Archive for category Virginia’s News

Virginia’s Rent Rates Have Stayed Flat in Recent Years

26721272685_04a4f75220_z

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.

Leave a comment

Senate Committee Puts off Budget Vote

va_state_flag

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.

,

Leave a comment

As Lawmakers Mull Medicaid Expansion, ER Visits Related to Opioid Use Continue to Rise

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.

,

Leave a comment

Virginia Lawmakers Weigh In On Net Neutrality Debate

5347580266_f1bd0f238d_z

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

Judge Rules Pipeline Does Not Do Enough to Protect Endangered Animals

bombus_affinis__m__racine_wi__lw_macior_1964_side_2017-02-15-09.29__32801122541_

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.

,

Leave a comment

Taylor Proposal Calls for Partnerships Between Police and Local Communities

480px-Scott_Taylor_official_photoRecent 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.

, ,

Leave a comment

Could Virginia Recycle Its Stockpile of Coal Ash?

va_state_flag

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.

,

Leave a comment

Absentee Voting for June 12th Primaries Now Underway

voting_rights_3002112985_80b5a719b1Voting has already started for the June primaries. Michael Pope has the story.

,

Leave a comment

Virginia Lawmakers Are Taking Less and Disclosing More

static1.squarespace.com

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.

Leave a comment

Environmentalists Picket Dominion Shareholder Meeting

IMG_6613

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

Lawmakers Take Up Call to End Cash Bail Bonds

13678713043_c930e266a5_z

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

Proposed Cuts to SNAP Benefits Could Hit Rural Virginia Especially Hard

391px-Supplemental_Nutrition_Assistance_Program_logo.svgCongress 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.

snapmap

Leave a comment

Education Spending is Also a Sticking Point of Budget Talks in Richmond

6655756923_94b6cca097_z

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.

,

Leave a comment

Charles Steger Remembered As Visionary Leader At Virginia Tech

Steger

Charles Steger (Credit: Virginia Tech)

Former Virginia Tech President Charles Steger died Sunday night, according to a statement from the university. Robbie Harris reports.

,

Leave a comment

Despite Positive Economic Gains, Building Permits Are Lagging Behind

14162182030_df425e241d_z

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.

,

Leave a comment

Virginia’s Unemployment Numbers May Be Misleading

va_state_flag

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.

,

Leave a comment

Dems Hold First Gun Safety Meeting

28029337865_7410e9332d_z

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.

Leave a comment

Could Big Data Help Curb the Opioid Crisis?

5747870989_27780db120_z

Credit: Jamie / Flickr

Can data solve the opioid crisis? One member of Congress from Virginia thinks it’s worth a try. Michael Pope has the story.

*Editor’s Note: After this story was published, Rep. Comstock’s office vigorously disputed any implication from political analyst Quentin Kidd that the legislation has any political motivation.  In a phone call, Comstock said the opioid crisis “is not a partisan issue.”  She also noted her previous involvement in speaking about and addressing the issue  both in Congress and in the Virginia General Assembly.  That context should have been included in the original story.

,

Leave a comment

Activists Keep Up Pressure for Medicaid Expansion

IMG_6271

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.

,

Leave a comment

Local Newspapers Continue to Disappear Across Virginia

6277209256_934f20da10_z

Credit: Jon S / Flickr

Several communities across Virginia are saying goodbye to their local newspapers. Michael Pope has the story.

Leave a comment

The “Southwest Symphony” Wows Airport Audience

southwest_symphony

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.

Leave a comment

Virginia Honors Young Civil Rights Warrior Barbara Johns

Barbara-Johns-Day-250x300

At the age of 16, Barbara Johns organized a strike that would launch the student civil rights movement. (Credit: Moton Museum)

Since a mass shooting in Parkland, Florida earlier this year, students have taken to the streets – demanding more gun control in this country. Their actions are inspiring, but this is not the first time young people have led a social movement. Sandy Hausman reports.

Leave a comment

Budget Talks Restart in May

Virginia_State_Capitol3Despite 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.

,

Leave a comment

Goodlatte Music Legislation Unanimously Passes House

Bob_Goodlatte_official_photoCongressman Bob Goodlatte may be on his way out of Congress. But he’s not ready for his swan song yet. Michael Pope reports.

,

Leave a comment

Outside Money Again Looks Likely to Play A Role in Virginia’s Elections

va_state_flag

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.

,

Leave a comment

Law Students Challenge Need for Mental Health Question

VSB_0Law 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.

, ,

Leave a comment

Goodlatte Legislation Seeks to Modernize Music Industry

5819184201_df0392f0e7_z

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

Pipeline Protests Get the Attention of Lawmakers

IMG_6531

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.

Leave a comment

GA Meets for Veto Session

va_state_flag

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

A Space Designed for Maximum Impact

ica_vcu_17-12_sha_0085

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.

, , ,

Leave a comment

Campaign Cash is Piling Up for Republican Senate Candidates

11722120_1172894872727351_5564241758739575607_o

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.

, , ,

Leave a comment

How Does Virginia’s Tax Burden Compare to Other States?

6757828303_86e79ceee3_z

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.

Leave a comment

VA News: Richmond Security Cameras, Polling Site called Inadequate

VPAPnew

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.

Leave a comment

Medicaid Isn’t the Only Funding Debate Left in Richmond

va_state_flag

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.

,

Leave a comment

What is 287(g)? And How Does it Impact the Immigration Debate?

Targeted Enforcement Operation in Texas and Oklahoma

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.

,

Leave a comment

House Panel Adds Punishment to Medicaid Work Requirement

va_state_flag

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.

Leave a comment

Democrats Consider Choices to Take on Dave Brat

IMG_8225

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

House Rejects Goodlatte Balanced Budget Amendment

capitol_dome__washington_dc

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

American Chestnut Trees Grew Taller in People’s Memories

chestnut9

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.

, , ,

Leave a comment

An Answer on Medicaid Could Still be Weeks Away

Virginia_State_Capitol3

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.

, , ,

Leave a comment

Before Leaving Congress, Goodlatte Will Again Attempt to Pass Balanced Budget Legislation

Bob_Goodlatte_official_photoSince 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.

,

Leave a comment

More and More Students Are Defaulting On Loans in Virginia

2127942126_56866df726_z

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.

, , ,

Leave a comment

How Has Medicaid Expansion Impacted Other States?

va_state_flag

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.

, , , ,

Leave a comment

Va News: Richmond-area Newspapers End, Hackers Hit Vienna School District

VPAPnew

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.

Leave a comment

MVP Protestor on Monopod Cut Off From Receiving Supplies

30262153_1489100427868846_6414122237831877933_n_copy

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.

, , ,

Leave a comment

Congressman Garrett Wants More Time for Lawmakers to Review Legislation

399px-Tom_Garrett_official_congressional_photoHow 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.

Leave a comment

Beer Boom Leads to More Classes

steambell_1__1_

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.

, , ,

Leave a comment

State Leaders Push Richmond to Modernize Schools

IMG_6300

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.

Leave a comment

A Northern Virginia Hospital is Leading the Way in Cutting Down on C-Sections

8708865874_70745e56cc_z

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.

, ,

Leave a comment

Democratic Hopefuls Across Virginia Have Differing Positions on Trump Impeachment

473px-Donald_Trump_official_portraitAs 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.

,

Leave a comment