Archive for category Virginia’s News
VMI’s Board of Visitors selects new leadership, as Wins’ tenure closes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 5, 2025

After several days of meetings that began Friday, the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors selected new leadership. It also voted in an acting superintendent to replace Major General Cedric Wins whose contract was not renewed earlier this year after criticism of DEI initiatives he supported.
Dave Cantor has more.
Census figures show Virginia lags behind the rest of the country on public education spending
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 2, 2025

Spending on public education in Virginia is falling behind the rest of the country. Michael Pope has the latest numbers from the Census Bureau.
Governor Youngkin signs 2025 budget with ‘cushion’ for Trump ‘disruptions;’ capitulates on Reid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 2, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the 2025 state budget Friday. The governor says many shared priorities were funded, but some items were removed to account for quote “short term disruptions” anticipated from President Donald Trump’s federal actions. Brad Kutner has more.
Pope & Schapiro: A bumpy week for Virginia Republicans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 2, 2025

Controversy surrounding the Republican nominee to be Virginia’s next lieutenant governor has been one of the top stories this week. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss that and the week that was in state politics and government.
Virginia’s early voting period for the June primaries starts Friday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 1, 2025

Friday is the first day of early voting for statewide and local primaries. Michael Pope has this preview.
Virginia congressmen dispute future cuts to Medicaid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 1, 2025

Two members of Virginia’s congressional delegation discussed future Medicaid cuts this week. As rumors of over 800 million dollars in cuts swirl, Republican Morgan Griffith downplayed concerns, while Democrat Don Beyer warned of people losing their health care. Brad Kutner has more.
New reports suggest U.S., Virginia economies are slowing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 30, 2025

A pair of reports released this week show economic growth in Virginia and the country is slowing down. Brad Kutner spoke to a local economist for their thoughts on the news.
How will Youngkin act on parental notification bill after lawmakers rejected his amendment?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 30, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin is about to make a decision on legislation outlining parental rights and responsibilities. Michael Pope reports.
A contraception bill on the governor’s desk is also now a campaign talking point
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 29, 2025

Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering about a hundred bills that are on his desk right now, and his deadline to take action is at the end of the week. Michael Pope more about one bill that guarantees a right to contraception.
What will Youngkin’s “all of the above” energy strategy look like after this week?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 28, 2025
Virginia’s Right to Work law will again be a big campaign topic this year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 28, 2025

Labor issues may end up being a big campaign issue in the statewide elections this year. Michael Pope reports on a question that has vexed Democrats for years.
In a written statement, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger did not commit to repealing the Right to Work Law. Here is the entire statement from her campaign to Reporter Michael Pope:
“Abigail Spanberger believes that Virginians deserve leaders who are not afraid to stand up for workers and believe in creating jobs, not chaos. Abigail has met with both Virginia labor organizations and Virginia business groups to hear their priorities. As Governor, she will remain focused on getting things done for Virginia’s working families and tackling the ongoing challenges facing Virginia’s workforce and economy.”
Using fire to save water for rare Shenandoah ponds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 25, 2025

Firefighters often use water to put out a blaze, but in Augusta County a team of 11 men and women set a fire to ensure there’s enough water for one of Virginia’s natural features – the sinkhole pond. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Advocates want Youngkin to sign African American studies bill; they say it aligns with his first EO
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 24, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a bill that would expand African American Studies in Virginia public schools. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia business beats criminal skill games charges with help from Southside Senator
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 24, 2025

So-called “skill games” have been popping up around Virginia since their temporary legalization in 2020. Efforts to restrict such games followed. However, one Virginia Senator successfully convinced a Hanover County judge that newer games skirt that law. Brad Kutner has more.
Advocates say Youngkin can “put his money where his mouth is” by signing bias training bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 23, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin has about 100 bills on his desk that he’s still considering. Michael Pope has this report on one of those bills that will require unconscious bias training for doctors.
Early campaign finance numbers show Democrats outraising Republican incumbents
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2025

Campaign finance numbers show the fall campaign season is heating up. And Michael Pope explains a handful of races feature Republican incumbents in districts won by Kamala Harris.
The governor is still mulling a medical debt protections bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin is contemplating what to do with 92 bills on his desk. Michael Pope has this report about one involving medical debt.
The House and Senate have different opinions on this social media bill; what will Youngkin do?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 15, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin is still considering how he wants to handle dozens of bills on his desk. Michael Pope has this report about one involving social media.
She joined the army by accident and couldn’t be happier
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 15, 2025

Joining the U.S. military is a big decision – something not taken lightly, but one University of Virginia student admits she signed up by accident. Sandy Hausman reports on how that happened and what it means for her future.
Ranked-choice voting advocates hope gubernatorial veto won’t be a set back
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2025

Advocates for ranked-choice voting are hoping that a recent veto won’t set back their movement. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin backs removal of alleged MS-13 gang leader without trial
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin chimed in on the future of an alleged MS-13 member arrested in Northern Virginia late last month. The defendant’s gun charge was dropped earlier this week. Brad Kutner has more.
Inside a Bland County prison, inmates are learning welding
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2025

April is “second chance” month, a national initiative to raise awareness around challenges that incarcerated individuals face after they are released. Finding a job can often be one of the biggest hurdles. There are several programs inside Virginia prisons to teach inmates skills, including a welding course at a prison in Bland County. Roxy Todd went there to observe the class and speak with students.
Congressman Beyer wants to limit the use of public funds for sports stadiums
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 9, 2025

Should taxpayers help finance pro sports stadiums? Virginia considered an unsuccessful proposal for a taxpayer-financed sports arena last year. Now, Michael Pope reports about a bill in Congress that would limit how public money could be used for private gain.
Northern Virginia officials say they need help from state lawmakers amidst federal job cuts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 8, 2025

Members of the House of Delegates’ Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions are on the road, and they’re hearing from people in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope is in Alexandria with the latest.
Virginia’s biggest trade partners among those hit by Trump’s tariffs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 8, 2025

Virginia’s international trade totals over $70 billion in annual economic activity. The future of how President Donald Trump’s tariff policies could impact that activity was the subject of a meeting held in Richmond Tuesday. Brad Kutner has more.
Virginia’s 2025 primaries are now set
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 7, 2025

The June primary will NOT feature a race at the top of the ticket. Michael Pope reports candidates for governor are now set.
Debate over ALPRs likely to return next year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2025

Members of the General Assembly have rejected suggested changes the governor made to a bill on surveillance technology. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Democratic Delegates blame ‘fear of Trump’ for Youngkin’s vetoes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2025

Virginia’s Democratic members of the House of Delegates picked a specific target when trying to override vetoes by Governor Glenn Youngkin: Republicans’ alleged fear of revenge from President Donald Trump. Brad Kutner reports from the Capitol.
General Assembly sends fentanyl legislation back to the governor’s desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2025

Members of the Virginia General Assembly were back at the Capitol Wednesday, voting on hundreds of vetoes and amendments from the governor. Michael Pope has this story about one of those amendments on the fentanyl crisis.
Author of an Atlantic Coast Pipeline history warns the nation will see another gold rush for gas
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2025

It’s been nearly five years since Dominion Energy pulled the plug on a $2.8 billion dollar project – the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Today, the author of a book on that subject shares lessons from the ACP and warns the nation faces another dash for gas.
Sandy Hausman has that story.
Virginia’s likely GOP gubernatorial nominee addresses March For Life
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2025

Hundreds gathered in Richmond Wednesday for the annual March for Life. The event included a speech from Virginia’s likely GOP gubernatorial candidate. Brad Kutner has more.
Immigrant rights groups want lawmakers to reject some of the governor’s amendments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 1, 2025

Members of the Virginia General Assembly will be back at the Capitol this week. Michael Pope has this report about how lawmakers will be considering legislation related to immigration.
The governor’s amendments will likely take center stage for this week’s reconvene session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 31, 2025

Members of the General Assembly will be back in Richmond this week to consider hundreds of amendments and vetoes from the governor. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin data center amendment likely pushes issue into 2025 election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 31, 2025

More than two dozen bills aiming to address Virginia’s rapid data center expansion were submitted to the legislature earlier this year.
Only one bill that aimed to improve planning for the projects survived. And Governor Youngkin weakened it with an amendment that will be considered Wednesday. Brad Kutner has more on what this means for the 2025 election and beyond.
Environmental groups weigh in on Youngkin’s amendments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 31, 2025
Environmental groups are preparing for the upcoming reconvene session of the General Assembly this week/Wednesday. Michael Pope has this preview.
Youngkin adds controversial amendment to parental notification law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 28, 2025

A bipartisan effort meant to inform parents of safe gun storage laws and the dangers of freely accessible medication is likely doomed after Governor Glenn Youngkin amended the law. Brad Kutner spoke with those opposed and in favor of the governor’s changes to the bill.
Stores that sell invasive plants will soon have to post new signage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 28, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin is joining the fight against invasive plants. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin amends “junk fees” bill, but the legislature is already saying no
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 27, 2025

Members of the General Assembly are returning to the Capitol next week to consider all the amendments Governor Glenn Youngkin added to their bills. Michael Pope has this report on how he amended a bill on junk fees.
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 27, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin spoke alongside federal authorities in Northern Virginia Thursday morning. They were celebrating the arrest of an alleged leader of an international criminal gang who was living in a D.C. suburb. Brad Kutner has more.
Virginia’s congressional delegation gets average marks for effectiveness
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 27, 2025

The Center for Effective Lawmaking – a partnership between the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt – is out with its latest rankings. As Sandy Hausman reports, most senators and congressmen from the Commonwealth had average scores, but a few were singled out for getting things done.
What will lawmakers do with Youngkin’s amendments to license plate readers legislation?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2025

Members of the Virginia General Assembly will be returning to the Capitol next week, and Michael Pope reports that they’ll be considering an important gubernatorial amendment about surveillance.
After years of unsuccessful attempts, Virginia closes campaign spending loophole
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 26, 2025

A loophole in Virginia’s campaign finance laws will close thanks to a bipartisan effort signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin this week. Brad Kutner has more on the effort that took more than a decade to get to the governor’s desk.
Youngkin wants to create a Gaming Commission; the General Assembly has already said no
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 25, 2025

Gambling and marijuana continue to vex the governor and members of the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin’s budget amendments face scrutiny from Democrats
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 25, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin waited till the last possible moment to publish his 205 amendments to the state’s budget. That’s left Democrats scrambling to address his concerns ahead of next week’s reconvene session. Brad Kutner has more.
Youngkin, Democratic leadership still at odds over immigration enforcement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025

Virginia’s Republican governor and Democrats who control the General Assembly are clashing over immigration. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin announces over 200 budget amendments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025

Virginia legislators came together to form a conference budget before leaving Richmond last month. But on Monday, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced his requested amendments to that budget. Brad Kutner has this breakdown ahead of legislators’ chance to consider the amendments.
Researchers voice concern about risks to scientific research if federal funding scales down
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025

The Trump administration has frozen funding for some federal grant programs that pay for research at universities. The National Institutes of Health also announced they would be making cuts to medical research. Court battles have challenged these cuts.
Roxy Todd has been speaking with researchers at Virginia Tech, many of whom describe uncertainty around what may happen if federal funding for research continues to scale down.
Despite threats of budget cuts, Shenandoah National Park will celebrate spring
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025

The National Park System is bracing for $150 million in budget cuts this year, but for now the parks are open and working to ensure a safe visit for spring and summer visitors.
Sandy Hausman has an update on activities at Shenandoah.
Do unemployment numbers point to trouble for Virginia’s economy?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 19, 2025

Virginia’s rising unemployment is creating a new sense of uncertainty about the state’s economy. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.
One bill on the governor’s desk would establish “virtual” power plants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 18, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin is being lobbied on a bill that would change how the energy grid works. Michael Pope reports he’s expected to make a decision within the week.



