Archive for category Virginia’s News

The 2025 gubernatorial contest is taking shape

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney (Credit: Stoney’s Facebook page)

The election of 2023 is barely over, and, as Michael Pope tells us, the politics of election 2025 are already taking shape.

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State lawmakers will consider a bill in 2024 that would make prison calls free

Criminal justice will be a major topic of discussion when lawmakers return to the Capitol next month. Michael Pope tells us about a bill that would allow people who are incarcerated to make free telephone calls and emails.

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Orange County sees red over plans for major development

Credit: Piedmont Environmental Council X page (@piedmontenviron)

Orange County is known for scenery and history.  It’s home to the James Madison Museum, Montpelier and the Wilderness Battlefield, but it may soon be known for another fight – this one over the public’s right to information about planned development.  Sandy Hausman has that story.

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Va. AG to wants tougher fentanyl dealing penalties, more money for prisons

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares speaks at a Narcan training event in southside Richmond, VA. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said he’d ask for tougher penalties for fentanyl-related drug dealers. It’s a tough on crime approach Virginia Republicans have long ran on, but those who deal with the fallout from drug addiction say that’s the wrong approach. Brad Kutner has more. 

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Could state lawmakers finally implement a marijuana marketplace?

As lawmakers prepare to return to the Capitol, one issue is certain to come up again in the next General Assembly — marijuana. Michael Pope reports.

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Youngkin tells university presidents he’s “extremely worried” about a lack of free speech at state schools

Virginia’s governor spoke Wednesday at a meeting of university administrators convened by the state Department of Education. The topic: free speech and intellectual diversity. Sandy Hausman reports on what Glenn Youngkin had to say and why he might be so concerned about the subject.

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Suit against insulin manufacturers spurs health care reform in Virginia

Three Virginia counties have filed federal lawsuits claiming the country’s biggest insulin manufacturers and the companies that work with them conspired to control the drug’s price. The suits are inspiring one Democratic Virginia elected official to revisit healthcare costs during the next session. Brad Kutner has more.

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Will an assault-style weapons ban pass in 2024?

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

On the campaign trail, candidates talked often about crime and preventing gun violence. Now, as Michael Pope reports, they’ll be considering legislation to fulfill campaign promises.

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Abortion amendment will be in the spotlight during upcoming session

Now that Democrats have won control of the General Assembly, one of their first priorities will be protecting abortion rights. Michael Pope reports.

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What should Virginians expect from the 2024 General Assembly?

In January, Democrats will take control of the General Assembly for the last two years of a Republican administration. Michael Pope has this preview.

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UVA study could help rural residents lose weight

Credit: Emily Faith Morgan / UVA Communications

A recent report found 68% of adults in this state were obese or overweight, putting them at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some forms of cancer.  The problem is especially bad in rural areas, prompting an offer of help from the University of Virginia.  Sandy Hausman has that story.

You can find more information about the study here.

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The relationship between the new House speaker and the governor got off to a rocky start

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The House of Delegates is about to get a new Speaker of the House. And as Michael Pope reports, he starting out with a strained relationship with the governor.

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Youngkin honors Virginia’s native tribes in annual Thanksgiving ceremony

Governor Glenn Youngkin accepts gifts from local Virginia native tribes as part of the 346th tribute ceremony. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed members from two of Virginia’s Native American tribes to the executive mansion Wednesday morning. The event honors the bond between early Virginians and the local tribes who’ve inhabited the region for thousands of years. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.

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The history of Thanksgiving is probably not what you think

This week, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving. As Michael Pope tells us, the holiday has a complicated history.

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State lawmakers getting an early start on filing legislation and constitutional amendments

The General Assembly session is only a few weeks away, and lawmakers are already starting to introduce legislation. Michael Pope says two constitutional amendments are among the first pieces.

Among the other early legislation filed Monday are bills to increase the minimum wage and to ban the sale of assault-style firearms. Democrats filed those. A bill to prevent enforcement of electric vehicle and emissions requirements was filed by a Republican Delegate.

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General Assembly seniority rankings will carry extra significance in 2024

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

The incoming members of the General Assembly may all be walking into the Capitol at the same time. But as Michael Pope tells us, they will all have different seniority rankings.

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Residents challenge Chesterfield County Senator’s residency

State Senator Ghazala Hashmi (Credit: Senate of Virginia)

A handful of Chesterfield County residents have filed a lawsuit which could impact the future of Senator Ghazala Hashmi. Brad Kutner spoke with legal experts and one former delegate who have been involved in similar fights, and he’s got this report from Richmond. 

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Virginia county famous for transgender legal fight passes Youngkin’s ‘model policy’

The Gloucester County seal attached to a wall at T.C. Walker Education Center Auditorium in Gloucester County Virginia. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Years after a rural Virginia county became the frontline for transgender students’ bathroom use, Governor Glenn Youngkin released a new set of policies he argues ensure privacy, dignity, and respect for students and parents.

Transgender kids and their parents disagree.  And Brad Kutner reports local school boards are now trying to find a path forward. 

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New report examines “islands of disadvantage” in Virginia

Credit: Northern Virginia Health Foundation

Wealthy areas in Virginia are often right across the street from pockets of poverty, according to a new report. Michael Pope has the story.

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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

Credit: NPR

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

Credit: NPR

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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