Archive for category Virginia’s News
Bluegrass Kids Boost Traditional Appalachian Music
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2017

Presley Barker and his bandmates took top honors in the youth competition at this year’s Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax. (Credit: Sandy Hausman / RADIO IQ)
Washington and Lee’s Bluegrass Ensemble presents its fall concert Nov. 11 at 8 – an event that’s free and open to the public. The program will feature a first – the debut of Dueling Basses. It might surprise you to find enthusiasm for this traditional Appalachian music on a college campus, but as Sandy Hausman discovered at the Old Fiddler’s Convention, bluegrass has made a comeback.
Former Felons Also Took to the Polls Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2017

Credit: AP Photo
More than two and a half million Virginians went to the polls Tuesday to elect a new Governor. For some it was the first time they had voted in years, if at all. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Flood-Proofing Virginia’s Military Bases Could Be A Very Expensive Venture
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 9, 2017

Col. Keith Morrow, U.S. Army (Ret.), Deputy Mission Support Commander talks about flooding issues at Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
You may remember earlier this year when President Trump made a call to the mayor of Tangier Island. The island is slowly disappearing into the Chesapeake Bay, sinking at the same time sea-level is rising at a faster pace due to climate change. Trump told him not to worry. But his Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, is doing the opposite, facing down climate change as a threat to national security.
Recently, top regional brass spent a day with scientists and policymakers at the William & Mary Law School. All agreed, it’s going to be a long, very expensive battle. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
With A Few Races Still Undecided, Talk of Power Sharing Picks Up in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2017

The Virginia State Capitol Building (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Democrats are within striking distance of taking control of the House of Delegates. But as Michael Pope reports, they’re not there yet.
Governor-Elect Ralph Northam Gives First Post-Election Press Conference
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2017

Governor-elect Ralph Northam gestures during a news conference at the Capitol in Richmond earlier today. Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie in Thursday’s election. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginians are getting a first glimpse of their new Governor today. Democrat Ralph Northam beat Republican Ed Gillespie in Tuesday’s election. Mallory Noe-Payne reports from the state capitol.
Early Numbers Suggest Voter Turnout Could be Stronger than 2013
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 7, 2017

Karina Smith holds her son Kyler Smith, 2, as she fills out her ballot at a polling place Tuesday, Nov. 7th, 2017, in Alexandria, Va. (Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon)
Election officials are reporting a steady stream of voters across the state, as Virginians pick a new governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Some close races for the House of Delegates and lots of local contests are also drawing voters out.
In Roanoke, about 13% of the city’s registered voters had cast ballots as of 10 am. And in Montgomery County, the turnout figure as of 10 o’clock was 16%. Joe Staniunas has this early look at voter turnout.
Gillespie, Northam and Hyra Make Last Pitches Before Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2017

Republican Ed Gillespie (left), Libertarian Cliff Hyra (center) and Democrat Ralph Northam (right) are vying to be Virginia’s next governor. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber, File)
The candidates vying to be Virginia’s next governor campaigned across the state today with hopes of making one last appeal to voters before polls open tomorrow morning.
When Virginians head to the polls tomorrow, they will elect a new governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. All 100 seats in the House of Delegates will also be up for grabs. And, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, Democrats are feeling the pressure.
Republican Ed Gillespie says he’s finishing his race for governor strong, and that he’s the one heading into Election Day with the big momentum. Michael Pope has details.
With polls showing such a tight race, Libertarian Cliff Hyra says he’s not afraid to possibly play spoiler.
Hyra has been polling at about 2%. He says success Tuesday would be mean better setting up his party for the future.
Polls open tomorrow morning at 6 and will remain open until 7 PM. You can find more details on where to vote and what materials are needed to cast your ballot here.
Va News Topics: Richmond City Treasurer, Dilwyn Town Council
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Voters in Richmond know they will soon have a new City Treasurer, but they have no idea what the treasurer’s duties will be once in office. Meanwhile, in Dilwyn the entire town council missed the filing deadline to run for re-election. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More now from Fred Echols.
It’s Open Enrollment: Here’s What You Need to Know About the ACA in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Andrew Harnik, File
It’s open enrollment season for health care via the Affordable Care Act. And while uncertainty over federal policy has meant a big jumps in prices, it’s also meant a jump in subsidies. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Since August, Candidates Have Shifted Tactics on Confederate Monuments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 3, 2017

City workers drape a tarp over the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
If you had asked Virginians a year ago what topics would dominate the race for Governor, Confederate monuments might not have topped the list. But a rally in Charlottesville changed everything. Now, Confederate monuments have become a flashpoint in the race for Virginia’s next Governor. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look Into Turnout Projections Ahead Of Next Week’s Statewide Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 3, 2017

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Voters are headed to the polls this week to elect a governor, a lieutenant governor and an attorney general. Plus all 100 seats of the House of Delegates. But how many voters will show up on Election Day? Michael Pope has this look at turnout projections.
The Makeup of This Year’s Voter Turnout Could Determine Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 2, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Alexander F. Yuan
Voters are headed to the polls this month to vote for three statewide races and every member of the House of Delegates. But the electorate this year will not look like the one that turned out last year for the presidential election. Michael Pope takes this look at odd-year voters.
Libertarian to Other Candidates for Governor: Grow Up
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 2, 2017

Cliff Hyra, the Libertarian candidate for Virginia governor, gestures during an interview in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Five days before Virginians elect their next Governor, the third-party candidate is accusing his opponents of acting like children. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Polling is All Over the Map in Hotly Contested Race for Governor
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2017

Democratic candidate Ralph Northam and Republican candidate Ed Gillespie at a debate last month. A number of recent polls show different results in the hotly contested race for governor. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Polling in Virginia’s gubernatorial race is a mixed bag, with different polls predicting different results next week. Michael Pope has the story.
Following The Money From High-Interest Lenders To Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2017

LoanMax is the most generous high-interest leader lender, giving about $350,000 this election cycle. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Companies that offer high-interest loans are fighting back against efforts to reform their industry, and part of that effort involves writing checks to political campaigns. Michael Pope reports.
Church’s Plan To Relocate Washington, Lee Plaques Raises Ire Of Senate Candidate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2017

A memorial marking the final resting place of 34 Confederate soldiers, is seen in 2003, outside Christ Church in Alexandria. Christ Church was frequented by George Washington and Confederate General Robert E. lee and is one of the oldest in the city. (Credit: AP Photo / Linda Spillers)
A historic Episcopal church in northern Virginia has decided to relocate two plaques in its sanctuary that honor George Washington and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, who worshiped there. Michael Pope has details.
Virginia Lawmaker Wants to Decriminalize First Marijuana Offense
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2017

Members of the public largely came out to support decriminalizing marijuana. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Over the past decade Virginia has arrested more than 130,000 people for possession of marijuana. Those arrests are almost entirely men, and more than half are college-aged. Even though Virginia’s population is only 20% black, almost half of all marijuana arrests are of African Americans.
Those were the findings of a new report released by Virginia’s State Crime Commission Monday. Now one lawmaker plans on using that data to fight for decriminalization. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Transgender Candidate Misgendered in Recent Republican Mailer
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2017

Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates’ 13th District, Danica Roem, places a campaign sign in a Manassas neighborhood. Roem, Virginia’s first transgender candidate, has been misgendered by state Republicans who recently sent out a direct mailer that attacks her as a him. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The politics of gender and language are colliding in one race for the House of Delegates. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Prepares to Shut Down Health Insurance Program for 66,000 Children
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2017

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. (Credit: Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images)
66,000 children and 1,100 pregnant women could lose health insurance if Congress doesn’t act soon. They get their insurance through a federally funded program called CHIP, and Congress hasn’t agreed to keep paying the bills. Now Virginia is preparing to shut the program down, because there’s no more money. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Va News Topics: Mary Baldwin University, Higher Seat Belt Usage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
One the first colleges for women founded in Virginia now has now opened its campus to men. And, it seems more drivers in the state are buckling up these days. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More now from Fred Echols.
GWAR: Richmond’s Home-Grown Metal Rock Band
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2017

Matt McGuire, head fabricator for GWAR, holds a set piece for one of the band’s performances. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Blood, guts, and space alien monsters bent on destroying earth. That’s what the metal band GWAR is known for internationally. It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. But for those in Richmond, where the band calls home, it’s much, much more than noise. Brad Kutner reports.
Democrats Hoped for a Wave in House, But GOP Incumbents Tough to Beat
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2017

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Democrats started this election cycle with a head full of steam, eager to run against Republicans in an environment that was supposed to the best possible election cycle for them to take back the House of Delegates. But, as Michael Pope reports, that’s not how things turned out.
How Would Gillespie Tax Cut Proposal Affect You?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2017

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie during a debate in McLean, Virginia last month. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Ask the Republican and Democrat running for Governor how Virginia’s economy is faring, and you’ll get two very different answers.
Democrat Ralph Northam says the state’s doing well, pointing out that unemployment is the lowest its been in almost a decade. But Republican Ed Gillespie highlights slow economic and wage growth to paint a bleaker picture. And to turn things around, he’s proposing the state’s first tax cut in more than 40 years.
To understand what that would mean for Virginia’s economy, reporter Mallory Noe-Payne enlisted help.
Goodlatte Aims to Undo Obama-Era Policy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 25, 2017

Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Roanoke. (Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon, File)
President Trump isn’t the only person in Washington trying to undo the Obama legacy. One powerful member of the Virginia Congressional delegation is also trying to take action against what he sees as a problem created in the last administration. Michael Pope reports.
Controversial Attack Ad Likely Just the Beginning Leading Up to Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 25, 2017

The attack ad from Democrats this week depicts President Donald Trump and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie superimposed over a crowd of torch-bearing white supremacists in Charlottesville.
Republicans are up in arms about a piece of direct mail in the hotly contested race for governor. Michael Pope has the story.
Connecting Past to Present: Facing Uncomfortable Truths, Honoring UVA’s Slaves at First Symposium
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 25, 2017

More than 50 people spent the night behind UVA’s Pavilion IX during the Slave Dwelling Project’s largest ever sleepover. (Credit: Jordy Yager)
The Slave Dwelling Project recently held its largest ever event at the University of Virginia to commemorate the hundreds of enslaved men, women and children who built and ran the school in the 19th century. Nearly 3-dozen panels saw more than 100 speakers over the three days. But at the center was an outdoor sleepover in near freezing temperatures, where the enslaved would have slept. Jordy Yager reports.
Useful Drones? Unpiloted Vehicles’ Safety being Measured
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2017
Drones are taking off as the ‘go-to’ option for, well, just about everything. Right now, FAA rules prohibit unpiloted aircraft from flying over people, but that’s changing. Robbie Harris has more.
Does More Money Lead to More Competitive House of Delegates Races?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2017

Credit: NPR
Republicans and Democrats are both targeting certain races for the House of Delegates this year, hoping to invest in retaining seats or in some cases flipping them to the other side. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Representatives Weigh In on Tax Reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2017

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers who represent the Commonwealth in Washington are engaged in a fierce debate over tax reform. Matt Laslo reports.
Va News Topics: Sheriffs Court Ruling, I-81 Tolls
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
A court ruling in Virginia has reaffirmed the right of sheriffs to fire deputies for political reasons. And, the question of tolls to finance improvements on Interstate 81 in western Virginia is back. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More now from Fred Echols.
With Election Day Looming, Education Policies Move to Forefront of Gubernatorial Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 19, 2017

Republican Ed Gillespie (right) gestures towards Democrat Ralph Northam during the last gubernatorial debate of the campaign earlier this month. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
During the election season, Virginia’s two major-party candidates for governor have clashed on everything from environmental issues to health care. This week a new division is emerging on education policy. Michael Pope has details.
Marriage Penalty, Local Taxes On Businesses Hurting Virginia’s Reputation As Low-Tax State
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017
Virginia has a reputation as a state with low taxes and a friendly business environment. A new study challenges that reputation, however. Michael Pope reports.
State Legislators Taking Closer Look At Biosolids
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017

David Hudnall and his son, David Hudnall Jr. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Unless you’re a farmer or an avid gardener, you probably don’t know much about fertilizers. You put some down and your lawn gets greener and your tomatoes bigger. For people living next door to a farm field, fertilizers have become a worry as some farmers use treated human waste to enrich their soil. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
For Better or Worse, Politics Central to Virginia’s Attorney General’s Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017

John Adams, the Republican candidate for Attorney General in Virginia, has repeatedly attacked his opponent, Democrat Mark Herring, for politicizing his office. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s Attorney General has sued the Trump administration five times. He’s challenged the president’s decision to end DACA, the so-called Muslim Ban, and the recent decision to end subsidies that help poor Virginians afford health insurance. Now Mark Herring is up for re-election, and criticized for being too political. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Polls Give Hope To Both Northam And Gillespie
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2017

Ralph Northam (left) and Ed Gillespie shake hands at their final debate of the campaign. Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
The latest polls are showing a mixed picture in the hotly contested race for governor. Democrat Ralph Northam has a small but consistent lead against Republican Ed Gillespie in two new polls. Michael Pope reports.
Cotton Yield Almost Double Last Year’s
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2017

Credit: Kimberly Vardeman / Flickr
Most areas of Virginia saw little to no rain for all of September, and that’s actually been a good thing for many farmers. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Key Ingredient In Craft Beer Boom Finally Taking Off In Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 16, 2017
Virginia’s beer industry is booming. Some brewers wonder, though, if the state is doing enough to nurture homegrown brewers and the local farmers who want to supply them the grain. Jessie Knadler reports.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake Bay Access, Buchanan Town Manager
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 16, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Fishermen and business owners in one eastern Virginia community say they may lose access to the Chesapeake Bay. And, the town of Buchanan is divided over whether the town manager should be a full-time resident. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More now from Fred Echols.
Virginia Candidates Try To Navigate Trump Influence In Off-Year Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 13, 2017

President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House earlier this week. (Credit: AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
Republican President Donald Trump is not on the ballot this year. But candidates are feeling the need to respond to his controversial presidency. Michael Pope reports.
Richmond Preps for 13th Annual Folk Festival
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017

Credit: Venture Richmond
Upwards of 200,000 people are expected to descend on Richmond this weekend for the 13th annual Folk Festival — three days of continuous music, dance, and food. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Bipartisanship Could Save Billions By Consolidating Data Centers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Mark Duncan
Here’s something you don’t hear every day: Republicans and Democrats are working together in Washington to save billions of dollars. Michael Pope reports.
Dems Hope to Turn VA’s Red Statehouse Blue; Targeting 17 Seats to ‘flip’ in November
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
The 2018 national midterm elections are considered ‘the first contest of the Trump Era.’ But some say it really begins now with Virginia’s vote in a few weeks. Republicans have long controlled the House of Delegates. But Democrats are hoping to ‘flip’ districts that went for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Robbie Harris reports.
Study: Post-High School Education Lags In Some Parts Of Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Virginia is one of the most highly educated states in the country. A new report, however, shows an uneven nature to that education, with some communities left behind. Michael Pope reports.
Governor’s Commission on Diversity, Inclusion Meets for First Time After Charlottesville
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017

Governor Terry McAuliffe addresses a news conference concerning the white supremacist rally and violence in Charlottesville August 12th. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A panel dedicated to racial healing met for the first time in Richmond Tuesday. Virginia’s Governor created the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion after the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.
Northern Virginia Race Pits Transgender Candidate Against Conservative Delegate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017

Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates 13th District seat, Danica Roem, right, talks with a resident as she greets voters at a neighborhood in Manassas. Roem is running against Delegate Bob Marshall in the 13th House of Delegates District. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
One of the most high-profile House of Delegates races is also the most historic. The election for House District 13 in Northern Virginia features the first transgender candidate and one of the most conservative Republicans in the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
How Some Candidates are Taking on Longstanding State Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2017

Dawn Adams signs one of her campaign calling cards. She’s running against Republican Manoli Loupassi, who has held his seat for almost a decade. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
A hundred state lawmakers are up for election this November. They’re the ones who decide how much to pay teachers, whether to expand Medicaid, or if marijuana should be legal. Last time they were elected, only 29% of registered voters turned out.
This week we’ll highlight some of those House of Delegates races. We begin in Richmond, where Mallory Noe-Payne takes a look at what it’s like to challenge someone who’s held office for a decade.
Gillespie, Northam Meet For Final Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2017

Democratic candidate for governor, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam, left, shakes hanks with Republican challenger Ed Gillespie after their third and final debate last night at the University of Virginia-Wise. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s two major party candidates are closing in on the final days of a heated campaign. They made some of their closing comments in rural Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Gillespie, Northam Hope to Impress in Tonight’s Final Gubernatorial Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017

Democrat Ralph Northam, left, shakes hands with Republican Ed Gillespie during the second of their three debates last month in Northern Virginia. The third debate will take place this evening in Wise. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
The third and final debate between the candidates for governor of Virginia will take place tonight. It gives both major-party candidates an opportunity to create one final impression before voters head to the polls next month. Michael Pope has this preview.
Democratic Delegate Tries To Rebuild Relationship With Rural Virginians
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017

Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) speaks during a House session at the state Capitol in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Democrats know they have an image problem among rural Americans. The only Democratic Delegate west of Charlottesville is trying to flip the script. Jessie Knadler reports.
Stink Bug Redux; New Strategies for Controlling Them
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
The sound of stink bugs flying around indoors has become a harbinger of autumn. One has been circling above me the whole time I’ve been writing this story. She looks like she’s trying to get into the ceiling but each time she hits it, she bounces off. Robbie Harris has this update on what scientists are learning about controlling the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

