Archive for category Virginia’s News
Medicaid Expansion is On the Table, But Work Requirement Could Be Sticking Point
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2018

Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
In Virginia, Republican leaders are now saying they won’t talk Medicaid expansion unless Democrats support work requirements for the program. A bill to do just that made its way through a key committee this morning. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Lawmakers Are Looking to End the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2018

Credit: jeffrey montes / Flickr
In Richmond, a bipartisan groups of lawmakers are hoping to tackle the school-to-prison pipeline in Virginia. Michael Pope explains some of the proposals.
How Much Money, If Any, Should Virginia Spend to Attract Professional Sports?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2018

An aerial view of FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland — the home of the Washington Redskins. Lawmakers in Virginia are currently debating whether the state should spend money to attract professional sports teams to the Commonwealth. (Credit: Andrew Malone / Flickr)
Lawmakers in Richmond are tacking a lot of issues this year, including a debate over using public money for professional sports. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Northam Pushes for Virginia Exemption to Offshore Drilling Plan
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 26, 2018

An oil platform sits in the distance at Refugio State Beach in California in 2015. Now that the Trump administration has announced plans to allow new oil and gas drilling leases in more federal waters, a number of states are petitioning to be exempt from the change. (Credit: David McNew / Getty Images)
Virginia’s Governor is continuing to push the Trump administration to exempt the state from a proposed expansion of offshore drilling. Governor Ralph Northam says he spoke with the Secretary of the Interior this week. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
As Medicaid Legislation Goes Down in Senate, Northam Recommits to Expanding Coverage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 26, 2018
A key committee in Virginia’s Senate took up debate of Medicaid expansion Thursday. Even though the bills failed, Governor Ralph Northam says it’s just the beginning of the process. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Following Tied Election, Lawmakers Are Looking to Make Sure it Doesn’t Happen Again
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 25, 2018

Credit: RADIO IQ
Republican leaders in the General Assembly say they recognize that elections in Virginia have problems. And, as Michael Pope reports, they want to take action. Next year.
Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on How Campaign Funds Can Be Used
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2018

Delegate Marcus Simon (D-Fairfax) wants to put restrictions on how candidates can spend campaign funds. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
It’s been several years since former Governor Bob McDonnell was accused of accepting gifts in exchange for official’s acts. But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers are still trying to close loopholes in the law.
Removing ‘Luck of the Draw’ from Virginia’s Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 24, 2018

Virginia State Board of Elections chairman, James Alcorn, holds up the name of David Yancy, the winner of a random drawing to determine the winner of a tied election for the 94th District House of Delegates seat earlier this month. Yancey won the drawing over Democrat Shelly Simonds. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Should elections be determined but the luck of the draw? That’s what happened last year, and one lawmaker wants to make sure it never happens again. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers to Discuss Driver’s Licences for Undocumented Immigrants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018

Credit: AP Photo/Cliff Owen
Hundreds of advocates for immigrants will be in Richmond Wednesday for a contentious committee hearing. As Michael Pope reports, the hearing will consider a bill that would provide documents to the undocumented.
Rural Hospital Gets Caught in Medicaid Fight
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018

State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, proposed a measure to help keep open a hospital in his district. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A shuttered hospital in rural Patrick County may have a better shot at reopening, thanks to a bill that passed Virginia’s Senate Tuesday. That’s after the same measure failed last week, getting caught up in the political battle over Medicaid expansion. Mallory Noe-Payne has the story.
Families, State Agencies Breathe Sigh of Relief as Congress Funds CHIP
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 23, 2018

The Children’s Health Insurance Program relies on money from state and federal governments to help subsidize the cost of medical care for some kids not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. Congress had let funding for the program lapse. (Credit: Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images)
After months of uncertainty, Congress has passed long-term funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. For Virginians that means more than 60,000 low-income children will be able to keep their coverage. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Some are Calling for an End to Split Precincts Following Voting Errors in Fredericksburg
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2018

Delegate Vivian Watts (D-Fairfax) wants to outlaw split precincts in Virginia after a number of voters in Fredericksburg were given the wrong ballot during last November’s election. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Confusion over split precincts led to a meltdown in Fredericksburg last year, when dozens of voters were given the wrong ballot. Now some lawmakers are hoping for a fix. Michael Pope has the latest from the Capitol.
Va News Topics: Internet Gaming Parlors and School Surveys
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2018

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
An elementary school principal in Rockbridge County has apologized for a survey given to students without parental permission, and local governments in Virginia are still trying to find ways to shut down internet gaming parlors.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.
More now from Fred Echols.
Click here for the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News Link.
Rate Freeze Debate Includes What to Do With Excessive Utility Profits
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 19, 2018

Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, wants to lift Virginia’s utility rate freeze and give some of that money back to ratepayers. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber, File)
Your power bill may be including a little something extra in the coming weeks. But will it be what you deserve? Lawmakers are dividing, and Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Shoot! Cursing is Still a Crime in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 18, 2018

Del. Michael Webert, R-Culpeper, left, talks with Del. David Yancey, R-Newport News during the House session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. Webert’s bill to decriminalize cursing in Virginia failed to advance to the full House of Delegates. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers in Richmond occasionally curse at each other as debates get heated. And, as Michael Pope explains, they’re breaking the law.
Virginia Lawmakers Talk Shutdown, Spending And DACA
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 18, 2018

Snow falls on the Capitol early Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. (Credit: AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)
The federal government could be lurching towards a partial shutdown this weekend if lawmakers can’t reach a deal on so-called Dreamers and defense spending. Matt Laslo reports.
Snow-Related Legislation on the Minds of Lawmakers This Snow Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 17, 2018

Snow covers the traffic circle around the monument of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond earlier this month. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Many schools and businesses were closed Wednesday because of snow. But lawmakers in Richmond were hard at work. And, as Michael Pope reports, they are considering two snow-related bills.
With a New Governor at the Helm, Can the General Assembly Work in a Bipartisan Manner?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2018

Governor Ralph Northam gestures during his first State of the Commonwealth address to a joint session of the General Assembly. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The British classic rock band known as the Who famously belted out “Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss.” As Michael Pope reports, Republicans say that sentiment could have been written about the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
Northam Asks Lawmakers To Pass Progressive Agenda In Address
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 16, 2018

Gov. Ralph Northam, bottom center, waves to the gallery prior to delivering his State of the Commonwealth address as Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, top left, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, top center, and State Sen. Stephen Newman, R-Bedford, applaud before a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s new governor is at work in Richmond this week, trying to accomplish something that eluded his predecessor. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Lawmakers Debate Legislation to Remove Utility Rate Freeze
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018

Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roaonke) is sponsoring a bill that would lift a utility rate freeze in Virginia — something he calls “the most corrupt utility law ever passed in Virginia history.” (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers are talking energy regulation, although they’re not agreeing on much. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Virginia Senate Deals Blow to Progressive Gun Agenda
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018

Michelle Person, of Poquoson Va., holds a shirt along with other demonstrators remembering the victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech during a anti-gun violence rally at the Capitol in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A progressive agenda on gun control hit a Republican wall at the state capitol Monday. But new Governor Ralph Northam says he won’t stop pushing for laws to prevent gun violence. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
VA News: Vets Clinic Debate, Controversial GOP Meeting Speaker
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Stafford County supervisors were left puzzled when apparent opposition to a plan for a new veterans’ medical clinic seemed to evaporate overnight. And, Amherst County Republicans were barred their usual meeting place in the basement of the Sheriff’s office over a controversial speaker.
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 the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News Link.
The Doctor is In the House, Ralph Northam Takes Oath of Office
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 15, 2018

Governor-elect Ralph Northam and his wife, Pam, arrive at the south portico before Northam took the oath of office during inauguration ceremonies at the Capitol. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Doctor Ralph Northam now has a new title, Governor Ralph Northam. In his inaugural speech, he talked about the lessons he learned from his parents on the Eastern Shore as well as his time as a pediatric neurologist. Michael Pope reports.
Among the inaugural parade were staff and patients from the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, where Northam provided care for 25 years. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
People Protected Under DACA Have Big Impact on Virginia Economy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2018

Demonstrators hold up balloons during an immigration rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), programs, near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo / Jose Luis Magana)
Congress is in the midst of a heated discussion about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an immigration policy that will have important consequences for families across the country. But, as Michael Pope reports, it will also have dramatic consequences for Virginia’s economy.
Why Medicaid Expansion Could Hinge On A Drawing By Lot
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2018

Governor Terry McAuliffe
Four years ago, Terry McAuliffe was elected on, partly, a platform of expanding Medicaid. So far, he has been unable to deliver on that promise. But Democrats are hoping his last budget will plant the seeds for that to happen after he’s no longer in office. Michael Pope reports.
A More Diverse Virginia Includes an Aging Population
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2018

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Virginia is becoming more diverse, and the birth rate is declining. But one demographic trend stands out as the most prominent change. Michael Pope has the story.
Unless Court Intervenes, House of Delegates Control to Be Determined Next Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 29, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Last week, election officials called off a random drawing to determine the winner of a House race in Newport News. Now, as Michael Pope reports, the tie-breaker is back on.
The On-Going Debate Over Standardized Testing in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon, File
As lawmakers return to Richmond this year, many of them will be focused on reforming Virginia’s system of standardized testing. Michael Pope has the story.
Bird Count Brings Old Friends And New Scientists Together
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2017

At dawn along the Potomac River at the George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument from left Kent Ihrman, Bill Portlock and Chuck Gibson count birds. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Every year from December 14 through January 5, bird enthusiasts and citizen scientists throughout North America spend a day counting species. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Young People Put Off Joining Workforce in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Young people are increasingly delaying their entry into the workforce, a trend that could have drastic consequences for what happens when they do finally get that first job. Michael Pope is digging into the numbers.
Random Draw Put on Hold as Democrats File Challenge to Recount
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

The contested ballot at the heart of a dramatic recount in Virginia’s 94th House of Delegates race. (Credit: City of Newport News / The Virginian Pilot via AP)
Plans to break a tie in a Virginia House of Delegates race with a random drawing have been put on hold. Democrat Shelly Simonds is challenging the recount results that gave her opponent, Republican David Yancey, one extra vote. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look Back at the Last Time Virginia’s House of Delegates Was Tied
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Election officials had planned to break a tie in a Virginia House race by choosing a winner at random today. But, it’s been postponed after the Democrat announced plans to challenge results in court. That means control of the House of Delegates is still up in the air, with one potential outcome being a 50-50 tie. If that result comes to pass, Michael Pope reports that it wouldn’t be a first for Virginia.
Gilmore Pondering Run For Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore gestures as he addresses the Virginia State Republican Convention in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, April 30, 2016. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Election 2017 is not quite over yet as recounts and legal challenges move forward. But the politics of 2018 are already getting hot and heavy. Michael Pope has details.
Power Sharing In The General Assembly? It’s Happened Before
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
With Democrats and Republicans so evenly split in the House of Delegates, members may be forced into a power-sharing agreement. Virginia’s previous experience with power sharing had mixed results. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Taps Northern Virginia Middle School Teacher for Education Secretary
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

Governor-elect Ralph Northam names Beville Middle School teacher Atif Qarni as the next secretary of education. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Governor-elect Ralph Northam is filling out key Cabinet posts in the run-up to his inauguration next month, and this week he’s outlining his new education team. Michael Pope has the story.
Chris Hurst Goes to Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2017

Chris Hurst thanks supporters for his election to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the New River Valley.
When the Virginia General Assembly convenes next month, there’ll be a lot of new faces. Among them, New River Valley Democrat Chris Hurst. His race turned out to be most expensive in state history and part of the blue wave that rafted more Democrats into the house, than we’ve seen in a generation. Robbie Harris reports.
A Monumental Recount in the 94th District Has Taken Another Turn
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2017

Election officials in Newport News, Va., examine ballots that a computer failed to scan during a recount for a House of Delegates race on Tuesday. The recount initially gave the race to Democrat Shelly Simonds by a one-vote margin, but a three judge panel certified a ballot in favor of Republican incumbent David Yancey that had been thrown out. The race is now tied. (Credit: AP Photo / Ben Finley)
All eyes are on the 94th District in Newport News, where a roller-coaster recount has wound up as a tied race. At stake is control of Virginia’s legislature. Mallory Noe-Payne has an earlier response from Governor-Elect Ralph Northam.
The Political Toll of Dynamic Tolling
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Cliff Owen
Drivers in Northern Virginia are still being hit with record-high tolls, some as much as $40 for a one-way trip in express lanes during some rush hours. Michael Pope has this look at the politics of dynamic tolling.
House of Delegates Control Up for Grabs, Three Recounts Scheduled For This Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Election officials are combing through a handful of recounts this week while control of the House of Delegates hangs in the balance. Michael Pope has the story.
Governor McAuliffe Unveils Budget, Push for Medicaid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, right, listens to Gov.-elect, Ralph Northam, center, as Pam Northam, left, looks on during a news conference in the Governors mansion. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Lawmakers in Richmond today they got their first glimpse of Governor Terry McAuliffe’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session when the outgoing Governor unveiled his final budget proposal for the state. Mallory Noe-Payne was there and has this report.
Governor McAuliffe also wants to give health insurance to Virginia’s poor. The Governor has unsuccessfully pushed to expand Medicaid for four years, but is hoping this year will be different.
Va. News Topics: Fracking And Public Nudity
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Two Virginia counties are currently trying to resolve questions about state law. Westmoreland County is wondering whether it can ban fracking and Middlesex is trying to figure out when it’s illegal to appear nude in public.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week a the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link. More now from Fred Echols.
Estimating Immigration in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Immigration policy has become one of the most hotly debated topics in Washington and in Richmond. But, as Michael Pope reports, some key details are missing.
A Christmas Conversation With John Waters
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017

Credit: James Callahan
Filmmaker, comedian and writer John Waters is returning to Richmond’s Byrd Theatre with an all new, live Christmas show. Reporter Brad Kutner spoke with the so-called “Pope of filth” about the holidays and his favorite Christmas traditions ahead of this show.
Gillespie: ‘I’m a Better Person’ for Having Run for Governor
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2017

Republican candidate for Virginia governor Ed Gillespie pauses while speaking with reporters after voting at his polling place on Election Day. (Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon)
In his first interview since losing the race for Governor, Republican Ed Gillespie says he’s rooting for Governor-elect Ralph Northam. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Unusual Pipeline Rulings Leave Advocates to Wonder: What Now?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2017

A No Pipeline sign is posted next to a property line marker only a few feet from the center line of the route of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Anti-pipeline advocates are taking stock this week, after a confusing set of decisions by state regulators. They’ve decided to treat two pipeline projects differently, granting approval to one but demanding more review on the other. Mallory Noe-Payne has this look at what’s next.
Lawsuit Could Open Virginia To Uranium Mining
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2017

In this Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 photo, a Virginia Uranium Inc. project manager operates a Geiger counter in a hole next to the road near a uranium deposit on the Coles Hill Farm in Chatham, Va. A three-decade ban on uranium mining in Virginia has put the richest known deposit of the radioactive ore in the U.S. off limits to mining. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A lawsuit that could clear the way for a uranium mine to open in Southside Virginia will likely be argued early next year in Wise County. Fred Echols reports.
Both Sides Claim Cautious Victory on Key Regulatory Hurdle for Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2017

Hydrologist William K. Jones, walks up a mountain near the route of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline in Bolar, Va. The pipeline has broad support from political and business leaders, but is staunchly opposed by environmentalists and many affected landowners. (Credit: Steve Helber / AP Photo)
Anti-pipeline protesters were vocal through two days of public hearings on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. But when a vote finally came, there were no rounds of applause, no shouts of anger. Just confusion. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Atlantic Coast Pipeline Faces Last Hurdle in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2017

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality director, David Paylor, walks along a retention pond for a spring near the route of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The controversial Atlantic Coast Pipeline faces its final regulatory hurdle in Virginia: permits to be voted on by the state water control board. The two day board meeting began Monday morning with a pump-up for anti pipeline activists. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia’s beer industry is booming and more farmers are delving into the raw ingredients needed to meet the high demand. So why is finding a beer brewed from all-Virginia ingredients still tough? Jessie Knadler reports.

