Archive for category Virginia’s News

RNC chair says trust Trump on abortion, Virginia Democrats disagree

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley speaks with reporters at McLean’s in downtown Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley was in Richmond Wednesday morning supporting former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. Among the promises made by Trump so far is a vow to let states decide for themselves on the issue of abortion. But, as Brad Kutner found out, not everyone believes the former president. 

,

Leave a comment

“Trump Force 47” is this year’s GOTV campaign for Virginia Republicans

Republicans are planning their strategy to reach voters in Virginia. Michael Pope has this preview.

, ,

Leave a comment

Report: Undocumented immigrants add nearly $700 million to Virginia economy

A diagram showing the tax impact from undocumented immigrants. (Credit: ITEP)

A new report from a left-leaning tax group says undocumented immigrants add nearly $700 million to Virginia’s economy. The numbers are disputed by some, however, as Brad Kutner reports. 

,

Leave a comment

Virginia prosecutors weigh in on Harris and her record

The campaign of Kamala Harris for president is raising new questions about what it means to be a progressive prosecutor. Michael Pope reports.

, ,

Leave a comment

Do data centers need more regulation in Virginia?

Members of the General Assembly are expected to consider the rapid expansion of data centers next year. Michael Pope has this preview.

Leave a comment

Governor Youngkin to release energy plan later this year

Governor Glenn Youngkin is putting together an energy plan for Virginia. Michael Pope has a preview.

,

Leave a comment

How has Kamala Harris fared in Virginia polling?

Now that Kamala Harris seems poised to get the Democratic nomination for president, how does she poll in Virginia? Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.

, ,

Leave a comment

Elected officials push for free tax filing in Virginia

Credit: Jessica Britton / Radio IQ

Members of the state’s congressional delegation want a new pilot program allowing people to file their federal taxes for free to come to Virginia. And, as Brad Kutner found out, officials in Richmond want it, too.

, ,

Leave a comment

Pope & Schapiro: the RNC, new polling and campaign finance documents

Election season continues to ramp up – with new polling and campaign finance documents rolling out this week. Michael Pope chats with Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – about the week that was in politics and state government.

Leave a comment

Trump shooting looms over Virginia Special Session

Credit: Radio IQ / Mallory Noe-Payne

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders used bold language in the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, and as Brad Kutner found out, it’s a feeling shared by some Virginia Republicans. 

,

Leave a comment

Third time’s the charm: Virginia legislators pass VMSDEP fix

Mitch Rubenstien, with the Virginia chapter of Veterans for Foreign Wars, speaks at a Senate subcommittee in support of a fix to the VMSDEP program. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

After two failed attempts, the Virginia House and Senate passed a legislative fix to a veterans’ benefits bill in Richmond Thursday. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.

Leave a comment

Two new Virginia polls have Democrats worried

Public polling on the state of the presidential race this week seems to be moving in favor of the Republicans. Michael Pope has the story.

Leave a comment

New FBI data shows a continued downward trend for violent crime

Credit: FBI

After a spike during the pandemic, crime is down significantly across the country. Michael Pope has the details for Virginia. 

Here’s a link to that FBI data.

, ,

Leave a comment

New campaign finance figures show millions on hand for some candidates

Candidates for Congress are heading into a fall campaign season with millions of dollars cash on hand. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.

,

Leave a comment

New data shows prices are going down

The inflationary pressure that spiked prices in Virginia is finally turning around. Michael Pope reports that prices are going down.

Here’s a link to the new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

, ,

Leave a comment

History is not on Bob Good’s side

The Republican primary in the 5th is heading to a recount. Michael Pope reports that history suggests it won’t change the outcome.

,

Leave a comment

Jennifer Wexton is using AI to help her finish her term in Congress

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton is not letting health problems silence her for the rest of her term in office. As Michael Pope reports, she’s getting a new voice thanks to artificial intelligence.

You can see Congresswoman Wexton announce the news here.

, ,

Leave a comment

Despite Virginia heat, some voters remain chilly on Biden

Virginia spent much of the last decade voting for Democratic Presidents but now Republicans in the Commonwealth are hoping a lack of enthusiasm for President Joe Biden could help flip Virginia this fall. And as Brad Kutner found out at a bus stop in downtown Richmond, they might get their wish.

Leave a comment

Vincenz marker first to honor Virginia LGBTQ history

Virginia historical markers recognize people and places across the Commonwealth. But now one is noting LGBTQ history for the first time.

Michael Pope reports.

,

Leave a comment

Virginia legislators, the formerly incarcerated celebrate earned sentence credit releases

Delegate Mike Jones (far left) flanks earned sentence credit released folks who stand behind Senator Jennifer Boysko. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Virginia’s prison population has been shrinking – the result of lower crime rates and criminal justice reforms shepherded by Democratic legislators over the last few years.

Republican Glenn Youngkin resisted those efforts during his term as governor until the recent budget cycle which saw one major reform finally get the green light. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.

Leave a comment

Virginia’s fentanyl task force has some tough questions to answer

The fentanyl crisis in Virginia is showing no signs of letting up any time soon. But, as Michael Pope reports, a new task force will be taking a look at the issue.

, ,

Leave a comment

State survey says Virginia failing to serve low-income mothers

Nichole Wardlaw, a midwife with the American College of Nurse-Midwives, speaks at a press event at the Capitol. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

A new survey from the state shows low-income mothers, supported by subsidized health care plans, aren’t getting the care they’ve been promised. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond. 

, ,

Leave a comment

The “summer slump” is a real worry for Virginia teachers and lawmakers

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

School’s out for summer for most of Virginia public schools. And as Michael Pope reports, teachers are worried about learning loss.

, ,

Leave a comment

Following rocky debate and troubling polls, Virginia Democrats chime in on Biden’s future

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine speaks at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, July 8, 2024 (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Questions about President Joe Biden’s future as a candidate are following other Democrats as they work through their own campaigns across the country. Among them is Virginia Senator Tim Kaine. He spoke with Brad Kutner. 

, ,

Leave a comment

Governing bodies in Virginia are now able to meet online even more frequently

Credit: NPR

The public square is increasingly online, and that includes some official public business. Michael Pope reports.

,

Leave a comment

Cocktails-to-go are here to stay, but there may be some changes next year

One of Virginia’s new laws as of this month involves cocktails-to-go. Michael Pope has the story.

Leave a comment

Pope & Schapiro: VMSDEP and recounts

From a recount in Virginia’s 5th District to a resolution over a veterans education benefit program – it’s been a busy holiday week in state politics and government. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss.

Leave a comment

Review of Virginia’s state-run investment, college savings agencies offer good news, opportunities

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

A review of Virginia’s state-run investment plans provided some good news earlier this week, but questions about whether the legislature should step in to reprioritize those funds were raised. Brad Kutner has more. 

Leave a comment

A measure protecting same-sex marriage in Virginia is now law

As of the beginning of this month, Virginia put dozens of new laws into effect. Michael Pope tells us about one that protects same-sex marriage.

,

Leave a comment

Good promises recount after state Board of Elections certifies 5th District primary results

The Virginia Board of Elections certified the results of the 2024 congressional primaries Tuesday. That gives Congressman Bob Good the chance to make good on his promise to ask for a recount in his failed bid against Senator John McGuire. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.

Leave a comment

It’s been one year since Pell Grants became available to incarcerated people

This week marks the one-year anniversary of federal higher education funding that is available to people who are incarcerated in Virginia. Michael Pope explains. 

,

Leave a comment

Researcher offers tips for helping people who experience post-traumatic stress disorder during fireworks season

With the Fourth of July approaching, so is the season for fireworks. But fireworks can be triggering for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Roxy Todd spoke with a researcher on ways we can help neighbors and family members.

, ,

Leave a comment

Virginia Senate returns today to take up VMSDEP bill from the House

Members of the Virginia Senate are expected back at the Capitol again today to reconsider a veterans benefit program. Michael Pope has this preview.

,

Leave a comment

House of Delegates offers up clean repeal of VMSDEP changes

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

Virginia’s House of Delegates and state Senate are at odds about how to fund an education benefit for the families of veterans. Michael Pope reports.

,

Leave a comment

Virginia House set to take up VMSDEP, but trouble could be on the horizon

Credit: NPR

Members of the General Assembly are returning to the Capitol Friday to consider a budget question about benefits to veterans and their families. Michael Pope has the latest.

,

Leave a comment

Lightning bugs face threats, says scientist. Here’s how to help them.

Credit: David Seidel / Radio IQ

Summer is prime time to see lightning bugs. Some anecdotal evidence suggests there may be fewer fireflies than in years past, and these bugs are threatened by human development. As Roxy Todd reports, there are ways to attract more fireflies to your yard.

, ,

Leave a comment

Last week’s primary results could pave the way for more zoning changes across Virginia

One of the outcomes of last week’s primary election could mean zoning changes in your neighborhood. Michael Pope explains.

, ,

Leave a comment

TSA issues a warning as 32 million Americans prepare to fly

The Transportation Safety Administration reports record travel this summer and is bracing for the busy Fourth of July holiday. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million people from Thursday, June 27 through Monday, July 8th

The agency also reports another record as some travelers attempt to fly with firearms.  Sandy Hausman reports on what happens when people get caught and what excuses they offer for trying to bring contraband on board.

Leave a comment

Hundreds of prisoners to be released early, starting July 1st

On July 1st, the state will launch two major prison reforms. 

Sandy Hausman reports on what they’ll mean for inmates and their families.

, ,

Leave a comment

A recount is likely on the way in Virginia’s 5th District; what does that process look like?

Congressman Bob Good trails Republican challenger John McGuire by less than 400 votes.

A week after the primary election, the results of the Republican nomination in the 5th Congressional District are still too close to call. Michael Pope has more on what happens next.

, ,

Leave a comment

After success in Roanoke, fentanyl awareness campaign to roll out statewide later this year

From left to right, Attorney General Jason Miyares, First Lady Suzanne Youngkin and Cynthia Morrow — director of the Roanoke City-Alleghany Health District — talk up the successful “It Only Takes One” campaign. (Credit: Nick Gilmore / Radio IQ)

Virginia’s First Lady and its Attorney General rolled out a fentanyl awareness campaign in Roanoke earlier this year. And as Nick Gilmore reports, there are positive trends – both in that city and statewide.

, , , ,

Leave a comment

Virginia Senate pitches VMSDEP fix, will reconvene ahead of House

The Virginia Senate will return to Richmond next Tuesday to address restrictions added to state military education benefits. The fix comes after veterans demanded changes, claiming new rules in the budget had ruined college plans for their children. Brad Kutner has more.

Leave a comment

Republicans to pick challenger to Senator Tim Kaine next week

Credit: NPR

Republicans will be choosing a candidate to go up against incumbent U.S. Senator Tim Kaine in the primary Tuesday, June 18th. Michael Pope has this preview.

Leave a comment

Two competing teacher unions in Fairfax County are joining forces

Virginia’s largest school system, one of the biggest in the country in fact, is about to enter into a collective bargaining agreement. Michael Pope has the details.

, , ,

Leave a comment

‘I don’t like them taking my life for money.’ Residents and activists react to MVP approval

MVP construction near Elliston in Montgomery County. Photo taken May 20, 2024. (Credit: Penny Artis)

The Mountain Valley Pipeline says it’s preparing to start transporting gas but has not yet said when that will begin. The company says it’s completed all safety checks, but, as Roxy Todd reports, some residents want to see more information about those inspections.

Leave a comment

Virginia elections and the growing influence of PACs

One way to judge a candidate is how much money they’ve raised and spent, as Michael Pope tells us about another way to follow the money in this month’s primary.

, ,

Leave a comment

Many vets are running in this year’s primaries

Credit: NPR

Polls are open right now in primary elections across Virginia, and Michael Pope tells us many of the candidates on the ballot are military veterans.

Leave a comment

What is the future of the Clean Economy Act now?

Environmentalists are worried about the governor rolling back environmental initiatives. But as Michael Pope reports, they are still hopeful about meeting benchmarks in the future.

,

Leave a comment

Virginia’s legislature sees no short-term fix for congestion on I-81

A slide from JLARC’s presentation on I-81 traffic and toll feasibility. (Credit: JLARC)

Virginia’s longest stretch of highway, I-81 along the state’s Appalachian spine, is no stranger to traffic backups. Brad Kutner spoke with one legislator who says there’s no quick fix.  

,

Leave a comment

Pope & Schapiro: Lots of feuding, including the MAGA family kind

Feuds between the governor and the legislature – and members of the same party – have made headlines in the last few days. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss this week in state government and politics.

Leave a comment