Virginia Public Radio

The stage is now set for this fall’s mid-term Congressional elections.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on that and other news from the General Assembly.

Voters in five Congressional districts selected candidates yesterday in primary elections, setting up the races for this fall.

Michael Pope reports.

As the country awaits a U. S. Supreme Court decision, abortion remains a divisive topic in Richmond.

Late Friday, lawmakers rejected an amendment from the governor to block state funding for the procedure, as Michael Pope reports.

Lawmakers narrowly approved a budget amendment from the governor that redirects money for financial assistance for college students.

Michael Pope reports the move wasn’t without controversy.

The General Assembly takes up Governor Glenn Youngkin’s budget amendments later today.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope have more on that and a look at next week’s Congressional primaries.

Social Security recipients got the largest cost of living adjustment in decades this year.  But the long-term future of the system is still in trouble.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on a new proposal to shore it up.

This spring’s leadership change in House Democratic Caucus was dramatic, but it wasn’t without precedent.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss some of the more notable House of Delegates leadership coups of the past few decades.

Virginia has not offered parole to people convicted of crimes since 1995. But about 2,500 men and women were convicted of breaking the law before then, and they could still win early release if the parole board feels they pose no threat to society. 

Many of those people feared they would have to wait another four years now that a Republican is governor.  But as Sandy Hausman reports, they could be surprised.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how and where many people work.  Add in the pressure of inflation, and you have the recipe for spiking housing costs in metro areas like Richmond.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright talk about the impacts.

After months of delay, Virginia’s legislature has passed a budget.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on that and new Democratic leadership in the House of Delegates.

The Washington Commanders have been making news off the field, as parts of the team’s proposals for a new stadium come to light.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the potential impact for Virginia.

It isn’t just COVID-19 that’s made it difficult to find referees for youth sports.

Many older refs have quit, and, as Christine Kueter reports, it’s even harder to find replacements willing to put up with rowdy spectators.

As often happens, tragedies in other parts of the country can force Virginia to look inward at its own laws and communities.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on the impact of the Texas shooting, as well as new movement on a state budget.

It’s been a brutal spring for the stock markets.  They’ve recorded seven straight weeks of declines.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright offer some context for worried investors.

Fredericksburg has joined a multi-state program designed to help local governments switch over to clean energy vehicles.

And the Virginia court case that ended bans on interracial marriage will be commemorated with an opera.

Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.

More now from Fred Echols and Edie Gross.

Thursday’s report from the state education superintendent painted a dire picture of Virginia’s schools.

Michael Pope reports it’s opened a debate about past decisions and the future.

Editor’s Note: The Virginia Education Association is a financial supporter of Virginia Public Radio.

Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony have announced plans to create an original opera. 

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the project will tell the real-life story of the Virginia couple whose relationship paved the legal pathway for inter-racial and same-sex marriage.

Virginia’s state budget is weeks past due.  But there are some signs an agreement may be coming.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on the week in politics and state government.