Archive for category Virginia’s News
Virginia’s Rent Rates Have Stayed Flat in Recent Years
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 18, 2018

Credit: Kurt Bauschardt / Flickr
The cost of renting property in Virginia has historically been well above the national average. But recent years have seen a shift. Michael Pope is digging into the numbers.
Senate Committee Puts off Budget Vote
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 18, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Virginia’s slow moving budget process is only getting slower, as the Senate Finance Committee declined to vote on a budget proposal Tuesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
As Lawmakers Mull Medicaid Expansion, ER Visits Related to Opioid Use Continue to Rise
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 18, 2018
The opioid crisis continues to plague Virginia, and some are hoping members of the General Assembly might be able to take action to do something about it. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Lawmakers Weigh In On Net Neutrality Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 17, 2018

Credit: Marcie Casas / Flickr
Net neutrality has become one of the hottest issues in Washington, and the debate is likely to come to a campaign trail near you. Michael Pope explains why.
Judge Rules Pipeline Does Not Do Enough to Protect Endangered Animals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 16, 2018

The rusty-patched bumblebee is one of several endangered species that could be affected by pipeline construction. (Credit: Wikimedia)
Judges in Richmond have thrown out a key permit for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Environmental groups are celebrating the decision as a big victory, but Dominion Energy says they plan to keep building anyway. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Taylor Proposal Calls for Partnerships Between Police and Local Communities
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 15, 2018
Recent years have seen a growing sense of distrust between some members of the community and police. Now one Virginia congressman is trying to forge a new sense of cooperation. Michael Pope is on Capitol Hill with the latest.
Could Virginia Recycle Its Stockpile of Coal Ash?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 14, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers are in Richmond this week to figure out what to do with industrial pollution created by decades of fossil fuels. Michael Pope has the story.
Absentee Voting for June 12th Primaries Now Underway
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 10, 2018
Voting has already started for the June primaries. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Lawmakers Are Taking Less and Disclosing More
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 10, 2018

State Senator Barbara Favola (D-Arlington) landed at the top of the gift disclosures list this year. (Credit: barbarafavola.org)
Disclosure forms show that lawmakers are taking far fewer gifts than they once did, before former Governor Bob McDonnell found himself in federal court defending gifts from a wealthy businessman. Michael Pope has this look at the latest round of disclosure forms.
Environmentalists Picket Dominion Shareholder Meeting
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 9, 2018

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
While shareholders of Dominion Energy met in Richmond Wednesday for their annual update, pipeline protesters took to the street. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Take Up Call to End Cash Bail Bonds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 8, 2018

Credit: Roy Luck / Flickr
Richmond is taking steps to end its cash bail system, and now some state lawmakers are pushing for similar changes in other parts of the state. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Proposed Cuts to SNAP Benefits Could Hit Rural Virginia Especially Hard
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 8, 2018
Congress is considering a massive change to the food stamp program. And, as Michael Pope reports, the change would hit rural parts of Virginia the hardest.

Education Spending is Also a Sticking Point of Budget Talks in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 7, 2018

Credit: Tim Taylor / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond are still haggling over the details of the budget, and talks have broken down over whether health insurance should be expanded to people who live in poverty or with disabilities. But, another part of the state’s budget is also a hot topic. Michael Pope reports.
Charles Steger Remembered As Visionary Leader At Virginia Tech
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 7, 2018

Charles Steger (Credit: Virginia Tech)
Former Virginia Tech President Charles Steger died Sunday night, according to a statement from the university. Robbie Harris reports.
Despite Positive Economic Gains, Building Permits Are Lagging Behind
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 4, 2018

Credit: Christopher Sessums / Flickr
The recession is long gone, and the economy is making a comeback. But, one economic indicator is lagging behind. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Unemployment Numbers May Be Misleading
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 4, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Unemployment in Virginia has been going down steadily since it peaked during the recession. But, poverty is going up. Michael Pope reports.
Dems Hold First Gun Safety Meeting
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 4, 2018

Credit: MIKI Yoshihito / Flickr
After the shooting at a high school in Florida, Democratic lawmakers in Virginia have formed a task force on gun safety. Their first community meeting is this weekend in Richmond. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Activists Keep Up Pressure for Medicaid Expansion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 1, 2018

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
Lawmakers won’t be tackling the issue of Medicaid expansion for another two weeks, when the state Senate is to reconvene and negotiate the budget. But activists are trying keeping up the pressure. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Local Newspapers Continue to Disappear Across Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 30, 2018

Credit: Jon S / Flickr
Several communities across Virginia are saying goodbye to their local newspapers. Michael Pope has the story.
The “Southwest Symphony” Wows Airport Audience
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 27, 2018

Charlottesville High School musicians delighted travelers with a spontaneous concert at the airport in Orlando. (Credit: Laura Mulligan Thomas)
Charlottesville High School’s orchestra won four of the top prizes at a national competition in Orlando last week, but that was just the start of their adventure. Sandy Hausman reports on what happened when they were ready to head home.
Budget Talks Restart in May
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 25, 2018
Despite already being one month into overtime, state lawmakers will wait until mid May to restart budget negotiations. Leaders in the Senate say they want updated data on tax collections before they dive back in. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Goodlatte Music Legislation Unanimously Passes House
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 25, 2018
Congressman Bob Goodlatte may be on his way out of Congress. But he’s not ready for his swan song yet. Michael Pope reports.
Outside Money Again Looks Likely to Play A Role in Virginia’s Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 24, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
As the politics of 2018 heat up, money is flooding in from across the country. Michael Pope is digging into the numbers.
Law Students Challenge Need for Mental Health Question
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 24, 2018
Law students around the state are demanding a change in Virginia’s Bar Exam. They say a question that asks for mental health history has a chilling effect on future lawyers. The push comes after the American Bar Association recently recommended states re-evaluate whether to ask for the sensitive information. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Goodlatte Legislation Seeks to Modernize Music Industry
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 23, 2018

Credit: Brandon Giesbrecht / Flickr
Members of Congress are about to take up a bill from Congressman Bob Goodlatte this week that might end up being a revolutionary change to the music business. Michael Pope has the story.
Pipeline Protests Get the Attention of Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 19, 2018

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
As tree clearing for the Mountain Valley Pipeline moves forward in southwest Virginia, some Democratic lawmakers in Richmond are asking for things to slow down. They’re also demanding support for a protester, who has been sitting in the pipeline’s path. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
GA Meets for Veto Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 19, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Virginia’s House of Delegates met for a veto session Wednesday, lawmakers tried to override only one of Governor Ralph Northam’s vetoes. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Space Designed for Maximum Impact
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 19, 2018

Virginia Commonwealth University’s new Institute of Contemporary Art is a modern building in the heart of Richmond. (Credit: VCU ICA)
The corner of Broad and Belvidere is one of Richmond’s busiest intersections, and it’s about to get a bit busier. The intersection is now home to Richmond’s newest, and long anticipated, art museum. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Campaign Cash is Piling Up for Republican Senate Candidates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 19, 2018

Republican Senate candidate Corey Stewart is facing a tough fundraising challenge from state Delegate Nick Freitas. (Credit: facebook.com/coreystewartva/)
The primary is only weeks away, and it’s not just the politics that’s heating up. It’s also the race for campaign cash. Michael Pope is adding up the numbers.
How Does Virginia’s Tax Burden Compare to Other States?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2018

Credit: 401kcalculator.org / Flickr
Have you filed your taxes yet? Perhaps you’re concerned about the tax burden you face. Michael Pope has this breakdown of how much money Virginians owe in federal, state and local taxes.
VA News: Richmond Security Cameras, Polling Site called Inadequate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2018

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
There’s a polling place in Dickenson County with no restrooms, no wheelchair access and not enough for space for people to vote without turning sideways. It appears the precinct’s voters won’t see improvements anytime soon. And Richmond is considering a plan that would reimburse homeowners for setting up security cameras.
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.
Click here for Va. News from the Virginia Public Access Project.
Medicaid Isn’t the Only Funding Debate Left in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers are back in Richmond this week, still trying to hammer out a deal to finalize the budget. Although most of the attention has been focused on expanding health insurance to poor people, that’s not the only funding debate still playing out. Michael Pope has details.
What is 287(g)? And How Does it Impact the Immigration Debate?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 13, 2018

ICE Photo
Should local law-enforcement agencies enforce federal immigration law? That’s a debate that’s currently playing out in jails across Virginia. Michael Pope has the story.
House Panel Adds Punishment to Medicaid Work Requirement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 13, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Virginia could become the next state to add work requirements for Medicaid. The conservative reforms are being proposed by lawmakers in Virginia’s House. It’s part of a strategy to convince the state Senate to support Medicaid expansion. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Democrats Consider Choices to Take on Dave Brat
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 13, 2018

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
Virginia’s Seventh District is a small slice of the state, but the Congressional race there is drawing a lot of attention. Democrats think they can pick up the seat in the 2018 midterms. But first they have to choose a candidate. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
House Rejects Goodlatte Balanced Budget Amendment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 12, 2018

Credit: Rog Cogswell / Creative Commons
Critics of Washington spending say something needs to be done to reign in the excess, and one Virginia Congressman is pushing for a new constitutional amendment to make it happen.
Michael Pope has the story.
American Chestnut Trees Grew Taller in People’s Memories
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 12, 2018

American Chestnut in Warspur, Virginia with a dead, broken, main trunk and live small sprouts. The non-hybrid sprouts will soon succumb to the blight, which is still in the environment.
The American Chestnut tree has mythic stature in tree lore. Today the old giants of people’s memories are long gone from the landscape, wiped out by an Asian blight a hundred years ago. And even though they still loom large in the history and culture of Appalachia, new research suggests, their mythic proportions are likely, just that. Robbie Harris reports.
An Answer on Medicaid Could Still be Weeks Away
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 11, 2018

Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
The gallery of Virginia’s State Senate was filled with supporters of Medicaid expansion Wednesday as lawmaker gaveled in for a special session.
State legislators will be working on the budget, as well as deciding whether to expand health insurance to the poor. The final decision on could still be weeks away, but advocates still made an effort to have their voices heard.
Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Before Leaving Congress, Goodlatte Will Again Attempt to Pass Balanced Budget Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 11, 2018
Since the Great Depression, budget deficits have been the norm in Washington. That’s created a federal debt north of $21 trillion dollars. Now, one Virginia congressman is hoping to change that. Michael Pope reports.
More and More Students Are Defaulting On Loans in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2018

According to new federal data, Liberty University has the highest number of student defaults in the state. (Credit: Taber Andrew Bain / Flickr)
More and more students are defaulting on their college loans. Michael Pope is digging into the data for Virginia schools.
How Has Medicaid Expansion Impacted Other States?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 9, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
As Virginia considers expanding Medicaid this week, many people are looking to the experience of other states. Have any of the 33 states that expanded health insurance for the poor and the disabled come to regret the decision? Michael Pope looks for answers.
Va News: Richmond-area Newspapers End, Hackers Hit Vienna School District
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 9, 2018

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Two Virginia communities have lost their weekly newspapers, and hackers have attacked a Virginia high school’s computer network.
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.
Click here for Va. News from the Virginia Public Access Project.
MVP Protestor on Monopod Cut Off From Receiving Supplies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 9, 2018

US Forest Service new order moves MVP Pipeline Protesters base camp farther from monopod sitter. (Credit: Appalachians Against Pipelines)
Activists opposing the Mountain Valley natural gas Pipeline in southwest Virginia are camped in the Jefferson National forest, hoping to delay construction. One woman has been living on a monopod blocking the pipeline’s path. U.S. Forest Law enforcement have closed an access road, preventing supporters from getting food and water to her. Robbie Harris reports.
Congressman Garrett Wants More Time for Lawmakers to Review Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 6, 2018
How long should members of Congress have to actually read the legislation they are voting on? Michael Pope has this report about one Virginia congressman who says lawmakers shouldn’t be so hasty.
Beer Boom Leads to More Classes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 6, 2018

Credit: University of Richmond
As Virginia’s craft beer industry continues to boom, it means more job openings. To help fill the demand, the University of Richmond is expanding its class options in beer making. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Leaders Push Richmond to Modernize Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 5, 2018

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney advocating for more state money for education during the General Assembly. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
In November voters in Richmond overwhelmingly supported a change to the city’s charter, pressuring leaders to come up with a plan to fully renovate city schools. This week, Virginia’s Governor signed that ballot measure into law. That means the clock is now ticking for the Mayor’s office. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Northern Virginia Hospital is Leading the Way in Cutting Down on C-Sections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 5, 2018

The Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. (Credit: NCinDC / Flickr)
In the last few decades, the number of cesarean section births has skyrocketed, and many leaders in the medical community feel it’s at a crisis level. But one hospital in Northern Virginia may have come upon a way of solving the problem. Michael Pope has the story.
Democratic Hopefuls Across Virginia Have Differing Positions on Trump Impeachment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 4, 2018
As Democrats across Virginia prepare to head to the polls in June, they will be choosing between candidates who are taking a variety of positions on impeaching President Trump. Michael Pope has that story.



