Archive for category Virginia’s News
National Park Service Needs You; Help I.D. Invasive Animal Species
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2019
A volunteer participates in a BioBlitz at Rocky Mountain National Park. BioBlitz events — an intensive field study in an area that usually lasts for more than 24 hours — can help identify the presence of invasive species in national parks. (Credit: National Park Service)
National Parks in this country are losing native species at an alarming rate and the National Park Service is asking for help to combat the growing problem. Robbie Harris reports.
And there’s an App for that here. Actually, there is a couple of them. Here’s another one.
Donors to Democratic Candidates Are Going to Want a Return on Their Investment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2019
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Special interest groups that funded many Democratic campaigns are going to be expecting action in the next General Assembly session. Michael Pope reports.
Despite Democratic Control, Reigning in Predatory Lenders May Still Be Difficult
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2019
Credit: NPR
Some are hoping this will finally be the year that lawmakers crack down on high-interest lenders now that Democrats are taking control of the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
Interest Groups: Now is the Time to Better Fund Virginia’s Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2019
Now that the Democrats are seizing power in Richmond, interest groups are already angling for money from the budget. Michael Pope has this preview of a push for more money for crumbling schools.
The Growing Cost of Virginia Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 9, 2019
Credit: NPR
This year’s election for the House of Delegates was the most expensive ever. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Congressional Delegation On Opposite Sides of Climate Change Issue
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 6, 2019
As the demand to act on climate change mounts, members of the Virginia Congressional delegation are taking a variety of approaches. Michael Pope reports.
Congressman McEachin’s Effort to Get More Young People Enrolled in Health Insurance
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2019
Ever since the Trump administration spiked the individual mandate for health insurance back in 2017, young people have avoiding signing up for health insurance. Now, one Virginia congressman is supporting a proposal aimed at getting more young people in the insurance pool. Michael Pope reports.
Senator Warner: Let Users Freely Move Their Data From One Social Media Platform to Another
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 29, 2019
Should you be able to move all your cat videos from Facebook to a competing social media platform? Michael Pope explains.
Could Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Split Democrats in January?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 29, 2019
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Should undocumented immigrants be able to get a Virginia driver’s license? As Michael Pope reports, that’s a question members of the General Assembly will be tackling in January.
Virginia Senators Hope to Pass Legislation That Would Fix Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2019
With Congress mired in impeachment, can anything get done in Washington? Michael Pope has this report about one action item both Virginia senators are hoping will happen before the end of the year.
The ERA’s Passage in Virginia Still Faces an Uphill Battle
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 26, 2019
As Democrats prepare to take power in Richmond this January, one of their top priorities will be passing the Equal Rights Amendment. What happens after that? Michael Pope explains.
At Least Two Virginia Lawmakers Want LGBTQ-Related Questions on the 2020 Census
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 26, 2019
As 2020 draws closer, the debate in Washington about the Census is heating up. Michael Pope has this report on questions about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Report: Legalizing Casinos Would Provide Modest Boost
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 25, 2019
Credit: Matthew Powell / Flickr
Virginia could raise hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue if lawmakers choose to legalize casino gambling in several Virginia localities. That’s according to a report presented to lawmakers in Richmond today. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Jens Soering and Elizabeth Haysom Granted Parole, Will Be Deported
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 25, 2019
File Photo
The governor’s office has written what could be the final chapter in a case that’s sparked controversy for more than 30 years. After months of review, Ralph Northam says he will not pardon Jens Soering, but the 53-year-old prisoner will be paroled. The woman convicted as an accomplice to his crime will also be freed. Sandy Hausman reports.
Gambling in Virginia? Casinos Will Likely Be a Hot Topic for Lawmakers in January
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 22, 2019
Credit: Matthew Powell / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond are about to place their bets on casino gambling. They’ll get a much-anticipated report on Monday. Michael Pope reports.
How the McDonnell Case Could Impact the Impeachment Process
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2019
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons
The case of former Governor Bob McDonnell might end up playing an important role in the impeachment inquiry now playing out in Washington. Michael Pope explains.
Opponents Think Now is a Good Time for State Lawmakers to Abolish the Death Penalty
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2019
Death penalty opponents are hopeful this is the year they can convince Virginia lawmakers to abolish the death penalty. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, they’ve spent a decade building a network of support.
What Research Shows Works, and Doesn’t, With Gun Control
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2019
Credit: Stephen Z / Flickr
This week lawmakers gaveled in, and gaveled out, of a reconvened special session. It was an example of how Republican leaders, since losing the majority in November’s elections, have abandoned efforts to pass legislation addressing gun violence. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Could State Democrats Bring Back the Estate Tax?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 20, 2019
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
About a decade ago, Virginia abandoned the estate tax. Now, some are hoping Democrats bring it back. Michael Pope reports.
Tax Analysts to Congress: Consider Helping Low-Income Families in Year-End Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 19, 2019
Credit: Rog Cogswell / Creative Commons
As the calendar draws to a close, federal officials in Washington are trying to close out the books. And, that’s creating a whirlwind of jockeying for dollars. Michael Pope reports.
New Democratic Majority Could Work to Give Local Governments More Authority
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 14, 2019
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Many General Assembly Democrats campaigned on changing the way guns and environmental issues are regulated. Michael Pope reports part of that change may mean giving more flexibility to local governments.
Virginia Students in Subsidized Housing Often Have to Attend Low-Performing Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 12, 2019
Credit: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
As the price of housing skyrockets in areas with good schools, children who live in areas with low-cost housing are stuck with low-performing schools. Michael Pope reports.
Immigrants Look Poised to Play an Increasingly Important Role in Virginia’s Economy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 12, 2019
Credit: Commonwealth Institute
Virginia’s population has one of the largest percentages of immigrants in the country. And, they play a key role in the economy of the Commonwealth. Michael Pope reports.
Statehouse Elections: Uncontested Races had Lowest Turnout
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2019
Credit: NPR
According to numbers from the Virginia Public Access Project, turnout in last week’s election was record setting for an off year – nearly 40% of registered voters came to the polls. But those numbers vary across the state. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
How Much is Too Much for Virginia’s New Democratic Majority?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2019
Democrats haven’t controlled the House of Delegates for 20 years, so they have a long list of agenda items for the upcoming General Assembly session. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Democrats have a long list of agenda items they want to tackle when the next General Assembly gavels into session. But, they are going to have to think carefully about what they want to accomplish and when. Michael Pope reports.
Following a Big Night for Democrats, Governor Northam Looks Ahead
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2019
Governor Ralph Northam addresses members of his cabinet following Tuesday’s statehouse elections. He outlined some of his key priorities for the General Assembly, which Democrats now control for the first time in decades. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Now that Democrats have unified power in Virginia, they’re looking forward to their legislative agenda. Governor Ralph Northam laid out his priorities at a cabinet meeting Wednesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The Democratic governor believes his party’s gains on Election Night were largely powered by voters who want common-sense gun laws.
Northam said he plans to push the same gun safety laws he proposed during a special session of the General Assembly earlier this year – a direct response to a May mass shooting in Virginia Beach. Here he is talking about some of those proposals:
Republicans dismissed that special session almost immediately – without deliberating gun safety proposals from Northam and other lawmakers.
The true test for how progressive this new agenda will be comes in January — when the first Democratic-led General Assembly in decades convenes in Richmond.
Democrats Now Reign Supreme in Northern Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2019
Credit: NPR
Tuesday’s election swept Democrats into power in both chambers of the General Assembly. But, it also wiped Republicans off the map in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope has details.
A Look at Some Million-Dollar State Senate Races
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2019
Voters from across Virginia will head to the polls next week in high-stakes races for the state Senate. Michael Pope has this look at their fundraising efforts.
Spanberger Drug Prices Bill Likely to Become Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 29, 2019
How much should the public know about how drug prices are calculated? One Virginia congresswoman is hoping to increase transparency. Michael Pope reports.
National Interest in Virginia’s Statehouse Elections is Drawing Big Fundraising Numbers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 29, 2019
Credit: NPR
New campaign-finance numbers show certain races for the House of Delegates attracting outsized interest and campaign cash. Michael Pope reports.
Fairfax Scandal Could Soon Play a Role In General Assembly Campaigns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2019
Credit: Creative Commons
The sexual assault scandal surrounding Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has now become part of the election campaign for the General Assembly this year. Michael Pope reports.
Will Higher Interest Lead to Higher Turnout on Election Day?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2019
It’s election season, but many voters are not tuned into their local races for House of Delegates and state Senate. Michael Pope has this look at what that means for turnout.
Online Advertising Continues to Be An Important Tool for Virginia Candidates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2019
Credit: NPR
If you’ve been on Facebook or YouTube lately, you might have noticed something about an election here in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.
Whistleblower: Archeologist Minimized ‘Cultural Richness’ of Site Planned for Water Project
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2019
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
For centuries, a site in central Virginia was capital of the Monacan Indian Nation. Today it’s owned by Fluvanna and Louisa Counties and officials plan to build a water pump there. They say the infrastructure is needed to provide water to residents and businesses in Zion Crossroads.
Now those plans could be derailed by allegations of misconduct lodged by a former employee of the archaeological firm that tested the site. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look at This Year’s General Assembly Political Ads
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
A screenshot from the “Chasing Chase” ad. It’s from a California-based political action committee known as Fund Her. (Credit: Fund Her)
If you’ve spent any time in front of a television or a laptop recently, you’ve probably noticed it’s campaign season. Michael Pope reports.
Census Data: Older Virginians Maintain a Significant Influence Over Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
Credit: U.S. Census Bureau
Credit: U.S. Census Bureau
Voters will head to the polls next month for General Assembly seats all over Virginia, although not all age groups are expected to participate at the same rates. Michael Pope reports.
So… When Will Those Fall Colors Peak?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
Early in October, a maple leaf shows fall color, on a tree that has already changed for the season. (Credit: Mike Tripp)
Some of the heaviest traffic on Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park happens around this time of year, when the leaves begin to turn. But the colors are a little later this fall. Mike Tripp from partner station WMRA took a short hike to find out why.
Va Sec. of Finance Warns Lawmakers to Be ‘Cautious’ with Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 22, 2019
Credit: NPR
In a briefing in Richmond Monday, Virginia’s Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne told state lawmakers that revenues aren’t keeping pace with expenditures. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Conference in Richmond Brings Together Transgender Community
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Hundreds of members, and allies, of the transgender community will be in Richmond this weekend for one of the only trans conferences on the East Coast. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
What State Senate and House of Delegates Races Will Be the Most Noteworthy?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Credit: NPR
Voters will be headed to the polls next month in elections for every seat in the General Assembly. Michael Pope has this preview of some competitive House of Delegates races.
All 40 seats of the Virginia state Senate will also be on the ballot next month, but just like in the House, some seats have little or no competition. Here’s a look at some of the more competitive races in the House.
New Legislative Maps Are Now in Effect; How Will They Impact November’s Statehouse Elections?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Earlier this year, federal judges created new maps for 11 House of Delegates districts in Virginia. Michael Pope reports on what that means for this year’s elections.
TV Ad Buys Are Heating Up with Election Day Around the Corner
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 16, 2019
Credit: NPR
As Election Day approaches, some races are eating up time on the TV airwaves. Michael Pope reports.
Just How Far Should the Freedom of Information Act Go?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 15, 2019
Public money is often handed over in the form of grants. But, there’s a debate about how much of that process should be public information. Michael Pope reports.
State Officials Are Touring Virginia in Hopes of Cutting Down on Maternal Mortality Rates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 15, 2019
Credit: Wellness GM / Flickr
Virginia government officials are on the road this fall, listening to the concerns of women across Virginia about delivering babies. It’s an effort aimed at curing the crisis in maternal mortality for African-American women. Michael Pope reports.
One Group Wants Virginia Candidates to Disclose Where Their Contributions Come From
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 14, 2019
Credit: NPR
One watchdog group is worried about government ethics in Virginia. And, it’s challenging candidates for the General Assembly to do something about it. Michael Pope reports.
Cline, Riggleman Bemoan Hyper-Partisanship During Joint Town Hall Meeting
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2019
Congressman Ben Cline (left) joins fellow Republican Denver Riggleman during a joint town hall meeting in Bedford Wednesday night. (Credit: Nick Gilmore / RADIO IQ)
Virginia’s 5th and 6th Congressional Districts cover a massive portion of the state – stretching from northern Virginia all the way to the North Carolina line. They also each include a segment of Bedford County, where the two Republicans who hold those seats conducted a joint town hall meeting Wednesday night. Nick Gilmore has details.
State Education Officials to Consider Making School Funding More Equitable
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 8, 2019
Credit: Pascal Volk / Flickr
Is the way Virginia funds its schools equitable? That’s a topic up for debate in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Does Virginia’s Tax Code Disproportionately Hurt Low-Income People?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 7, 2019
Wealthy people are taxed more in Virginia. But, people at the other end of the spectrum may be feeling more of the pinch. Michael Pope reports.
ACLU Complaint: Medical Practice Fired Two Women Because of Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 7, 2019
Tyesha Brooks (left) and Titilayo Shiyanbade (right) say they were told they fired because of “cultural changes” in the office. (Credit: ACLU of Virginia)
Federal anti-discrimination laws that protect workers often don’t apply to employees of small businesses. But a rarely used Virginia state law does. Now the ACLU of Virginia has taken up a case, in part, to show employees of small businesses that they also have protections. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Despite Local Government Concerns, Small-Cell Towers Will Soon Be Headed to a Neighborhood Near You
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 3, 2019
New wireless technology is being installed on utility poles across Virginia. It’s thanks to a new law that’s opened the floodgates for small-cell technology. Michael Pope reports.
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