Archive for category Virginia’s News

Legislation Allowing Small Town EDA’s to Skip Public Disclosure Moves Forward in Richmond

Lawmakers are debating a way to prevent disclosure of potential conflicts of interest in economic development boards. Michael Pope explains.

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Virginia School Divisions Could Get Some Help with Expanding Broadband Access

School divisions across Virginia are struggling to make sure they have the kind of broadband connections necessary for distance learning. Michael Pope reports on a bill in the General Assembly that might help.

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Bill Moving May Local Elections to November Advances to House of Delegates

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would move all local elections from May to November. Michael Pope reports.

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Effort to Censure State Senator Amanda Chase Moves Forward

State Senator Amanda Chase (Credit: Senate of Virginia)

Members of the Virginia state Senate are taking action to censure a senator who spoke at the rally that led to the attack on the Capitol. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Trying to Iron Out Fine Details of Potential Marijuana Legalization

Credit: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Lawmakers may be on the verge of legalizing marijuana in Virginia. But, they need to wrestle with some thorny issues first. Michael Pope reports.

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Bill Seeking to Expand Health Insurance Coverage for Abortion Services Advances

A bill that expands insurance coverage of abortion services is moving forward in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.

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Effort to Shut Down Virginia’s Only Private Prison Dies an Early Death in Richmond

The Lawrenceville Correctional Center is the only privately-operated prison in Virginia. (Credit: geogroup.com)

Lawmakers are rejecting an effort to abolish private prisons in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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Suetterlein Bill Meant to Provide More Flexibility for Schools, Not Kill Snow Days

State Senator David Suetterlein (Credit: Senate of Virginia)

After the pandemic is over, schools across Virginia might end up continuing some version of virtual education. Michael Pope reports.

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Northam: Vaccination Efforts Ramping Up, New Guidelines for Reopening Schools

Virginia’s governor announced plans to speed up vaccine distribution and the reopening of schools. Nick Gilmore has details.

You can find that new guidance from the Virginia Department of Education here.

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2021 Session Starts with Familiar Debate Over Abortion Legislation

Lawmakers are back in session, and they’re debating a familiar topic of disagreement: abortion. Michael Pope reports.

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The 2021 General Assembly Session is Now Underway

Lawmakers are back in session at the General Assembly for a session unlike any other. Michael Pope reports.

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Taking a Look at What to Expect from the 2021 General Assembly Session

Lawmakers are about to begin the 2021 General Assembly session. They’re already at odds with each other over how long the session will last. Michael Pope has that story.

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One State Senator’s Push to Close Virginia’s Only Private Prison

The Lawrenceville Correctional Center is Virginia’s only privately-operated prison facility. (Credit: geogroup.com)

State lawmakers are about to consider a bill that would outlaw private prisons. Michael Pope reports.

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Some Members of Virginia Delegation Weigh In on Potential Trump Removal

Credit: NPR

Congress is considering several efforts to remove the president from office. Michael Pope spoke with some members of Virginia’s delegation.

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Some Critics Say Citizen Members of Virginia’s New Redistricting Commission Aren’t Balanced

Credit: NPR

Last year, voters approved a new commission to draw political boundaries for the General Assembly and Congress. Now, that commission is taking shape. Michael Pope reports.

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Northam: Teachers and Childcare Workers to Be Included in Next Round of Vaccines

Governor Ralph Northam

Virginia has begun vaccinating people on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, Governor Ralph Northam has provided a roadmap for the state’s next steps. Nick Gilmore has details.

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Could a Proposal to Add Paid Sick Days Make it Through This Year’s General Assembly Session?

Lawmakers are about to begin a new General Assembly session, and resume an ongoing debate over paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.

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Some State Republicans Want to “Sunset” Any Legislation Passed During a Virtual Session

Credit: NPR

Lawmakers are about to begin the 2021 session of the General Assembly, and Republicans are not happy about meeting virtually. Michael Pope reports.

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General Assembly to Consider New Legal Requirements for Farm Workers

Credit: Dave McLear / Flickr, Creative Commons: flickr.com/photos/dmclear/4935228492/in/photolist-8w7kuq-oDFm1Q-osGy9p-cYZbSm-oiNbpf-oMsucd-88iv6e-p3YcNH-QZJEVX-fA1Kou-5jhfU6-f8MABz-6W5mfc-8KEUz4-8C5pCb-aQ1KPi-KzL5st-AZaxJL-2MThFW-5aqUwM-nTqEnD-Vh55GJ

Later this month, lawmakers in Richmond will consider a bill meant to help farm workers. Michael Pope has the story.

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State Lawmakers to Consider School Nurses Definition Later this Month

Credit: NPR

As public schools are working towards a potential reopening in 2021, lawmakers are taking a look at school nurses. Michael Pope reports.

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A Change to Virginia’s Excise Peanut Tax Could Be on the Table Next Month

As lawmakers are preparing for the upcoming General Assembly session, they’re considering one bill aimed at an important staple of Virginia’s agriculture sector. Michael Pope explains.

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Census 2020 and Virginia’s “Disappearing White Majority”

Credit: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

The 2020 Census is likely to show a Virginia that’s very different than the one from a decade ago. Michael Pope has this preview of what people can expect to learn from the numbers.

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An Increase to the Minimum Wage in Virginia Currently Doesn’t Apply to All Workers

Earlier this year, lawmakers passed an increase to the minimum wage in Virginia. But there’s one group of low-wage workers who won’t see an increase. Michael Pope reports.

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Va. News: Christmas Joy to People and Pets

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project

Christmas can bring joy to dogs as well as people and two of the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link prove the point. More now from Fred Echols.

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Right to Appeal or Court Packing? A Look at the Move to Expand Virginia’s Court of Appeals

Virginia’s Court of Appeals currently has 11 members. Some lawmakers, including Governor Ralph Northam, want to expand that number to 15. (Credit: Court of Appeals of Virginia website)

Lawmakers are about to consider a proposal to expand the appeals court in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.

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Cutting Carbon: Should Virginia Join the Transportation and Climate Initiative?

Virginia is working with several other states to cut carbon emissions. But, the Commonwealth is not part of a new compact of states raising revenue to take action. Michael Pope reports.

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Wildlife Center of Virginia Sees Record Number of Patients

Warmer winter weather means some bears are not hibernating. (Credit: Wildlife Center of Virginia)

When the pandemic hit Virginia, the Wildlife Center in Waynesboro figured fewer people would be in their cars, and the population of injured animals would probably drop.  Instead, it’s set a record as Sandy Hausman reports.

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The Economic Impact of COVID-19 is Hurting Certain Parts of Virginia More than Others

The economic crisis is hitting some parts of Virginia harder than others. Michael Pope has the story.

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Amanda Chase’s Recent Comments Sparking Chatter About Removing Her from State Senate

State Senator Amanda Chase

Fallout from President Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the election may be extending into the Virginia state Senate. Michael Pope reports.

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Northam Outlines Proposals for Two-Year Budget, Kicking off the Third Budget Process This Year

Lawmakers at the General Assembly will take a look at the state’s budget next month — and they got a proposed blueprint from the governor Wednesday. Michael Pope reports.

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Three Virginia Republicans Asked the Supreme Court to Throw Out Ballots

Credit: gop.com

Presidential Electors cast their votes in Richmond and other state capitols Monday, again confirming Joe Biden as President-elect. Meanwhile, Republicans in the Commonwealth are trying to navigate through a difficult period after the election but before the inauguration. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Face Unique Challenge With Doling Out Education Funding Next Year

Lawmakers will return to Richmond next month – and writing a new budget will be a priority. But, they’ll have to answer some questions about what kind of assumptions they want to make about schools. Michael Pope reports.

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Northam Announces Curfew, Other Restrictions Amid Pandemic

Gov. Ralph Northam announces the new restrictions Thursday afternoon. (Credit: Governor’s office livestream)

New COVID-19 restrictions will go into effect Monday morning thanks to record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 infections. Nick Gilmore has details on what Virginians can expect.

You can find the full executive order here.

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McAuliffe to Run Again: What’s the Historical Context for Governors Returning to Executive Mansion?

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

Virginia is the only state in the country where an incumbent governor is forbidden from running for re-election. But, there’s no prohibition against former governors returning to the Executive Mansion. Michael Pope reports.

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As Carroll Foy Resigns, Other Lawmakers Weigh Options for 2021 Campaigning

As the upcoming General Assembly session approaches, lawmakers who are eyeing statewide office are trying to figure out how to juggle the legislature with the campaign trail. Michael Pope reports.

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State Republicans Ditching Primary Election for 2021 Gubernatorial Nomination Process

Credit: Republican Party of Virginia

Virginia Republicans will hold a convention rather than a primary next year to determine the party’s candidate for governor. Michael Pope has details.

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Virginia Business Leaders Working to Keep the Commonwealth Rolling in the Right Direction

Business leaders from across the country are preparing for a recovery in 2021, and hoping to position Virginia as the best state for business. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Urged to Consider Changing Language on Disabilities

Lawmakers are considering legislation that might change how we speak about people with disabilities. Michael Pope reports.

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Tired of Virginia’s Political Maps? Now’s Your Chance to Help Draw Them

Credit: NPR

Now that voters have approved of a new redistricting commission, half of the members have been named. And, state officials are now taking applications for the other half. Michael Pope reports.

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Marijuana Legalization May Be on the Horizon in Virginia, But Questions Remain for Banks

Credit: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Lawmakers in Virginia may be on the verge of legalizing marijuana. But, nobody is taking that news to the bank just yet. Michael Pope reports.

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The Pandemic’s Impact on Where People Want to Live

The pandemic economy is influencing the prices of rental housing, and where people are choosing to live. Michael Pope has details.

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Latest Figures Show Down Unemployment Numbers, But There’s Still a Long Road Ahead

The number of people collecting unemployment insurance in Virginia has sharply declined in recent months. But, that doesn’t mean the employment situation is improving. Michael Pope reports.

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‘What We Were Meant To Do’ Medical Reserve Corps Preps for Vaccinations

More than 12,000 volunteers have stepped up to help battle the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials say more will be needed before it’s all over. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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A Look at Why So Many House of Delegates Members are Running for Statewide Offices

Credit: NPR

As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session, a huge number of House members are running for statewide office or at least considering a run. As Michael Pope reports, that’s because of a quirk in the calendar this year.

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Examining the Future of the Republican Party Post Trump? Look No Further than Virginia

Credit: gop.com

When Donald Trump is no longer in the White House, what will the future of the Republican Party look like? Michael Pope reports that Virginia might offer a first look.

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Blue Ridge Tunnel Opens to the Public

Visitors stand outside the eastern entrance to the Blue Ridge Tunnel, completed in 1858. (Credit: RADIO IQ)

Virginia’s newest tourist attraction opened this week in Afton.  The Blue Ridge Tunnel was the longest tunnel of its kind when it opened in 1858. 

Today, it’s part of a hiking trail that winds past streams, waterfalls and stories of the people who built this engineering marvel. Sandy Hausman reports.

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Opponents of BrdsNBz Hotline Want Trump Administration to Intervene in Virginia

Credit: ASHA Twitter page

Opponents of a text hotline for teens to ask questions about sex are asking the Trump administration to take action against the program. Michael Pope reports.

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UVA Uses Smart Phones and Watches to Search for Early Signs of Sickness and Brain Injury

Scientists at UVA are combining the sensing power of smart phones, watches and rings to search for early signs of illness or injury. (Credit: UVA)

In the last 20 years Americans have learned just how dangerous concussions can be, and we know early treatment is key to a full recovery.  Now, the University of Virginia is working on a way to diagnose brain injuries sooner and to monitor patients’ recovery. Sandy Hausman reports.

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Report: Virginia Hasn’t Done Much to Improve Ethics and Transparency Since McDonnell Scandal

Credit: Coalition for Integrity Facebook Page

A few years ago, former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell was involved in a political scandal over ethics. And a new report shows the Commonwealth hasn’t improved its standing since then. Michael Pope reports.

You can find the whole report here.

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Virginia Restaurants Coming to Terms with New Alcohol Restrictions

Restaurants across Virginia are adapting to new rules about when they can serve alcohol. Michael Pope reports.

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