reform Virginia’s Criminal Justice System Has Been Struck
Posted in Virginia's News on February 8, 2018
Governor Ralph Northam, front, waves during his first State of the Commonwealth address. Northam and Republican House Speaker Kirk Cox, behind Northam, have reached a compromise to reform Virginia’s criminal justice system. (Credit: AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Republicans and Democrats at the Capitol are striking a deal that will make significant changes to the criminal justice system in Virginia. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Virginia Preps to Let Bigger Big Rigs Hit the Roadways
Posted in Virginia's News on February 8, 2018
Credit: Flightlog / Flickr CC
Anyone who has driven on Virginia’s interstates knows you have to be ready to share the road with trucks. But some are now pushing for those trucks to get even larger. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
How Long Should Schools Suspend Students in Virginia?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 7, 2018
Credit: Jamesongravity / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond say schools are suspending too many students for too long. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Virginia Seeks to Create a Deaf Advisory Committee, But the Way Forward Isn’t So Clear
Posted in Virginia's News on February 7, 2018
A young child with a cochlear implant. Many children who are deaf or hard of hearing enter kindergarten and have difficulty communicating. (Credit: AP Photo / Sara D. Davis)
Children who are born deaf or hard of hearing often wind up in kindergarten with no formal language. The state wants to find out why and what can be done, but there’s disagreement over the best approach. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The General Assembly is Considering Redistricting Reform, But Does it Go Far Enough?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 6, 2018
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers in Richmond have been hearing for years about the problem of gerrymandered districts. Now they’re ready to take some action. But, as Michael Pope reports, critics say it doesn’t go far enough.
Lawmakers Want to Make ‘Sexting’ A Less Serious Crime for Minors
Posted in Virginia's News on February 6, 2018
Credit: Omar Jordan Fawahl / Flickr
Technology is changing the world. And, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers in Richmond are struggling to keep up.
Lawmakers Are Divided on How to End Controversial Utility Rate Freeze
Posted in Virginia's News on February 5, 2018
Credit: Ian Muttoo / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond appear to be on the verge of lifting a rate freeze for utilities. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
VA News: HUD Construction, Putting County Spending On Line
Posted in Virginia's News on February 5, 2018
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
It’s about to get a lot easier for some Virginians to see where their tax dollars are going, and the appearance of a Department of Housing and Urban Development sign caused considerable alarm among homeowners in a Richmond suburb.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s VA News link. More now from Fred Echols.
Click here for the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News Link.
Should Virginia Suspend Licenses for Those With Outstanding Court Fees?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 2, 2018
Credit: AP Photo / Cliff Owen
Lawmakers in Richmond are divided about whether people who have outstanding court fees should be able to drive. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Employees of Virginia’s House of Delegates Get Paid Parental Leave
Posted in Virginia's News on February 2, 2018
House speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, looks to the gallery after being elected speaker. As one of his first moves as Speaker he granted paid family leave to the House’s employees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
As one of his first moves as the new Speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates, Republican Kirk Cox granted paid family leave to employees of the House. At the same time, the broader push for paid leave is making limited headway. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Are Working to Expand Access to Feminine Hygiene Products in Virginia’s Prisons
Posted in Virginia's News on February 1, 2018
Credit: mitchell hainfield / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond are moving forward with an effort to make sure female inmates get feminine hygiene products. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
As Lawmakers Discuss Medicaid Expansion, Reforms Also on the Table
Posted in Virginia's News on February 1, 2018
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam waves to the crowd as House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, top, applauds as he delivers his State of the Commonwealth address. Cox and Northam have begun a public negotiation on Medicaid expansion and reform. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Republicans in Richmond have opened the door to negotiations on Medicaid expansion, and they say they want recipients to work. But work requirements aren’t the only reforms that could be part of an expansion deal. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Efforts to Give Localities Choice Over Confederate Monuments Have Failed
Posted in Virginia's News on January 31, 2018
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Lawmakers in Richmond say all those Confederate monuments in Virginia are staying where they are. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers Are Divided on How to Best Implement Renewable Energy Sources
Posted in Virginia's News on January 31, 2018
Credit: Marufish / Flickr
Lawmakers are talking about investments in renewable sources of energy. But, as Michael Pope reports, some members of the General Assembly are frustrated by the discussion.
Should Virginia Put Limits on the Internet?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 31, 2018
Credit: Abi Begum / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond are exploring the limits of free speech. And, as Michael Pope reports, one member of the House of Delegates wants to put restrictions on the internet.
Despite Democratic Efforts, Gun Control Legislation Still a Tough Sell at the General Assembly
Posted in Virginia's News on January 30, 2018
Credit: James Case / Flickr
Democrats were hoping that their new numbers in the House of Delegates might mean some changes this year in Richmond. But as Michael Pope reports, they are not making any traction on gun control.
Medicaid Expansion is On the Table, But Work Requirement Could Be Sticking Point
Posted in Virginia's News on January 30, 2018
Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
In Virginia, Republican leaders are now saying they won’t talk Medicaid expansion unless Democrats support work requirements for the program. A bill to do just that made its way through a key committee this morning. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Lawmakers Are Looking to End the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Posted in Virginia's News on January 29, 2018
Credit: jeffrey montes / Flickr
In Richmond, a bipartisan groups of lawmakers are hoping to tackle the school-to-prison pipeline in Virginia. Michael Pope explains some of the proposals.
How Much Money, If Any, Should Virginia Spend to Attract Professional Sports?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 29, 2018
An aerial view of FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland — the home of the Washington Redskins. Lawmakers in Virginia are currently debating whether the state should spend money to attract professional sports teams to the Commonwealth. (Credit: Andrew Malone / Flickr)
Lawmakers in Richmond are tacking a lot of issues this year, including a debate over using public money for professional sports. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Northam Pushes for Virginia Exemption to Offshore Drilling Plan
Posted in Virginia's News on January 26, 2018
An oil platform sits in the distance at Refugio State Beach in California in 2015. Now that the Trump administration has announced plans to allow new oil and gas drilling leases in more federal waters, a number of states are petitioning to be exempt from the change. (Credit: David McNew / Getty Images)
Virginia’s Governor is continuing to push the Trump administration to exempt the state from a proposed expansion of offshore drilling. Governor Ralph Northam says he spoke with the Secretary of the Interior this week. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
As Medicaid Legislation Goes Down in Senate, Northam Recommits to Expanding Coverage
Posted in Virginia's News on January 26, 2018
A key committee in Virginia’s Senate took up debate of Medicaid expansion Thursday. Even though the bills failed, Governor Ralph Northam says it’s just the beginning of the process. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Following Tied Election, Lawmakers Are Looking to Make Sure it Doesn’t Happen Again
Posted in Virginia's News on January 25, 2018
Credit: RADIO IQ
Republican leaders in the General Assembly say they recognize that elections in Virginia have problems. And, as Michael Pope reports, they want to take action. Next year.
Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on How Campaign Funds Can Be Used
Posted in Virginia's News on January 24, 2018
Delegate Marcus Simon (D-Fairfax) wants to put restrictions on how candidates can spend campaign funds. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
It’s been several years since former Governor Bob McDonnell was accused of accepting gifts in exchange for official’s acts. But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers are still trying to close loopholes in the law.
Removing ‘Luck of the Draw’ from Virginia’s Elections
Posted in Virginia's News on January 24, 2018
Virginia State Board of Elections chairman, James Alcorn, holds up the name of David Yancy, the winner of a random drawing to determine the winner of a tied election for the 94th District House of Delegates seat earlier this month. Yancey won the drawing over Democrat Shelly Simonds. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Should elections be determined but the luck of the draw? That’s what happened last year, and one lawmaker wants to make sure it never happens again. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers to Discuss Driver’s Licences for Undocumented Immigrants
Posted in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018
Credit: AP Photo/Cliff Owen
Hundreds of advocates for immigrants will be in Richmond Wednesday for a contentious committee hearing. As Michael Pope reports, the hearing will consider a bill that would provide documents to the undocumented.
Rural Hospital Gets Caught in Medicaid Fight
Posted in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018
State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, proposed a measure to help keep open a hospital in his district. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A shuttered hospital in rural Patrick County may have a better shot at reopening, thanks to a bill that passed Virginia’s Senate Tuesday. That’s after the same measure failed last week, getting caught up in the political battle over Medicaid expansion. Mallory Noe-Payne has the story.
Families, State Agencies Breathe Sigh of Relief as Congress Funds CHIP
Posted in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018
The Children’s Health Insurance Program relies on money from state and federal governments to help subsidize the cost of medical care for some kids not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. Congress had let funding for the program lapse. (Credit: Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images)
After months of uncertainty, Congress has passed long-term funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. For Virginians that means more than 60,000 low-income children will be able to keep their coverage. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Some are Calling for an End to Split Precincts Following Voting Errors in Fredericksburg
Posted in Virginia's News on January 22, 2018
Delegate Vivian Watts (D-Fairfax) wants to outlaw split precincts in Virginia after a number of voters in Fredericksburg were given the wrong ballot during last November’s election. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Confusion over split precincts led to a meltdown in Fredericksburg last year, when dozens of voters were given the wrong ballot. Now some lawmakers are hoping for a fix. Michael Pope has the latest from the Capitol.
Va News Topics: Internet Gaming Parlors and School Surveys
Posted in Virginia's News on January 22, 2018
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
An elementary school principal in Rockbridge County has apologized for a survey given to students without parental permission, and local governments in Virginia are still trying to find ways to shut down internet gaming parlors.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.
More now from Fred Echols.
Click here for the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News Link.
Rate Freeze Debate Includes What to Do With Excessive Utility Profits
Posted in Virginia's News on January 19, 2018
Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, wants to lift Virginia’s utility rate freeze and give some of that money back to ratepayers. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber, File)
Your power bill may be including a little something extra in the coming weeks. But will it be what you deserve? Lawmakers are dividing, and Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Shoot! Cursing is Still a Crime in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on January 18, 2018
Del. Michael Webert, R-Culpeper, left, talks with Del. David Yancey, R-Newport News during the House session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. Webert’s bill to decriminalize cursing in Virginia failed to advance to the full House of Delegates. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers in Richmond occasionally curse at each other as debates get heated. And, as Michael Pope explains, they’re breaking the law.
Virginia Lawmakers Talk Shutdown, Spending And DACA
Posted in Virginia's News on January 18, 2018
Snow falls on the Capitol early Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. (Credit: AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)
The federal government could be lurching towards a partial shutdown this weekend if lawmakers can’t reach a deal on so-called Dreamers and defense spending. Matt Laslo reports.
Snow-Related Legislation on the Minds of Lawmakers This Snow Day
Posted in Virginia's News on January 17, 2018
Snow covers the traffic circle around the monument of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond earlier this month. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Many schools and businesses were closed Wednesday because of snow. But lawmakers in Richmond were hard at work. And, as Michael Pope reports, they are considering two snow-related bills.
With a New Governor at the Helm, Can the General Assembly Work in a Bipartisan Manner?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 16, 2018
Governor Ralph Northam gestures during his first State of the Commonwealth address to a joint session of the General Assembly. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The British classic rock band known as the Who famously belted out “Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss.” As Michael Pope reports, Republicans say that sentiment could have been written about the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
Northam Asks Lawmakers To Pass Progressive Agenda In Address
Posted in Virginia's News on January 16, 2018
Gov. Ralph Northam, bottom center, waves to the gallery prior to delivering his State of the Commonwealth address as Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, top left, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, top center, and State Sen. Stephen Newman, R-Bedford, applaud before a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s new governor is at work in Richmond this week, trying to accomplish something that eluded his predecessor. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers Debate Legislation to Remove Utility Rate Freeze
Posted in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018
Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roaonke) is sponsoring a bill that would lift a utility rate freeze in Virginia — something he calls “the most corrupt utility law ever passed in Virginia history.” (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers are talking energy regulation, although they’re not agreeing on much. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
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