Archive for category Virginia’s News

Virginia’s Large Numbers of Children in Poverty Could Adversely Impact the State’s Health

StateSeal00A 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.

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New Data Suggests Virginia Has a Drunk Driving Problem

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Drunk driving is a major problem in Virginia, especially in certain areas according to a new report. Michael Pope has details.

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New Study: The Number of Virginia Smokers is Now Below the National Average

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Virginia was once the epicenter of the smoking industry. But now, the number of people using cigarettes in Virginia is dropping. Michael Pope reports.

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Former New Orleans Mayor Visits Virginia, Talks Confederate Monuments

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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.

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Northam Vetoes Two Immigration-Related Bills

governor-northam-official-photo_800Immigration is once again in the spotlight here in Virginia, where the issue has become a dividing line between the parties. Michael Pope reports.

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Supreme Court Justices Hear Oral Arguments in Virginia’s Redistricting Case

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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.

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Virginia CSB’s Offer Same Day Services

StateSeal00Someone 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.

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What to Expect When the Supreme Court Takes Up Virginia’s Redistricting Case

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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.

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Congressman Beyer: IRS Needs Additional Funding to Track Down Tax Evaders

Don_Beyer,_official_114th_Congress_photo_portrait.jpegTax 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.

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Congressman Denver Riggleman is Trying to Revamp the National Flood Insurance Program

400px-Denver_Riggleman,_official_116th_Congress_photo_portraitThis 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.

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Virginia Weighs Sales Tax for Online “Marketplace Facilitators”

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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.

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What Will Virginia’s Population Look Like in 2040?

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Virginia is running up against two demographic trends that might be unwelcome news. Michael Pope explains the changes.

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School Counselor Funding is On the Way, But Not Nearly Enough

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School counselors are about to get a little more money. But, as Michael Pope reports, it’s still nowhere close to the required ratio.

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Is Aid to High-Poverty Schools Distributed Fairly?

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

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Lawmakers Offer More Money, as Colleges Consider Tuition Increases

StateSeal00This spring, colleges in Virginia will be voting on whether to raise tuition for next school year. The latest state budget has a big incentive for them not to. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Congressman Bobby Scott Leading School Infrastructure Effort

BobbyScottNow that Democrats have taken control of the House of Representatives, Tidewater-area Congressman Bobby Scott has become chairman of a key committee. And, he’s using that position to help high-poverty schools. Michael Pope has details.

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Telemedicine Measure Fails, But Hope Remains for Next Year

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For now, Virginia doctors will be writing prescriptions for Virginia patients. But, that could change next year. Michael Pope reports.

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ERA Goes Down Without a Full Vote

StateSeal00A last ditch effort to get lawmakers in Richmond to vote on the Equal Rights Amendment failed today. It ends this year’s push to make Virginia the final state needed to change the constitution. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.

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State Readies Review of Maternal Mortality

general assembly coverage 2019Lawmakers and administration officials in Richmond are working together to try to reduce the number of women dying in childbirth. Michael Pope reports.

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Legislation That Establishes FOIA Penalties Continues to Move Through the Capitol

foia_stockDo local governments hide public information? One senator is concerned about the possibility they do, and he’s moving forward with a bill to create new penalties to prevent it. Michael Pope reports.

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Gore Lambasts Dominion’s Plans for Union Hill

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Environmental activist Al Gore applauds his opening act, the Reverend William Barber II during an ecological justice tour.

It was a combination protest, spiritual revival and celebration as about 800 people packed the gym at a middle school in Buckingham County last night to hear from environmental activist Al Gore and political activist William Barber. They had come to oppose the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and construction of a massive compressor station in the historic black community called Union Hill. Sandy Hausman was there and filed this report.

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What Should State Lawmakers Do About Fairfax Allegations?

general assembly coverage 2019Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is denying the allegations of two women who accuse him of sexual assault. So what comes next? Michael Pope reports.

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Spanberger Takes Moderate Approach in First Town Hall

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Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger takes questions during her first town hall in Virginia’s 7th District. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)

New congresswoman Abigail Spanberger kept a campaign promise and met with constituents Tuesday night for a town hall. It’s the first public forum Virginia’s seventh congressional district has had in two years. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Should Health Insurance Companies Be Able to Prioritize Cheaper Drugs?

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How much influence should health insurance providers have over which drugs you take? That’s an issue lawmakers are debating in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.

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Lawmakers Weigh Parental Oversight of Anti-Bullying Material

StateSeal00Should parents to able to veto some materials used in public schools when bullying or suicide prevention is on the agenda? Michael Pope reports.

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Effort to Increase Subcommittee Transparency Moving Through General Assembly

general assembly coverage 2019Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a proposal that would shed greater light on how state government works. Michael Pope has the story.

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State Leaders Weigh Equity Policies Amid Political Scandals

general assembly coverage 2019In the wake of the blackface scandal, Governor Ralph Northam is asking Cabinet members to come up with ways to address inequality. Michael Pope has the latest.

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Creating an Opportunity for HBCU Students out of Yearbook Scandal

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A GoFundMe campaign is aimed at helping students research Virginia’s politicians.

It took decades for a racist photo on Governor Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page to come to light. Now one group wants to find out what else could be lurking out there, and they’re relying on a particular group of people to do the research. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

 

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Virginia’s Schools May Soon Be Able to Decide Whether to Open Before Labor Day

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King Dominion’s “Dominator” roller coaster. The Richmond-area amusement park has long been opposed to efforts to reverse a law requiring public schools to open after Labor Day weekend. (Credit: daveynin / Flickr)

School divisions across Virginia may be on the verge of starting classes before Labor Day, or least having that option. Michael Pope reports.

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Tax Deal Almost Derails Over Question About Who Gets Left Out

general assembly coverage 2019A handful of Democrats in the statehouse briefly blocked a tax relief package after progressive groups said it disproportionately hurt low-income African-Americans. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Fairfax Impeachment Talk On Hold… For Now

StateSeal00Embattled Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is back at work this week, presiding over the Senate and resisting calls for his resignation. Michael Pope has details.

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Governor Agrees to Sign Republican Tax Proposal

general assembly coverage 2019Governor Ralph Northam is agreeing to sign off on a Republican tax proposal, returning about half a billion dollars to taxpayers rather than investing the money in education and infrastructure. Mallory Noe-Payne has the latest from the Capitol.

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Virginia AG says he Wore Blackface at College Party

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The political crisis in Virginia escalated dramatically Wednesday when another top Democrat — Attorney General Mark Herring — admitted putting on blackface in the 1980s, when he was in college. Michael Pope has more reaction.

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On Busiest Day of the Year, General Assembly Feeling Effects of Northam Controversy

general assembly coverage 2019The General Assembly is in a state of limbo. Lawmakers are trying to get work done on the busiest day of the year while people are wondering when — or if — the governor will resign. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.

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Lawmakers Agree on Redistricting Commission, But Differ on Execution

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The process of drawing maps for House and Senate districts in Virginia has been a source of frustration — for voters and for members of the General Assembly. That process may be on the verge of dramatic change, although not without a knock-down-drag-out fight. Michael Pope reports.

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Calls for Northam to Resign Continue in Richmond

StateSeal00Protests continue today outside the executive mansion in Richmond. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the Governor’s former allies and supporters continue to turn their backs.

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Lawmaking Goes on in Richmond Despite Northam Controversy

general assembly coverage 2019Lawmakers in Richmond are back at work this week, despite the swirling controversy surrounding Governor Ralph Northam. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.

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Who Exactly Is Justin Fairfax?

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The events in Richmond have created a new focus on the lieutenant governor, typically a low-profile job that has suddenly been cast into the spotlight. Michael Pope reports.

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Va. News: Post Office Relocation, Virginia Beach Mystery Photos

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A small Virginia town has been wondering why its post office is being moved. It seems they may now have the answer. And, the surprise appearance of some 70-year old photos has created a mystery in Virginia Beach.

Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VA News link.

More now from Fred Echols.

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General Assembly Continues to Erupt Over Tabled Abortion Bill

general assembly coverage 2019A viral video of a House subcommittee meeting has turned the General Assembly upside down and made it the focus of conservative media. Michael Pope has more on the latest round of accusations.

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Virginia’s Population Has Grown Over the Last Decade, But Very Slowly

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Richmond, along with the state’s other urban areas, continued to outpace other parts of Virginia in population growth according to the report. (Credit: Will Fisher / Flickr)

Virginia’s population continues to grow, but at a slower rate than the national average. That’s according to a new report from the University of Virginia. Nick Gilmore has details.

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Paystub Protections Appear to Have Bi-Partisan Support Across the Capitol

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Low-wage workers may be on the verge of getting new protections. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Split on Regional Carbon Emissions Programs

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Should Virginia work with neighboring states to combat climate change? Lawmakers are divided. And, it’s a partisan disagreement. Michael Pope has more.

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Could This Be the Year Virginia Establishes Redistricting Reform?

StateSeal00Recent years have seen a number of lawsuits challenging how legislative districts are drawn, and many advocates and voters are hoping the system of partisan redistricting is about to change. Michael Pope reports.

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Northam Announces Coal Ash Clean Up Agreement

governor-northam-official-photo_800Virginia’s governor and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are announcing plans to require the state’s largest electric utility to excavate and clean up unlined coal ash pits. Michael Pope has details.

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Court Picks Virginia Redistricting Plan that Helps Democrats

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A panel of federal judges has chosen a redistricting map for Virginia’s House of Delegates that could shift some districts toward Democrats and help the party regain control in this year’s election. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.

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There’s Bipartisan Support to Remove Jim Crow Language from Virginia’s Code, With a Catch

StateSeal00Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are in agreement about getting rid of old Jim Crow language in the code. But Republicans have conditions. Michael Pope reports.

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Lawmakers Want to Give Triple Damages to Stiffed Employees in Virginia

general assembly coverage 2019A bipartisan group of lawmakers is coming together to help low-wage workers. Michael Pope reports.

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To Make Schools Safe, Election Day Could Become a School Holiday

general assembly coverage 2019After the school shooting in Parkland Florida, lawmakers in Virginia formed a task force to make schools safer. Now, several of their suggestions are now well on their way to becoming law. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.

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As Shutdown Drags On, Efforts Underway to Protect Impacted Virginians

StateSeal00With no end in sight to the partial government shutdown in Washington, lawmakers in Richmond are trying to figure out how to help federal employees in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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