Virginia Public Radio

The 21^st century has already been marked by two events that shook many people’s faith in democracy and the rule of law. 

Violence by white supremacists in Charlottesville and pro-Trump forces attacking Congress left many people asking what can and should be done to restore faith in government. 

One Virginia lawyer – tasked with investigating both events – has some answers in a new book. 

Sandy Hausman spoke with him.

After an unexpected delay, the General Assembly session is underway in earnest this week.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope have this analysis.

The General Assembly took a back seat to running water this week.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

President-elect Donald Trump has signaled both opposition and support for a federal ban on contraceptives, and Virginia Democrats are saying this puts future access to birth control at risk.

Brad Kutner has more on the bipartisan legislative effort to protect access from last year that will return this General Assembly session. 

The car tax continues to be a hot issue at the General Assembly, where lawmakers are considering a proposal from the governor that would provide some relief.

Michael Pope tells us that the legislative vehicle may be headed for partisan gridlock.

Voters in some parts of Virginia will go to the polls Tuesday in three special elections for the General Assembly.

And as Michael Pope tells us, the outcome will determine which party controls the House and the Senate.

Many campaign ads are already notoriously negative and manipulative.

That’s why some people are worried AI might make them even worse.

Michael Pope reports.

It’s a new year and that always means it’s just about time for a new General Assembly session.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Governor Glenn Youngkin is entering his final year in office.

And as Michael Pope reports, his approach to energy may have consequences for years to come.

Move over Moo Deng, there’s a new viral baby pygmy hippo on the internet.  And this one’s in Virginia.

Brad Kutner traveled to the Metro Richmond Zoo where the yet-to-be-named baby is stirring up interest online and in person. 

The number of people who are food insecure tends to be higher among families with children — nearly three in 10 families according to the United States Department of Agriculture. This can have negative impacts on physical as well as mental wellbeing.

A Virginia Tech researcher has been working to learn more about the links between food insecurity among moms and mental health, as Roxy Todd reports.

The Commonwealth has numerous green energy goals to meet in the coming years. But local pushback on solar projects has slowed those efforts.

Brad Kutner says some legislative efforts to turn the tide of opposition might be coming in the 2025 session. 

Paying off tax debt can be difficult for people who are having a hard time making ends meet. And when state tax officials hire private debt collectors the methods get controversial.

Michael Pope reports. 

The 1976 election that put Jimmy Carter in the White House was one in which Virginia was an outlier.

As Michael Pope reports, Virginia was the only southern state to not go Carter’s way.

Dry January is the idea that you take a break from drinking alcohol for a month.

Brad Kutner spoke with researchers who say it’s a good idea, even if you stop for just one month. 

A team of engineers and veterinarians are developing a device that can destroy brain cancer tumors in dogs.

Eventually, they hope to adapt the technology to use the method to help humans too, as Roxy Todd reports.

As 2024 ticks away, many in Richmond and Washington are looking ahead to 2025 political battles.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.