Archive for category Virginia’s News
Federal Pandemic Aid: Advocates Call for More Affordable Housing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 23, 2021
Lawmakers will be back in Richmond next week to figure out how to spend $4 billion of federal stimulus money. One agenda item they’ll be debating is affordable housing. Michael Pope reports.
With Monday Vote, SW Virginia Stays Unrepresented on Redistricting Commission
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 22, 2021
Federal Pandemic Aid: Advocates Push for Eviction Protections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 22, 2021
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a special session to determine how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money. Some advocates want them to take action to protect people against evictions. Michael Pope reports.
Interest Groups Lining Up Proposals on How to Spend Federal Funding
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2021
Lawmakers are returning to Richmond to figure out how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money. Michael Pope has this preview.
UVA’s Innocence Project Calls on FBI to Take Another Look at 25-Year-Old Cold Case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2021
It’s been 25 years since two women were found dead at their Shenandoah National Park campsite. Now, the FBI has put up posters, hoping to generate new leads, but the Innocence Project in Charlottesville has another idea. Sandy Hausman reports.
Environmentalists Still Battling Fossil Fuels Despite Clean Economy Act
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021
The Virginia Clean Economy Act has been law in Virginia for a year now. However, many environmental groups are still fighting against natural gas projects. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Proposal Would See All Virginia Households Connected to Broadband by 2024
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam proposed a historic investment in the state’s continued efforts to get Virginians connected to broadband Friday. Nick Gilmore has details.
Resignations, Injuries at State Hospitals Increasing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021

A state health official updated lawmakers on the dire situation at Virginia’s mental hospitals Thursday, after she she told five of eight state-run hospitals to stop admitting new patients last week. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Book Explores Why Lack of Broadband Access Has Been a Struggle in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2021
The lack of broadband connection across parts of Virginia has been a source of concern for years. Now, a new book explores why. Michael Pope reports.
Marijuana and Firearms Updates at the Board of Forensic Science
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2021
In a Wednesday meeting the Board of Forensic Science made regulatory changes in light of Marijuana legalization and was briefed on a backlog of firearms and toxicology cases. Jahd Khalil reprots.
Glenn Youngkin Still Not Ready to Answer Questions About Abortion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2021

Republican candidate for governor Glenn Youngkin is on the campaign trail talking to voters. But, he’s not answering questions about one hot-button issue. Michael Pope reports.
Fourth Circuit Says People Under 21 But Older Than 18 Can Buy Handguns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2021

In a win for Second Amendment advocates, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals sided this week with two Central Virginians in their quest to purchase a handgun despite being under the federally required age limit. Brad Kutner reports.
Will SW Virginia Still be Represented on the Redistricting Commission?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021
As Virginia’s redistricting commission prepares for its first public hearings, one the commission’s most pressing issues is replacing one of its members and considering geographic representation on the body in the process. Jahd Khalil reports.
Rebuild VA Program Aims to Get Small Businesses Back on Their Feet
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021

Governor Ralph Northam is hoping a grant program for small businesses will help them stay open and reorient themselves coming out of the pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
Spanberger Talks Up Expanded Child Tax Credit, But Some Say More is Needed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021
Central Virginia Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger held a round table in her district office Tuesday to discuss a new expanded child tax credit championed by the Biden administration. The mothers and child care providers in attendance were excited about the new benefit, but after a year and a half in a pandemic some are hoping for more support. Brad Kutner has more.
Northam Announces First Proposal for ARPA Funds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021

Governor Ralph Northam announced Monday that he wanted $353 million in American Rescue Plan funding to go towards small business recovery, in the first look into the budget proposal that will set the debate over how billions will be spent. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Book Examines Virginia’s Urban-Rural Divide
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 12, 2021
The divide between urban and rural parts of Virginia is a frequent source of tension at the General Assembly. Now, a group of academics and business leaders is taking a look at that divide and what we can learn from it. Michael Pope reports.
VA News: Flooding Could Impact Child Asthma in Portsmouth, Fort Lee Barbers Go On Strike
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 12, 2021
Two Virginia researchers say they’ve found evidence that associates frequent flooding with a higher incidence of asthma. And barbers at Fort Lee have walked off the job claiming their pay has been reduced. 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.
New VCU Poll: Black Virginians Twice as Likely to Face Economic Hardship During Recovery
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2021
The pandemic is hitting racial and ethnic minorities harder in Virginia, according to a new poll. Michael Pope reports.
Unemployment Claims Down Slightly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2021
37,790 Virginians applied for unemployment again in a continuing claim, and 6,825 made an initial claim in the week ending July 3rd, according to numbers released by the Virginia Employment Commission Thursday. Jahd Khalil has details.
A Hot Mic Could Have Lasting Impacts on the Gubernatorial Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 8, 2021
Virginia Retirement System Sees Major Returns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2021
The Virginia Retirement System’s trust fund has reached an all-time high after large investment returns over the past year, representatives told the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission Tuesday. Jahd Khalil reports.
Declining Birth Rates May Transform Virginia Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2021
The declining birth rate is having an influence over planning in school divisions across Virginia. It’s a discussion that’s playing out while lawmakers are trying to figure out what to do with stimulus money. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Redistricting Commissioner Resigns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2021
A resignation from the Virginia Redistricting Commission announced at a meeting Tuesday will upset the partisan balance of the body until a replacement is voted on. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Data Shows More and More of Virginia’s Population is in Deportation Proceedings
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 6, 2021
Across Virginia, a rapidly growing number of people are in deportation proceedings. Michael Pope looks at the numbers.
You can find the new data here.
New Overtime Law is Confusing Some, But Improvement Could Be on the Horizon
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Employers in Virginia now have new requirements for paying overtime. And, lawmakers are already considering ways to improve the new law. Michael Pope reports.
Redistricting Commission Prepares to Meet In-Person for the First Time
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Virginia’s redistricting commission will meet in person for the first time Tuesday. The meeting in Richmond comes after months of virtual meetings. Jahd Khalil reports on how the commissioners and the public will be learning about the process.
VA News: 3D House Printing in Richmond, New Rules limit keeping Reptiles as Pets
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Virginia has taken steps to help wild reptiles and amphibians remain wild in the state. And a new way of making housing more affordable is getting a trial run in Richmond.
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.
Plaintiffs: VEC Processing Claims Too Slowly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
A court filing provided insight into the Virginia Employment Commission’s progress towards resolving tens of thousands of backlogged cases. In a status report released Thursday, legal groups said the pace is not quick enough. Jahd Khalil reports.
Data Appears to Show Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Data released by the Virginia State Police shows a wide disparity in the rate at which Black drivers are involved in traffic stops when compared to their share of Virginia’s population, while data analysts with VSP and the Department of Criminal Justice Services say there may be other benchmarks to compare the data with. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Poll: Unvaccinated Black Virginians More Likely to Get a Shot Than White Virginians
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 2, 2021

A new poll reveals racial disparity among people who are reluctant to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Michael Pope has details.
Water Crossings Next Hurdle for MVP Approval
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 2, 2021
Time was about to run out for Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality to gauge the impact of the Mountain Valley Pipeline on sensitive wetlands in its path. Now, that deadline is being extended until next year. Robbie Harris has details.
Interest Groups Have Many Ideas About How Virginia Should Spend Pandemic Aid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 1, 2021
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond to figure out how to spend billions of dollars in stimulus cash from the federal government. Michael Pope reports every interest group in Virginia is making a case for a piece of the pie.
Robbery Definition Changing in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 1, 2021
Robbery will have a more nuanced definition after a bill reforming the state’s definition becomes law on July 1st. Jahd Khalil reports.
Advocates Rejoice as Marijuana Becomes Legal in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 30, 2021
The prohibition against marijuana is drawing to a close. As of Thursday, pot will be legal in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Online Governing to End, For The Most Part
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 30, 2021
After going online because of the pandemic, zoning decisions and regulatory hearings on Zoom are coming to an end, for the most part. Boards and commissions across the state are having to adjust how they do business. Jahd Khalil reports.
Congressman Connolly Wants to Be Ready for the Next Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 29, 2021
One member of Virginia’s congressional delegation is working across party lines to help head off the next pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
Wild Oysters Overcoming 35-Year Struggle with Deadly Parasite
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 29, 2021

Virginia’s thriving oyster farming industry means the shellfish can be eaten year-round. But wild oysters in the Chesapeake Bay region remain in a struggle to survive. Now, scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have discovered the oysters are evolving to resist a deadly parasite variant outbreak that began 35 years ago. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Key Tenant Protection Expiring; New Protections Going into Effect
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 29, 2021
June 30th is the last day a key tenant protection will be in force, even as a federal moratorium on evictions for non-payment continues and new state protections go into effect. Jahd Khalil reports.
U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Appeal in Gavin Grimm Case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 28, 2021
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from the Gloucester County School Board Monday. The decision comes after the Richmond-based Fourth Circuit sided with transgender student Gavin Grimm in a fight over his right to use the men’s restroom. Brad Kutner has details.
Va. News: New Police Decertifying Laws, Green Book Research
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 27, 2021
New laws in Virginia have expanded the grounds for decertifying police officers.
And, Virginia places included in the historic Green Book that guided minority travelers in the mid-20th Century are being remembered thanks to new research. More now from Fred Echols.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.
Redistricting Commission Works to Find Law and Communications Firms
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 25, 2021
Few firms are expressing interest in necessary contracts for Virginia’s redistricting commission. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Medicaid Dental Coverage is About Public Health, too
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 25, 2021
750,000 Virginians who use Medicaid are set to gain more comprehensive dental coverage July 1st, in a policy that experts say could improve public health outcomes and costs to the healthcare system. 3.2 million Virginians have no dental insurance, according to the Virginia Health Care Foundation. Jahd Khalil reports.
Secretary of Finance: Budget Surplus Could be Close to $2 Billion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 24, 2021
Virginia should see a budget surplus as high as $2 billion, the Secretary of Finance told the House of Delegates’ Appropriations Committee Wednesday, but much of the money would have to be deposited into legally required funds. Jahd Khalil reports.
Virginia’s Falling Birth Rate and What it Means for the Future
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 23, 2021
Birth rates are declining in Virginia, a trend that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. That could have dramatic consequences for decades to come. Michael Pope reports.
Liberation Party Candidate Princess Blanding to Be On November Ballot
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 18, 2021
Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin won’t be the only names on the ballot for governor. Michael Pope reports about another choice for voters.
New Report: Virginia Is Religiously Diverse, Even in Rural Parts of the State
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 17, 2021

Fewer people are attending religious services across the country. But new data from the University of Virginia shows a surprising amount of diversity in rural parts of the Commonwealth. Michael Pope reports.
New Report: Traffic Fatalities Went Up in 2020 Despite Fewer Drivers on the Road
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 17, 2021

A new report shows disturbing trends in traffic fatalities in 2020, despite less driving. A Virginia Tech professor says the pandemic brought the perfect storm of conditions for high-risk behavior. Jeff Bossert reports.
American Rescue Plan Money is Headed to Virginia; How Should the State Use It?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 16, 2021
The federal government is about to spend millions of dollars to rescue Virginia schools. So how will all that money be spent? Michael Pope reports.


































