Archive for category Virginia’s News
Legislation Allowing Small Town EDA’s to Skip Public Disclosure Moves Forward in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2021
Lawmakers are debating a way to prevent disclosure of potential conflicts of interest in economic development boards. Michael Pope explains.
Virginia School Divisions Could Get Some Help with Expanding Broadband Access
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2021
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.
Bill Moving May Local Elections to November Advances to House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 21, 2021
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would move all local elections from May to November. Michael Pope reports.
Effort to Censure State Senator Amanda Chase Moves Forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 19, 2021
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.
State Lawmakers Trying to Iron Out Fine Details of Potential Marijuana Legalization
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 19, 2021
Lawmakers may be on the verge of legalizing marijuana in Virginia. But, they need to wrestle with some thorny issues first. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Seeking to Expand Health Insurance Coverage for Abortion Services Advances
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 18, 2021
A bill that expands insurance coverage of abortion services is moving forward in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Effort to Shut Down Virginia’s Only Private Prison Dies an Early Death in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2021
Suetterlein Bill Meant to Provide More Flexibility for Schools, Not Kill Snow Days
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2021
After the pandemic is over, schools across Virginia might end up continuing some version of virtual education. Michael Pope reports.
Northam: Vaccination Efforts Ramping Up, New Guidelines for Reopening Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2021
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.
2021 Session Starts with Familiar Debate Over Abortion Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 13, 2021
Lawmakers are back in session, and they’re debating a familiar topic of disagreement: abortion. Michael Pope reports.
The 2021 General Assembly Session is Now Underway
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 13, 2021
Lawmakers are back in session at the General Assembly for a session unlike any other. Michael Pope reports.
Taking a Look at What to Expect from the 2021 General Assembly Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 12, 2021
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.
One State Senator’s Push to Close Virginia’s Only Private Prison
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 11, 2021
Some Members of Virginia Delegation Weigh In on Potential Trump Removal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 8, 2021
Congress is considering several efforts to remove the president from office. Michael Pope spoke with some members of Virginia’s delegation.
Some Critics Say Citizen Members of Virginia’s New Redistricting Commission Aren’t Balanced
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 6, 2021
Northam: Teachers and Childcare Workers to Be Included in Next Round of Vaccines
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 6, 2021
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.
Could a Proposal to Add Paid Sick Days Make it Through This Year’s General Assembly Session?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 5, 2021
Lawmakers are about to begin a new General Assembly session, and resume an ongoing debate over paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.
Some State Republicans Want to “Sunset” Any Legislation Passed During a Virtual Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 4, 2021
General Assembly to Consider New Legal Requirements for Farm Workers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 31, 2020

Later this month, lawmakers in Richmond will consider a bill meant to help farm workers. Michael Pope has the story.
State Lawmakers to Consider School Nurses Definition Later this Month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 31, 2020
As public schools are working towards a potential reopening in 2021, lawmakers are taking a look at school nurses. Michael Pope reports.
A Change to Virginia’s Excise Peanut Tax Could Be on the Table Next Month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 30, 2020

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.
Census 2020 and Virginia’s “Disappearing White Majority”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 29, 2020
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.
An Increase to the Minimum Wage in Virginia Currently Doesn’t Apply to All Workers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2020
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.
Va. News: Christmas Joy to People and Pets
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2020
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.
Right to Appeal or Court Packing? A Look at the Move to Expand Virginia’s Court of Appeals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 22, 2020
Cutting Carbon: Should Virginia Join the Transportation and Climate Initiative?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 21, 2020
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.
Wildlife Center of Virginia Sees Record Number of Patients
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 18, 2020
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.
The Economic Impact of COVID-19 is Hurting Certain Parts of Virginia More than Others
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 18, 2020
The economic crisis is hitting some parts of Virginia harder than others. Michael Pope has the story.
Amanda Chase’s Recent Comments Sparking Chatter About Removing Her from State Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 17, 2020
Fallout from President Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the election may be extending into the Virginia state Senate. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Outlines Proposals for Two-Year Budget, Kicking off the Third Budget Process This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2020
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.
Three Virginia Republicans Asked the Supreme Court to Throw Out Ballots
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2020
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.
State Lawmakers Face Unique Challenge With Doling Out Education Funding Next Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2020
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.
Northam Announces Curfew, Other Restrictions Amid Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2020

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.
McAuliffe to Run Again: What’s the Historical Context for Governors Returning to Executive Mansion?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 9, 2020
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.
As Carroll Foy Resigns, Other Lawmakers Weigh Options for 2021 Campaigning
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 8, 2020
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.
State Republicans Ditching Primary Election for 2021 Gubernatorial Nomination Process
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2020
Virginia Republicans will hold a convention rather than a primary next year to determine the party’s candidate for governor. Michael Pope has details.
Virginia Business Leaders Working to Keep the Commonwealth Rolling in the Right Direction
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 4, 2020
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.
State Lawmakers Urged to Consider Changing Language on Disabilities
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 3, 2020
Lawmakers are considering legislation that might change how we speak about people with disabilities. Michael Pope reports.
Tired of Virginia’s Political Maps? Now’s Your Chance to Help Draw Them
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 2, 2020
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.
Marijuana Legalization May Be on the Horizon in Virginia, But Questions Remain for Banks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 1, 2020
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.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Where People Want to Live
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2020
The pandemic economy is influencing the prices of rental housing, and where people are choosing to live. Michael Pope has details.
Latest Figures Show Down Unemployment Numbers, But There’s Still a Long Road Ahead
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2020
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.
‘What We Were Meant To Do’ Medical Reserve Corps Preps for Vaccinations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 25, 2020
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.
A Look at Why So Many House of Delegates Members are Running for Statewide Offices
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 25, 2020
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.
Examining the Future of the Republican Party Post Trump? Look No Further than Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 24, 2020
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.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Opens to the Public
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 24, 2020

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.
Opponents of BrdsNBz Hotline Want Trump Administration to Intervene in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 23, 2020
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.
UVA Uses Smart Phones and Watches to Search for Early Signs of Sickness and Brain Injury
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 23, 2020

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.
Report: Virginia Hasn’t Done Much to Improve Ethics and Transparency Since McDonnell Scandal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 20, 2020
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.
Virginia Restaurants Coming to Terms with New Alcohol Restrictions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 19, 2020
Restaurants across Virginia are adapting to new rules about when they can serve alcohol. Michael Pope reports.


























