Archive for category Virginia’s News

Virginia Republicans do some soul searching, as the next election cycle looms

After a stunning election cycle that saw Republican hopes of a red wave dashed, Michael Pope reports that the party is trying to figure out its future as another election cycle begins.

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The loss of abortion rights brought voters out to the polls this year

What issues were driving voters to the polls this year? Michael Pope takes a look.

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Southwest Virginia lab switches focus from COVID testing to genomic sequencing

Since April 2020, the Virginia Tech COVID-19 lab has processed more than 220,000 samples. The lab’s director is Carla Finkielstein, a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. (Credit: Clayton Metz / Virginia Tech)

As more people have become vaccinated against COVID-19, testing for the virus isn’t as frequent. But, at the height of the pandemic it was vital. Mallory Noe-Payne visited a lab in southwest Virginia that played a crucial role in making testing accessible. 

As COVID vaccines and at-home tests have become more accessible, labs across the country have shifted focus from COVID testing to genomic sequencing. Mallory Noe-Payne visited one lab in Roanoke and has more on how scientists are now working to stay ahead of the curve. 

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Despite redistricting, Virginia districts largely saw lopsided margins of victory Tuesday

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Although most of the attention goes to close races, Michael Pope reports that most of Virginia’s congressional seats are seeing a lopsided result.

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The 2022 election will have many, new firsts in Virginia

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Election officials are gearing up for Election Day with some new rules. Michael Pope has this preview.

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Va. News: DC Metro expansion, marijuana driving survey

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A new survey suggests Virginians may not fully recognize the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana. And, northern Virginia is finally getting its long-awaited extension of the DC Metro.

Those have been among the most read stories during the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link. More now from Fred Echols and Edie Gross with the Virginia Public Access Project.

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A look at how early votes will be counted in Virginia this year

Early vote counts will work a bit differently this year. Michael Pope has this preview about what to expect after the polls close.

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Craft beer is driving demand for barley. Could farmers in southwest Virginia benefit?

Dan Brann is a barley farmer in Riner, Virginia. For eight years he’s been selling barley to a malting company in Charlottesville. The barley in his hand was harvested in June and has aged in a grain silo for several months. (Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ)

The craft brewing industry is driving up demand for barley- which can be used to make malt, one of the main ingredients to make beer. As Roxy Todd reports, a new effort is underway to help more farmers grow malt barley in southwest Virginia.

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Can election systems in Virginia be hacked?

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Can Virginia elections be hacked? Michael Pope reports the experts say not likely.

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How does Virginia handle guns at polling places?

Early voting locations across the country have been the scene of armed poll watchers, prompting concerns about voter intimidation. Michael Pope has this report about what voters need to know if they see someone armed outside a polling place.

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Medicare and Social Security take center stage as midterms loom

As the final day of voting approaches, Republicans and Democrats are clashing over Social Security and Medicare. Michael Pope reports.

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The true role of sample ballots

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When approaching an election location, voters might be presented with a sample ballot. Michael Pope reports that they’re often the product of party advertising.

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Va. News: VCU craft beer delay, volunteer acorn collectors

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Volunteer acorn collectors are playing a major role in supporting Virginia’s forests. And, VCU has decided to delay distribution of a craft beer carrying the school’s logo.

Those have been among the most read stories during the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.

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A closer look at the legality of poll watching

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In some other states, voters at early polling locations have been confronted by campaign workers or poll watchers holding a camera and asking questions. As Michael Pope reports, that’s not necessarily illegal.

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Early votes in Virginia aren’t counted… early, but they are processed

Credit: Jahd Khalil / Radio IQ

Early votes are not counted early. But as Michael Pope explains, they are processed early.

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Program provides safe water and septic to Virginians, but now it’s out of funding

Sherry Angell walking on her family’s property past the spring-fed system that has provided water to her house for more than 60 years. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ)

More than a million Virginia families have septic systems at home. State officials estimate about half those systems are so old they pose health risks. The same goes for thousands of drinking water systems.

Now, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, a new grant program to help families get safe water and septic has been so popular it’s already running out of money.

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The role of affordable housing on this year’s election

Voters aren’t just determining the future of Congress in this election. As Michael Pope reports, many local elections will determine important land-use questions.

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What an “October surprise” looks like in the age of the election season

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As more and more people choose to vote early, the pace of campaigns is changing. Michael Pope reports.

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First ‘Nation’s Report Card’ since pandemic shows steep learning loss for Virginia students

Numbers released Monday by the Department of Education show unprecedented declines nationwide in math and reading for American 4 and 8th grade students.

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the numbers show academic setbacks throughout the pandemic, including here in Virginia.

And, as Michael Pope reports, the scores are creating a new discussion about what’s happening in public school classrooms across Virginia.

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Va. News: A missing squash, Chesterfield County marijuana dispensary

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Chesterfield County says federal law blocks it from approving a marijuana dispensary even though Virginia law allows it. And, a reward is being offered for the return of a giant squash that went missing after winning a Blue Ribbon at the Virginia State Fair.

Those have been among the most read stories during the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link. More now from Fred Echols and Edie Gross with VPAP.

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How should Virginia schools measure student progress?

What should happen to a school that doubles test scores but still does not make the grade? Michael Pope reports.

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CPI numbers show energy costs continue to rise in Virginia

Fuel and utilities are leading the items that are more expensive now than a year ago in Virginia. Michael Pope explains some of the details.

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New poll shows the many opinions among Virginians on abortion access

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Abortion is one of the hottest issues on the campaign trail this year, and a new poll from Christopher Newport University shows voters have conflicted opinions. Michael Pope explains.

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State health officials tweak monkeypox vaccination outreach strategy

Monkeypox is affecting a very small portion of Virginians – but officials are still taking the virus seriously.

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, Virginia’s Department of Health has learned some lessons from early on in the monkeypox outbreak and is now adjusting outreach strategies.

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Report: Virginia’s bail bond industry often avoids accountability

A new report takes aim at an industry that makes money by promising to return defendants to court. But, as Michael Pope reports, it’s often law enforcement agencies that end up doing the work.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: The national profile of Governor Glenn Youngkin

Governor Glenn Youngkin has been in office for less than a year, but his national campaigning has put him in the spotlight ahead of this year’s midterm elections.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright discuss Youngkin’s national profile.

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Riggleman endorses Spanberger, continuing a long line of cross-party endorsements in Virginia

A screenshot from the new ad.

As the race for Congress heats up, one prominent Republican is throwing his support behind a Democrat. Michael Pope reports.

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Va. News: Potomac River bridge dispute and alcohol at a busy, Virginia mall

Credit: VPAP

People opposed to the demolition of a Potomac River bridge have taken the issue to federal court. And, one of Virginia’s busiest malls wants to add alcohol to its list of attractions.

Those have been among the most read stories during the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link. More now from Fred Echols and Edie Gross.

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Environmental groups aren’t a fan of Governor Youngkin’s energy plan

Environmentalists are taking issue with the governor’s new energy plan that keeps fossil fuels in the mix, while also growing alternative sources like nuclear. Michael Pope reports.

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A new report suggests collective bargaining is a boon for Virginia teachers and schools

Educators across Virginia are pushing for better wages and working conditions. Michael Pope reports that in some places that could mean collective bargaining.

Click here for the findings from the Commonwealth Institute.

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Has this home been flooded? Ask before you buy

Credit: Climate Central

A warmer climate means rainfall events can be more intense – creating a greater risk for flash floods.

Now, the Natural Resources Defense Council is advising people considering a home purchase to try and find out if the property has been swamped in the past.  Sandy Hausman has that story.

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A new tourism ad featuring Governor Glenn Youngkin is raising questions

A screenshot from the new ad.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation has a new ad campaign featuring Governor Glenn Youngkin. Michael Pope tells us the ad agency doing the spots helped the governor get elected last year.

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New data shows Virginia’s military industrial complex is booming

The war in Ukraine is creating a humanitarian crisis in Europe. But it’s also creating demand for defense industries in Virginia, as Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia offers millions of dollars each year in film incentives, but is that investment worth it?

A still from the show ‘Dopesick’, which partially filmed in Virginia. (Credit: Gene Page / Hulu)

The state spends more than $10 million a year to attract television shows and motion pictures to Virginia. Is it worth it? Michael Pope reports.

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Pope & Schapiro: Student walkouts and Youngkin’s continued campaigning

The Youngkin administration’s guidelines for transgender students led to classroom walkouts across Virginia this week.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss that and the week that was in state politics.

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School policies could have major health implications for transgender kids, experts say

Virginia came under a national spotlight this week as kids marched out of schools across the state – protesting a proposed change in how transgender youth are treated in public schools. Mallory Noe-Payne has this look at the possible health implications of the policy shift. 

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The role of Virginia colleges and universities in the national semiconductor push

The federal government is about to start making huge amounts of money available to help encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Michael Pope reports that Virginia higher ed programs will be part of that effort.

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Under changes made in 2017, many Virginia schools are fully accredited

Most schools across Virginia are fully accredited. Michael Pope has the story.

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Forest researcher predicts a colorful fall in Virginia

Fall colors on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. (Credit: Christina Franusich / Virginia Tech)

This year will be a vibrant season to see fall foliage here in Virginia, according to forest researchers. Roxy Todd spoke with one expert who says trees are very healthy because of steady rainfall we had this summer.

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How much early voting is too much?

Credit: Jahd Khalil / Radio IQ

Polls are open Friday for the November election. Michael Pope reports there’s still a debate about how much early voting is enough.

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Senator Warner wants state and local governments to be more transparent with financial data

Senator Mark Warner

One Virginia senator is hoping to increase financial transparency for state and local governments. Michael Pope explains how.

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New study finds that many helmets for kayakers lack protections against brain injuries

A whitewater helmet being tested at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. (Credit Roxy Todd / Radio IQ)

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who go whitewater rafting or kayaking— you may want to check your helmet.

Researchers at Virginia Tech just released their findings after testing thousands of whitewater helmets. And, as Roxy Todd reports, they found only a handful offer enough protection against brain injury.

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Opponents of Youngkin administration transgender student policies weigh options

Opponents of the governor’s new guidelines for transgender students are trying to figure out next steps. Michael Pope reports that might be a lawsuit.

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Will school divisions follow Youngkin administration’s transgender student policies?

Schools across Virginia may be about to take another look at policies regarding transgender students. Michael Pope reports.

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The debate over Confederate memorials in Virginia is far from over

The battle over Confederate statues and memorials is not over. Michael Pope reports on the latest developments.

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Advocates say child poverty rates in Virginia are low thanks to pandemic-related relief

Credit: MBandman / Flickr, Creative Commons: flickr.com/photos/mbandman/23033039562

Pandemic-era relief for families may end up pulling many children out of poverty in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia is required to follow California EV standard, dealers prepare for electric future

For many car buyers, finding an electric vehicle can be difficult. But a new Virginia law is about to dramatically transform the landscape of automobile sales, as Michael Pope reports.

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Misinformation top concern for local registrars heading into election season

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As we reported last week, Virginia’s Attorney General recently announced the formation of an Election Integrity Unit – a group, he says, that will provide legal advice to the Department of Elections and investigate violations of state elections law. 

Reporter Mallory Noe-Payne recently spoke with some local election officials, and has this look at what they see as the most important priority leading to Election Day.

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Congress weighs options that could have significant impact on the future of the MVP

Congress may soon take action to allow a pipeline to carry fracked natural gas from West Virginia into Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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Communities permitting solar arrays should plan ahead for their removal

Credit: UVA

There are at least 63 large scale solar facilities generating power in Virginia and about twenty more are in the works, but it turns out only a quarter of counties in the state have laws that govern what will happen to those arrays once solar panels stop working. 

Now they’ll be getting some guidance, as Sandy Hausman reports.

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