Archive for category Virginia’s News

A gas tax holiday is dead in Virginia, but the debate goes on

As Washington considers a holiday for the federal gas tax, here in Virginia the effort to temporarily suspend the state gas tax has reached the end of the road. Michael Pope reports.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: LEGO comes to Virginia

Toy company LEGO is bringing its first U.S. manufacturing facility to Chesterfield County.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about the company’s massive investment and what it means for the Commonwealth.

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A preview of Tuesday’s primary elections in Virginia

Credit: NPR

Tuesday is Election Day in Virginia. Michael Pope has this preview of what you’ll see on the ballot.

Polling places will be open from 6am to 7pm. Anyone in line at 7 will be allowed to cast a ballot. You can find more information here.

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Va. News: LEGO to Chesterfield County and Virginia’s red flag law

Credit: VPAP

Virginia’s red flag law has been used hundreds of times in the past two years, but not everyone is happy about it. And, Chesterfield County will soon be the only place in the U.S. where LEGOs are made.

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 with the Virginia Public Access Project.

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The House of Delegates rejects amendment making it a crime to protest outside judges’ homes

Friday, state legislators had 38 budget amendments to go through. Budgets in Virginia don’t only mean more or less money. They could even mean a new felony, as Jahd Khalil reports from the Capitol. 

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Youngkin amendments move funding to HBCU’s

Lawmakers will return to Richmond Friday to consider a number of budget amendments from the governor. Michael Pope has this report on two that focus on historically Black colleges and universities.

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Advocates wonder why state Democrats didn’t pass an assault weapons ban when they were in power

When Democrats were in control of the General Assembly, they passed a number of measures designed to reduce gun violence. But, as Michael Pope reports, one part of the agenda they were unable to accomplish was banning assault weapons.

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LEGO announces plans to build first US factory in Virginia

LEGO is coming to Virginia. The classic children’s toy company has announced plans to build its second North American manufacturing factory in Chesterfield County, outside Richmond. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.

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The secret to predicting COVID trends? Look at human behavior, study says

Credit: CDC

A new study could make predicting future pandemics more accurate – by combining math with research on human behavior. Roxy Todd has more.

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Will Governor Youngkin include a gas tax holiday in his budget amendments?

House Republicans and Senate Democrats struck a deal on a possible budget that did not include a gas tax holiday. But that’s not the end of the story. As Michael Pope reports, the governor will get a chance to weigh in.

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Governor Youngkin mulls capping scholarship tax credit

Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a budget proposal that some fear might harm scholarships for low-income students. Michael Pope explains why.

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Va. News: Community college housing, wrongfully imprisoned compensation

Credit: VPAP

A bill championed in the General Assembly by the UVA Innocence Project would increase compensation paid to people wrongly imprisoned by the state. And, a Virginia community college will be the first in the Commonwealth to provide housing for students.

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.

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Governor Youngkin’s Violent Crime Task Force already being met with some criticism

Last month, Governor Youngkin cited a violent crime crisis in Virginia and announced the appointment of a task force to address it.  That might seem like a solid political move.  After all, who is in favor of violent crime?  But critics are coming forward as Sandy Hausman reports.

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Va. News: New whale technology, fire ants in Virginia

Credit: VPAP

Fire ants are thriving in Virginia and it seems they’re here to stay. And, new technology is being used to protect whales from lethal collisions with ships.

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 with the Virginia Public Access Project.

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“Operation Ceasefire” may soon be implemented in Virginia

Governor Glenn Youngkin is now considering an investment that would bring a program aimed at reducing violent crime to Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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New penalties may be on the way for small amounts of marijuana possession

Credit: DEA

Marijuana is now legal in Virginia in small amounts. But, as Michael Pope reports, new penalties could be on the horizon.

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After months of negotiations, the General Assembly has come to an agreement on the state budget

Governor Glenn Youngkin is now considering his first budget since taking office. Michael Pope has details.

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PEC working to save Virginia’s grassland birds

Savannah sparrows and other grassland birds have declined dramatically in Virginia. (Credit: October Greenfield)

It’s nesting season for many songbirds including those that live on farmland. 

As Sandy Hausman reports, the population of grassland birds has fallen dramatically in Virginia, and a coalition is hoping to bring them back.

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AG Miyares sets up new work group to investigate organized retail crime

Credit: Jason Miyares’ Facebook Page

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is convening a work group to take a look at organized retail crime in Virginia, a problem he says is harming businesses across the Commonwealth. Michael Pope reports.

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New report: Virginia’s zoning laws have perpetuated racial segregation

A new report says Virginia’s zoning laws have sustained racial segregation in Virginia. And as Michael Pope reports, the authors also make suggestions for fixing the problem.

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Va. News: Alexandria chemicals lawsuit, declining wood turtle population

Credit: VPAP

Virginia’s wood turtle population is still declining despite efforts to preserve the species. And the city of Alexandria is facing a lawsuit over accusations that it dumps toxic chemicals into the Potomac River.

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.

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A look at some of the budget proposals lawmakers will take up next week

Credit: NPR

House and Senate leaders may be on the verge of cutting a deal on the budget. Michael Pope reports.

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Remote work remains popular in Virginia, so what does that mean for localities?

Credit: Pew

A significant number of workers in Virginia are still working from home. And as Michael Pope reports, that’s creating challenges and opportunities for local governments.

40% percent of days are worked from home in Virginia, according to Census data compiled by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

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Budget standoffs are not without precedence in Virginia

Lawmakers ended the General Assembly session without passing a budget, and a final deal has yet to be struck. Michael Pope has this report on the history of budget standoffs

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State lawmakers could finally vote on a budget proposal next week

Lawmakers have yet to finalize an agreement on the budget. But as Michael Pope reports, they might be on the verge of cutting a deal.

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Republicans pick some new faces, with more nomination contests to come

Credit: Jahd Khalil

Republicans are now heading into the fall campaign season with two new candidates. As Michael Pope reports, the candidates secured the nominations in conventions over the weekend.

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New report suggests Virginia schools are falling behind

Governor ⁦Glenn Youngkin says Virginia’s education system suffers from lowered expectations and a lack of transparency. “That all ends today,” he says. (Credit: Michael Pope)

A new report on the state of Virginia schools shows that gaps are widening and scores are dropping. Michael Pope reports.

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Republicans to choose nominees by convention in three Congressional districts Saturday

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Republicans in several parts of Virginia will be choosing their congressional candidates this weekend. Michael Pope has this preview.

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The Virginia debate over security protection for Supreme Court justices

Credit: NPR

Virginia’s governor is clashing with leaders in Fairfax County about security precautions at the home of several Supreme Court justices. Michael Pope reports.

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Federal judge gives preliminary settlement approval for online predatory lending victims

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

The World Wide Web can be a fraught place, especially for people looking for quick cash. As Michael Pope reports, all kinds of companies are trying to skirt Virginia’s law against predatory lending.

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Advocates warn an eviction crisis is looming

Before the pandemic, Virginia had one of the highest rates for evictions in the country. Now, as Michael Pope reports, some are concerned about a coming crisis.

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Student shares the history of free and enslaved Black men at VMI

VMI’s valedictorian did extensive research on the contribution of African Americans to the military institute.

While African Americans fought in every American war from the revolution on, aspiring Black soldiers could not study at the Virginia Military Institute until 1968.  Still one student – this year’s valedictorian — says they made an important contribution to the school.  Sandy Hausman talked with him and filed this report.

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Higher car prices have Virginia localities weighing tax options

Local governments across Virginia are trying to figure out how to handle the rising value of used cars. As Michael Pope reports, what they decide will influence how much tax you pay.

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A historical look: abortion access in Virginia

Credit: Wellness GM / Flickr, Creative Commons: flickr.com/photos/130100316@N04/15728773073/

In 1973, the landmark ruling in Roe versus Wade overturned existing laws that restricted abortions to certain kinds of cases. But as Michael Pope reports, the origin of Virginia’s law prohibiting abortion goes back much further.

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Thanks to Virginia’s long early voting period, polls are already open in some primaries

Credit: NPR

Virginia’s congressional primary is not until June. But as Michael Pope reports, the polls are already open.

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Va. News: Tech competition prize, 540 area code calls

Credit: VPAP

If your area code is 540 get ready to do some additional tapping on the keypad when you make a phone call. And some creative Virginia high school students went to New York and came back with a six-figure cash prize from a national tech 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.

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Virginia school boards: striking a balance between transparency and order

School boards across Virginia are dealing with sometimes hostile parents and potentially dangerous situations. But as Michael Pope reports, they also have to manage the legal requirements for open meetings.

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Should state regulators consider the societal cost?

Some lawmakers are starting to rethink the way regulators approach environmental issues. Michael Pope reports.

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Will Roe leak lead to action at the ballot box?

Credit: NPR

The politics of abortion are becoming increasingly intense. But as Michael Pope reports, they don’t always play out as expected.

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Virginia reactions to potential SCOTUS abortion ruling roll in

As the United States Supreme Court appears ready to overturn Roe v. Wade, advocates on both sides of the issue are preparing for how to handle state law on abortion. Michael Pope reports.

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One state lawmaker hopes to create his own juvenile justice work group after governor’s veto

Advocates for reforming juvenile justice are regrouping after a veto from the governor. Michael Pope explains why.

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What’s next for the Democratic caucus in the House of Delegates?

Democrats in Virginia’s House of Delegates are currently without a leader, leaving open a question about how the divided caucus will forge a path forward. Michael Pope reports.

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What to expect from this year’s reconvene session

Lawmakers will be returning to Richmond Wednesday to finish up some unfinished business. Michael Pope has this preview.

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Va. News: Helping students recovering from substance abuse, grading police officers

Credit: VPAP

A new high school in Chesterfield County is specifically designed to support students recovering from substance abuse. And people in Warrenton, Virginia now have the opportunity to grade local police officers.

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.

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Tribe continues long tradition of treaty ceremony in Richmond

Credit: Jahd Khalil

For 309 years citizens of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County in Virginia have marked a treaty with the English Crown with a tribute. Jahd Khalil was at the executive mansion for this year’s. 

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Pope & Schapiro: Virginia’s reconvene session and what to expect

The General Assembly will be back in Richmond next week for the reconvene session – weighing amendments and vetoes from Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro with the Richmond Times-Dispatch preview what to expect from the session.

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Sponsor says governor’s amendment is the exact opposite of religious expression bill’s intent

Lawmakers will be back in Richmond next week to consider several amendments from the governor. Michael Pope has this story about a controversial amendment on religious expression.

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New book sheds light on Shenandoah Park murders

Julie Williams and Lollie Winans were expert backpackers, killed in Shenandoah National Park 26 years ago. (Credit: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill)

In May of 1996, two young women were murdered in Shenandoah National Park.  The crime scene was just half a mile from the popular Skyland Lodge, and the park was crowded with holiday hikers, but to this day the deaths of Lollie Winans and Julie Williams remain a mystery. 

A new book on the case points to one possible culprit and suggests our national parks are no safer today than they were 26 years ago. Sandy Hausman reports.

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New ALA report: Virginia cities have some of the cleanest air in the country

Roanoke is among the 10 cleanest air quality metro areas in the country according to the new ALA report. (Credit: Joe Ravi – Creative Commons/Wikimedia Commons: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roanoke_City_(Virginia)_from_Mill_Mountain_Star_at_Dusk.jpg)

The American Lung Association has released its annual report on air quality. And, as Nick Gilmore reports, a few Virginia cities have some of the cleanest air in the entire country. 

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AG Miyares uses new law to help an innocent Virginian

Credit: Jason Miyares’ Facebook Page

Virginia’s attorney general is using a new law to help free an innocent man from prison. Michael Pope reports.

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