Archive for category Virginia’s News
Airbnb Stirs Debate Amongst Virginia Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 12, 2016
Credit Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Scheduler/ Creative Commons
The new gig economy is already disrupting businesses across Virginia, although the future of how they will be regulated is still an open question. That’s why state leaders from across the commonwealth will convene in Richmond later this week to hammer out the details about the future of short-term property rentals through Airbnb. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Law Binding Delegates to Presidential Nominee Tossed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 12, 2016
As Republicans prepare to gather in Cleveland for their convention, a federal lawsuit in Virginia is giving new life to the Never Trump movement. But, as Michael Pope reports, the win in court may be more of a symbolic victory.
Va News Topics: Virginia Trump Products, Water Park Uncertainties
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 11, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Among the many products that bear the Trump name, one of the most successful is made in Virginia…and public concerns about revenues and land use are raising questions about the future of a popular Northern Virginia water park. 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 from Fred Echols.
Republican Delegate Files Anti-Trump Lawsuit Ahead of Convention
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 11, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
As Republicans prepare to gather in Cleveland for their convention, a legal challenge in Virginia threatens to upend the process. The lawsuit comes from a Northern Virginia supporter of Ted Cruz who says he should be able to vote his conscience. Michael Pope reports.
Inside the Wild West of Debt Settlement Companies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 8, 2016
Credit openDemocracy / Creative Commons
For people down on their luck and behind on their bills, there seems to be no end of businesses looking to turn a buck. That often means people are scammed out of money — just when they need help the most. Michael Pope has the story.
New Law to Govern Builders’ Gifts to Communities
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2016
Credit Simon Kellogg / Creative Commons
Life is about to get even more complicated for community planners dealing with development. In the past, they could ask builders to help pay for almost any civic improvement. Now, however, state law is about to change as Sandy Hausman reports.
Virginia Home to Some of the Youngest Communities in the Nation
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 7, 2016
Credit Mark Goebel / Creative Commons
Virginia may be one of the oldest states. And its history may stretch back into the past more than other states. But new numbers from the federal government are revealing a surprising twist about Virginia.
‘It Really Hurts When You Know How Hard You’re Working’: Veteran Teacher Reflects on Career
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 6, 2016
Credit David Sachs / SEIU
More than 8,000 teachers and administrators are currently gathered in the country’s capital for the National Education Association‘s annual conference. Among them is Meg Gruber, president of Virginia’s Education Association.
Gruber is the outgoing president of the VEA, and a veteran teacher of more than 30 years. Before she headed up to D.C., Gruber sat down with reporter Mallory Noe-Payne to talk about how education, at its heart, is a local issue not a national one.
Legislators Working to Challenge Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 6, 2016
Credit Steven Depolo / Creative Commons
Police agencies in Virginia get most of their money from local governments. But in recent years, they’ve been increasingly tapping another source of cash – seizing it directly from people they suspect of wrongdoing. The program, known as civil asset forfeiture, has become increasingly controversial in recent years. And now, efforts are moving forward at the state and national level to reform the program. Michael Pope reports.
Senator Tim Kaine Leads Virginia Awareness Campaign for Zika Virus
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 6, 2016
Credit: John Tann / Creative Commons
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine met today with doctors from VCU and the Red Cross, along with state health officials, to gather information and raise awareness about the health threat posed by the Zika virus. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Northern Virginia Poised to Become Leader in Driverless Cars
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 6, 2016
It’s been more than a century since horseless carriages started revolutionizing transportation across America. Now driverless cars are about to reshape the American landscape, and a new report from George Mason University says Virginia is poised to become a leader in the industry. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Team Finds Possible Connection between Plant Fossils and Ancient Dragon Lore
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 5, 2016
Credit MelkiaD / Creative Commons
According to research coordinated by a pair of Roanoke College professors, fossils common to coal seams may be responsible for dragon tales all around the world. Tim Thornton has more in this report.
VaNews Topics: Signs and Speech, Town Services
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 5, 2016
A Supreme Court ruling on free speech is forcing some localities to change how they regulate public signs, and another city Virginia says it may have to become a town because it can’t afford the cost of providing services for its residents. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. Fred Echols has more.
State Trooper Sends Support Home to West Virginia
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 30, 2016
Credit Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF
Federal officials are stepping in to aid the thousands without power, homes, or basic needs following devastating flooding in West Virginia last week. But one Virginian is stepping up and doing what she can to help those recovering, loading up a tractor trailer with supplies, and heading home. Mallory Noe-Payne has her story.
Gov. McAuliffe’s Latest Executive Order is a Product of Partisan Gridlock
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 30, 2016
Credit Kate Wellington / Creative Commons
This week, Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe issued yet another executive order, this time to bypass the General Assembly and take a look at ways the commonwealth can respond to climate change. It’s the latest example of a governor who has increasingly taken to using executive power to accomplish his agenda, a trend that’s causing alarm among Republican leaders in the General Assembly. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Democrats Face Uphill Battle for Gun Control
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 29, 2016
Credit Stephen Z / Flickr
Democrats are hoping to make gun-control a central plank in this year’s elections, but Virginia Republicans say it’s a bad idea. Matt Laslo has the details from the Capitol.
The Contributors to Bob McDonnell’s Legal Defense Fund
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 28, 2016
Matt Wade / Creative Commons
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s political career may be over. But his days raising money are not. Michael Pope has this look at the fundraising effort to pay McDonnell’s legal bills.
Virginia Republicans Respond to the Supreme Court’s McDonnell Ruling
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 28, 2016
Credit Matt Wade / Creative Commons
With Monday’s Supreme Court ruling, many Virginia politicians are speaking up in support of the state’s ex-Governor. But they’re also thinking about what the ruling means for politics in the Commonwealth. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
McDonnell Decision: Legal Consequences
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 28, 2016
Credit Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons
The Supreme Court decision today overturning the corruption case against former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell could have far-reaching legal consequences. Michael Pope has the story.
Michael Pope continues his report on the legal consequences of the McDonnell ruling:
VaNews Topics: Chesterfield Summer Reading, Virginia Textbooks
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 28, 2016
Some of the entries on the Chesterfield County Schools’ summer reading list have drawn sharp criticism from parents, while there are concerns being raised about the age of textbooks in other locations in Virginia. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link on vpap.org. Fred Echols has more.
Loopers: Traversing the ‘Appalachian Trail on Water’
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 28, 2016
Jim Brickett / Creative Commons
The Great Loop of the Eastern United States is like a safari or sea-fari if you will. There are bears, manatees, bald eagles and mountain lions all while boaters cruise through 6,000 miles of waterways. They travel the Atlantic up to Canada then to inland waterways, down to the Gulf Coast and back to the Atlantic. Pamela D’Angelo met up with a pair of so-called Loopers from Maine as they followed the route of Captain John Smith up the Rappahannock River.
Supreme Court Unanimously Overturns Former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Corruption Convictions
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 27, 2016
Credit Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife are breathing a sigh of relief today, after the United States Supreme court threw out their convictions for corruption and conspiracy. Michael Pope is at the Supreme Court with the latest.
Virginia Readies to Take Guns from Abusers
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 27, 2016
Credit Stephen Z/Flickr
As Congress once again fails to make any headway on gun control, Virginia is set to implement a new measure of gun control.
In 2014, 66 people in the state were killed by a spouse or partner, using a firearm. The new measure seeks to lower that number. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Football Hall of Fame Visits Richmond
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 24, 2016
Credit Meg M. Eastman / Virginia Historical Society
Looking for something to do with a young football fan this summer? The Virginia Historical Society in Richmond may not known for its young audience, but a new special exhibition this summer could change that. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Gov. McAullife Signs New Measures to Prevent Addicts from Acquiring Drugs
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 23, 2016
Credit Creative Commons/David K
In 2014, almost 1,000 people died from opiate overdose in Virginia — and that number is trending upwards, not down. A state task force created a number of proposals to help stem the epidemic, and Governor Terry McAuliffe signed three of those measures into law today. The primary goal? To help prevent addicts from acquiring drugs. Mallory Noe-Payne explains how.
A Tale of Two Governments
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 23, 2016
Image: Creative Commons
The sit-in launched by Democrats in the House of Representatives may be over, but the gridlock in Washington over the gun debate offers a stark contrast with what happened in Richmond earlier this year. That’s when leaders from opposing parties were able to craft a sweeping compromise on the issue. Michael Pope has this tale of two governments.
Virginia Attorney General’s Office Says Fairfax Schools Can’t Redact Disclosure Forms
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 22, 2016
Credit Fairfax County School Board
Virginia’s largest school system may also be its most secretive. Leaders at the Fairfax County School system have a history of redacting information from financial disclosure forms of School Board members. Now, as Michael Pope reports, a new opinion from the Virginia attorney general says they should hand over the information.
State Gives Housing Grants to Richmond, Blacksburg
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 22, 2016
Credit Mallory Noe-Payne
The Governor announced Wednesday the first of a new type of grant, state dollars going towards housing and community development projects. The first two recipients of the Vibrant Community Initiative are in Richmond, and Blacksburg. Mallory Noe-Payne has this report.
ACA Financial Guaranty Sues City of Buena Vista over Unpaid Municipal Bonds
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 22, 2016
Credit Creative Commons/Doug Kerr
The long-running legal battle involving bonds issued by the City of Buena Vista and the company that insures those bonds has taken a new turn. Fred Echols reports.
Sen. Warner: ‘Short-term-ism’ is Undermining Capitalism
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 21, 2016
Sen. Mark Warner; Credit Creative Commons/Center for American Progress
Is corporate America too focused on the short term? Virginia Senator Mark Warner thinks so, and he’s hoping the Federal Reserve is keeping an eye on the trend. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Lawmaker Fights to Outlaw Forced Arbitration Clauses
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 21, 2016
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va.; Courtesy of Creative Commons/Aimee Custis Photography
Major corporations across the country are increasingly adding language to contracts to prevent lawsuits, a controversial practice that is coming under increased scrutiny. The provisions, known as “forced arbitration clauses,” apply to everything from getting a credit card to accepting a job offer. And now one Virginia lawmaker says these provisions should be outlawed. Michael Pope has this report.
Virginia State Parks’ 80th Anniversary to Coincide with National Parks Centennial
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 17, 2016
Courtesy Creative Commons/Virginia State Parks
You may have heard it’s the 100th anniversary of the National Parks System. What you may not know is that Virginia’s State parks are celebrating their own anniversary — 80 years. Virginia was the first state to open an entire system, 6 parks, in one day. Mallory Noe-Payne tells the story.
ACLU Report Claims Majority of Virginia Prosecutor Elections Are Uncontested
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 17, 2016
Courtesy Creative Commons/justgrimes
Prosecutors in Virginia are elected to four-year terms. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to do much campaigning. As Michael Pope tells us, a new report from the ACLU of Virginia says the vast majority of these elections are uncontested.
Minorities Underrepresented in Virginia Legislature
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 17, 2016
A new analysis out today from the Associated Press shows that across the country many minorities are severely underrepresented in their states’ legislatures. Virginia is no exception, ranking high for black and Latino under-representation. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
McAuliffe Threatens Executive Action After Regulators Decline to Crack Down on Car Title Lenders
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 17, 2016
Credit Creative Commons
Earlier this year, Virginia lawmakers were considering several bills that would have cracked down on the car-title lending industry, a business that’s come under increasing scrutiny and mounting criticism. None of those bills passed, although two powerful state senators wrote a letter to regulators asking them to take care of it. Now Michael Pope has the latest twist in the ongoing investigation – state regulators now say they don’t have the authority to take action.
Formerly Rural Areas Urbanizing With Little Job Growth
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 15, 2016
Payton Knobeloch / WVTF
As more and more people move to Virginia’s metropolitan areas, the suburban and ex-urban areas surrounding them are experiencing their own growing pains. And as Michael Pope Tells us, they’re changing in ways that might not be obvious.
Loudoun, Chesterfield Counties Lead in Job Growth
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 15, 2016
Courtesy of Creative Commons / neetalparekh
New numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show two Virginia jurisdictions leading the nation during the early part of this year. Michael Pope reports.
Congressional Redistricting Shakes Up Virginia Primary
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 15, 2016
Yesterday’s Virginia Primary saw longtime incumbent Representative Bob Goodlatte claim victory in the 6th Congressional District GOP primary, while U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes’ faced a loss due to a newly redrawn Virginia congressional map. Mallory Noe-Payne has this and more in this report.
Election Day for Virginia’s Newest District
Posted by kelseap6 in Virginia's News on June 14, 2016
Voters in Virginia are heading to the polls today — in some cases picking their Republican and Democratic nominees for Congress in the Fall. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports this is the first election for voters in a NEW congressional district.
Indian Prime Minister Visits Congress, Influences Lawmakers
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 14, 2016
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Last week Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was granted the rare audience of the entire US Congress, and Virginia lawmakers were listening especially closely. Matt Laslo reports from the Capitol on what many lawmakers say is quickly becoming one of the most important US allies in the region.
Virginia’s Fine Arts Museum Puts ‘Blackness’ Center-Stage, with Kehinde Wiley
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 13, 2016
Credit Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF
Virginia’s Museum of Fine Arts unveiled its newest exhibit this weekend. It’s a big get for the VMFA. The museum is one of only 7 stops for this particular collection, and the only in the southeast.
But it’s special for another reason. The display is a mid-career retrospective from artist Kehinde Wiley, a young black man who’s a pop star of the art world. The exhibit represents an effort by the museum to diversify both its collection, and its audience. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
While in town, Kehinde Wiley sat down at the VMFA to talk to Chioke I’Anson. I’Anson is a radio producer and professor of African-American Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. He began by asking Wiley what it means to have his works on display in Richmond…
Justice for Kionte Spencer Group Meets with U.S. Attorney John Fishwick
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 13, 2016
Members of the advocacy group Justice for Kionte Spencer met with U.S. Attorney John Fishwick in Roanoke Monday morning to discuss their demands regarding the death of the 18-year-old student back in February. Payton Knobeloch has more on this story.
Gloucester County School Board Asks Supreme Court to Appeal Transgender Bathroom Ruling
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 10, 2016
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, illustration by ParaDox
Did the Obama administration go too far when it directed the nation’s schools to let transgender students use bathrooms of their choice? The Gloucester County School board is asking the United States Supreme Court to consider their appeal of a fourth circuit ruling allowing a transgender student to use the boys bathroom. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Democrats Call for Republicans to Repudiate Trump’s Comments on Judge
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 9, 2016
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Photo by Michael Vadon
Democrats in Virginia are calling on Republicans to repudiate comments from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who says a federal judge is unfit to rule in a civil case against him because he has Mexican heritage. Michael Pope reports.
Governor McAuliffe’s Executive Order Could Restore More to Felons than Voting Rights
Posted by kelseap6 in Virginia's News on June 9, 2016
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s controversial executive order restoring rights to nonviolent felons may be having some unintended consequences in the court system. Michael Pope has the story.
Chronicling Desegregation Before Primary Sources Disappear
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on June 8, 2016
Dove Archives Old Dominion, Prince Edward Co.
Virginia historians want your relics — photos, letters, newspapers, yearbooks — all in an effort to chronicle desegregation in the state. For more than 8 years, a database of primary sources related to the Commonwealth’s struggle to integrate its schools has quietly been growing at Old Dominion University. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Rural Hospitals Fight for Medicare Reimbursement Rate
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on June 8, 2016
Photo: Creative Commons
Virginia’s two U-S senators are pushing legislation to help rural hospitals across the commonwealth get the same reimbursement rate for Medicare as their urban counterparts. Matt Laslo has the details from the Capitol.
Kroger Workers Avoid Strike
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on June 8, 2016
Photo: Creative Commons/Mike Kalasnik
There won’t be any picket lines later this month outside Kroger stores in Southwest and Central Virginia, West Virginia and Eastern Tennessee.
The union representing thousands of Kroger employees approved a new contract today—avoiding a potential strike. A lot of workers, though, weren’t too happy with the decision. Joe Staniunas has the story.
New Federal Rule Targets Predatory Lending, But Critics Say It Doesn’t Go Far Enough
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on June 6, 2016
Creative Commons
Small dollar lending has become increasingly controversial in recent years, especially now that the number of automobiles repossessed by the car title lending industry doubled over the last three years. Now a new federal rule could mean an end to lending practices critics call predatory. Michael Pope has the story.
Study of Bias in Virginia’s Courts
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates, Virginia's News on June 6, 2016
The justice system is supposed to be impartial, and fair. Many, though, assume justice isn’t blind when it comes to matters of race or income. But now an unlikely pair — a lawyer, and a software engineer — have used data to uncover bias in Virginia’s courts. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
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