Painting themselves as the “mainstream ticket,” the Democratic nominees for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General say Virginians have a clear contrast between them and the Republican nominees, which the Democrats have dubbed “the Tea Party ticket.” And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, as a show of solidarity, the defeated primary candidates announced that they’re now committing themselves to getting their former opponents elected.

Not all minds learn the same way.  However, when it comes to education, millions of children across the U.S. are swept into the same system of state and federal mandates—with expectations of positive academic results AND developing a sense of individuality. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, parents at Patrick Henry Elementary school in Richmond, the Commonwealth’s only elementary charter school, are telling lawmakers that the state needs more charter schools and it’s time to get rid of the associated stigma.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, implementation of the Affordable Care Act is coming, and the reality is it will have an impact on businesses—large and small.  The Virginia Chamber of Commerce led a strategy session for its members to help make implementation less burdensome.
Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports that the question asked by many businesses—especially smaller ones— is how they can remain competitive and innovative while spending a significant share of dollars on health insurance.

Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is accusing the IRS of refusing to release $125-million  in settlement funds to Virginia.  It comes at a time when the IRS is under scrutiny for its spending and other questionable practices, but the Attorney General says that’s just a coincidence. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, after months of trying to get the agency to ante up, he’s shining a light on the problem through the media with hopes of getting a response.