Youngkin backs Trump’s tariff plans at Virginia Ag Trade Conference

Governor Glenn Youngkin backs President Donald Trump’s tariff policies at the 2025 Virginia Agricultural Trade Conference. (Credit: Brad Kutner)

Governor Glenn Youngkin gave the thumbs up to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies Tuesday.

The remarks came at an agricultural trade conference held in Richmond where the impacts of Trump’s policy were also discussed.

Brad Kutner has more. 

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Cubs raised in captivity bound into the wild

Orphaned bears are cared for at the Wildlife Center of Virginia until they can survive on their own. (Credit: Wildlife Center of Virginia)

Seven bear cubs are enjoying spring in the wild after growing up at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. 

Reporters are not allowed to witness their release, but Sandy Hausman spoke with one staffer who says the yearlings seemed happy to be free.

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Appeals court judge wrote “the book” on a pivotal Virginia figure

The title page of Harvie Wilkinson’s book about Harry Byrd, with a photo of Byrd on the opposite page. (Credit: Michael Pope)

Long before he wrote this month’s federal appeals court decision excoriating the Trump administration’s deportation system, Judge Harvie Wilkinson was a noted historian of a pivotal figure in Virginia history.

Michael Pope explains.

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Virginia Catholics mourn the loss of Pope Francis

A photo of Pope Francis sits in the entry way of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner)

Catholics around the world are mourning the passing of Pope Francis.

Brad Kutner spent time at a special mass at a cathedral in downtown Richmond. 

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Researcher at Virginia Tech developing technology that could help utility companies put more power lines underground

(Credit: Appalachian Power)

When storms hit, many of us brace, wondering if the power will remain on. Utility companies in Virginia are putting more power lines underground, which can help.

Roxy Todd spoke with a researcher who is looking at whether improved technology may make this cheaper and safer.

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Dem AG primary could become proxy fight between two big donors

The Democratic primary for attorney general might end up being an expensive fight between two big-money rivals.

Michael Pope explains why.

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Pope & Schapiro: Money talk

Lots of money talk this week— campaign money, tariff money and state tax money.

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

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Early campaign finance numbers show Democrats outraising Republican incumbents

Credit: NPR

Campaign finance numbers show the fall campaign season is heating up. And Michael Pope explains a handful of races feature Republican incumbents in districts won by Kamala Harris.

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VMI Board of Visitors elects Gottwald president

Virginia Military Institute’s Board of Visitors selected a new president during a special meeting Wednesday.

The position opened up when two members resigned following a vote by the panel to not extend the contract of Superintendent Cedric Wins, the first Black man to hold the post.

Dave Cantor has more.

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The governor is still mulling a medical debt protections bill

Governor Glenn Youngkin is contemplating what to do with 92 bills on his desk. Michael Pope has this report about one involving medical debt.

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The House and Senate have different opinions on this social media bill; what will Youngkin do?

Governor Glenn Youngkin is still considering how he wants to handle dozens of bills on his desk. Michael Pope has this report about one involving social media.

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She joined the army by accident and couldn’t be happier

Next month, 21-year-old Rebecca Fitch will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army — a post she had not considered until signing up for an ROTC course by accident. (Credit: Rebecca Fitch)

Joining the U.S. military is a big decision – something not taken lightly, but one University of Virginia student admits she signed up by accident. Sandy Hausman reports on how that happened and what it means for her future.

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UVA seeks patients for long COVID study

Credit: CDC

By now, most adults in this country have had COVID, and about seven percent have lingering symptoms that might be related to the virus. 

Scientists at the University of Virginia are now comparing a number of medications that hold promise for treating it, as Sandy Hausman reports.

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Pope & Schapiro: Trump admin actions on tariffs, immigration and education

The Trump administration’s actions on tariffs, immigration and education are making waves in Virginia.

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

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Ranked-choice voting advocates hope gubernatorial veto won’t be a set back

Credit: Jahd Khalil

Advocates for ranked-choice voting are hoping that a recent veto won’t set back their movement. Michael Pope reports.

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Youngkin backs removal of alleged MS-13 gang leader without trial

Governor Glenn Youngkin chimed in on the future of an alleged MS-13 member arrested in Northern Virginia late last month. The defendant’s gun charge was dropped earlier this week. Brad Kutner has more. 

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Inside a Bland County prison, inmates are learning welding

Samuel Gibson holds a welded piece of metal. (Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ)

April is “second chance” month, a national initiative to raise awareness around challenges that incarcerated individuals face after they are released. Finding a job can often be one of the biggest hurdles. There are several programs inside Virginia prisons to teach inmates skills, including a welding course at a prison in Bland County. Roxy Todd went there to observe the class and speak with students.

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Congressman Beyer wants to limit the use of public funds for sports stadiums

Should taxpayers help finance pro sports stadiums? Virginia considered an unsuccessful proposal for a taxpayer-financed sports arena last year. Now, Michael Pope reports about a bill in Congress that would limit how public money could be used for private gain.

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Waynesboro Symphony’s Hollywood debut

The cast and crew of Granite Rapids Moon hiked 82 miles to make their movie without lights, power or showers. (Credit: John Charles Meyer)

One week after its first screening in Los Angeles, a film that features music from the Waynesboro Symphony will be shown in Charlottesville, Richmond and Northern Virginia.  

It was shot in the Grand Canyon during two epic hikes – one in December and another in June.  

Sandy Hausman has this preview of Granite Rapids Moon.

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Northern Virginia officials say they need help from state lawmakers amidst federal job cuts

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay speaks to members of the House Emergency Committee at the Virginia Tech Innovation campus in Alexandria. (Credit: Michael Pope)

Members of the House of Delegates’ Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions are on the road, and they’re hearing from people in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope is in Alexandria with the latest.

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Virginia’s biggest trade partners among those hit by Trump’s tariffs

Members of VEDP Advisory Committee on International Trade look on at visuals used by President Donald Trump to explain his new tariff policy. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Virginia’s international trade totals over $70 billion in annual economic activity. The future of how President Donald Trump’s tariff policies could impact that activity was the subject of a meeting held in Richmond Tuesday. Brad Kutner has more.

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Virginia’s 2025 primaries are now set

The June primary will NOT feature a race at the top of the ticket. Michael Pope reports candidates for governor are now set.

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In big cities and small towns, Virginians voice disapproval of Trump administration actions

Protesters rally behind the Lancaster Union Masonic Lodge in Kilmarnock. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)

On Saturday, large protests took place across the U.S. against Trump administration policies.

In one small corner of the rural Northern Neck of Virginia, several hundred people marched on Main Street. Pamela D’Angelo reports.

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State legislators wrestled with AI this session, and likely for years to come

Members of the Virginia General Assembly and the governor are considering how the Virginia code should adapt to the new world of artificial intelligence.

Michael Pope reports.

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Pope & Schapiro: Amendments & vetoes, UVA’s Board of Visitors, and special elections

As the governorship of Glenn Youngkin begins to wind down, what do events in other states reveal about the race to be his successor?

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

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Debate over ALPRs likely to return next year

Credit: David Seidel / Radio IQ

Members of the General Assembly have rejected suggested changes the governor made to a bill on surveillance technology. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia’s Democratic Delegates blame ‘fear of Trump’ for Youngkin’s vetoes

Virginia’s Democratic members of the House of Delegates picked a specific target when trying to override vetoes by Governor Glenn Youngkin: Republicans’ alleged fear of revenge from President Donald Trump. Brad Kutner reports from the Capitol.

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General Assembly sends fentanyl legislation back to the governor’s desk

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

Members of the Virginia General Assembly were back at the Capitol Wednesday, voting on hundreds of vetoes and amendments from the governor. Michael Pope has this story about one of those amendments on the fentanyl crisis.

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Author of an Atlantic Coast Pipeline history warns the nation will see another gold rush for gas

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline would have wound nearly 600 miles from West Virginia through this part of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia, and into North Carolina. (Credit: The Pipeline Air Force)

It’s been nearly five years since Dominion Energy pulled the plug on a $2.8 billion dollar project – the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Today, the author of a book on that subject shares lessons from the ACP and warns the nation faces another dash for gas. 

Sandy Hausman has that story.

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Virginia’s likely GOP gubernatorial nominee addresses March For Life

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears speaks at the 2025 March for life rally in Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Hundreds gathered in Richmond Wednesday for the annual March for Life. The event included a speech from Virginia’s likely GOP gubernatorial candidate. Brad Kutner has more.

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Immigrant rights groups want lawmakers to reject some of the governor’s amendments

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

Members of the Virginia General Assembly will be back at the Capitol this week. Michael Pope has this report about how lawmakers will be considering legislation related to immigration.

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The governor’s amendments will likely take center stage for this week’s reconvene session

Credit: NPR

Members of the General Assembly will be back in Richmond this week to consider hundreds of amendments and vetoes from the governor. Michael Pope reports.

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Youngkin data center amendment likely pushes issue into 2025 election

More than two dozen bills aiming to address Virginia’s rapid data center expansion were submitted to the legislature earlier this year. 

Only one bill that aimed to improve planning for the projects survived. And Governor Youngkin weakened it with an amendment that will be considered Wednesday. Brad Kutner has more on what this means for the 2025 election and beyond.

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Environmental groups weigh in on Youngkin’s amendments

Solar panels at the University of Virginia. (Credit: UVA)

Environmental groups are preparing for the upcoming reconvene session of the General Assembly this week/Wednesday. Michael Pope has this preview.

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Youngkin adds controversial amendment to parental notification law

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

A bipartisan effort meant to inform parents of safe gun storage laws and the dangers of freely accessible medication is likely doomed after Governor Glenn Youngkin amended the law. Brad Kutner spoke with those opposed and in favor of the governor’s changes to the bill. 

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Stores that sell invasive plants will soon have to post new signage

Governor Glenn Youngkin is joining the fight against invasive plants. Michael Pope reports.

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Pope & Schapiro: Lots of vetoes and a shakeup at the University of Virginia

From gubernatorial vetoes to a shakeup on the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors – it’s been a busy week in state politics and government. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss the week that was.

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Youngkin amends “junk fees” bill, but the legislature is already saying no

Members of the General Assembly are returning to the Capitol next week to consider all the amendments Governor Glenn Youngkin added to their bills. Michael Pope has this report on how he amended a bill on junk fees.

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Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin speaks at a press conference following the arrest of an alleged MS-13 member in Northern Virginia. (Credit: Screen grab / U.S. Department of Justice)

Governor Glenn Youngkin spoke alongside federal authorities in Northern Virginia Thursday morning. They were celebrating the arrest of an alleged leader of an international criminal gang who was living in a D.C. suburb. Brad Kutner has more.

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Virginia’s congressional delegation gets average marks for effectiveness

Professor Craig Volden is with UVA’s Center for Effective Lawmaking (Credit: Tom Cogill / UVA Communications)

The Center for Effective Lawmaking – a partnership between the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt – is out with its latest rankings. As Sandy Hausman reports, most senators and congressmen from the Commonwealth had average scores, but a few were singled out for getting things done.

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What will lawmakers do with Youngkin’s amendments to license plate readers legislation?

A registration sticker issued by Virginia DMV on a license plate. (Credit: David Seidel / Radio IQ)

Members of the Virginia General Assembly will be returning to the Capitol next week, and Michael Pope reports that they’ll be considering an important gubernatorial amendment about surveillance.

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After years of unsuccessful attempts, Virginia closes campaign spending loophole

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

A loophole in Virginia’s campaign finance laws will close thanks to a bipartisan effort signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin this week. Brad Kutner has more on the effort that took more than a decade to get to the governor’s desk. 

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Youngkin wants to create a Gaming Commission; the General Assembly has already said no

Gambling and marijuana continue to vex the governor and members of the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.

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Youngkin’s budget amendments face scrutiny from Democrats

Governor Glenn Youngkin waited till the last possible moment to publish his 205 amendments to the state’s budget. That’s left Democrats scrambling to address his concerns ahead of next week’s reconvene session. Brad Kutner has more.

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Youngkin, Democratic leadership still at odds over immigration enforcement

Credit: NPR

Virginia’s Republican governor and Democrats who control the General Assembly are clashing over immigration. Michael Pope reports.

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Youngkin announces over 200 budget amendments

Governor Glenn Youngkin announces amendments to the 2025 budget approved by the legislature in February. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Virginia legislators came together to form a conference budget before leaving Richmond last month. But on Monday, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced his requested amendments to that budget. Brad Kutner has this breakdown ahead of legislators’ chance to consider the amendments.

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Researchers voice concern about risks to scientific research if federal funding scales down

The Trump administration has frozen funding for some federal grant programs that pay for research at universities. The National Institutes of Health also announced they would be making cuts to medical research. Court battles have challenged these cuts.  

Roxy Todd has been speaking with researchers at Virginia Tech, many of whom describe uncertainty around what may happen if federal funding for research continues to scale down.

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Despite threats of budget cuts, Shenandoah National Park will celebrate spring

Shenandoah National Park welcomes spring, although some parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed for repairs. (Credit: National Park Service)

The National Park System is bracing for $150 million in budget cuts this year, but for now the parks are open and working to ensure a safe visit for spring and summer visitors. 

Sandy Hausman has an update on activities at Shenandoah.

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Hybrid fire ants continue to spread in Southwest Virginia

A mound of hybridized fire ants on a gravel road. (Credit: Amy Byington/Virginia Tech)

Fire ants have been in eastern Virginia for many years.

As Roxy Todd reports, a new type of fire ant has now been confirmed in parts of Southwest Virginia.

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Pope & Schapiro: Governor Youngkin faces legislation deadline

Governor Glenn Youngkin is running out of time to decide the fate of hundreds of bills sent to him by the General Assembly. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss that and the week that was in state politics and government.

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