Archive for category Virginia’s News

A look at the General Assembly’s new leadership for 2024

Now that the election is over, newly elected members of the General Assembly are choosing who will lead them. Michael Pope has the story.

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What can we expect from the upcoming winter?

We’re in the middle of fall y’all – but a lot of people are already looking ahead to what the winter months will bring. Nick Gilmore spoke with a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg for this winter outlook.

You can find more information about how to prepare for the winter months ahead here.

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What happened in school board elections across the state last week?

In recent years, school board politics have taken on a new sense of urgency and partisanship among voters. Michael Pope tells us about the most recent election results.

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UVA remembers three student athletes gunned down one year ago

Hundreds of students stood outside UVA’s chapel as bells tolled for three student athletes killed one year ago. (Credit: Radio IQ)

On Monday, the University of Virginia observed the first anniversary of a shooting that killed three student athletes and wounded two other people.

Sandy Hausman reports on how the school remembered D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler.

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Former leaders give perspective as General Assembly prepares to pick new leadership

Voters have weighed in on which party should lead Virginia’s House and Senate. Now, as Michael Pope tells us, the new Democratic majority is going to have to vote on which members should have leadership positions.

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The search for quality candidates for 2025 is already underway

Democratic candidates won in competitive races across Virginia this year, thanks in part to the debate over abortion rights. But as Michael Pope tells us, candidate recruitment might have also played a role.

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Deeds and other Democrats win big in Albemarle County

Senator Creigh Deeds greets supporters following his re-election. (Credit: Sandy Hausman / Radio IQ)

Democrats fared well in Albemarle County yesterday, as did liberal candidates in a controversial school board race.  Leading the pack of winners – Senator Creigh Deeds, who will return to Richmond as a senior lawmaker.  He told reporter Sandy Hausman that a strong showing by fellow Democrats was a rebuke of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

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A quarter of General Assembly races this year are uncontested

Credit: NPR

Voting for this fall’s General Assembly elections ends Tuesday.  And as Michael Pope tells us, some candidates on the ballot have no challenger.

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NAACP says docs show Youngkin administration acts arbitrarily when restoring voting rights

The NAACP of Virginia scored a partial win over the weekend against Governor Glenn Youngkin in their Freedom of Information Act fight over the governor’s felon rights enfranchisement activity. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond. 

*Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the governor’s office.

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This year’s election could determine the fate of early voting in Virginia

Among the potential fallout from this month’s election could be the fate of early voting in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.

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Virginia election officials are ready for (almost) anything

Virginia’s 2023 election may not have a state-wide office on the ballot, but there are 140 legislative seats, and plenty of local elections. Brad Kutner spoke with election officials about the counting process and when we can expect results Tuesday night.

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Virginia Democrats urge DOJ to investigate voter purge before Election Day

Credit: Jahd Khalil / Radio IQ

Some members of Virginia’s congressional delegation have signed onto a second letter asking the Department of Justice to investigate the Youngkin administration’s recent voter purge. Michael Pope reports.

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Voters will decide the future of Hanover County School Board

Credit: Jahd Khalil / Radio IQ

Rural Hanover County just north of Richmond will decide if the citizens, not its Board of Supervisors, will pick its school board members. It’s a long running fight that dates back to the Jim Crow-era. Brad Kutner has more. 

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Virginia’s state-run health insurance marketplace is live for the first time

It’s been a decade since former President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. And now, as Michael Pope tells us, a Virginia-run market under the act is live for the first time.

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Marine Corps veteran among those caught in voter purge

Marine Corps veteran and former felon Nathanial Hill speaks at a rally at the Virginia Capital, flanked by allied activists. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

After a so-called computer glitch, about 3,400 formerly incarcerated Virginians have had their voting rights restored. Among them was Marine Corps veteran and Courtland, Virginia resident Nathanial Hill. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond. 

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Think you know how to spot poison ivy? New study reveals shape of leaves varies widely

Here, researcher John Jelesko points to a poison ivy leaf with several notches and lobes. Nearby, there are other leaves that have slightly different shapes, revealing that even plants growing next to one another, or leaves from a single plant, can have variation in their shape. (Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ)

Even as temperatures cool, poison ivy can still cause allergic reactions. And a new study finds just how difficult this plant can be to correctly identify, as Roxy Todd reports.

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The role of Virginia’s electric vehicle mandate on this year’s election

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Abortion and crime are at the top of the list of issues candidates are talking about this election. But, Michael Pope tells us electric vehicles may also be an important issue when the General Assembly gavels into session.

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Advocates worry recent voter purge errors could impact close elections

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About three million Virginians vote every year. So, 3,400 voters incorrectly removed from the rolls might not seem like a large percentage of the electorate. But, Brad Kutner spoke to one delegate who learned all too well that every vote matters. 

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Crime is a talking point on the campaign trail, but what does the data actually show?

If you watch much TV, you’ve probably seen a few commercials about crime in Virginia. Michael Pope is here with a fact check.

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Federal appeals court hears dispute over transgender female sports ban

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ)

A federal appeals court in Richmond will decide whether a West Virginia law that blocks transgender girls from participating in middle and high school female sports violates the U.S. Constitution.

Carve outs for gender separation exist in federal law, but the question remains how those with differing gender identities may – or may not – be excluded. Brad Kutner has more.

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Early voting and its impact on campaign data analytics

Credit: Jahd Khalil / Radio IQ

Early voting is changing how much campaigns know about people who have already cast a ballot. Michael Pope reports it’s also changing how campaigns plan.

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Campaigns are spending millions on TV ads this election cycle

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As Election Day approaches, the airwaves are full of political ads. Michael Pope has details.

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New report gives James River a ‘B’ for overall health

Credit: James River Association

Officials with the James River Association have given the river and its watershed an updated report card. And, as Nick Gilmore reports, there were some slight improvements in the latest State of the James report. 

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One Virginia jurisdiction is leading the way on early voting

House District 71 is leading the way on early voting turnout — represented by the darkest shade of green in this visualization. (Credit: Virginia Public Access Project)

Voting is well underway in every jurisdiction in Virginia. But as Michael Pope tells us, one part of Virginia is seeing a higher turnout than others.

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Virginia AG joins multi-state suit against Meta

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announces his office’s participation in multi-state litigation against Meta for alleged damage its apps Facebook and Instagram cause teens. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced his office’s participation in a multistate lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta Tuesday. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.

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Chesapeake Bay’s striped bass still in decline

An iconic species in Chesapeake Bay, beloved by sport and commercial fishermen, striped bass populations are in decline. (Credit: Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Striped bass are the most iconic fin fish in the Chesapeake Bay – a mainstay of both commercial and recreational fishing, but they’re in trouble.  Sandy Hausman reports on why striped bass populations are down, and what experts plan to do about it.

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How prevalent is Sunday voting in Virginia?

Credit: Jahd Khalil / Radio IQ

This weekend, many jurisdictions across Virginia will have voting on Sunday. But, as Michael Pope tells us, not every jurisdiction will be participating in souls to the polls.

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PACs and the 2023 General Assembly elections

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Political action committees are trying to influence the outcome of the election for the General Assembly. Michael Pope talked to political analysts about some of the big spenders.

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New polling examines opinion on teaching racism among Virginians

Virginians have differing opinions on the teaching of racism in classrooms. Michael Pope has the latest on polling from Christopher Newport University.

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New campaign finances records: Democrats have raised more, but Republicans have more in the bank

Credit: NPR

The latest round of campaign finance disclosures are providing a window into the state of the 2023 election. Michael Pope has details.

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New report: Election deniers hold some positions of power across Virginia

Credit: Jahd Khalil / Radio IQ

As Election Day approaches, some are concerned about vulnerabilities in Virginia’s election system. Michael Pope reports.

You can find the full report from Informing Democracy here.

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Virginia Republicans are leaning into the abortion rights debate this fal

Credit: NPR

Republicans are leaning into the issue of abortion rights. Michael Pope explains how that’s impacting the fall campaigns.

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Hanover Girl Scout fights censorship with ‘Banned Book Nooks’

One of Hanover student and Girl Scout Kate’s “Banned Book Nook” at Morr Donuts in Mechanicsville, VA. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

As Virginia school boards and libraries face debates over the books on their shelves, one Hanover County student is pushing back. This student and Girl Scout is hoping to put banned books in the hands of those she says need them most.

Brad Kutner has more. 

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The irony behind the strategy of some book ban advocates

Parents challenging a long list of books are often using lists compiled by people who oppose book banning. Michael Pope reports.

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A handful of Virginia cities want lawmakers to take another look at pretext law

Some cities in Virginia are asking the General Assembly to revisit a new law aimed at preventing racial profiling. Michael Pope reports.

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UVA doctor offers advice on job burnout

VA Nursing School Professor Julie Haizlip, MD has been studying job-related burnout. (Credit: Christine Kueter / UVA School of Nursing)

For more than 150 years, psychologists have been talking about burnout – a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress.

At the University of Virginia, one medical expert has been studying the problem – and sharing possible solutions with reporter Sandy Hausman.

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A snapshot of early voting numbers so far

Polls are open across Virginia for all 140 seats of the General Assembly. Michael Pope has this update on the progress so far.

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SCOTUS to weigh in on case with implications for Virginia predatory loan law

The United States Supreme Court is now considering a case that has many people worried about a return of predatory lending in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.

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Virginia lawsuit over voting rights restoration clears early hurdle

George Hawkins Jr., an ex-felon who’s asking a federal court to bring clarity to Virginia’s voting rights restoration process. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

A lawsuit against Governor Glenn Youngkin filed by a former felon and Richmond native can continue. Lawyers for George Hawkins Jr. argued in court Friday that the state’s felon voting rights restoration process under the Republican governor had become so opaque it violates his First Amendment rights. Brad Kutner has more. 

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A closer look at fundraising in some tight races this fall

All 140 seats in the General Assembly are up for grabs in November’s election. But as Michael Pope tells us, not all of the races are competitive when it comes to fundraising.

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Climate change brings a growing challenge for wildlife sanctuary

Cedar waxwing babies squawk for their supper. (Credit: Radio IQ)

Science has told us a lot about what climate change will mean for people, but less is known about how a warming planet will impact wild animals.  Already, staffers at a wildlife sanctuary in Nelson County report one big change that’s taking a toll on everything they do. Sandy Hausman has that story.

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New report: Black people are disproportionately incarcerated in Virginia

Credit: Prison Policy Initiative

Virginia’s prison population has racial disparities according to a new report. Michael Pope has details.

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Youngkin’s lab school board advances more applications

College Partnership Laboratory Schools Standing Committee Chair Joan Wodiska (right) and Dr. Pam Moran at a meeting of the committee on Oct. 3, 2023 in downtown Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Governor Youngkin’s Laboratory school program saw two applicants get one step closer to the $100 million in start-up funds Tuesday. Brad Kutner spoke with officials at Germanna Community College near Fredericksburg about their plans. 

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How successful are write-in campaigns in Virginia?

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Voters are already casting ballots for the November election. But as Michael Pope reports, some voters won’t see the names of all the candidates printed on those ballots.

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SCOTUS to take up predatory lending case, as Virginia advocates worry about repercussions

Critics of high-interest loans in Virginia and elsewhere are closely watching a case now before the Supreme Court. As Michael Pope reports, oral arguments are scheduled Tuesday.

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Youngkin seeks agency input on state AI policy

Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration is hopeful a new directive on artificial intelligence will help build lasting policies for how the state and its partners work with the developing technology.

Brad Kutner has more with Director of the Office of Regulatory Management, Andrew Wheeler. 

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$100 million heads to Virginia passenger rail project

An Amtrak passenger train at the Roanoke station. (Credit: David Seidel / Radio IQ)

Virginia’s U.S. Senators and the Department of Transportation announced $100 million in federal funding for a highly anticipated passenger rail project in Northern Virginia. The announcement comes as the state seeks to expand passenger rail through several federally funded projects. Brad Kutner has more.

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Just how many books are being banned or challenged in Virginia?

Library books and librarians are the targets of unprecedented attacks. Michael Pope has updated numbers from Virginia.

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Pope & Schapiro: Wexton announcement, early voting and a potential federal shutdown

A Virginia Congresswoman won’t seek reelection and early voting for General Assembly races starts today.

Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch – talk about the week that was in politics and state government.

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Virginia enters new voter data agreements with a handful of states

Credit: Jahd Khalil

Virginia is entering into new agreements to share voter data. Michael Pope explains why.

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