Archive for category Virginia’s News
2012 Ultrasound Bill Still A Factor In Lieutenant Governor’s Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017

Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. Virginia State Sen. Jill Vogel, right, gestures during a debate with Democrat Justin Fairfax at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
On the campaign trail, issues surrounding women’s health are becoming one of the hottest points of debate between statewide candidates. Michael Pope has details.
Democratic Candidates Propose Single Payer Healthcare
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017

Supporters of single-payer health care rally in California. A slate of local Democratic lawmakers are proposing something similar here in Virginia. (Credit: AP Photo / Rich Pedroncelli)
The healthcare debate may have simmered down in Congress, but it’s heating up in Virginia. This week, Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates rolled out a proposal for a single payer healthcare system. But Republicans in office quickly shot it down. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lieutenant Governor Candidates Clash Over Guns, Trump
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor State Senator Jill Vogel, right, gestures during a debate with Democrat Justin Fairfax at the University of Richmond, Thursday October 5th, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The recent shooting in Las Vegas is creating a new flashpoint in the final few weeks Election 2017: guns. Michael Pope reports.
Donald Trump is not on the ballot this year in Virginia, but his Presidency was an issue Thursday night.
Fairfax attacked Jill Vogel for her support of Trump. “She supported him in the election. She voted for him. She tweeted on the night that he won that he’s going to make America great again, and that’s what she believes,” Fairfax argued. “Well I don’t think he’s making America great again. I think what he and his appointees are doing are unraveling so much of the protections and so much of the progress that we have made as a country.”
Vogel did not try to distance herself from Trump. “So I am unapologetic about wanting to make Virginia great again, about wanting to make America great again, about being Republican. But I’m also unapologetic about the fact that in ten years in the Senate of Virginia, I have never been afraid to break with my party,” Vogel responded.
Polls show Trump is unpopular in Virginia, which is the only southern state he did not win last year.
The Search For Paw Paw, North America’s Most Mysterious Fruit
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017

James River Park System employee Andrew Alli holding a cut paw paw. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
If you’ve ever walked along the James River, you might have spotted a weird, oblong green or brown fruit hanging from a tree or rotting on the ground. But, the only thing weirder than the taste of this mysterious fruit is its story. Brad Kutner reports.
Facebook Comes to Virginia with Billion Dollar Data Center
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017

Lawmakers in Richmond pose with “Facebook” shovels, announcing a deal with tech and social media company. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Facebook is moving into Virginia. The company announced Thursday it will build an almost billion dollar data center in Henrico County, just east of the state’s capitol. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Officials Working to Maintain Voting Integrity Following Russian Hack Attempt
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Sue Ogrocki
As voters begin casting absentee ballots in Election 2017, new details are emerging about the role Russia played in Virginia’s election last year. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Pay for Performance Grant Unique Take on “Free” Community College
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017

Students at John Tyler Community College take advantage of a state grant to earn their Manufacturing Technician Certificate. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
When Charles Griffin saw the flier at work for a Manufacturing Technician class, signing up was a no brainer. He builds refrigeration coils at a nearby plant and having this certificate could mean doubling his hourly pay. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
When It Comes to Cash on Hand, State Republicans Hold a Significant Advantage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017

Delegate Chris Jones (R-Suffolk) has $700,000 in his campaign account. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
All the buzz this year in the election for House of Delegates has been with the Democrats, who are eager to capitalize on uneasiness with President Trump. But, as Michael Pope reports, most of the money is with the Republicans.
Thousands of Children in Virginia Could Lose Health Insurance by January
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017

The federal CHIP program funds healthcare for nearly 9 million children nationwide. (Credit: Terry Vine / Blend Images / Getty Images)
65,000 low income children in Virginia could get cut off from their healthcare if Congress doesn’t act soon. The state is already preparing to send out termination notices for coverage. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Gun Control Discussions Are Sparking Donations to Campaigns on Both Sides of the Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
The mass shooting in Las Vegas is reopening the twin issues of gun rights and gun control in Virginia, just as campaign season is in full swing. And, as Michael Pope reports, both sides of the issue are spending heavily on the issue.
Some Rural Democrats Feel They’re Being Forgotten Ahead of Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017

Raphine in Rockbridge County (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
With Election Day looming, the Rockbridge County Democratic chairman resigned last week after what he says were months of neglect of rural voters by the Democratic Party of Virginia. Jessie Knadler reports.
High Season For Hawk Watchers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Ron Harris
For birdwatchers in the Blue Ridge this is an exciting time of year. Millions of raptors – hawks and eagles, falcons and kites – are making their way south for the winter. Sandy Hausman reports.
Kaine: Put Virginia’s Best Amazon Headquarters Pitch Forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017

Senator Mark Warner (left) and Senator Tim Kaine
At a packed hotel ballroom of Northern Virginia’s business leaders, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner made a rare joint appearance Monday to talk about the state of the economy in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Pipeline Expansion Could Mean Additional Compressor Stations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 2, 2017

Credit: atlanticcoastpipeline.com
Dominion Power says they’ve made no decision to expand the Atlantic Coast Pipeline into South Carolina. Last week the AP obtained a recording of Dominion executive Dan Weekly telling people at an energy conference that “everybody knows” the pipeline won’t stop in North Carolina. Mallory Noe-Payne takes a look at what that could mean for Virginia.
Va News Topics: Fredericksburg Relic, Roanoke City Schools SOL Retesting
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 2, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Fredericksburg is the latest city facing a decision about what to do with a relic from the era of slavery, but this time it’s not a statue. And, questions are being asked about Roanoke City Schools’ retesting on some SOL exams. 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.
Feed Virginia Day of Action Highlights Food Insecurity
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 29, 2017
As part of an ongoing effort to improve food access in Virginia, volunteers across the state participated in more than 80 events Friday. To celebrate, Virginia’s Governor and First Lady hosted a pop up farmer’s market at the state capitol. Mallory Noe-Payne was there and has this report.
“Remember The Future;” A Dance About NASA at 100
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 29, 2017

Radford Dancers celebrate NASA Langley’s 100th Birthday
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, known as NASA, turned 100 this year. As part of the centennial celebration, NASA’s Langley Research Center commissioned a special work of art. It’s not a sculpture or painting. It’s a dance. And when you think about it, the art of dance is a wonderful way to capture the essence and honor the achievements of the centenarian space agency. Robbie Harris has more.
Outside Money Helps Fund TV Air War in Governor’s Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 28, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
If you’ve been watching television, you know it’s campaign season. But, as Michael Pope reports, it’s not just the candidates who are buying up TV time.
Attorney General and Lawmakers Target High-Interest Loans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 28, 2017

Teena Hamlin stands outside the Allied Cash Advance in Richmond where she took out a loan in a moment of desperation. (Credit: Michael Pope)
For people who are really hard up for quick cash, reading the fine print of a contract is not always the top priority. That’s how many businesses thrive, charging interest rates in the hundreds to desperate consumers and trapping them in a cycle of debt. Now some elected officials are fighting back. Michael Pope reports.
Could Controversy Surrounding the NFL Bring Momentum to Corey Stewart’s Senate Run?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 27, 2017

The NFL logo at midfield prior to a preseason match-up between the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals last month. (Credit: AP Photo / Jack Dempsey)
The controversy over NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem is reaching into the realm of Virginia politics. Now, as Michael Pope reports, one candidate for the United States Senate hopes the issue might bring new attention to his campaign.
The Wide Ranging Opinions on Marijuana Legalization Among Virginia’s Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 27, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Jim Mone, File
Virginia lawmakers are some of the more progressive in the nation when it comes to marijuana policy. Matt Laslo has the story from the Capitol on the broad array of reasons that has even staunch conservatives supporting some legalization efforts.
Consulting Firm Facing Backlash Following Community Meeting Decision
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017

Heritage High School in Lynchburg. Lynchburg City Schools recently hired a well-known consulting firm to help it find a new chief executive. That firm is now facing harsh criticism after barring a local reporter from a community meeting. (Credit: Lynchburg City Schools)
A well-known consulting firm that works with school systems is in hot water this week after one of its regional directors barred a reporter from a public meeting. Michael Pope has details.
New Poll Indicates Most Virginians Want Equal Protections for Members of the LGBTQ Community
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017

Credit: equalityvirginia.org
The state’s largest LGBTQ equality group has funded a survey and the results look promising for those concerned with the rights of sexual minorities. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Richmond Considers Asking State Lawmakers to Take a Stand on Confederate Monuments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017

Richmond residents came out to a city council meeting Monday evening in support of taking down the city’s Confederate monuments. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Richmond’s city council is considering asking lawmakers for permission to move the city’s Confederate monuments. If the resolution passes, it could force state delegates to take a clear stand on the issue. Mallory Noe-Payne was at a council meeting and has this report.
Virginia Tech Fans Honor HOF Inductees, Vick Misses Game
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017

Members of the 2017 Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame are honored during halftime of the Hokies’ 38-0 win over Old Dominion at Lane Stadium Saturday. (Credit: Jeff Bossert / RADIO IQ)
Michael Vick is now a member of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, despite a substantial petition drive, and a silent protest that went on through the weekend. Jeff Bossert reports.
Northam Surges Ahead of Gillespie in Television Advertising
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 25, 2017

Lieutenant Governor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam during a televised debate in Northern Virginia last week. Northam has surged ahead of Republican Ed Gillespie in television ad buys. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Now that the campaign for governor is reaching the most intense stretch heading into Election Day, television viewers are noticing a nonstop round of commercials. But one candidate is rising above the other. Michael Pope explains.
Va News Topics: Internet Cable, Passenger Train Service to Southwest VA?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 25, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Virginia’s first direct digital connection to Europe is now open. And, local government leaders in Southwest Virginia are hopeful that passenger trains will soon return to the area. 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.
Uncertainty Could Result in Access to Care Issues for Virginia ACA Enrollees
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 25, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Andrew Harnik, File)
As efforts continue in Washington to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Virginia is prepping for another season of open enrollment through the ACA marketplace. But as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, confusion could mean fewer people enroll.
Author Explains the History and Tactics of the Anti-Fascist Movement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 22, 2017
Virginia’s confederate past has drawn the attention of both white supremacists and the groups that oppose them. There’s still a lot of mystery surrounding those groups, sometimes known as “antifa.” Now one author is trying to shed some light on the movement. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Surprising Number of Republican Candidates in Favor of Closing Gun Show Loophole
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 22, 2017

Republican Lolita Mancheno-Smoak is one of the Northern Virginia Republicans on the ballot this year who say they would vote in favor of closing the gun show loophole. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Republican members of the General Assembly have stopped efforts to close the gun show loophole for years. But now a new generation of Republican candidates may indicate a shift in the momentum. Michael Pope has the story.
Popular Tourist Stop On The Chesapeake Bay To Close
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 22, 2017

One of several coin-operated binoculars along the pier. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
For decades now, tourists have stopped midway on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to stand at the mouth of the Bay. They watch cargo and military ships, and if they’re lucky, a nuclear sub glide by before ducking into the restaurant for some freshly fried flounder and hush puppies. But, as Pamela D’Angelo reports, the restaurant will become history at the end of the month.
Congressman Garrett Helps Resettle Sudanese Refugees in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 21, 2017

Representative Thomas Garrett, R-VA, is currently in Sudan on a diplomatic mission to resettle two Christian pastors and family members. (Credit: AP Photo / Manuel Balce Ceneta)
A Congressman from Virginia is in Africa this week, working to secure the release of two Sudanese pastors imprisoned by their government. Seven of the pastors’ family members have already arrived in Virginia as refugees. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Amazon is Just the Latest Topic of Discussion for Virginia’s Gubernatorial Candidates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 21, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Michel Spingler
Will Virginia become home to a second headquarters for Amazon? That’s a question that’s consuming economic development officials right now. But it’s also become an issue on the campaign trail for the Executive Mansion. Michael Pope has the story.
Just Like Any Other Candidates, Gillespie and Northam Have Distinct Weaknesses to Overcome
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 21, 2017

Republican Ed Gillespie (left) and Democrat Ralph Northam at a televised debate in Northern Virginia earlier this week. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Every candidate has a something to overcome. So what are the weaknesses the two major party candidates for governor have heading into the fall election season? Michael Pope has the story.
Lawmakers Consider Public Awareness Campaign on Childhood Trauma
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 20, 2017

Adverse Childhood Experiences can lead to increased health risks as an adult. (Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)
Virginia’s lawmakers are preparing for another busy legislative year. One topic on the agenda: how to better serve children who face violence or trauma at home. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Northam, Gillespie Spar Over Taxes, Healthcare, Confederate Monuments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 20, 2017

Ralph Northam (left) and Ed Gillespie shake hands before Tuesday night’s debate in McLean. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
The major party candidates for governor met for a televised debate Tuesday night. They sparred over taxes, healthcare and Confederate monuments, among other topics. Michael Pope reports on the candidates’ tax plans.
Both candidates appeared to dodge some issues. Northam’s apparent support for two proposed controversial natural gas pipelines was an issue that dogged him during the primary, when Tom Perriello offered clear opposition to the plan. Gillespie also struggled with a question about the healthcare proposal now under consideration in Congress. Michael Pope reports on the candidates’ responses about pipelines, healthcare and Confederate monuments.
The Latest Episode in the On-Going Soap Opera of Health Care Providers in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 19, 2017

After announcing it would be leaving Virginia’s ACA marketplace, Anthem has now reversed course and will offer coverage next year. (Credit: AP Photo / Michael Conroy, File)
Following the latest twists and turns in the ongoing saga of the Affordable Care Act can be difficult. As Michael Pope reports, that’s because the story has more twists and turns than a soap opera.
Education Programs Aim to Keep Migrant Families Together
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 19, 2017

Museum Director Monika Bridgforth meets with children role-playing at the exhibit of the Cobb Island Hotel front desk. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Each year migrant workers travel up the coast spending part of the season in Virginia’s tomato and potato fields and poultry houses. Moving means their children miss school, so federal grants allow states to fund summer school programs to keep them caught up. The Eastern Shore has Virginia’s largest population of migrant workers, but a majority are no longer able to bring their families. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Northam Holds Slight Edge Over Gillespie Ahead of Prime-Time Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2017

Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Virginia’s two major party candidates will go head to head Tuesday night in a prime-time face off, a televised debate that indicates the official start of the hottest part of campaign season. Libertarian candidate Cliff Hyra will not be participating in the debate, but he will be on the ballot in every jurisdiction. Michael Pope reports.
‘This is the Beginning of Bringing People Together,’ Residents Express Optimism After Richmond Rally
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2017

Adria Scharf of the Richmond Peace Education Center hosting a unity rally at Richmond’s Maggie Walker statue. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
About half a dozen Neo-Confederates came from out of state to Richmond Saturday, stirring tensions and drawing hundreds of counter protesters. Many of the anti-racism protesters began their day at a unity rally at the city’s Maggie Walker monument. Mallory Noe-Payne covered the rally and has this report.
Va News Topics: Declining Hunting Interest in VA, Passport Applications
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2017

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Interest in hunting appears to be on the decline in Virginia. And, when local government offices decide to stop processing passport applications things get less convenient for people planning to travel. Virginia’s Augusta County is a recent example. 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.
Portraying the Real Appalachia: New Kids’ TV Show Explores Arts and Science in Our Backyard
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2017

A still from the Penny P trailer.
A Blacksburg film maker says that for too long, the media’s represented Appalachia only in negative stereotypes. He wants to change that image with a new children’s television show that explores the region’s assets. It’s a blend of arts, science, and Appalachian culture that teaches kids about the amazing things you can find in your own backyard. Robbie Harris visited the set and prepared this report.
Richmond Preps for Pro-Confederate Monument Rally
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2017

Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham at a community meeting Thursday night ahead of Saturday’s planned rally. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Richmond is preparing for a pro-Confederate monument rally organized by an out-of-state group. The event is scheduled for this Saturday at at the Robert E. Lee Monument. Organizers have refused to cancel despite a ban from the state. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Bay’s Osprey Population in Decline… Again
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2017

Osprey family at Lynnhven Inlet, VA (Credit: Reese Lukei)
The Chesapeake Bay is host to the largest breeding population of osprey in the world. They tell us when spring is here and give us clues about the bay’s health. Now, as osprey begin their annual migration to Central and South America, biologists say there’s been a decline in population during the last few years. Pamela D’Angelo reports for Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative.
Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative is funded with grant support from the Clayton Baker Trust, The Bancroft Foundation, Michael and Ann Hankin, The Jim and Patty Rouse Foundation, The Rob and Elizabeth Tyler Foundation, and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.
Wildlife Academy to Instruct the Public
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2017

Director Ed Clark hopes to train thousands of people in how to care for injured animals.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia has trained thousands of people over the years at its high-tech veterinary clinic in Waynesboro, and now the center is branching out – offering to train animal lovers around the world. Sandy Hausman has details.
Percentage Of Virginians With Health Insurance Continues To Increase
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2017
The latest round of Census numbers includes some positive news about health insurance in Virginia. Those gains are threatened by uncertainty in Washington, though. Michael Pope reports.

Guilty Pleas End 42-Year-Old Cold Case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2017

Sheila (left) and Katherine Lyon (Credit: Montgomery Co., MD Police)
One of the oldest cold case prosecutions in the country’s history ended Tuesday in Bedford when Lloyd Welch, Jr. pleaded guilty to the abduction and murder of two sisters. David Seidel reports.
Money Continues to Roll Into this Year’s Statewide Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 12, 2017

Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer announces a new partnership with the Democratic National Committee and several immigrant rights groups at a press conference in Falls Church. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Election 2017 may end up being one of the most expensive races in Virginia history. This week, Democrats are receiving a major infusion of cash. Michael Pope has details.
Dealing With A Confederate Past is Nothing New to Lexington
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 12, 2017

A statue commemorating Stonewall Jackson on VMI’s campus in Lexington. (Credit: Rob / Flickr)
Cities across the country are grappling with removing Confederate symbols. And perhaps nowhere is Confederate past and present more intertwined than in Lexington. Jessie Knadler looks at how the issues that spilled over into violence in Charlottesville last month have been playing out in Lexington for years.
Arlington Remembers 9/11 Attacks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 11, 2017

A U.S. flag unfurled at the Pentagon earlier today on the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (Credit: AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin)
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, which is still quite raw in Arlington. Michael Pope is on the scene with the story.

