Archive for category Virginia’s News
Drones Are a Public Safety Issue, Says One Lawmaker
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on January 3, 2017
Credit: Andrew Turner / Flickr
Privately operated drones are quickly becoming more commonplace, as hobbyists use them to take photos and videos. But they’re also posing a public safety hazard, one that one Virginia lawmaker says he has a solution for. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Has A Budget Shortfall, What Does That Even Mean?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2017
Credit: Inove Manore / Flickr
It’s the middle of Virginia’s budget season – meaning lawmakers and the Governor are figuring out how to spend more than 50 billion. But this year, you may be hearing the words “budget shortfall” a lot in the news. Mallory Noe-Payne set out to understand exactly what that means and why it’s happened.
Hunters: A Virginia Bear’s Best Friend?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2017
David Steger (sitting) and his son, Clint Steger. David Steger was until recently the President of the Virginia Bear Hunting Association. His association has been active in lobbying for conservation efforts for Virginia’s bear population. (Credit: Jessie Knadler)
December is the one month of the year when bear hunters are allowed to use hounds to track their game. This traditional method of hunting remains deeply unpopular among some Virginians. But as Jessie Knadler reports, some bear-hound hunters claim they are some of the species biggest conservationists.
As Obama Commutes Drug Sentences, Virginia Inmates Targeted
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2016
The Eastern District includes Alexandria, Richmond and Norfolk (Credit: U.S. Department of Justice)
As the Obama administration draws to a close, officials at the Justice Department are busy commuting sentences of people convicted for drug offenses, especially crack cocaine. And, as Michael Pope reports, nowhere in the country has sentences for crack dealers as long as the Eastern District of Virginia.
Special Elections: Could Virginia’s Senate Flip?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2016
Credit: NPR
Think the election season is over? Think again. Voters in central Virginia are about to head to the polls for two special elections. And, as Michael Pope reports, control of the state Senate is at stake.
Are you eligible to vote in the special elections? Click here to find out if you live in the State Senate’s 22nd or 9th Districts.
With New Funding, VCU Professor Continues Research to Lower the Cost of Drugs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2016
Frank Gupton, an engineering professor at VCU, is leading a team trying to make drugs cheaper for those who need them in developing countries. (Credit: VCU)
A professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering in Richmond has partnered with the Gates Foundation and Clinton Health Access Initiative in research that is drastically lowering the cost of HIV drugs. But as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, his research could help bring down the cost of all drugs.
Back from the Campaign Trail, Kaine Sets His Sights on Re-Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2016
Credit: U.S. Congress
It’s been said by some who have taken a campaign run for the White House that doing so is like going 200 miles per hour in a race car. For former Vice Presidential candidate Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, the race continues. Matt Laslo reports from Washington D.C.
Virginia Governor Looks for Way to Raise Money on Internet Sales
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2016
Governor Terry McAuliffe proposes a way for Virginia to get a cut of the action, as more people buy online than in stores. (Credit: Andrew Dallos / Flickr)
For many years, state leaders in Virginia have been trying to collect sales taxes on purchases from outside the state. Now Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has a plan. Michael Pope has the story.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake Night Clubs, Surry County Preservation Efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
City council members in Chesapeake have decided they need stronger laws to deal with night clubs where things get out of hand, and Surry County is finding out how hard it can be to keep 400-year-old paperwork in good condition. 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. Fred Echols reports.
Could Unfaithful Electors Sway the Election?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2016
Credit: NPR
Virginia’s 13 members of the Electoral College are slated to meet Monday in Richmond, determining the outcome of the presidential election. Michael Pope has this preview.
At the Intersection of Religious Conviction and Environmental Ethics
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2016
Frances and Tim Sauder on their farm in Quarryville, PA. (Credit: Joel McCord)
Not long ago, we learned that water quality in the Chesapeake Bay is improving. But one part of one state—south central Pennsylvania—has lagged behind in reaching its pollution reduction goals, mostly because of fertilizer that runs off farm fields into Bay tributaries. Now, Pennsylvania, the US Department of Agriculture and the EPA have committed to spend $28 million to accelerate pollution reduction efforts in that region.
But as Joel McCord reports for Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative some of those farmers are conflicted about taking the money because of religion.
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.
DuPont Pays Historic $50 Million To Clean River in Waynesboro
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2016
Courtesy of the South River Science Team
More than 50 years ago, a DuPont factory outside Waynesboro dumped mercury into the river. Now, in an historic settlement, the company is paying the state $50 million to clean up. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Voter Registration Trends Paint an Interesting Picture of the Election in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 15, 2016
Richmond saw a 38% increase in voter registration this year. (Credit: Mobilus in Mobili / Flickr)
Election 2016 may have come and gone. But all those newly registered voters will remain on the books. Michael Pope reports.
Marine Safety is a Concern for the Chesapeake Bay Following Dead Whale Sightings
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 15, 2016
The Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Team (Credit: Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center)
Several sightings of a dead whale in Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay have been reported since last weekend. Because it’s on the move the Virginia Aquarium has been unable to locate it. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Governor Highlights Improvements to Mental Health System in Budget Proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 15, 2016
As lawmakers gear up for the legislative session beginning in January, Governor Terry McAuliffe is prepping his agenda. Wednesday, he rolled out a suite of ideas for how to improve the state’s mental health system. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
VRE Asks for $20 Million More Each Year from General Assembly Plus $400 Million from Feds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2016
Senator Tim Kaine talks with transportation officials at the Spotsylvania VRE station, which opened last year. (Credit: Michael Pope)
When the next Congress takes office in 2017, one of the first big items on the agenda will be infrastructure spending. And Virginia may benefit from an agreement between a Republican president and Democrats in Congress. Michael Pope has the story.
This Week Marks the Beginning of the Holidays for Many of Virginia’s Mexican Immigrants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2016
Our Lady of Guadalupe
For Virginia’s communities of Mexican immigrants, the winter holidays kicked off on Monday with processions celebrating the Lady of Guadalupe. In Charlottesville, this began at two o’clock in the morning. Jackson Landers has the story.
4 Out of 5 Offenders in Virginia Don’t Recommit Crimes After Release
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2016
Almost one in four criminals in Virginia will commit another crime after being released from prison or jail. Although that number may seem high, it’s actually the lowest in the country. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Department of Justice Sues Culpeper for Denying Mosque Permit
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2016
The Culpeper County courthouse.
Leaders in Culpeper County are headed to federal court to defend themselves against charges they violated the civil rights of Muslims. Michael Pope has the story.
New State Grants Hope to Help Keep Inmates with Mental Illnesses Out of Jail
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2016
Virginia’s Secretary of Public Health, Brian Moran
The state has awarded $3.5 million in grants to six regional jails to provide mental health services. Officials hope to address the underlying cause of crimes — to keep inmates from coming back after they’re released. Sandy Hausman has more on that story.
Local Governments Craft Airbnb Regulations in Advance of General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Local governments across Virginia are crafting new regulations to allow homeowners to rent their houses through online platforms like Airbnb. As Michael Pope tells us, the last-minute flurry of activity comes as members of the General Assembly are about to consider statewide regulations.
Va News Topics: Geologists Battle Rising Sea Levels, VMI Stress Relief Efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
As cities in Hampton Roads slowly lose ground to the Atlantic Ocean geologists are hoping to reverse the trend by putting more water underground, and VMI has reacted to comments about efforts to help cadets deal with exam stress. 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. Fred Echols reports.
Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking to Open in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Thanks to a $500,000 state grant, central Virginia is getting its first and only shelter for victims of human trafficking. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Senator Helps Upgrade Cyber Command
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Credit: Creative Commons
As worries mount about Russian hacking and cyber-crimes, leaders in Washington – including Virginia Senator Mark Warner – are taking new steps to fight a virtual war online. Michael Pope has the story.
Should Local Offices in Virginia Remain Nonpartisan?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 8, 2016
Credit: NPR
Should candidates for local offices be identified as Republicans or Democrats in Virginia? That’s an issue now being considered by the courts. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia to Crack Down on Black Market Cigarette Trade
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 8, 2016
Cigarettes confiscated by the Northern Virginia Tax Board. (Credit: Virginia Crime Commission)
For those who are willing to traffic in illegal goods, the big money is not in cocaine or heroin. As Michael Pope tells us, criminals are cleaning up with illegal cigarettes.
Workgroup Tackles Unique Challenges to Virginia’s Coastal Industries
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2016
Virginia’s coastal industries are a major part of the state’e economy, but face distinct threats. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Virginia is the nation’s third largest producer of marine products, behind Alaska and Louisiana. But working waterfronts in coastal Virginia are under increasing threats from development, sea level rise, subsidence, and loss of marine habitat to name a few. At a recent conference sponsored by the Virginia Coastal Policy Center stakeholders presented a plan to save working waterfronts to members of the General Assembly.
Attempts to Reform Virginia’s Open Records Law Lead Nowhere, Critics Say
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2016
Many communications in state government remain secret under exemptions to Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act despite attempts to reform the law. (Credit: Bill Dickenson / Flickr)
For the last three years, leaders from across Virginia have been looking at improving the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. But now that they’re done, critics say the final result won’t do much to improve transparency. Michael Pope has more on the law’s exemptions.
Potentially Historic Supreme Court Redistricting Case Began Today
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2016
Credit: 350z33 at English Wikipedia
Did Republicans in Virginia’s General Assembly pack black voters into a dozen House of Delegates districts to dilute their influence elsewhere? That’s the argument that justices of the Supreme Court heard today. Michael Pope is at the court with the latest.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake Sign Ordinance, Controversial Literary Classics
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
A Chesapeake business owner may be facing more than a fine for violating the city’s sign ordinance, and two controversial literary classics have been banned by a Virginia school district, at least for the time being. 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. Fred Echols has more.
Carrier Deal in Indiana Prompts New Debate About Economic Development In Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 2, 2016
Credit: Carrier / United Technologies
President-elect Donald Trump was able to negotiate a deal to protect about a third of the Indiana jobs that air-conditioner maker Carrier was planning to ship to Mexico. The deal was struck not by threatening tariffs, but by offering $7 million in tax breaks as part of an economic development package. Michael Pope has this look at similar efforts in Virginia.
Should Parents Be Able To Block Sexually Explicit Material in the Classroom?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 1, 2016
Credit: Virginia Department of Education
Members of the Virginia School Board are considering a new proposal that would allow parents and guardians to prevent children from being exposed to sexually explicit material. Michael Pope has the story.
Tim Kaine Says Congress Should Declare War on Islamic State
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 30, 2016
Credit: Cliff / Flickr
Now that he’s off the campaign trail and back in the Senate, Tim Kaine is returning to an old argument. Michael Pope reports.
After Scandal and Audit, Virginia Economic Development Partnership Brings in New Leadership
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 30, 2016
Stephen Moret
After a scathing audit, the embattled Virginia Economic Development Partnership is trying to turn itself around. And, as Michael Pope tells us, the group is bringing in new leadership.
Trump Won the Election, But is Still Concerned About Voter Fraud in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons
President-elect Donald Trump may have won the election. But he’s now claiming that “serious voter fraud” happened in Virginia. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Farmers Concerned Over EPA Rule
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2016
John Flannery, a farmer in Loudon County, supports the EPA regulations that could affect where and how he dumps water on his land. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Farmers across Virginia are concerned about a new proposed rule from the Environmental Protection Agency that could have dramatic influence on how they run their operations. That’s if the Trump administration doesn’t scuttle it. Michael Pope reports.
Va News Topics: VDOT Change of Plans, Navy Resistance to Micro-Brewery
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The Virginia Department of Transportation is dropping plans to take land from Hampton University for the widening of I-64, and two Army veterans expanding their micro-brewery in Virginia Beach are getting resistance from the Navy. 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. Fred Echols reports.
First Thanksgiving in New England? Virginia Beat Them to It.
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2016
Credit: The First Thanksgiving / Jean Louis Gerome Ferris
Here’s a little Thanksgiving trivia for your holiday table. The Pilgrims did not celebrate the first Thanksgiving. That’s a distinction claimed by Florida. Even Virginia has an earlier Thanksgiving than Massachusetts. Michael Pope has more.
In Annual Tradition Virginia Tribes Give Tribute to the State
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on November 28, 2016
Virginia’s governor admires the deer that are given as a tribute from Virginia’s native tribes. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF / RADIO IQ)
In 1677, the King of England signed a treaty with some of Virginia’s native tribes. It exempted the tribes from taxes on their reservation land, but required an annual symbolic payment of three arrows, and 20 beaver skins.
Now almost 350 years later, that treaty still plays out every year just before Thanksgiving, with a slightly different ceremonial gift to Virginia’s Governor. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Little Thanksgiving Inspiration
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2016
Credit: Fire, Flour and Fork
If you don’t already have your Thanksgiving meal prepped and ready to go, don’t worry — it’s not too late. Reporter Mallory Noe-Payne attended a “Friendsgiving” in Richmond and brings us this last-minute inspiration.
Federal Settlement in Arlington Sends Message to Jails About Services to Deaf Inmates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2016
Leaders in Arlington are settling a federal lawsuit against a jail for failing to offer services to a deaf inmate. As Michael Pope reports, the settlement could have consequences for jails across Virginia — and the United States. Michael Pope reports.
Supreme Court Set to Hear Virginia Gerrymandering Case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 22, 2016
Credit: Kelsea Pieters / WVTF / RADIO IQ
Next month, members of the United States Supreme Court will be hearing oral arguments in a case that could reshuffle the Virginia House of Delegates. Michael Pope has the story.
Va News Topics: “Bait Cars” Used by Police, Banned Plant to New Money Crop
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The use of “bait cars” by police to catch thieves is at the center of a court case in Chesapeake, and Virginia farmers are hoping a plant that’s been banned for decades can become a new money crop in the state. 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.
Rising Sea Levels Are a Stark Reality for the Hampton Roads Region
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 18, 2016
Credit: Sergey Kochkarev / Flickr
To those living on Virginia’s coastlines, discussions of climate change are no longer theoretical. Rising sea levels has real impact, right now. A report released this week by researchers at William and Mary predicts climate change could cost the Hampton Roads area more than $100 million in damages EACH year, if nothing is done. Mallory Noe-Payne has the details.
Rwandans Bring Art, Music, and Healing to Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 17, 2016
Rwandan artist (and former street child) Pacifique Niyonsenga and his brother Patrick teach traditional drumming to the 3rd graders in Piper Gary’s music class at Woodbrook Elementary. (Credit: Emily Richardson-Lorente)
It’s 6,351 miles — as the crow flies — between Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and Charlottesville. But last month, a small group of artists made that journey, and they’ve been delighting school children in the area ever since. WMRA’s Emily Richardson-Lorente has the story.
Virginia Votes: Liberals, Conservatives and the Conversation In Between
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2016
Credit: Kelsea Pieters / WVTF / RADIO IQ
It’s been just over a week since Election Tuesday, and it’s time to wrap up our series Virginia Votes. We’re checking in once more with voters across the commonwealth, to see how they’re feeling about the next four years. Today we hear from liberals and conservatives, who say the issues at stake this year were not so different than previous elections. We begin with reporter Robbie Harris in the New River Valley, then move on to Richmond with reporter Mallory Noe-Payne.
The New Lost Cause: Getting General Assembly to Address Confederate Symbols
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2016
Credit: Richard Elzey / Flickr
Members of the General Assembly are preparing for the upcoming session, and a number of key issues are emerging. But there’s one issue that’s not expected to be part of the discussion. Michael Pope has the story.
Balancing Medicaid Looks to Be Tall Task for the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 15, 2016
Credit: medicaid.gov
With the General Assembly session weeks away, state leaders are already worried about balancing the books for the next budget. And one issue is proving to be particularly difficult. Michael Pope has the story.
Charlottesville Has Lowest Unemployment in Virginia; Hampton Roads Still Struggling
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 14, 2016
Credit: neetalparekh / Flickr
The latest round of unemployment numbers tell a tale of two Virginias, one thriving and another struggling. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.
Va News Topics: Students Struggle With Trump Victory, FEMA Flood Maps
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 14, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Some students at UVA are struggling with Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election, and FEMA is updating its flood maps in Norfolk causing property owners to reconsider their insurance coverage, or lack of it. 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.
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