Posts Tagged Government & Politics
Virginia Republicans Already Looking Ahead To Next Year’s Election and Beyond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 29, 2016

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The 2016 election is about to heat up after Labor Day, but Republicans in Virginia are already thinking ahead to 2017 and beyond. Michael Pope reports.
Budget Shortfall Means Delayed Raises for State Employees and Teachers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2016
Virginia’s governor announced an unexpected budget shortfall today. It means state employees and teachers who were due for a raise won’t see that money anytime soon. It also means state agencies will have to find ways to cut spending, and Virginia’s rainy day fund will be taking a hit. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Will Don Beyer’s Fundraising Ability Land Him a Senate Seat?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on August 25, 2016

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For political candidates, raising money isn’t always just about the next election. Sometimes running up a large campaign war chest is about thinking ahead beyond Election Day. Michael Pope reports.
Third-Party Presidential Candidates Face Friday Deadline in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on August 24, 2016

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When voters head to the polls this November, they’ll be facing more choices for president than Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Who else will be on the ballot, and what kind of influence might that have on the election? Michael Pope has the story.
Students File Discrimination Complaint Against Richmond Public Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 24, 2016

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Students and advocacy groups in Richmond are accusing school administrators of unfairly disciplining black students, and students with disabilities. Two students and a local chapter of the NAACP filed a federal discrimination complaint against Richmond Public Schools Wednesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Trump Staffers Caught Posting Off-Color Messages to Social Media
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2016

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Fresh off a campaign shakeup, Donald Trump is facing new allegations that people who work for him are making questionable statements about Muslims online. Michael Pope has the story.
Republicans Say McAuliffe is Trying To Rig Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 22, 2016

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Governor Terry McAuliffe’s effort to restore voting rights to former felons is attracting some criticism from Republicans, who say the move a politically motivated effort to help his friend Hillary Clinton win the White House. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Governor Renews Efforts to Restore Felons’ Rights
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 22, 2016

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The fight to restore voting rights to Virginia’s felons has been a tug of war between Virginia’s Democratic Governor and state Republicans. Today, the governor gave his next big pull, announcing almost 13,000 individual restorations and laying out a path for more. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Former Delegate Seeking Appeal In Wake Of McDonnell Decision
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 18, 2016

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The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn former Governor Bob McDonnell’s conviction for corruption may have had consequences far beyond the fate of the former governor and his wife. Michael Pope has the latest legal twist.
Virginia Beach to Consider Penalty for Airbnb Rentals That Don’t Pay Lodging Tax
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 15, 2016

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The old saying goes that there are only two things certain in the world, death and taxes. But as Michael Pope tells us, that’s not necessarily true for the short-term rental market.
Campaign Finances Big Factor in Virginia Congressional Races
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 10, 2016

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Virginia may have three open congressional seats this year, but the races aren’t all that contested. Only one of the seats is highly competitive. So what do the campaign finance numbers have to say about the congressional races this year? Michael Pope is following the money.
Legal Troubles Not Over for Bob and Maureen McDonnell
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 8, 2016

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The United States Supreme Court may have thrown out the public corruption convictions for former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen McDonnell. But, as Michael Pope tells us, that’s not the end of legal jeopardy for the couple.
Virginia Republicans React to This Week’s Trump Controversies
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 3, 2016

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Republican leaders across Virginia are grappling with how to handle the latest round of controversy from Donald Trump. And, as Michael Pope tells us, they’re taking a variety of approaches.
The Legacy of Anne Holton, Former Secretary of Education and Potential Future Second Lady
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 28, 2016

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Hillary Clinton’s selection of Tim Kaine includes more than the junior senator from Virginia. It also includes the senator’s wife, who was until recently the Secretary of Education — the only person to ever grow up in the Executive Mansion and then return as an adult. Michael Pope has this profile of the woman who may be the next Second Lady.
Minnesota Senator Reflects on Tim Kaine’s Newfound Celebrity Status
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 28, 2016

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Virginia’s junior senator made such a splash at Wednesday’s convention of Democrats that other states are laying claim to him and offering advice to Virginia’s senior senator. Sandy Hausman reports.
Get to Know the Virginia Delegation at the DNC
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 28, 2016
Virginia Delegates to the Democratic national Convention are a diverse group with diverse backgrounds. Matt Laslo is in Philadelphia and sent along this audio postcard so you could get to know some of the delegates and the reason they’re in Philadelphia this week.
An Audio Postcard from the Democratic National Convention: Thoughts on Tim Kaine
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 27, 2016

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While most Virginia Democrats are ecstatic that Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has been tapped to be Hillary Clinton’s Vice Presidential nominee, many Bernie Sanders supporters take the pick of a pragmatic moderate as a slap in the face. Correspondent Matt Laslo is at the DNC in Philadelphia and sent us this audio postcard.
Governor Terry McAuliffe’s Comments Spark Controversy Over Trans Pacific Trade Agreement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 27, 2016

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Virginia’s governor ignited a small firestorm at the Democratic National Convention when he told a reporter that Hillary Clinton would support the Trans Pacific Trade agreement or TPP. Terry McAuliffe said Clinton would insist on some changes to address the concerns of supporters of Bernie Sanders, but she had earlier said she’d oppose the deal. Sandy Hausman reports on what came next.
Tim Kaine’s Position on Open Government
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 27, 2016

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Now that Senator Tim Kaine has joined the presidential ticket, his long public career is receiving new scrutiny. One aspect of that career is Kaine’s record on open government. Michael Pope has the story.
A Glimpse Into Tim Kaine’s Political Past
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2016

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This week, Democrats will be introduced to Senator Tim Kaine at the convention in Philadelphia. But Kaine has a long history here in Virginia dating back to his days as a famous trial lawyer in Richmond. Michael Pope has this look at Kaine’s rise to the national party ticket. Michael Pope has this look at Kaine’s rise to the national party ticket.
Conflict Between Both Sides of the Trump Debate Present at Hotel Roanoke Town Hall
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2016

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Donald Trump drew supporters and protesters Roanoke on Monday. And in at least one case, a supporter protested the protesters. Tim Thornton reports.
Political Campaign Season Provides Unique Business Opportunity
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2016

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For some people, campaign hats, buttons and t-shirts are ways to show they’re involved in the political system. For some, it’s about loyalty to a party or a candidate, the same way some people might wear a Virginia Tech shirt or a University of Virginia hat to support their favorite university. For some people, as Tim Thornton reports, campaign swag has more to do with income than ideology.
Anti-Trump Protesters Make Presence Known at Hotel Roanoke Town Hall
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2016

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Donald Trump supporters lined up in the heat for hours so they could see and hear their candidate speak at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center on Monday. But as Tim Thornton reports, not everyone in Roanoke was glad to see the Republican nominee.
Trump and Pence Draw Huge Crowds to Hotel Roanoke
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2016

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Donald Trump and his running mate Mike Pence attracted an overflow crowd to the Hotel Roanoke and Convention Center Monday. As Tim Thornton reports, Trump supporters had a number of reasons to be there.
Virginians Front-and-Center at the Democratic National Convention
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2016

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Virginia is playing a big role in this year’s Democratic National Convention, which got underway Monday in Philadelphia. Sandy Hausman has the story.
Virginia Democrats Hopeful About Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Kaine
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2016

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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.
An Audio Postcard from the Republican National Convention, Part Two
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 22, 2016

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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

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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

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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

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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.
Ex-Felons Pin Voting Hopes on VA Supreme Court
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 19, 2016

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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

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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.
Pence’s Support of Medicaid Raises Questions About Place on Conservative Ticket
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 18, 2016

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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

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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.
McAuliffe Felon Voting Decision to be Challenged in Court
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2016

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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

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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

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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

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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.
Republican Delegate Files Anti-Trump Lawsuit Ahead of Convention
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on July 11, 2016

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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

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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

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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.
Gov. McAuliffe’s Latest Executive Order is a Product of Partisan Gridlock
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 30, 2016

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:
Supreme Court Unanimously Overturns Former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Corruption Convictions
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 27, 2016

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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.
A Tale of Two Governments
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on June 23, 2016

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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.

