Archive for category Virginia’s News
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.
Congressman Griffith Wants to Prevent People from Taking Advantage of Opioid Crisis
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 17, 2020
The opioid crisis is still gripping rural parts of Virginia, and one Virginia congressman is taking action to limit its supply. Michael Pope reports.
New Virginia COVID-19 Restrictions Begin Monday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 13, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam announced a series of increased restrictions designed to combat the increase of COVID-19 cases. Nick Gilmore has details on the new restrictions set to go into effect at 12:01am Monday.
You can find more information here.
At Least One Lawmaker Wants to Prohibit Private Prisons in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 12, 2020
Lawmakers just ended their special session this week. But they’re already preparing for the next General Assembly session, which begins in about two months. Michael Pope has this preview of one bill that would prohibit private prisons.
State Lawmakers Briefed on School Enrollment and the Pandemic’s Impact
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 12, 2020
Virginia schools are seeing declining enrollment – lawmakers heard details about that during a presentation from the Department of Education Thursday. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Work is Already Underway to Establish the New Redistricting Commission
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2020
Who has the judgement to pick citizen members of the new redistricting commission? Michael Pope reports that’s a decision that will be made by retired judges.
Think School Segregation Ended in the 50’s? This Study says it’s Increasing.
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2020
School segregation is getting worse in Virginia, not better. And one driving factor is segregation within school districts. Those are the findings of a new report out Wednesday from researchers at VCU. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Set to Revisit Expungement Debate After Failing to Reach Agreement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2020
Lawmakers have now ended their three-month special session. And, they left one important piece of business unfinished. Michael Pope reports.
As State Lawmakers Consider Budget Amendments, Debate Over VMI Investigation Ensues
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 9, 2020
Members of the House of Delegates sparred Monday over a proposal from Governor Northam to fund an investigation into accounts of systemic racism at Virginia Military Institute. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Vote Counting Continues Across the Country and in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2020
While national attention is focused on ballots still being counted across the country, and votes are also still being tabulated here in Virginia. As of 4pm Friday, local registrars have reported about 800 additional mail-in ballots received between Election Day and noon on Friday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Eviction-Related Protections Amendment to Be Considered by General Assembly Monday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is sending lawmakers an amendment to a bill aimed at helping renters during the pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virtual Meetings Involving Public Business Continue After the Pandemic?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 5, 2020
During the pandemic, people have gotten used to the idea of virtual meetings. But when the pandemic is over, how much government business should be conducted online? Michael Pope reports about a bill that might come under consideration in January.
What Happens Now That the Redistricting Amendment Has Been Approved?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2020
Voters have approved a constitutional amendment creating a new redistricting commission, which now has a dizzying series of deadlines it must meet. Michael Pope has this preview of the work ahead.
State Election Officials Reflect on Efforts to Safely Vote in a Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2020
As the polls closed yesterday, Commissioner of Elections Chris Piper talked about the changes and challenges Virginia saw during this election. Jahd Khalil has more.
Mark Warner Wins Third Term in U.S. Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2020
U.S. Senator Mark Warner has declared victory in his re-election bid. As Michael Pope reports, he’s heading back to Washington for a third term.
Processed vs. Tabulation: How Vote Counts Will Work on Election Night
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2020
Unlike some other states, Virginia law allows election officials to start processing absentee ballots before Election Day. But, the tabulation of votes won’t start until after the polls close. Michael Pope reports.
Report: Virginia Could See Increased Militia Group Activity on Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2020
As Election Day draws closer, Virginia is one of several states deemed to have a moderate risk of increased activity from militia groups. That’s according to a recent report from the research group MilitiaWatch. But as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, Virginians do have legal protections against voter intimidation at the polls.
Voters can report complaints of intimidation at the Virginia Department of Elections website or by phone – 800-552-9745.
Support for Constitutional Amendment #1 Appears to Be Growing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 29, 2020
There’s a lot more on the ballot than the presidential race. Voters will also consider a constitutional amendment creating a new mapmaking commission to draw political boundaries.
Michael Pope reports on a new poll that shows some good news for supporters of the amendment.
You can find the new poll here.
CNU Poll: Biden Leads Trump by 12, 20-Point Advantage for Warner Over Gade
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2020
Virginia is not among the Presidential swing states that are getting all the time and attention right now. And Michael Pope reports on a new poll that might show why. And Michael Pope reports on a new poll that might show why.
Control of the United States Senate is on the ballot this year, although as Michael Pope reports on polling that shows there isn’t much of a race in Virginia.
You can find the poll here.
Northam Considers Bill Limiting Some Use of Military Equipment by Police
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering dozens of bills lawmakers sent him during a special session on coronavirus and criminal justice reform. Michael Pope reports about one bill that could limit what kind of military equipment is available to police.
Criminal Cases in Virginia Will Work Differently Beginning Next Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2020
Starting next summer, the criminal justice system in Virginia will see a major change in how criminal trials work and what kind of plea deals are offered. Michael Pope reports.
Why Election Night will Likely be a Long One
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2020
Virginia Takes on Race-Motivated 911 Calls
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2020
Calling 911 on someone because they are Black is about to become a felony in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Soybean Seesaw: The Give and Take of Tariffs and Trade Wars
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 22, 2020

Virginia agriculture is taking some hits. But some sectors are benefiting at the expense of others. Michael Pope reports.
Differences Over Conviction Expungement Continue to Divide General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 21, 2020
Lawmakers are mostly done with their special session, although they left some business unfinished. Michael Pope reports on one criminal justice reform that has yet to be resolved.
A Closer Look at Virginia’s U.S. Senate Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 21, 2020
The race for president will be at the top of the ticket this year. But the race just underneath that will be the election for United States Senator between incumbent Democrat Mark Warner and Republican challenger Daniel Gade. Michael Pope has this look at that campaign.
Both Republicans and Democrats Split Over Redistricting Amendment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 20, 2020
Democrats are divided over a constitutional amendment creating a new redistricting commission. And, as it turns out, Republicans are divided too. Michael Pope reports.
You can find the poll here.
Special Session Begins to Wrap Up: What Did Lawmakers Accomplish?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 19, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering several dozen bills lawmakers sent during a two-month special session. Michael Pope reports.
New Study: More Deaths Can Be Attributed to COVID-19
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2020
A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University suggests the death rate from COVID-19 is higher than reported.
Sandy Hausman spoke with its lead author about the under-count, what some states have done wrong during the pandemic and how this state has performed.
Who Should Be Able to Serve on New Redistricting Commission?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2020
Voters are considering a constitutional amendment that would create a new commission to draw political boundaries. But just who is expected to serve on this commission? Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Gets “C” Grade for Future Debt in Unfunded Pensions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 8, 2020
Virginia prides itself on being a state that has a balanced budget. But, that doesn’t mean the Commonwealth is without debt. Michael Pope reports.
Here’s a link to the report from Truth in Accounting.
General Assembly Working Out Differences Over Conviction Expungement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 8, 2020
Leaders in the House and Senate are trying to work out their differences on expunging old convictions. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Are Working to Give Prosecutors More Options
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 6, 2020

Lawmakers are wrapping up their special session on the budget and criminal justice reform. And, they’re about to send a bill to the governor that could transform how cases are handled in your local courthouse. Michael Pope reports.
A Closer Look at Closed-Door Conference Committees
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 6, 2020

Lawmakers are trying to wrap up their special session in Richmond, although they’ll need to resolve several major differences between the House version of bills and the Senate version of bills. And, they’ll be resolving their differences in private. Michael Pope reports.
Report: Virginia Could Be Doing More to Help Localities Recruit Teachers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2020

State officials could be doing more to help recruit and retain qualified teachers. That’s one finding in a report released to lawmakers today by the state’s independent watchdog agency. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.






















