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.
McAuliffe to Introduce Legislation for Reform of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on December 12, 2016
Virginia’s governor is suggesting changes to how the state doles out economic development money. The proposals come after investigators blasted the Economic Development Partnership for mismanagement. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
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.
Urban Agriculture Taking Root in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2016
Credit: Futurilla / Creative Commons
Nearly a third of Virginia is farmland. But farms don’t always have to be in the countryside, they can on rooftops in cities and in small neighborhood gardens. One group in Richmond is training the next generation of URBAN farmers. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, they’re now offering a federally-approved certificate in urban farming.
Virginia Votes: How Do They Feel Now?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2016
Credit: WVTF / RADIO IQ
After Election Tuesday, we’re catching up with voters we talked to before the Election. One person we spoke with was Trump supporter in Lexington. Jessie Knadler catches up with Jacob Thayer.
Another of the Virginians we talked to, is Christopher Rashad Green — a former felon in Richmond who was able to vote for the first time in more than 20 years. The last time we heard from Green he was undecided, considering voting for a third-party candidate. On Tuesday, he cast his ballot for Hillary Clinton.
Virginia Elects a New Governor Next Year. Will Voters Seek Another Trump?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2016
Credit: NPR
Now that Election 2016 has come and gone, the politics of Election 2017 are already moving into place. And, as Michael Pope reports, the election of Donald Trump as president could have a strong influence on the race for governor next year.
The Day After: National Frenemies Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2016
After what may have been one of the most vitriolic elections in American history, a Virginia Tech professor is declaring today, ‘ National Frenemies Day.’ Robbie Harris explains what it is and how to celebrate.
Hillary Clinton Won Virginia, But is it a Blue State?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2016
Hillary Clinton was able to win Virginia. But it was not as decisive a victory as many Democrats were hoping for. Michael Pope has the story.
Election Day: Congressional Outcomes in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2016
We’ve got this overview of the state’s most competitive Congressional races, plus a quick glance at results from the rest of the state.
The 10th District
Republicans maintained control of the 10th District despite a strong challenge. (Credit: Kelsea Pieters / WVTF / RADIO IQ)
Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock will be returning to Congress next year, despite a hotly contested race in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope has the story.
The 4th District
Newly-drawn lines opened this seat up for Democrats. (Credit: Kelsea Pieters / WVTF / RADIO IQ)
Democrats were able to pick up one congressional seat in Virginia, but only after a lawsuit prompted the boundaries of the congressional districts to be redrawn. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The 5th District
Another state lawmaker will be heading to the national legislature to represent the 5th. (Credit: Kelsea Pieters / WVTF / RADIO IQ)
It was a difficult night for Democrats in the 5th Congressional District, where Republican Tom Garrett scored an impressive win over Jane Dittmar. Sandy Hausman reports on that race and others of regional interest.
Other Results
In less competitive districts, the state’s races played out as expected — with victors winning by large margins. Results are below. Full details can be seen here.
- District 1 – Robb Wittman (R) beat Matt Rowe (D)
- District 2 – Scott Taylor (R) beat Shaun Brown (D)
- District 3 – Bobby Scott (D) beat Marty Williams (R)
- District 6 – Bob Goodlatte (R) beat Kai Degner (D)
- District 7- Dave Brat (R) beat Eileen Bedell (D)
- District 8 – Don Beyer (D) beat Charles Hernick (R)
- District 9 – Morgan Griffith (R) beat Derek Kitts (D)
- District 11- Gerry Connolly won
Report: Virginia’s Schools More Segregated Than a Decade Ago
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2016
Credit: Karen Apricot / Flickr
A recent report found that Virginia’s public schools are more segregated today than ten years ago. According to the report, students who are poor, black, and Latino in Virginia are increasingly isolated — attending schools with other students like themselves. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
About Three in Four Virginia Voters Expected to Show Up on Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 7, 2016
Credit: MBandman / Flickr
How many voters are expected to show up on Election Day? Michael Pope has this preview.
Va News Topics: Petersburg Christmas Parade, Arlington to D.C. Gondola
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 7, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The cash-strapped City of Petersburg will have a Christmas parade this year, but it was a very close call, and within a few years commuters and tourists may be riding a gondola from Arlington County to hard-to-reach Georgetown in D.C. 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.
Trump Transparency Issues Leave Lawmakers Thinking about Future Campaigns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
Some Virginia lawmakers are hoping to reform presidential campaign laws after the election. Matt Laslo reports on the red flags critics say Donald Trump’s campaign has raised.
218 Years for Dealing Drugs? Obama Commutes Sentences of Seven Drug Dealers in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 3, 2016
Credit: Brandon Giesbrecht / Flickr
During the final months of his administration, President Barack Obama is commuting the sentences in drug -related cases across the United States. Michael Pope has this look at how the president’s actions here in Virginia might be a turning point in the war on drugs.
Teacher Residency Model Gains National Attention
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 3, 2016
Teacher Dana Lockhart is still in training and is a member of VCU’s teacher residency program. Here she teaches while VCU President Michael Rao looks on. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF / RADIO IQ)
If you want to be a teacher, you can go to school and pay for your master’s in education. Or, you can make a 4-year commitment to teaching in Richmond Public Schools in exchange for a master’s degree through Virginia Commonwealth University, a practically-guaranteed job, and learning through doing. It’s a unique approach — there are only about 20 programs like it in the country. Now, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the federal government is taking notice.
On the Ballot: Virginia Looks to Cement “Right to Work” Culture
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 2, 2016
Credit: Spot Us / Flickr
This November, the presidential race is not the only thing on the ballot. There’s also little known — but very important — state constitutional amendment that could have lasting consequences for the relationship between workers and their employers. Michael Pope explains one of this year’s ballot amendments.
Virginia Votes: Shenandoah Valley Trump Supporters
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2016
Credit: WVTF / RADIO IQ
Virginia has more than 5 million registered voters. In the end, all those voices will be lumped together to decide who gets the state’s 13 electoral votes. Today reporter Jessie Knadler takes us to some communities in the rural Shenandoah Valley— filled with family farms, rolling hills and plenty of Trump supporters.
Deadly Ambush of Fairfax Officer Prompted Constitutional Amendment on Ballot This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2016
When they head to the polls on Election Day, most voters will be focused on the presidential election. But here in Virginia, they’ll also be considering a little-known constitutional amendment — one that had a violent beginning. Michael Pope has the story.
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