Archive for category Virginia’s News
Virginia is Facing a Critical Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 29, 2019
As May comes to a close, the issues surrounding mental health continue to resonate during Mental Health Awareness Month. Some parts of the state are struggling more than others. Michael Pope reports.
Luria Snags A Pair of Legislative Victories for Veterans and Their Families
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 27, 2019

Congresswoman Elaine Luria
Just in time for Memorial Day, one member of Congress is delivering some good news to members of the armed services. Michael Pope has the story.
Beyer Calls for Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump; Will Others Join Him?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 24, 2019
Democrats in Virginia are divided about whether to impeach President Trump. Michael Pope reports.
Helping the Disabled Out of Their Homes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 24, 2019

Notes written for the Martin family became a part of their ramp. (Credit: SAW Virginia)
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed almost 30 years ago. And since then public spaces and businesses have become much more accessible. But that doesn’t mean anything to someone who can’t make it out of their home. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Congresswoman Wexton Working to Protect Obama-Era HUD Regulation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 23, 2019

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton
Should transgender youth be turned away from homeless shelters? One Virginia member of Congress is taking issue with the Trump administration’s position on that question. Michael Pope reports.
Wexton also had this to say on Twitter:
As a former prosecutor, I take Congressional testimony very seriously.
This week, Secretary Carson lied to me and to Congress.
He lied again when he called me to “clarify” his testimony.
He’s proven himself to be deceitful & inept as HUD Secretary.
He should resign. https://t.co/nM3hDf6rx6
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) May 23, 2019
She also posted details related to her bill:
The full text of the bill can be viewed here: pic.twitter.com/sdzVQ5LIBr
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) May 23, 2019
Probe Inconclusive Regarding Racist Photo on Governor Ralph Northam’s Yearbook Page
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 22, 2019
We just don’t know. That’s the result of a months-long investigation into a racist photo found on Governor Ralph Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook page. Mallory Noe-Payne has the latest from a press conference today.
Virginia’s political world was waiting for big news from the investigation of the Eastern Virginia Medical School into the blackface photo that appeared on Governor Ralph Northam’s yearbook page. But, as Michael Pope reports, reaction to the investigation was muted.
You can find the full report here.
Incumbents in some Key Races Trail in Fundraising
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 21, 2019

Credit: NPR
Campaign-finance numbers show several members of the General Assembly need to play catch up now that the session has ended. Michael Pope has details.
Virginia’s Congressional Delegation Goes on Record with Climate Change Vote
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 21, 2019
The politics of climate change are dividing members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation. Michael Pope reports from Capitol Hill.
Congressman Scott Wants to Eliminate Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 21, 2019
Should older workers have a higher burden to prove age discrimination? One Virginia congressman says no, and he’s moving forward with a bill to do something about it. Michael Pope reports.
State Targets Spanish Speakers for Medicaid Expansion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 17, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
New data from the state shows enrollment in the expanded Medicaid program is on target. And now there’s a new campaign to target Spanish speakers. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia’s Talent Pipeline May Soon See a Big Shift
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 16, 2019
For many years, young people in Southside and Southwest Virginia have been leaving the area after graduating from college. But, that may not be the case for much longer. Michael Pope reports.
Riggleman Wants to Track Down Bad Actors in Banking
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 14, 2019
Congress is expected to vote this afternoon on a bill introduced by a freshman Virginia congressman that could provide a much better window into the intersection between banking and terrorism. Michael Pope reports.
Analyzing What Turnout May Look Like for This Year’s Primary Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 10, 2019

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The primary is only one month away, but most voters don’t even know — or care — about the election. Michael Pope reports.
Tackling the Growing Demand for Psychiatric Services in Virginia’s Hospitals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 9, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Across Virginia there’s been an uptick in psychiatric admissions to hospitals, to the point where beds are filling up. Thursday a group from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association rolled out some ideas on what can be done. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
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.

