New Limits on Part-Time Work for State Employees
Posted by Connie Stevens in Daily Capitol News Updates on May 24, 2013
As the federal Affordable Care Act is phased in, the Commonwealth is assessing how it will comply with the law without going broke—given the tens of thousands of state employees that must be provided with health insurance. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, over the next year employees will be hearing more about the 29-hour rule adopted by the McDonnell administration.
Cicadas on the Menu
Posted by Connie Stevens in Virginia's News on May 24, 2013
Chocolate Covered Cicadas
As the 17-year cicadas emerge from the ground, millions of birds will be feasting – and a few people plan to join the party, harvesting, cooking and eating these insects which experts say are high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol. Sandy Hausman was at one of the first dinner parties to celebrate the coming of cicadas.
Experts say that due to the prolific use of pesticides it is not recommended to eat any bug without knowing its origins are safe.
Tax Dept Debit Cards
Posted by Connie Stevens in Virginia's News on May 24, 2013
Those debit cards that the Virginia Department of Taxation issued to taxpayers instead of checks are NOT going anywhere. In fact, as the tax season wraps up, most residents have already seen them. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, Tax Commissioner Craig Burns has told the Senate Finance Committee that he believes the worst is over.
Virginia Conversations: The Gubernatorial Race
Posted by Connie Stevens in Virginia Conversations on May 24, 2013
Terry McAuliffe (left) and Ken Cuccinelli (right)
On this edition of “Virginia Conversations,” a discussion on the race for Governor between Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Our political pundits weigh in on the issues facing… and dogging, the two candidates. Plus we’ll have reaction to last weekend’s GOP convention in Richmond. Join host May-Lily Lee.
Election Rules Reminder
Posted by Connie Stevens in Daily Capitol News Updates on May 22, 2013
As the statewide and local campaigns heat up and we move closer to a Democratic Primary, the State Board of Elections wants to remind citizens of a number of rules to remember regarding voter and candidate ethics. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the Board takes seriously state code violations which could result in fines or other penalties.
Online Tax Tangles
Posted by Connie Stevens in Virginia's News on May 22, 2013
Revenue that Virginia officials were anticipating from online sales tax legislation in Congress is now in doubt. Matt Laslo reports on the battle going on behind the scenes on Capitol Hill over a proposal to collect online sales taxes.
Today’s Consumer
Posted by Connie Stevens in Virginia's News on May 22, 2013
Roanoke College is out with a new poll detailing how Virginians view their financial situation and general business conditions now and in the future. Beverly Amsler has the details.
State Employees See Health Insurance Changes
Posted by Connie Stevens in Daily Capitol News Updates on May 21, 2013
Tens of thousands of state employees will likely see an increase in the cost of their health insurance plans beginning July 1st. They also face a deadline this week, as the Commonwealth begins to implement significant changes in its health insurance plans. Open enrollment for revising health benefits, investing in flexible spending accounts, adding family members, and other options ends this Friday. Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, reductions in premiums could await those who enroll in a new Wellness Engine called “MyActiveHealth.”
Virginia Scientists Predict a Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment
Posted by Connie Stevens in Virginia's News on May 21, 2013
John C. Herr, Professor of Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering
Photo: University of Virginia
Scientists at the University of Virginia have made a surprising discovery that could mean more effective treatments for a range of deadly cancers. Sandy Hausman reports on how this finding could shape future therapies, and how long it might take to bring those to market.
State Revenues Still a Concern for Lawmakers
Posted by Connie Stevens in Daily Capitol News Updates on May 21, 2013
State revenues improved a little last month following a dismal drop of 6.1% in March. The news reassured members of the House Appropriations Committee, who worry that federal sequestration cuts could have a negative impact on both Virginia’s economy and the state’s coffers. As Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Finance confirmed that they have good reason for concern.
VaNews for 05.21.13
Posted by Connie Stevens in VaNews from VPAP on May 21, 2013
A University of Virginia history class that attracted 47,000 students and a look at the career of entrepreneur and politicans’ friend Jonnie Williams were the topics two of the most-read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VaNews link on vpap.org. Fred Echols reports.
VaNews is a free public service of the Virginia Public Access Project and can be found at vpap.org
Learning to Learn
Posted by Connie Stevens in Virginia's News on May 17, 2013
A University of Virginia Professor of Education has won two new grants to help American children read. The program she’s developed is already in use statewide and has spread to every state and five other countries. It’s called PALS, and Sandy Hausman tells why it’s a breakthrough for kids.
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From NPR News- Flooding Brings San Antonio To Standstill, Kills One May 25, 2013In one neighborhood, 54 were people rescued. They described a water level that "swallowed up trucks and was chin-high."
- 'We'll Keep Running': Thousands Complete Final Mile Of Boston Marathon May 25, 2013On a cold and rainy day in Boston thousands gathered to finish what two bombs stole from them. A one-mile run traced the home-stretch of the Boston Marathon, giving spectators, runners and victims a chance at closure.
- Stunned By Military Sex Scandals, Advocates Demand Changes May 25, 2013As the nation prepares to mark Memorial Day, outrage has been building on Capitol Hill and beyond over the military's failure to repair a system that has placed service members in more danger of sexual assault than of battlefield injury.
- Job Searching While Black: What's Behind The Unemployment Gap? May 25, 2013Income and wealth inequality is just about as American as baseball and apple pie. And although the economy has improved in the last few years, the unemployment rate for black Americans is about double that for whites.
- Obama Forgets To Salute; Sparks Debate On Presidential Tradition May 25, 2013The presidential salute actually breaks with military decorum and was started by Ronald Reagan in 1981.
- Flooding Brings San Antonio To Standstill, Kills One May 25, 2013
- From BBC News
- More arrests in Woolwich inquiry May 25, 2013Three men are arrested in south-east London in connection with the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby near Woolwich barracks on Wednesday.
- Extremism taskforce after Woolwich May 25, 2013David Cameron is to set up a taskforce to "look again" at the government's strategy for dealing with extremism and radicalisation in the wake of the killing of a soldier in Woolwich.
- French soldier stabbed near Paris May 25, 2013French authorities are investigating whether the stabbing of a soldier in a Paris suburb was a copycat attack after a soldier was killed in London on Wednesday.
- Hezbollah promises Syria 'victory' May 25, 2013The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah group promises victory in Syria where his supporters are backing President al-Assad, amid an upsurge in fighting there.
- Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich May 25, 2013Arjen Robben scores a dramatic late winner as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
- More arrests in Woolwich inquiry May 25, 2013
