Virginians Front-and-Center at the Democratic National Convention
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2016
Credit: DonkeyHotey / Creative Commons
Virginia is playing a big role in this year’s Democratic National Convention, which got underway Monday in Philadelphia. Sandy Hausman has the story.
Tangier Island Becomes 8th Region on the Virginia Oyster Trail
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2016
Credit: Pamela D’Angelo
Last week Virginia added a few more miles and an eighth oyster flavor to its 250 mile Oyster Trail. The latest region includes oysters grown out in the waters that surround Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Virginia Democrats Hopeful About Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Kaine
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2016
Credit: Kevin Wenzel / Creative Commons
Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine is attracting a lot of attention after being tapped as the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, but there’s still tension in the party. Matt Laslo reports from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Va News Topics: School for Disruptive Students, Freedom of Information Laws
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The Richmond Board of Education has contracted with a private company to manage a school for disruptive students, and Loudon County supervisors have sparked a discussion about freedom of information laws by communicating off the record during a public meeting. 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.
An Audio Postcard from the Republican National Convention, Part Two
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 22, 2016
Credit: gop.com / Wikimedia Commons
Our Congressional reporter Matt Laslo has spent the week in Cleveland with Virginia’s delegates to the Republican National Convention. He sent us this audio postcard from Ohio.
Federal Lawsuit Reveals Dark Underworld of Payday Loans in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 22, 2016
Credit: frankieleon / Creative Commons
A class-action federal lawsuit against a payday lender may break new legal ground next month. That’s when a Virginia judge could deliver a ruling that will absolve hundreds of people from loans worth about a half a million dollars. Michael Pope has the story as part of his ongoing investigation into predatory lending.
An Audio Postcard from the Republican National Convention
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 21, 2016
Credit: gop.com / Wikimedia Commons
Virginia’s delegation at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this week has a range of diverse backgrounds, but they’re all diehard conservatives who are active in politics. VPR congressional reporter Matt Laslo is in Cleveland and sent us this audio postcard from some of our delegates.
Fundraising for Gubernatorial Campaign Getting Head Start One Year Out
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 20, 2016
Credit: Pictures of Money / Creative Commons
Most of the delegates to the Republican National Convention are focused on the election this year. But delegates from Virginia are also in Cleveland setting the stage for next year. And, as Michael Pope reports, the fundraising efforts for the next campaign for governor are already heating up.
NOAA’s Newest Smart Buoy Deployed in the York River
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2016
Credit: Pamela D’Angelo
Scientists, anglers, weather watchers and boaters just got a boost yesterday when a NOAA Chesapeake Bay smart buoy was deployed at the mouth of the York River. Pamela D’Angelo has the story.
Ex-Felons Pin Voting Hopes on VA Supreme Court
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 19, 2016
Credit: Sandy Hausman / WVTF
Virginia’s Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether Governor Terry McAuliffe acted constitutionally when he restored voting rights for more than 200,000 ex-felons who had served their time in prison and on parole. Sandy Hausman talked to one man who is hoping the court backs McAuliffe.
Summering in Cleveland or Philly? Delegates Say ‘Yes, Please!’
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 19, 2016
Credit: Carlos Javier / Creative Commons
Cleveland and Philadelphia don’t make the list of America’s top 25 vacation destinations, but this month more than 7,000 people are excited to be going there – delighted by the idea of spending hours in a convention center talking politics. Sandy Hausman spoke with some of those representing Virginia at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Constitutionality of Felon Rights Restoration Questioned in Virginia Supreme Court Hearing
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 19, 2016
Members of the Virginia Supreme Court are considering a challenge to Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe’s executive order restoring voting rights to more than two hundred thousand former felons. Michael Pope is at the Supreme Court with the latest.
Pence’s Support of Medicaid Raises Questions About Place on Conservative Ticket
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 18, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
Donald Trump’s selection of Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate is causing some reverberations here in Virginia on an issue that’s near and dear to Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe — expanding Medicaid to 400,000 people who live in poverty or with disabilities. Michael Pope reports.
Divisiveness Over Trump Means No-Shows for Republican National Convention
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 18, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
The majority of Virginia Republican members of Congress are skipping their party’s convention in Cleveland this week. Matt Laslo has the details on a party that remains divided over Donald Trump.
Va News Topics: Sea Traffic Regulation, Democratic Convention Food Stop
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 18, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
With the waters off the Virginia coast getting more crowded every year there’s an effort under way to develop some rules of the road for seagoing traffic, and the food that delegates to the Democratic convention will be eating is stopping for a check-up in Virginia on its way to Philadelphia. 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.
Concerns about Airbnb Could Lead to Stronger Regulations
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 15, 2016
Credit: Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Scheduler / Creative Commons
CREDIT CREDIT OPEN GRID SCHEDULER / GRID SCHEDULER / CREATIVE COMMONS
New technology is disrupting all kinds of industries, everything from newspapers and taxis to music and now hotels. The latest technology allows homeowners to rent out rooms of their house, or sometimes the entire house. That’s causing alarm among lawmakers, who are now engaged in an effort to craft new kinds of regulations. Michael Pope reports.
McAuliffe Felon Voting Decision to be Challenged in Court
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2016
Credit Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF
In anticipation of a court case filed by Virginia Republicans and lawyers challenging Governor Terry McAuliffe’s recent executive action on the restoration of voting rights for convicted felons, Mallory Noe-Payne reports more about that case and explains why some say the Governor’s order goes too far.
Official Platform Goal for Republicans Before National Convention
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2016
Credit Upenda Kanda / Creative Commons
Even before Donald Trump got in hot water for his remarks about a Mexican American judge and implicating President Obama in the Orlando attack, House Republicans were planning to unveil their own agenda this summer. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.
New Bill Would Prohibit Flying of Confederate Flag over Confederate Cemeteries
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 13, 2016
Credit: Britt Reints / Creative Commons
The debate over the Confederate flag is still raging in Washington, where elected officials are clashing over where and when it’s appropriate to display the Confederate flag. Michael Pope reports.
Not All Felons Want to Vote: A Community Worn Down by Politics
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 13, 2016
Anthony Crawford, a resident of Richmond’s Gilpin Court, shows off his voter registration card. Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF
Virginia’s Governor made national headlines in April, when he restored voting rights to more than 200,000 ex-felons. But the backlash was quick and fierce. Republicans accused the Governor of misusing his power to sway presidential politics. Reports revealed rapists and murderers still in prison, whose rights had been restored, accidentally.
Since then, the debate has ramped up. But stuck in the middle are thousands of Virginians — not all of whom are excited to vote. Mallory Noe-Payne has this story, of a community worn down by politics.
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.
McDonnell Case Ruling: Reverberations in Washington
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on July 1, 2016
Authority of Law Statue
The reverberations of the Supreme Court throwing out the conviction of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is being felt across the nation. Matt Laslo has the story from the Capitol.
Grants Will Help Preserve Richmond Cemeteries
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on July 1, 2016
Some listeners may remember that a few months ago, we brought you the story of long-lost African-American cemeteries throughout the state and a couple in Richmond. Now, some of those cemeteries are getting some much needed attention. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
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.
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