Research funding cuts could mean an economic hit to communities surrounding research universities
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 17, 2025
The National Institutes of Health fund most of the medical research in the United States.
The Trump administration recently announced a reduction in NIH funding. Meanwhile, universities are watching to see if other federal agencies begin restricting research dollars too.
In addition to the knowledge that would be lost, these changes could have economic impacts on communities like Blacksburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville, as Roxy Todd reports.
Pope & Schapiro: The last days of the General Assembly session
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 13, 2025
The General Assembly session is in its waning days but there’s still work ahead.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
After years of work, Virginia’s new gambling authority in limbo
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 13, 2025
Ever since Virginia expanded gambling options, legislators have been working to create a new state entity to regulate the industry. A bill to create a new Virginia Gaming Commission sailed out of subcommittee earlier this month only to be killed and instead have its language added to the budget. Brad Kutner spoke to legislators involved to find out why.
Contraception access likely to remain a hot issue beyond General Assembly session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 13, 2025
Democrats in the General Assembly are taking several tracks in an effort to secure the right to contraception. And, as Michael Pope reports, they’re also hoping to take the issue on the campaign trail.
NIH funding cut fight boils over in Virginia House
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 12, 2025
President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk are looking to cut billions in federal research funding to organizations across the country.
The issue came up during a feisty debate in the Virginia House of Delegates today/Wednesday.
Brad Kutner has more.
New law to fight puppy mills likely on the way to Governor Youngkin’s desk
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 12, 2025
Virginia law requires oversight of a dog’s history when they enter a shelter, but private pet shops have avoided such scrutiny. That could change if a bill from one Southside Senator gets the okay from the governor.
Brad Kutner has explains.
Republican legislators blast earned sentence credits
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 12, 2025
Republicans are taking aim at a system that allows some incarcerated people to earn credits toward early release.
And as Michael Pope reports, Democrats are pushing back.
Bills could change at-large representation in some local governments
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 12, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are considering efforts to change how some local governments work and how people are elected to those bodies.
Michael Pope reports.
Controversial license plate reader bill survives Virginia Senate committee… for now
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on February 10, 2025
Legislators in Richmond kept alive a bill expanding the use of automated license plate readers on Virginia’s roadways Monday. Despite an earlier vote killing it, the bill will now face new negotiations. Brad Kutner has more.
The debate over crimes involving fentanyl continues in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on February 10, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating ways to crack down on fentanyl crimes in Virginia. Michael Pope has the details.
Efforts to reform Virginia’s campaign finance laws have died again this year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2025
Members of the Virginia General Assembly are currently engaged in a number of debates about public policy issues. But as Michael Pope reports, some of the important issues are NOT being debated.
Virginia legislature looks to further embrace the blockchain
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 7, 2025
Blockchain technology is back at Virginia’s legislative session in 2025. An effort to allow businesses to use high tech to conduct transactions is the newest trend that elected officials are considering, just as one of the industry’s biggest fans enters the White House. Brad Kutner has more.
Regulations for air conditioning in Virginia prisons are gaining steam in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 7, 2025
The Senate of Virginia is considering a bill to help inmates of prisons avoid extreme heat. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Crossover, casinos and skill games
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 7, 2025
With the General Assembly session now in its second half, arguments about casinos and skill games are heating up again.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Millions of dollars for Virginia clinics still in limbo following Trump’s funding freeze
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2025
Most people don’t think too much about how their local health clinic is funded, but recent shakeups in Washington D.C. may force Virginians to do just that. As part of President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze, Virginia’s federally qualified health centers are currently missing millions of dollars. Brad Kutner has more.
Virginia’s senior groups advocate in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2025
Aging isn’t easy. About 200 senior citizens traveled to Richmond Wednesday to ask the legislature for funding on issues they say will improve their quality of life, but also the lives of those coming up behind them. Brad Kutner has more.
Virginia Democrats look to lift funding cap on school support staff
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2025
Back in 2008 when the country entered a recession, states like Virginia took austerity measures to help balance their books. But some of those cost-saving measures live on today, even as the Commonwealth collects billions in surplus funds. Brad Kutner has more on the bipartisan effort to see the school support staff cap removed.
The General Assembly is in a heated debate over immigration enforcement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2025
Virginia’s Republican governor is clashing with Democrats who run the General Assembly over the budget. And as Michael Pope reports, one of the flashpoints is immigration enforcement.
Virginia lawmakers are already working to respond to funding decisions in Washington
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2025
As the new administration in Washington plans to slash the federal workforce and freeze federal funding, members of the General Assembly are trying to figure out how to respond. Michael Pope reports that the Speaker of the House of Delegates is taking action.
Financial aid advisors say FAFSA applications are going smoother this year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 6, 2025
Students hoping to go to college this fall may want to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid – or FAFSA –application soon. Many schools and universities have deadlines in March for students to be eligible to get the most student assistance as possible. And, as Roxy Todd reports, parents have to complete the application too.
Virginia’s offshore wind industry faces new hurdles under Trump
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 6, 2025
President Donald Trump has long decried the use of wind power.
But billions of dollars have and will flow through Virginia as public-private partnerships help create the nation’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach.
Brad Kutner has more.
Bipartisan contraception coverage bill flies out of Virginia House
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2025
If Virginia’s House of Delegates gets its way, contraception might be cheaper in the Commonwealth, or at least easier to get. The effort got 70 votes to pass the chamber Tuesday, Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Legislation creating a marijuana marketplace continues to make progress, but will Youngkin sign it?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2025
Last year, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have created a way for people to sell marijuana in Virginia. Now, as Michael Pope tells us, lawmakers are planning to send a similar bill to his desk again.
Virginia advocates debunk oyster month myth
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2025
Virginia’s oyster industry has exploded in recent years thanks in part to environmental cleanup and other supports from the state’s General Assembly. Brad Kutner was on site for oyster day in Richmond Wednesday morning and filed this report.
It’s the halfway point of the General Assembly session; what’s happened so far and what lies ahead?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are halfway through their session, causing them to take stock of the situation and plan out a strategy for the remaining two weeks. Michael Pope reports.
A bill paving the way for a new casino in Fairfax County is moving on with an uncertain future
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2025
A bill that might lead to a new casino in Fairfax County got over a major hurdle Tuesday. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate allows Youngkin school accountability effort to move forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2025
The Senate of Virginia is rejecting an effort to hit the pause button on a major education initiative of the governor. Michael Pope has the latest from the Capitol.
Former Afghan soldiers and their families in limbo after suspension on refugee programs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2025
Three-and-a-half years ago, the United States abruptly left Afghanistan, leaving thousands of Afghans who had served along the American military in limbo, and in danger. Some did get out, through the U.S. refugee resettlement program.
Now, that President Trump has suspended refugee resettlement programs, it’s left many of those still waiting to get out, and their families, with fewer options. Roxy Todd reports on how this has impacted one former Afghan solider, who lives in Blacksburg.
After years of trying, Roem’s FOIA fees limit bill is moving forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2025
Members of the House of Delegates are now considering a bill that would create new limits on how much government agencies can charge for a public records request. Michael Pope has the details.
Virginia’s legislative budget looks to tackle Helene relief quickly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2025
It’s been nearly four months since Hurricane Helene ravaged parts of Southwest Virginia and state legislators are looking to get funds to those who need them most. Brad Kutner spoke with legislators in Richmond.
Bill protecting doctors that give gender-affirming care clears state Senate, veto likely awaits
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2025
The state Senate has approved a bill protecting Virginia doctors who administer gender-affirming care. But as Michael Pope reports, the bill still may face a veto from the governor.
Full Virginia Senate to debate the state’s campaign finance laws today for first time in decades
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2025
Members of the Virginia Senate are about to debate campaign finance reform. Michael Pope has this preview.
Virginia Democrats offer $1 billion in rebates via new budget
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 2, 2025
Democratic majorities in Virginia’s House and Senate released their budget proposals for the 2025 legislative session Sunday.
Brad Kutner has some of the highlights.
Virginia legislators look to extend the standard deduction
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2025
Tax legislation may not be the flashiest topic, but it touches just about everyone in Virginia. The state’s standard deduction is set to expire this year, and Brad Kutner spoke to Republican and Democratic lawmakers who want to make sure it doesn’t.
A bill that would change Virginia’s alcoholic beverage ratio for restaurants is moving forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 31, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are considering legislation that could change how the restaurant business works in Virginia. Michael Pope has the latest.
Pope & Schapiro: The plane crash, crossover, and Trump executive orders
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 31, 2025
The plane crash in Northern Virginia and the funeral of a former state senator have tempered the mood in Richmond.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
School testing scores improve little, but Youngkin says its coming
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin painted a positive picture of stagnant school test scores Wednesday. The governor pointed to intense tutoring programs and more current testing to suggest a better path was possible, but others questioned his term-long strategy. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Bills collecting information on data centers are having no luck in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2025
As data centers continue to expand across Virginia, some members of the General Assembly are trying to adapt. Michael Pope reports that they’re not having much luck.
What happens if Medicaid is cut? Virginia lawmakers aren’t waiting to find out
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 30, 2025
Democrats who run the General Assembly are worried that the Trump administration might cut Medicaid and take away health insurance for lower-income people in Virginia. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
An effort to study Virginia’s yearly elections is still alive in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections? Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia districts face the prospect of ICE agents entering schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are more than 730,000 school-aged children living in the U.S. without legal status, and the Trump administration has said federal agents may enter schools to take people into custody. Sandy Hausman reports on the response of some districts here in Virginia.
Virginia Democrats warn against Trump’s federal worker buyout as questions around funding freeze continue
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
A leaked copy of a buyout offer to federal workers shows they have a choice: leave by the end of the week with months of severance or potentially be fired without benefits later on. Brad Kutner reports on how Virginia lawmakers are responding to the news.
Virginia Senate Republicans lament death of tax cut efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
Virginia Senate Republicans told reporters Tuesday that citizens may face higher taxes if Democrats in the majority get their way. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.
The effort to end food insecurity on Virginia campuses
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are considering an effort to crack down on food insecurity on college campuses in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Federal funding freeze has Virginia lawmakers on edge
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are about to start negotiating a budget. But as Michael Pope tells us, they’ll be doing it in an environment of uncertainty.
To protect poultry against avian flu, avoid contact with wild birds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2025
Avian, or bird, flu, continues to spread across the United States, mostly at poultry and cattle farms. There have been at least 66 confirmed cases in humans, and one person died earlier this month.
Poultry farmers and people with backyard flocks can protect their animals, and themselves, by limiting exposure to wild birds, as Roxy Todd reports.
Virginia Democrats are rejecting Youngkin’s tax proposals… for now
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2025
Some of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed tax cuts hit some speed bumps this week. Michael Pope has this check on their status.
The General Assembly wants to seal convictions for some crimes to help people get a job
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 27, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating a bill that could help thousands of people get jobs. As Michael Pope reports, it would allow people convicted of some crimes to have their records sealed.
The Virginia Senate has passed several gun-related bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 27, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are once again debating firearms. Michael Pope is at the Capitol with the latest.
Virginia legislature kills bill to limit voice-activated purchases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 27, 2025
That voice-activated device in your home is always listening, and for families with young children, it’s raising questions about how easy it is for those devices to make purchases. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond, where legislators were looking to rein in those devices.
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