Virginia police are hoping a new online database will help them solve some of their most difficult cases. And a team from the University of Virginia will be looking to shine in a national solar car competition.

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 and Edie Gross.

The stage is now set for this fall’s mid-term Congressional elections.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on that and other news from the General Assembly.

Voters in five Congressional districts selected candidates yesterday in primary elections, setting up the races for this fall.

Michael Pope reports.

As the country awaits a U. S. Supreme Court decision, abortion remains a divisive topic in Richmond.

Late Friday, lawmakers rejected an amendment from the governor to block state funding for the procedure, as Michael Pope reports.

Lawmakers narrowly approved a budget amendment from the governor that redirects money for financial assistance for college students.

Michael Pope reports the move wasn’t without controversy.

The General Assembly takes up Governor Glenn Youngkin’s budget amendments later today.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope have more on that and a look at next week’s Congressional primaries.

Social Security recipients got the largest cost of living adjustment in decades this year.  But the long-term future of the system is still in trouble.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on a new proposal to shore it up.

This spring’s leadership change in House Democratic Caucus was dramatic, but it wasn’t without precedent.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss some of the more notable House of Delegates leadership coups of the past few decades.

Virginia has not offered parole to people convicted of crimes since 1995. But about 2,500 men and women were convicted of breaking the law before then, and they could still win early release if the parole board feels they pose no threat to society. 

Many of those people feared they would have to wait another four years now that a Republican is governor.  But as Sandy Hausman reports, they could be surprised.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how and where many people work.  Add in the pressure of inflation, and you have the recipe for spiking housing costs in metro areas like Richmond.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright talk about the impacts.

After months of delay, Virginia’s legislature has passed a budget.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on that and new Democratic leadership in the House of Delegates.

The Washington Commanders have been making news off the field, as parts of the team’s proposals for a new stadium come to light.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the potential impact for Virginia.

It isn’t just COVID-19 that’s made it difficult to find referees for youth sports.

Many older refs have quit, and, as Christine Kueter reports, it’s even harder to find replacements willing to put up with rowdy spectators.

As often happens, tragedies in other parts of the country can force Virginia to look inward at its own laws and communities.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on the impact of the Texas shooting, as well as new movement on a state budget.

It’s been a brutal spring for the stock markets.  They’ve recorded seven straight weeks of declines.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright offer some context for worried investors.

Fredericksburg has joined a multi-state program designed to help local governments switch over to clean energy vehicles.

And the Virginia court case that ended bans on interracial marriage will be commemorated with an opera.

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 and Edie Gross.

Thursday’s report from the state education superintendent painted a dire picture of Virginia’s schools.

Michael Pope reports it’s opened a debate about past decisions and the future.

Editor’s Note: The Virginia Education Association is a financial supporter of Virginia Public Radio.

Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony have announced plans to create an original opera. 

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the project will tell the real-life story of the Virginia couple whose relationship paved the legal pathway for inter-racial and same-sex marriage.

Virginia’s state budget is weeks past due.  But there are some signs an agreement may be coming.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on the week in politics and state government.

184 years ago, James Lindsey Smith, an enslaved man in Northumberland County on Virginia’s Northern Neck, made his way to freedom and eventually to Norwich, Connecticut.

Inspired by that journey and Smith’s determination, a group of men from a Norwich church attempted to retrace his steps.

Pamela D’Angelo went with them for part of the journey.

There’s new intrigue in the tobacco business, and it connects back to Virginia.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on this merger news.

A growing elk population is creating some challenges in Southwestern Virginia. And students at Virginia Tech are using hip-hop to promote learning.

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 and Edie Gross.

There were some surprises this week for state workers and for one potential state employee.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more about the week in politics and the General Assembly.

Four years ago the Upper Mattaponi Tribe received federal recognition.

Since then it has built a health clinic and purchased lands that were recently accepted into federal trust.

Pamela D’Angelo reports on the significance for the Tribe and nearby communities.

Seeing fields full of corn, wheat, or tobacco on a drive through Virginia is not unusual.  But the vistas might increasingly begin to include solar farms.   

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on solar’s present and future.

The future of abortion access has dominated the political discussions in Washington and beyond this week.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on where Virginia stands.

Menthol accounts for more than a third of cigarettes sold in the U.S.  And the Food and Drug administration now has a plan to phase out production and sale of the mint flavored cigarettes.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the health and business implications of the move.

A new institute at the College of William & Mary is teaching students to solve conservation challenges around the world.

This year, Indigenous people were invited to share their knowledge, including the head of the National Park Service Chuck Sams.

Pamela D’Angelo reports.

While boating accidents are down across Virginia this year there’s an opposite trend at Smith Mountain Lake.  And a celebrity civil trial in Northern Virginia has taken on a circus-like appearance, complete with animals.

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 and Edie Gross.

There was plenty of political intrigue packed into this year’s one-day reconvene session.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and David Seidel, sitting in for Michael Pope, have more on the fallout.

Virginia has started giving prison inmates their own tablets so they can download music, watch TV, take classes and send e-mails.

But there’s one feature missing from their device – a service that could save lives. 

Sandy Hausman has that story.

The U.S. Attorney’s office for the western district of Virginia is pleading with parents to spread the word. 

China is sending chemicals to Mexico, and Mexican cartels are mixing them up to make powerful, and sometimes deadly, pills that look just like what you might get from an American pharmacy. 

Sandy Hausman has that story.

Losers and winners both like to say that elections have consequences. But sometimes they’re delayed.

Jahd Khalil reports on the latest fallout from the Democrats’ losses last November. 

Legislators were back in Richmond to deal with vetoes and amendments. But they also took a key action on a proposed gas tax holiday.

Jahd Khalil was at the capitol and has this report. 

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol Wednesday to consider a host of amendments.

And as Michael Pope reports, one of the most controversial amendments is about marijuana.

With inflation at levels not seen in decades, a lot of families are facing some tough pocketbook decisions.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about some of the options.

Virginia’s attorney general is calling for greater transparency on the bench. Michael Pope reports.

Computers are everywhere, even in your car.  And a shortage of computer chips is having a big impact on the auto industry.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright have more on that challenge.

When a parent goes to prison, they’re not the only one being punished. 

Their children may also suffer, and when Mom or Dad is released, returning to family life may be difficult.

Virginia offers several programs to help incarcerated people become full-time parents again. 

Sandy Hausman has that story.

There’s no sign of progress in the negotiations to form a state budget.

So how long can the gridlock go? And can the governor break the logjam?

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope ponder those questions.

The war in Ukraine is prompting some members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation to introduce a range of bills addressing the issue.

Michael Pope reports.

Virginia is filled with Civil War battle sites. That’s nothing new.  But one location has special significance in African American military history.

Sixteen Black soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their service in the Civil War and almost every one of those medals was given to men who fought in the Battle of New Market Heights.

Mallory Noe-Payne has more. 

A new United Nations report says countries aren’t cutting greenhouse emissions fast enough to stay below key global climate limits.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on Virginia’s pace.

Virginia still has large segments of the population that have no access to broadband.

But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers are hoping to implement some new laws to change that.

Nearly 400 years after the Rappahannock Tribe was forced from their lands, they will finally return as owners to one of their towns on Fones Cliffs.  

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, herself a member of the Pueblo Laguna Tribe, spoke during the ceremony.  

Pamela D’Angelo was there. 

The war between Russia and Ukraine is impacting much more than gas prices.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the potential effect on agriculture here in Virginia and around the world.

One of former Governor Ralph Northam’s signature policy proposals is known as G3 — that’s an investment in community colleges that helps low-income students get in-demand work credentials at little or no cost to them.

This past fall was the first full semester of the program. And as Mallory Noe-Payne reports it bucked the trend of low-enrollment. 

College campuses are emerging as prime destinations for refugee families.  And new building designs are being developed to help save birds.

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 and Edie Gross.

The negotiations to set Virginia’s budget have entered a new, rather public, phase.

Richmond Times-Dispatch political columnist Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope have more on that.

With four-year and community college enrollments on a two-year decline, technical education is emerging as a bright spot for students interested in skilled trades like carpentry, car repair, energy, and electrical work.

Christine Kueter has that story.