Archive for category Virginia’s News
Republicans Outline Legislative Priorities for 2019 Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2019
Even though Democrats may have won every statewide election since 2009, Republicans are in control of the House and the Senate. Michael Pope has this preview of their priorities for this year’s General Assembly session.
Examining General Assembly Politics in an Election Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2019
Lawmakers are assembling in Richmond for this year’s General Assembly session. The session is expected to last about two months, but many lawmakers are already looking ahead to November. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Board Approves Compressor Station for Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 8, 2019

Opponents of the compressor station express their disagreement by turning their backs to the Air Pollution Control Board. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
A state board gave unanimous approval today to a controversial compressor station for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Dominion Energy plans to build the station in a historically African-American community in Buckingham County. Mallory Noe-Payne was there as the board voted, and has this report.
State Lawmaker Wants to Reconsider Virginia’s Ban on Guns in Churches
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 8, 2019

Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr
Do guns belong in churches and synagogues? Lawmakers are about to take up that issue in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Dems Say Gun Regulations Could Save Lives
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 7, 2019
On Monday, House Democrats outlined a set of legislative proposals dealing with gun safety. They say the measures are focused on saving lives. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
At Least One Virginia Lawmaker Wants to Criminalize 3D-Printed Firearms
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 7, 2019

Credit: Justin Pickard / Flickr
The rise of 3D printing is creating a whole new world for manufacturing all kinds of items. But it’s also created new concerns about security at courthouses and airports. Michael Pope reports one Virginia lawmaker is hoping to update the code.
Fixing Virginia’s School Counselor Ratio May Be Easier Said Than Done
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
After several high-profile school shootings, lawmakers are trying to figure out how to make the classroom safer. But, they may be at odds over how much money to spend. Michael Pope reports.
General Assembly to Consider Giving Teachers a Raise
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 2, 2019
How much money should Virginia teachers be paid? That’s an issue that’s about to take center stage in Richmond when the General Assembly meets next week. Michael Pope reports.
In Lee County, Arming Teachers Seems Like the Only Option Left
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 2, 2019

Students at St. Charles Elementary in Lee, Virginia go to school in a building constructed in the 1930’s and don’t have a school resource officer. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Since the Parkland shooting in Florida lawmakers, teachers and parents are thinking more about school security. But as officials in one Virginia county know, keeping kids safe in remote rural schools can be more difficult than protecting city and suburban schools.
Lee County has 11 schools, but can only afford four resource officers. To help fill the gap they’re turning to teachers and administrators — training them and hoping they’ll get permission from the state to let them carry guns in the classroom.
Mallory Noe-Payne traveled to the far southwestern corner of the state, and has this report.
Mallory Noe-Payne has more on Lee County’s plan to arm teachers.
Research Suggests Year-End Bonuses May Lead to Unethical Behavior
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2018

Credit: Chris Dlugosz / Flickr
Trying to close the books on 2018? New research into human psychology here in Virginia has some tips. Michael Pope reports.
Equal Rights Amendment Gets Unfriendly Committee Placement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2018
Ahead of this year’s legislative session, Republican leadership in Virginia has assigned the equal rights amendment to committee. It will go before a Republican who has not been supportive in the past. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Analyzing Virginia’s Upside Down Education Funding Model
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2018

Credit: Pascal Volk / Flickr
How much money should school districts with the poorest students get? That’s an issue that will be debated in Richmond next month. Michael Pope reports.
New Report: 2018 Brought Virginia Economic Success
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 26, 2018

Credit: Old Dominion University
2018 has been a very good year economically for Virginia, according to Old Dominion University’s annual State of the Commonwealth report. Nick Gilmore has details.
Tradition of AGs Stepping Down to Run for Governor Dates to 1950’s
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 21, 2018

Former Virginia Attorney General, Lindsay Almond (Credit: Library of Congress)
For the last 60 years, trying to move from the attorney general’s office to the governor’s mansion has usually meant stepping down — resigning from one office to focus on being elected to the other. Michael Pope has this look at the reasons why.
Will Virginia’s Medicaid Work Requirements Ever Happen?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
182,000 people are about to get health insurance now that Virginia is finally expanding Medicaid. And, they will not have to meet the work requirement to get those benefits. At least not yet. Michael Pope reports.
Herring Joins Other Virginia Lawmakers in Refusal of Dominion Money
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2018

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says he won’t take campaign contributions from the state’s largest utility, Dominion Energy. (Credit: MDFriendofHilary / Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons)
The influence of corporate money has long been a staple of American politics. But now a new political trend is emerging in Virginia to resist campaign contributions from major corporations. Michael Pope reports.
Refund or Credit? Tax Showdown Looms
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 18, 2018
Virginia’s Democratic Governor and Republican lawmakers may be headed for a tax showdown this upcoming legislative session. The question at hand is what to do with new revenues created by the Trump administration’s tax cuts. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Kaine, Warner Hopeful About Avoiding Government Shutdown
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2018
Leaders in Washington may be heading toward yet another government shutdown, although Virginia’s two senators are hopeful Congress can avoid brinkmanship. Michael Pope reports.
Congress Likely to Pass “Ashanti Alert” Legislation from Virginia Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2018

Credit: Daniel Huizinga / Flickr
Democrats and Republicans in Congress may be deadlocked over a potential government shutdown and funding a wall on the southern border. But, they’re also coming together to pass significant bipartisan legislation at the end of the year. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Unemployment Numbers Show More Women Are Out of Work Than Men
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2018
Gender disparity in employment and salaries is well established. But there is another aspect of the gender gap that has not received as much attention. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Proposes 5-Percent Teacher Raise
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2018
Governor Ralph Northam is proposing a five-percent pay raise for teachers. It’s just one among a list of education priorities the Governor will present to lawmakers next week. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
School Divisions Closely Watching Stafford County Policy Decision
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2018

Credit: staffordschools.net
School divisions across Virginia are in the midst of a transformation, one that may have profound consequences for transgender students. Michael Pope reports.
With 2019 Session Around the Corner, State Lawmakers Already Looking Ahead
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers are about to assemble in Richmond for the next session of the General Assembly. But, as Michael Pope reports, many of them are already thinking ahead to the next election.
Richmond Start-Up Offers “Adventurer” Insurance Plans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 6, 2018

Credit: Sheila Berrios-Nazario of goldenagetrips.com / Flickr
A new start-up in Richmond is looking to fill a gap – insurance for adventurers. Nick Gilmore reports.
Should Gun Owners Be Liable If Their Guns Are Used in a Crime?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 6, 2018

Credit: Creative Commons / Public Domain
Gun control is expected to be a major flashpoint in the upcoming session of the Virginia General Assembly, and lawmakers are preparing a long list of potential new laws. Michael Pope reports on one measure in the works.
Proposed Legislation Would Change the Way Virginia Investigates Child Abuse
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Child abuse investigations are at the center of one bill that’ll be considered next month in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
General Assembly May Consider Expanding Attorney General’s Jurisdiction for Hate Crimes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 4, 2018

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (Credit: Edward Kimmel via flickr.com / CC)
Virginia’s attorney general is hoping members of the General Assembly will give his office new authority to go after hate crimes. Michael Pope reports.
A Look at Life Expectancy in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 3, 2018

Credit: University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
Men outnumber women in Virginia until they reach their mid-thirties. After that, women outnumber men until very late in life. Michael Pope reports on the gender gap at the end of life.
RC Poll: Consumer Sentiment Heavily Dependent on Political Affiliation in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 29, 2018

Credit: Roanoke College
How healthy is Virginia’s economy? The answer to that question might just depend on how you vote. Michael Pope reports.
Yes, There ARE Fewer Stink Bugs This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 29, 2018

Credit: Katja Schulz via Flickr.com / CC
Have you noticed there are fewer Stink Bugs around this year? Robbie Harris reports on why that it is and what we might expect going forward.
Millenials Are Leading the Way in Virginia’s Rising Homeownership Rate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 29, 2018
The recession ended a decade ago. But in some ways, Virginia’s housing industry is just now starting to recover. Michael Pope reports.
Auto Loan Delinquencies On the Rise in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2018
It’s been a decade since the subprime mortgage crisis tanked the global economy. Now, there’s another potential bubble about to burst. Michael Pope reports.
RC Poll: Virginia Shoppers Looking to Spend This Holiday Season
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 26, 2018

Credit: Roanoke College
The holiday shopping season is now officially upon us. And one recent survey of shoppers reveals this is likely to be a lucrative year. Michael Pope reports.
You can find the survey here.
Even With Medicaid Expansion, There’s Still Debate Over Work Requirements
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 23, 2018
Democrats have been trying to expand Medicaid for years, and they were unsuccessful until this year when they cut a deal with Republicans to institute work requirements. Now, as Michael Pope reports, those work requirements are creating a new set of difficulties.
Congress to Consider Beyer’s School Seclusion Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2018
Members of Congress are about to consider a piece of school legislation that has its origins in the Virginia General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
Does Virginia Need So Many Occupational Licenses?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 19, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
For many jobs in Virginia, workers are required to get a license. But what’s the cost of all those licenses? Michael Pope reports.
You can find the new report here.
Affordable Housing in Virginia Remains Difficult to Find
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2018
The economy is booming, and Virginia is doing well in a number of areas. But, some are being left behind. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Think School Counselors Should Spend More Time Counseling
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2018

Credit: joeannenah / Flickr
What will it take for Virginia schools to be more secure? A panel of lawmakers recently looked at the issue and made a number of key recommendations. Michael Pope reports.
Environmental Groups Warn of Coal Ash Health Risk at Conservation Area
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 15, 2018
It could cost billions to recycle toxic coal ash currently sitting in lagoons across Virginia. That’s according to a report Dominion Energy gave to lawmakers this week. At the same time, two environmental groups now say coal ash ponds in Chesterfield could pose a risk to human health. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
In Potential New Leadership Role, Scott Planning to Join Fight for 15
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 14, 2018
As Democrats plan to take control of the House of Representatives, one Virginia congressman is poised to control a key committee. And he’s already making plans for what he wants to do in that position. Michael Pope reports.
State Regulators Consider Buckingham Compressor Station
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2018

John and Ruby Laury fear the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will rob them of clean air, clean water and the quiet of their rural neighborhood. (Credit: Sandy Hausman / RADIO IQ)
A state regulatory board is preparing to vote on a key permit for a giant compressor station in rural Virginia. Dominion will use the station to push natural gas through the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.
But opponents say the construction is being thrust on a historically black community. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Democrats Seem Likely to Take on New Leadership Roles in Congress
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2018

Congressman Bobby Scott, who will likely become the next chairman of the Education Committee. (Credit: US Congress)
Now that Democrats have taken control of the House, Democrats in Virginia’s congressional delegation are about to take on a new and more significant role in the next Congress. Michael Pope reports.
Women Win Big in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 7, 2018
Yesterday, Virginians elected three new congress-women to represent the state on Capitol Hill. It was one of the largest gains for women in the country. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Northern Virginia is No Longer a Republican Stronghold
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 7, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Northern Virginia was once a bastion of economic conservatism. But now, as Michael Pope reports, the region has only one elected Republican official at the state or federal level.
Ben Cline Wins 6th District Seat
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 7, 2018

Republican Ben Cline gives his victory speech in Roanoke Tuesday evening. (Credit: Nick Gilmore / RADIO IQ)
Virginia’s 6th Congressional District has been represented by a Republican for more than two decades. And, as Nick Gilmore reports, that trend will continue with a new face.
Justices Hear Arguments Over Virginia Uranium Mining Ban
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 5, 2018

The United States Supreme Court (Credit: DBKING via Flickr / CC)
Justices of the United States Supreme Court are now considering a legal challenge to Virginia’s ban on uranium mining. Michael Pope is at the court with the latest.
What Will Turnout Look Like on Election Day?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 2, 2018
Voters are headed to the polls next week to vote in the midterm elections. But how many are expected to show up? Michael Pope has a forecast.
Who is Showing Up on Election Day in Virginia?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 31, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Voters are about to head to the polls across Virginia, deciding a U.S. Senate race as well as several hotly contested congressional races. But, the universe of voters who shows up in a mid-term is not the same as a presidential year. Michael Pope reports.
Algae Bloom Persists in Lake Anna
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 29, 2018

Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Florida has its Red Tide. Virginia’s Lake Anna is dealing with a similar situation. A significant algae bloom has persisted into the Fall, and is the first in the state to earn a human health advisory. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.


