Archive for category Virginia’s News

Ever wanted to have the grip of an octopus? Researchers at Virginia Tech create an ‘octo-glove’

Chanhong Lee, PhD student at Virginia Tech, is on the team of researchers who developed an underwater glove that mimics an octopus. Behind him is the team’s advisor, Mike Bartlett, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech. (Credit: Roxy Todd/RADIO IQ)

Ever wanted to have the grip of an octopus?

A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has developed an underwater glove designed to do just that. Roxy Todd has more.

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New data shows teacher shortages are hitting Virginia, especially in southside

Schools across Virginia are dealing with a major teacher shortage. Michael Pope reports.

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Democrats are raising more money than Republicans in Virginia’s competitive Congressional races

Credit: NPR

New fundraising numbers show a lopsided advantage for Democrats running in some key Congressional races in Virginia. But, as Michael Pope reports, Republicans have time to make up lost ground.

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Va. News: Fredericksburg bag tax, cell phones in the classroom

Credit: VPAP

Mobile phones can be distractions for students in the classroom. But one local school board in Virginia believes it has the solution to that problem. And, Fredericksburg’s plastic bag tax is bringing in more revenue than the city expected or wanted.

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 VPAP.

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Minority children disproportionately suffer from court fees in Virginia

Children caught up in the court system are often harmed by fines and fees that can be extremely damaging to people struggling to make ends meet. And, as Michael Pope reports, minority children are disproportionately at risk.

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How prosecutor discretion could play into the upcoming abortion debate in Virginia

Credit: NPR

Across Virginia, some Commonwealth’s Attorneys are already saying they will not prosecute abortion cases if it becomes illegal. But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers opposed to abortion could find ways around that.

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Virginia abortion rights advocates mull mobile clinics

Advocates for abortion rights are trying to figure out how Virginia might end up providing the procedure to women from prohibition states. Michael Pope reports.

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Va. News: Rental bidding wars, VDOT snow struggles

Credit: VPAP

Virginia doesn’t have enough contractors to handle snow removal this winter. And, in the current housing market people are finding themselves in bidding wars for rental properties.

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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Youngkin taps Wheeler to run new Office of Regulatory Management

Governor Glenn Youngkin is creating a new office aimed at reducing regulatory requirements in Virginia. Michael Pope reports he’s tapped a controversial figure to lead it.

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Abortion will be at the forefront of next year’s General Assembly session

Credit: NPR

The recent Supreme Court decision on abortion is setting the stage for a General Assembly session where reproductive rights will be on the agenda. Michael Pope reports.

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Eagles again in need of protection

Credit: Wildlife Center of Virginia

Scientists say Virginia and other states around the Chesapeake Bay may once have been home to 3,000 breeding pairs of bald eagles, nourished by a rich supply of fish. 

Their numbers fell dramatically, rebounded and could now be in danger again, as Sandy Hausman reports.

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Vega’s comments could be just the beginning of abortion debate for elections this fall

Credit: Yesli Vega’s Facebook page

The conversation about abortion may end up being a major campaign issue this year. Michael Pope reports it’s already taking center stage in one of Virginia’s most competitive House races.

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How would Virginia prosecutors respond to a 15-week abortion ban?

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is calling on lawmakers to ban abortion in Virginia after 15 weeks of pregnancy. But, as Michael Pope reports, that might be a bit more complicated than it seems.

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The impact of the January 6th committee on Virginia’s 2nd Congressional race

2nd District Congresswoman Elaine Luria

The January 6 Committee may end up influencing one of Virginia’s congressional races this year. Michael Pope explains why.

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Virginia lawmakers react to Roe v. Wade decision

Credit: NPR

Friday’s Supreme Court decision that ended federal protections for abortion is setting up a political battle in Virginia. Jahd Khalil tells us what’s coming next. 

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New report: Virginia is one of the worst offenders when it comes to lax campaign finance laws

Virginia’s lax campaign finance laws are once again in the spotlight for opening the door to corruption. Michael Pope explains why.

You can find the report here.

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A closer look at Republican Yesli Vega’s successful primary campaign

Credit: Yesli Vega’s Facebook page

Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega is now the Republican candidate to run against Democrat Abigail Spanberger in the 7th Congressional District. Michael Pope has this look at her campaign.

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Youngkin ceremonially signs state budget

After months of debate, negotiation and legislation, Governor Glenn Youngkin has put his signature on the state budget. As Jahd Khalil reports, the ceremonial signing Tuesday was held at a venue where Youngkin recorded ads during his bid for governor.

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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

Credit: gop.com

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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