Archive for category Virginia’s News

A Closer Look at the Narrative Surrounding Virginia’s Crime Rate

Credit: NPR

If you’ve seen many political ads this fall, you may have the impression that Virginia is experiencing a crime wave. But, criminal justice advocates say the numbers tell a different story. Michael Pope reports.

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Dominion Settlement Yields Money for Offshore Wind, Smart Meters and Refunds to Consumers

Credit: U.S. Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management

In 2015, Virginia’s General Assembly passed a law that barred state regulators from looking at the financial records kept by the state’s largest utility – Dominion.  This year the books were open, and customers will be paying a little less for power as Sandy Hausman reports.

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Federal Hemp Survey Could Help Lack of Info in Virginia

Virginia legalized small amounts of marijuana this July, but hemp, which comes from the same plant, has been regulated in the state since 2015. The USDA is asking farmers about their hemp crops for the first time nationwide. The survey could give valuable data to hemp farmers who lack information and for investors looking to build infrastructure for the burgeoning industry. Jahd Khalil has details.

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Cleaning Up Virginia’s Energy Grid Could Have a Hefty Price Tag

The cost of energy is on the rise across Virginia, prompting a debate about the cost of addressing climate change. Michael Pope reports.

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Many Workers Haven’t Returned; Could That Lead to More Automation?

As schools return to in-person classes and pandemic-restrictions are reduced, Virginia’s economy is still missing many of the workers from before the pandemic. Michael Pope reports.

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New Federal Data Shows Job Growth Varies Across Virginia

Federal data shows job growth in Virginia is uneven. As Michael Pope reports, one part of the Commonwealth is doing particularly well.

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Controversy Abounds for Virginia’s Redistricting Commission

Commission members met virtually Monday morning following a heated meeting Friday (Credit: Redistricting Commission Livestream)

Virginia’s Redistricting Commission remains embroiled in controversy. Members spent much of Monday’s meeting discussing last week’s fireworks. Nick Gilmore has details.

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With Commission Deadlocked on Race’s Relationship to Districts, Most Public Comment Focuses on Local Concerns

The Virginia Redistricting Commission gathering public comment for the Central Region, on October 6th, 2021. (Credit: Screenshot / Virginia Redistricting Commission)

Commissioners hoped public comment would guide their work ahead of a deadline Sunday. There was widespread public participation, but relatively few commenters spoke about race and ethnicity’s place in the new maps despite that issue being the main roadblock to consensus maps. Jahd Khalil reports.

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City Council to Library Boards: Should Local Entities Be Allowed to Meet Virtually?

The pandemic has opened up local governments to all kinds of virtual meetings. But that was only during the declared state of emergency. Michael Pope reports on an effort to keep at least some of those electronic meetings after the pandemic is over.

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Changes to SNAP Mean More Benefits Are on the Way to Virginia Families

Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Struggling families across Virginia are about to get a little more help. Michael Pope reports that people who receive food assistance are about to see a moderate increase.

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A McAuliffe Veto Has Become a Flash Point in the Governor’s Race

The debate between the major party candidates for governor this week is renewing a discussion about what books are taught to schoolchildren. Michael Pope reports.

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Incumbency Returns to Redistricting Debate, Again

A proposed map for the House of Delegates displayed during the September 29, 2021 meeting of the Virginia Redistricting Commission. (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

Virginia’s Redistricting Commission continues to make compromises on its own criteria as an October 10th deadline quickly approaches. Incumbency, a familiar and unpopular issue, is resurfacing. Jahd Khalil reports.

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RC Poll: McAuliffe Leads Youngkin by Seven Points; Republicans More Enthusiastic to Vote

Credit: NPR

Fresh on the heels of the second and final debate, a new poll shows the race for governor is still tight leading into the final few weeks of the election. Michael Pope reports.

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What Makes New Districts “Fair?”

Senator George Barker (left), Senator Bill Stanley, and Delegate Delores McQuinn discuss maps during a September 27, 2021 meeting of the Virginia Redistricting Commission. (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

The Virginia Redistricting Commission considered maps for the House of Delegates Wednesday. And the question of “political fairness” is likely to continue to arise, both because of legal requirements on the commission and politics. Jahd Khalil reports.

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Youngkin, McAuliffe to Meet in Final Debate Tuesday Night

The race for governor is in the spotlight this week, as the two major-party candidates meet for the last time in a televised debate. Michael Pope has this preview.

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What Happens When the Sun Isn’t Shining? Virginia’s Need for Renewable Backups

Virginia is in the midst of a transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. And as Michael Pope reports, that transition will require new ways to store energy for when it’s needed.

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Virginia’s Supreme Court Rejects Prison Gerrymandering Lawsuit

Credit: Morgan Riley / Creative Commons, Wikimedia Commons; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SupremeCourtofVirginiaBuilding.JPG

The Supreme Court of Virginia is already weighing in on redistricting, closing the door on the practice of prison gerrymandering. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia Nurses in Crisis

A recent survey showed one in four nurses got mental health services in the last year, and more than half said they were exhausted by the COVID pandemic.  Tuesday, the Virginia Nurses Association held a news conference to beg for public support as Sandy Hausman reports.

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One Virginia Lawmaker is Working to Boost the Federal Government’s Performance

How well is the federal government performing? A bill on the House floor this week from one Virginia congressman to improve performance in Washington. Michael Pope reports.

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The Virginia Lottery Has Thrived During the Pandemic

The pandemic has upended the economy and the supply chain.

As Michael Pope reports, it has also created a lucky break for the Virginia Lottery.

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Are Virginia’s Kids Getting Enough Sleep?

Chris Winter is a neurologist and author of The Rested Child. As an expert on sleep, he’s heard from plenty of parents who’ve gotten the wrong diagnosis for kids who stay up or sleep late. Sandy Hausman recently spoke with him about his new book.

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More Secure Digital Vaccine Status Now Live

Virginias will no longer have to carry oddly-shaped vaccination cards in many circumstances.

If you’re concerned about carrying around your vaccine card, the Department of Health made an announcement Thursday that’s probably of interest. Jahd Khalil reports a digital option is now live.

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Redistricting Commission Gives Map Instructions, but Deadlocks on Key Questions on Race

Republican counsel Christopher Bartolomucci, left, speaks with Senator Ryan McDougle, Mackenzie Babichenko, and Delegate Marcus Simon during a break of the Virginia Redistricting Commission’s meeting on September 15, 2021. (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

Long-awaited new political maps are going to be up for review on Monday. Wednesday, the redistricting commission gave map-drawers instructions. Jahd Khalil reports that they agreed on some things but vehemently disagreed on others.

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McAuliffe, Youngkin Set to Meet in First Gubernatorial Debate Thursday

Credit: NPR

Thursday, candidates for governor will square off in the first of two debates. Michael Pope has this preview.

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Virginia Ranks Towards the Bottom in Education Spending Per Student

Virginia is one of the wealthiest states in America. But as Michael Pope reports, it also ranks toward the bottom of the pack for education spending.

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Statue Of Confederate Robert E. Lee Comes Down In Virginia

Credit: Governor’s Office Livestream

History was made in Richmond Wednesday, as a massive statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee finally came down. Jahd Khalil was there and has this report. 

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Other Virginia Localities May Soon Follow Roanoke’s Lead on Plastic Bag Tax

Local governments across Virginia are considering implementing a new plastic bag tax. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia Supreme Court Rules State Can Remove Lee Statue

Protesters gather around the Lee Monument in 2020. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)

After a year and a half of legal battles the Supreme Court of Virginia cleared Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to remove a statute of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from downtown Richmond Thursday. Brad Kutner has more.

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Republican Glenn Youngkin Rolls Out Tax Proposals

Credit: Michael Pope

Republican candidate for governor Glenn Youngkin is providing some more detail about what he might do if elected. Michael Pope reports.

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New CNU Poll: Nine Point Lead for McAuliffe

McAuliffe’s official photo from his previous stint as Virginia’s governor.

A new poll in the race for governor is showing a significant lead for one candidate. Michael Pope has details.

You can see the entire poll here.

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Advocates Worry Virginia’s Broadband Plans Don’t Do Enough for Low-Income People

Governor Ralph Northam and Democrats in the General Assembly recently appropriated hundreds of millions of dollars to expand broadband across rural parts of Virginia. But as Michael Pope reports, advocates complain that only a small fraction of that money is set aside for helping low-income people connect to the internet.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Taking Center Stage in Gubernatorial Race

Credit: NPR

The FDA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine has created a new twist the race for governor. Michael Pope reports.

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Citizen Commissioners Win in Mapping Debate

Members of Virginia’s Redistricting Commission discuss how to proceed after the US Census Bureau released data used for drawing new political maps. (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

The Virginia Redistricting Commission voted to start their maps from scratch Monday, instead of modifying current political districts, marking a victory for citizen commissioners. Jahd Khalil has details.

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New Census Data Suggests Housing Construction is Bouncing Back

New numbers from the Census Bureau show how the housing boom is shaping construction across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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Some Localities in Virginia Throwing Shade at Solar Projects

The future’s so bright for solar energy, some local governments want to put on shades. Many planning commissions and county supervisors across Virginia are considering restrictions on solar panels. Michael Pope reports.

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Concerns Over Distribution of Funds for School HVAC Upgrades Heating Up

Schools across Virginia are about to get federal stimulus money to help them pay for upgrades to their HVAC systems. But, some are concerned about how that money will be distributed. Michael Pope reports.

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Can Confederate Monuments Be Recycled?

James O’Neil, owner of the O.K. Foundry in Richmond, poses with the iron chair commissioned by a New York City gallery. (Credit: RADIO IQ)

As cities all over the South remove confederate monuments, most are also debating what to do with  statues that weigh 8,000 pounds or more.  In Charlottesville, members of city council have suggested melting them down and providing bronze to local artists who could make new sculptures from it. 

We asked reporter Sandy Hausman to find out how that might work.

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Asian Fly Threatens Fruit Crops, Vineyards and Everyone’s Back Yard

Credit: Cooperative Extension

Officials are asking for public help in tracking a bug that threatens Virginia’s fruit crops and vineyards. The spotted lanternfly, first seen here in 2018, is on the move – invading counties where it wasn’t found before. Sandy Hausman has details.

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Advocates Lament Lack of Funding for Social Services at Community Schools

Many advocates across Virginia are hoping local community schools could become a hub for social services. But, they’re dealing with a major setback. Michael Pope reports.

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McAuliffe Not Saying Much About Right to Work… For Now

Labor groups across Virginia are hoping that Virginia joins other states in ditching its controversial right-to-work law, which prevents employers from compelling employees to pay union dues. Michael Pope reports that that’s an issue former Governor Terry McAuliffe doesn’t have much to say about.

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New Poll: McAuliffe Holds a 5-Point Advantage Over Youngkin

Credit: NPR

The August temperatures aren’t the only thing getting hotter. The campaign for governor is heating up as the fall election season draws closer. Michael Pope reports.

Here’s a link to the poll.

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General Assembly Agrees to Budget for ARPA billions

The General Assembly approved a budget compromise between the House of Delegates and the Senate Monday, adding millions for public safety and law enforcement, but which amounted to a small fraction of the $4.3 billion legislators appropriated. Jahd Khalil reports.

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State Democrats Send Eight New Judges to the Virginia Court of Appeals

Credit: Michael Pope

The Virginia Appeals Court is getting a makeover, including new powers and new judges. Michael Pope reports the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate have approved a diverse slate of new judges.

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Equity Programs Debate Leads to Fireworks in the House of Delegates

Legislators were in Richmond Monday to make a final decision on $3 billion of federal relief money. But, a debate over equity programs in public schools produced the bigger fireworks. Michael Pope reports.

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Lawmakers Going Behind Closed Doors to Come Together on State Budget

Many lawmakers were hoping for a lightning fast special session this week. But, now members of the House and Senate are haggling over the details. Michael Pope reports.

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House OK’s State Budget, But Virginia Senate Adds a Few Amendments

Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ

The House of Delegates is moving forward with a massive spending plan to appropriate billions of dollars of stimulus cash. Michael Pope has details.

Members of the Virginia Senate say the stimulus spending plan the governor sent them isn’t good enough, and they’re suggesting a change that would help sheriff’s deputies. Reporter Michael Pope has more on their proposed amendments.

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Lawmakers Working to Iron Out Wrinkles in Eviction Protections

Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ

Lawmakers are back in Richmond trying to figure out how to spend billions of dollars in federal stimulus money. Michael Pope reports the spending bill is also expected to have language aimed at helping guard against evictions.

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State Democrats Pushing for a Speedy Special Session

The Virginia Senate chamber has been outfitted with individual plexiglass boxes for every senator. (Credit: Michael Pope)

Democrats who are in charge of the General Assembly are hoping to oversee a swift special session to spend billions of dollars in federal stimulus money. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia Lawmakers Convene In Person For Special Session

The House of Delegates prepares to begin the special session. Some members wore masks but many others did not. (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

Legislators returned to the Virginia State Capitol for the first time since the spring of 2020. Reporter Jahd Khalil reports from the capitol. 

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Governor Avoids Mandates Despite Rising New Cases

Governor Ralph Northam on a tour of Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions on July 22, 2021 (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

Governor Ralph Northam said he was going to stick with encouraging vaccination and other safeguards rather than mandating them in a variety of contexts Thursday, despite accelerating new cases. Jahd Khalil reports.

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