Archive for category Virginia’s News
Lessons Learned from the 1918 Flu Pandemic in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 24, 2020
The 1918 H1N1 flu virus (Credit: CDC)
The coronavirus crisis is not the first time Virginia has dealt with a major pandemic. Michael Pope has this look back at the flu outbreak 100 years ago and some lessons of what not to do.
Virginia Political Parties Mulling Convention Options Amid Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 23, 2020
Credit: NPR
Political campaigns may be on pause right now because of the coronavirus crisis. But all the deadlines for political parties are still on the calendar. Michael Pope reports.
Sunday Update: 219 Cases in Virginia, Six People Now Dead
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 23, 2020
The death toll rose to six on Sunday, as the Virginia Department of Health announced an additional three people have died from COVID-19. The three women were in their 80’s and had been hospitalized. One of them was a resident of a long-term care facility. They all resided in the department’s Peninsula Health District. Nick Gilmore has details.
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UVA Health System Develops Its Own COVID-19 Test
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 20, 2020
The turnaround time for the new tests is about 24 hours. That’s much faster than than the five to six days for some tests at commercial labs. (Credit: Sanjay Suchak / University of Virginia Communications)
Testing for COVID-19 is key to getting the pandemic under control, but labs have found it hard to get the elements they need for tests. At the University of Virginia, two doctors pulled out all the stops and have now come up with their own test – one that yields results in 24 hours. Sandy Hausman has that story.
State Leaders Working to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Virginia’s Prisons and Jails
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 19, 2020
State leaders have provided prison and jail officials with guidance on preventing the virus’ spread within the state’s correctional system. Nick Gilmore has details.
COVID-19 Leads to Rare Judicial Emergency in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 18, 2020
The Supreme Court of Virginia’s judicial emergency will suspend non-essential, non-emergency cases in courthouses across Virginia, including eviction cases. (Credit: Morgan Riley / Creative Commons)
Daily life has changed not just at restaurants and gyms. Much of the action in your local courthouse has also been postponed. Michael Pope reports.
Governments Big and Small Weigh Meeting Options During Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 17, 2020
When should governments decide to overlook requirements that they meet in-person and in-public? Michael Pope reports.
Some Legislators Call for Virginia General Assembly to Reconvene Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 16, 2020
Virginia is in a state of emergency as health officials try to meet the challenge of coronavirus. Does that mean that lawmakers need to return to Richmond? Michael Pope reports.
Despite Economic Concerns Related to COVID-19, Lawmakers Pass Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 12, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond gaveled out Thursday on what’s been a historic legislative session. It was the first time Democrats were in charge of the process since the early 1990’s. The final item on their to do list was to pass the state’s two year budget. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
What Criminal Justice Reforms Passed Out of the General Assembly This Year?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 10, 2020
Democrats arrived in Richmond for the General Assembly session this year with a long list of agenda items for criminal justice reform. But, many of the more sweeping changes were scuttled. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Passed on a Paid Sick Days Proposal This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 9, 2020
The Senate rejected an effort to require businesses to offer five paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.
Bipartisan Effort to End Financial Exploitation of Seniors Headed to Northam’s Desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Republicans and Democrats are often at each other’s throats at the Capitol. But there is one issue where they are finding agreement: fighting exploitation of seniors. Michael Pope has details.
State Senate to Weigh In on Milk Definition
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Credit: Mike Mozart / Flickr
A bill to prevent companies from marketing soy milk and almond milk as “milk” is headed to the Senate floor. Michael Pope reports.
To Tackle ‘Critical Need’ Lawmakers Fund More Clerks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
State lawmakers are addressing a shortage of clerks in Virginia’s district courts – after some officials said staffing levels were at a crisis point. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Pave the Way for More Needle Exchanges
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
The needle exchange in Wise is run out of the local health department. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Thanks to legislation that’s now on it’s way to the Governor’s desk any Virginia locality will be able to start a needle exchange. The bill also makes it easier to get those new sites up and running. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Reigning in Pipeline Developers is Proving Difficult in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
Democratic Delegate Chris Hurst of the New River Valley (Credit: Virginia General Assembly)
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would double fines for water-quality violations of companies that build natural gas pipelines. Michael Pope reports other measures to increase oversight have been set aside, though.
Should Local Government Employees Get Collective Bargaining Rights?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
Employees of local governments may be on the verge of engaging in collective bargaining. Michael Pope explains.
The Debate Over Paid Sick Days Continues in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2020
With less than two weeks left in the General Assembly session, lawmakers are still hashing out an agreement on paid sick days. Michael Pope has details.
Red Flag Law Likely On Its Way to the Governor’s Desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2020
Delegate Rip Sullivan of Arlington explains his red-flag law to the Senate Judiciary Committee as gun rights enthusiasts wearing orange stickers pack the committee room.
Lawmakers are moving forward on a bill that will let authorities confiscate guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. Michael Pope reports.
Marijuana Decriminalization May Soon Be a Reality in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2020
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Virginia is on the verge of decriminalizing marijuana, and bills to make that happen have already passed the House and Senate. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia May Soon Add Shield Law Protections for Journalists
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2020
Delegate Danica Roem (Credit: Ted Eytan / Creative Commons)
Journalists in Virginia may soon be getting new protections against disclosing confidential sources. Michael Pope reports.
The General Assembly Sets its Sights on Behavioral Bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Making laws isn’t always about balancing the budget and drawing political boundaries. Sometimes, it’s also about some of the most human of human behaviors. Michael Pope explains.
Bipartisan Push to Provide More Oversight of Utility Bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2020
A bipartisan push to take back authority over Virginia’s utilities – including Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power – is making its way through the legislature. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Gun Transfers Have Become a Sticking Point for Universal Background Checks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2020
A sweeping package of new restrictions on guns has been moving through the General Assembly. But, Democrats are divided about how universal background checks should be. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Religious Leaders Speak Out Against Regional Minimum Wage Approach
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2020
Religious leaders from across Virginia gather for a prayer vigil outside the Capitol. They’re calling for a $15 minimum wage across Virginia instead of the regional approach favored by the Senate. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Faith leaders from across Virginia are pressing Senate Democrats to abandon their regional approach to raising the minimum wage. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia Establish a “Preclearance” Standard?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Virginia has a long history of using election rules to disenfranchise black voters, and lawmakers in Richmond are considering a check to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Michael Pope has details.
A Look at the Faith-Based Arguments at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond hear lots of arguments about money and statistics. But they also hear arguments based in faith. Michael Pope reports.
VA House Weighs Possible Release for Sick and Disabled Prisoners
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Andre Daniels graduated from high school in Norfolk but found himself jobless and homeless at 21. (Credit: Johnay Hardy)
In most states prisoners with a terminal illness can be freed early, but Virginia only considers inmates with less than three months to live. Now, the legislature may change that, making several thousand prisoners eligible for compassionate release. Sandy Hausman reports.
There’s Bipartisan Support for Criminal Justice Reform in Richmond This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Criminal justice reform is one of the leading issues this year in the Virginia General Assembly, and it’s an issue that has advocates on both sides of the aisle. Michael Pope reports.
State Democrats Want Increased Protections for Undocumented Immigrants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
Undocumented immigrants in Virginia may be on the verge of getting new protections. Michael Pope reports.
Some Senate Democrats Block Assault Weapons Ban
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
A controversial proposal to ban assault style weapons looks like it will not pass the legislature this year. The bill was a key part of Governor Ralph Northam’s gun control agenda. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Pope, Church & State: A weekly look at the General Assembly’s 2020 Session
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Virginia's News on February 14, 2020
A weekly conversation about what’s happened at the General Assembly with Michael Pope and Luke Church.
Week Nine:
The General Assembly session is scheduled to wrap up Saturday and lawmakers are about to head home after a 60 day session.
Week Eight:
The end of the General Assembly session is approaching, but there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Week Seven:
Democratic state senators have been derailing a few of their own party’s agenda items.
Week Six:
A flurry of activity before the crossover deadline.
Week Five:
Legislators are closing in on the halfway point of the General Assembly session.
Week Four:
The Equal Rights Amendment, abortion restrictions and guns were among the headlines from the state capitol this week.
Week Three:
Virginia’s General Assembly session often seems like a weeks-long sprint. And some believe this year’s action is moving even faster.
Week Two:
Much of the drama at the General Assembly this week has been about what might go on outside the capitol building.
Week One:
Lawmakers are wrapping up the first few history-making days at the General Assembly.
Democrats Want to Raise the Minimum Wage, But Are Split Over the Details
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2020
Democrats are united in their desire to raise the minimum wage. But, they’re divided on how to make it happen. Michael Pope reports.
State Republicans: Democratic Agenda is Too Expensive
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2020
Democrats are plowing through a massive agenda, everything from raising the minimum wage to addressing climate change. But, Republicans are worried about the cost of all that. Michael Pope reports.
At the Halfway Point, What Has the New Democratic Majority Focused on in Richmond?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 11, 2020
Lawmakers are zooming through the busiest day of the General Assembly session, the final deadline for moving bills from one chamber to the other.
Michael Pope reports.
Among the legislation advancing before Tuesday’s crossover deadline: Authorizing local governments to move or remove Confederate monuments and war memorials.
Another bill advancing out of the House of Delegates would change the way Virginia’s Electoral College votes are allocated.
With Key Vote Looming on Predatory Lending Restrictions, Some Are Worried About New Loopholes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are trying to crack down on high-interest loans. But, advocates against predatory lending are concerned about new loopholes that might be created in the process. Michael Pope has details.
An Effort to Repeal Virginia’s “Right to Work” Law Has Been Shelved
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2020
The effort to repeal Virginia’s right to work law has failed, at least for now. Michael Pope reports.
When Should Polls Close on Election Day?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 7, 2020
Democrats are taking up a number of initiatives to make voting easier, and one of those may be extending polling hours. Michael Pope reports.
New Local Government Exchange Program Pairs Communities Across the State
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2020
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, left, chats with Norton Mayor Joseph Fawbush at the Executive Mansion. The two cities have been paired as part of Gov. Ralph Northam’s Local Government Exchange Program. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Governor Ralph Northam is launching an effort aimed at forging new lines of communication across local governments in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
One State Lawmaker Wants to Establish an Office of New Americans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2020
Lawmakers are considering an effort aimed at helping immigrants who move to Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia Consider a Regional Minimum Wage?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are moving forward with increasing the minimum wage. But, some are pressing for regional variation. Michael Pope reports.
House of Delegates Poised for Key Vote on Non-Discrimination Policies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2020
Lawmakers are about to vote Wednesday on a bill that would create new protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Michael Pope reports.
The Push for SLAPP Lawsuit Protections in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers are considering bills aimed at preventing frivolous lawsuits designed to silence political opponents. Michael Pope reports.
Legislative Panel Backs Local Control Over Monuments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2020
A group of Charlottesville residents advocate for local control of war memorials, including Confederate monuments, during a Virginia Senate committee meeting. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Localities in Virginia are one step closer to having control over Confederate monuments in their region. A bill ceding that power passed out of a key committee for the first time time Monday. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Shopping Carts Are a Problem in Northern Virginia, and One Lawmaker Wants to Fix That
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2020
Credit: Travis Wise / Flickr
Lawmakers are taking action aimed at removing abandoned shopping carts from creeks in Northern Virginia. Although, it could end up allowing a local government near you to take action. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Monuments Prove to Be a Topic of Debate for Lawmakers in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2020
A statue of segregationist Harry Byrd stands at Virginia’s capitol.
Statues of Robert E. Lee and Harry Byrd have become flashpoints for lawmakers this year. Michael Pope reports.
Should Localities Be Able to Tax Plastic Bags?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2020
Local governments across Virginia may be getting the ability to impose taxes on plastic bags. Michael Pope reports.
An Effort to Bring Ranked Choice Voting to Virginia Elections is Gaining Traction
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2020
Lawmakers are considering a number of bills aimed at making Virginia elections more efficient and effective. Michael Pope reports that one of those efforts, ranked choice voting, is moving forward.
Will Virginia Lawmakers Implement Another Tuition Freeze This Year?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2020
Credit: Taber Andrew Bain / Creative Commons
For two decades, tuition at Virginia’s universities was on the rise. That ended last year after a massive new investment in higher education was available only to schools who agreed to cap their tuition rates. But, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, it’s unclear whether lawmakers will make the same move this year.
What Exactly is “Milk?”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2020
Credit: Mike Mozart / Flickr
Lawmakers are currently weighing in on a bill that would create a legal definition for milk. Michael Pope reports.
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