Archive for category Virginia’s News
Petersburg’s Fortunes Are Now Looking Up
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 9, 2019

Downtown Petersburg (Credit: Ken Lund / Creative Commons)
A city once on the verge of economic collapse may be on the verge of making a dramatic comeback. Michael Pope reports.
Casinos May Be on the Way to Some Economically Struggling Communities in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 7, 2019

Credit: Images Money / taxrebate.org.uk / Flickr
Will Virginia voters press their luck with casinos? Michael Pope has details.
Governor Northam’s Mandatory Minimums Decision Continues to Spark Controversy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 6, 2019

Credit: NPR
Governor Ralph Northam made headlines last week when he vetoed a bill that would have established a minimum two month prison sentence for third-time domestic abusers.
In a statement sent out Monday, Republicans say the governor’s veto undercuts protections for people trapped in abusive relationships. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
New T-Rex Relative Discovered Thanks to Virginia Tech Researcher
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 6, 2019

The Suskityrannus hazelae is believed to be a relative of the more ferocious T-Rex. (Credit: Virginia Tech)
The dinosaur world is getting a new addition thanks to a Virginia Tech paleontologist. Michael Pope reports.
School Discipline Disparities Get Attention on Capitol Hill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 30, 2019
Democrats in Congress are pushing back against a Trump administration directive on racial disparities in student discipline. And, a Virginia congressman is leading the charge. Michael Pope reports.
A Look at Virginia’s Rate of “Urbanization”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 29, 2019
Virginia is urbanizing at a faster rate than the rest of the country. Michael Pope is looking into the numbers.
Analyzing Virginia’s “Economic Mobility”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 25, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Is Virginia a place where individuals can move up the income scale based on merit and hard work? One new study challenges that idea. Michael Pope explains why.
Following FAA Approval, Drone Deliveries on the Way to New River Valley
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 24, 2019

The Wing company, a Google spinoff, has won federal approval to operate its drone delivery system as an airline in the U.S. That system will begin in the New River Valley. (Credit: Wing)
The Old Dominion is about to start looking a bit like a science fiction movie. Michael Pope reports on the future of drone deliveries in Virginia.
Who Needs Broadband? Virginia Pushes Forward with Expansion Despite Not Having the Answer
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 23, 2019

Credit: Marcie Casas / Creative Commons
Some residents of Virginia still hear that annoying dial up tone when they connect to the Internet. The state estimates more than 600,000 residents don’t have high speed broadband. There’s a surprising barrier, but the state isn’t letting it stop them from getting people connected. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Breakdown of New Crime Statistics from the Virginia State Police, FBI
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 23, 2019
New data suggests crime is down across Virginia. Michael Pope has details.
New Census Data Suggests Southwest Virginia is Continuing to Shrink
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 22, 2019

New Census data shows Tazewell County has lost 10% of its population over the last decade. (Credit: visittazewellcounty.org)
New numbers from the Census show Northern Virginia continues to add population. But, the new numbers also show a slow and steady decline in Southwest Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Set to Lower Carbon Emissions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 19, 2019
Virginia regulators have made environmental history Friday, making the Commonwealth the first southern state to take drastic moves to lower carbon emissions by joining a regional cap and trade program. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Now That the Presidency is Off the Table, What’s Next for McAuliffe?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 18, 2019
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s announcement that he will not be running for president may end up reshuffling the deck for this year’s statehouse elections. Michael Pope reports.
Could Medicaid Reimbursement Be a Solution to Black Maternal Mortality?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2019
This year, lawmakers took action to start collecting data on Virginia’s maternal mortality rate. But, that may end up being just the beginning of the effort. Michael Pope reports.
Financial Reports Show What Races Are a Priority for Republicans and Democrats This Fall
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2019

Credit: NPR
All 140 seats in the General Assembly are up for grabs this November. Campaign finance reports released this week show what races Republicans and Democrats are prioritizing. Micheal Pope has details.
O’Rourke is First Presidential Hopeful to Visit Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2019

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
The 2020 Presidential campaign has arrived in Virginia. The first of 18 Democratic candidates is campaigning today in the Commonwealth. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Examining Tax Freedom Day in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2019
This week’s tax filing deadline has many people thinking about the tax burden they face. But today marks another significant tax-related event. Michael Pope has details.
Va. News: Norfolk offers Teacher Stipend at ‘troubled schools’, Historic Marker recognizes dark past
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 15, 2019

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
For the first time, Virginia is acknowledging a dark aspect of its history with a roadside marker. And Norfolk has a plan to encourage teachers to stay in troubled schools. More now from Fred Echols.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VA News link.
Data Shows Racial Disparity in Richmond Policing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 12, 2019

Credit: Wikimedia
Black residents in Richmond are more likely to be stopped by police than white residents. That’s according to data the police department has handed over to a grassroots group pushing for more police accountability. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Is McAuliffe About to Announce His Presidential Campaign?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 12, 2019
A former Virginia governor may be on the verge of announcing for president. Michael Pope reports.
VCU to Offer New Minor in LGBTQ Studies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 11, 2019
Students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond will have the opportunity next year to pursue a new minor in LGBT+ and Queer Studies. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
With Every Seat Up for Grabs, Many Republicans are Calling it Quits at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 11, 2019

Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
Nine lawmakers are calling it quits, stepping down from their position in the General Assembly. Michael Pope has the breakdown.
New Data Offers Insight into Civil War Population
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2019
Researchers at the University of Virginia are using some new data to learn about a very old subject: the Civil War. Michael Pope reports.
Proposed Changes to NAFTA Could Be Very Damaging to Virginia’s Economy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 9, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
International trade is playing an increasing role in Virginia’s economy, which means that a debate about to take place in Congress could have dramatic consequences for the Commonwealth. Michael Pope reports.
Paystub Protections Are Now Law in Virginia, With One Notable Exception
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 8, 2019
Workers across Virginia are about to get a new guarantee — a paystub showing how their salary was calculated and what kind of withholdings were taken out. Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Approve Funding Plan for Interstate 81 Improvements
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2019

Credit: Jeff Bossert / RADIO IQ
Drivers along the Interstate 81 corridor are about to see higher gas taxes and new infrastructure improvements. Michael Pope reports.
Fairfax Seeks Investigation of Assault Allegations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2019

Credit: Creative Commons
Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is asking law enforcement to investigate claims he sexually assaulted two women. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Fairfax again said the allegations are untrue. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Meanwhile, Republicans in the statehouse are pushing for a public legislative hearing as a means to determine the truth.
Delegate Todd Gilbert suggests a lie detector test is meaningless.
Democrats say a bipartisan hearing would merely be political spectacle. Their lack of support leaves the possibility in limbo.
Northam Working to Increase Affordable Housing Options, GOP Support Remains Unclear
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2019
Lawmakers are returning to Richmond Wednesday, where they’ll be considering a proposal from the governor to invest more money into affordable housing. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia May End Driver’s License Suspensions for Unpaid Court Fees After All
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 1, 2019
Lawmakers will return to Richmond this week to finish up some loose ends from this year’s General Assembly session. And one issue that is expected to be at the top of the agenda is suspended drivers licenses. Michael Pope reports.
‘I Was So Ashamed’ Fairfax Accuser Describes Alleged Assault
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 1, 2019
Two women accusing Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax of sexual assault are now going public, giving their first television interviews since coming forward in February. Fairfax continues to deny the accusations, saying the encounters were consensual. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Incumbents Facing Primary Challengers From Their Own Parties
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2019

Credit: NPR
The deadline for new candidates running in primaries for the General Election was this week. Michael Pope has this preview of the upcoming election cycle.
Teachers in Virginia Consider Way Forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2019

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQT
Hundreds of educators from across the state are in Richmond this weekend, considering their next steps in pushing for more state funding. It comes at a time when new numbers show Virginia teachers are paid almost $10,000 below the national average. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
New Study: Virginia Needs to Spend Much More on Students in High-Poverty Districts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 28, 2019

Credit: dcJohn / Flickr
Virginia’s poorest school districts are not receiving the funding they need, according to a new study. Michael Pope reports.
Governor Signs Foster Care Reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 27, 2019

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, signs foster care reforms into law. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Virginia’s Governor signed legislation Wednesday to improve the state’s foster care system. The measures increase health and safety standards, plus make it easier for children to be placed with a family member. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Avoiding Eviction: How Virginia is Making the System Easier for Tenants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2019
It’s a legislative success story. Reporting from the New York Times brought attention to Virginia’s eviction crisis, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers responded. In just a single year, the General Assembly passed a suite of legislation to bring clarity to the eviction process and give renters a second chance.
Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Northam Renews Push for a Virginia Hands-Free Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2019
Drivers in Virginia may soon be subject to a strict new law preventing them from holding their cell phones. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Large Numbers of Children in Poverty Could Adversely Impact the State’s Health
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 25, 2019
A recent report indicates many of Virginia’s children live in poverty – a major concern for the long-term health of the Commonwealth. Michael Pope reports.
New Data Suggests Virginia Has a Drunk Driving Problem
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 21, 2019

Credit: Kenny Louie / Flickr
Drunk driving is a major problem in Virginia, especially in certain areas according to a new report. Michael Pope has details.
New Study: The Number of Virginia Smokers is Now Below the National Average
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 20, 2019

Credit: Creative Commons
Virginia was once the epicenter of the smoking industry. But now, the number of people using cigarettes in Virginia is dropping. Michael Pope reports.
Former New Orleans Mayor Visits Virginia, Talks Confederate Monuments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 19, 2019

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu (Credit: Creative Commons)
Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu was in Richmond Tuesday. He spoke with the city’s mayor and shared some of the things he learned in his quest to remove the Confederate monuments in his city. Mallory Noe-Payne was at the event and has this report.
Northam Vetoes Two Immigration-Related Bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 19, 2019
Immigration is once again in the spotlight here in Virginia, where the issue has become a dividing line between the parties. Michael Pope reports.
Supreme Court Justices Hear Oral Arguments in Virginia’s Redistricting Case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 18, 2019

Credit: Matt Wade / Creative Commons
Are Republicans in Virginia guilty of racial gerrymandering? That’s a question currently being considered by the highest court in the land. Michael Pope is at the Supreme Court with the latest.
Virginia CSB’s Offer Same Day Services
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 15, 2019
Someone trying to get a mental health evaluation can now walk into any of the state’s community services boards and get one right away, instead of waiting days or even weeks for an appointment. It’s a dramatic shift that the state has been working towards for years. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
What to Expect When the Supreme Court Takes Up Virginia’s Redistricting Case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 15, 2019

Credit: Matt Wade / Creative Commons
Virginia’s racial gerrymandering case is headed back to the United States Supreme Court next week for yet another round of oral arguments. Michael Pope has this preview.
Congressman Beyer: IRS Needs Additional Funding to Track Down Tax Evaders
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 14, 2019
Tax season is upon us, and that means officials at the Internal Revenue Service are working overtime this time of year. But, one Virginia congressman worries that the IRS isn’t getting the funding it needs. Michael Pope reports.
Congressman Denver Riggleman is Trying to Revamp the National Flood Insurance Program
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 13, 2019
This week is Flood Insurance Awareness Week, and Congress is responding by taking a look at how flood insurance works — and sometimes doesn’t work. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Weighs Sales Tax for Online “Marketplace Facilitators”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 12, 2019

Credit: Marcie Casas / Creative Commons
Virginia’s sales taxes are currently stuck in the last century. But, state laws on sales taxes are about to go back to the future. Michael Pope has the story.
What Will Virginia’s Population Look Like in 2040?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 11, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Virginia is running up against two demographic trends that might be unwelcome news. Michael Pope explains the changes.
School Counselor Funding is On the Way, But Not Nearly Enough
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2019

Credit: Mark Bonica / Flickr
School counselors are about to get a little more money. But, as Michael Pope reports, it’s still nowhere close to the required ratio.
Is Aid to High-Poverty Schools Distributed Fairly?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 4, 2019

Credit: dcJohn / Flickr
School divisions with students who live in poverty are about to get some extra funding. Michael Pope is breaking down the numbers.

