Pope & Schapiro: Looking Ahead To The Special Session
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 30, 2021
Lawmakers return to the Capitol next week for a special session to spend federal stimulus money and appoint judges to an expanded appeals court.
Richmond Times Dispatch columnist Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope break it all down for us in a new weekly conversation about Virginia politics and government.
Legislators Look To Add Diversity To Appeals Court
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 29, 2021
Lawmakers are about to appoint a half dozen new appeals court judges.
Michael Pope reports many legislators want to add some diversity to the bench.
Redistricting Commission Holding Public Hearings
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 28, 2021
The Virginia Redistricting Commission is about to start drawing new political boundaries for the Commonwealth.
And Michael Pope reports they’re getting an earful.
Kaine: Virginia Leads in Rent Disbursements
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 27, 2021
Almost 50,000 families have gotten rent relief since July of last year.
Jahd Khalil reports that even though Virginia may be doing better than other states, many families are still at risk.
Virginia Republicans Say They’re Shut Out Of Relief Money Negotiations
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 27, 2021
Lawmakers are getting ready for a special session to determine how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money.
But as Michael Pope reports, some lawmakers are worried they won’t be able to offer much input.
Special Session Will Remake Virginia Court Of Appeals
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 26, 2021
Lawmakers will be back in Richmond next week to figure out how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money.
As Michael Pope reports, they’ll also elect several new judges.
Governor Proposes $250 million for School HVAC Systems
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 26, 2021
The air children breathe in schools has always been important, but during COVID-19 that importance is especially obvious.
With billions of Federal money coming into Virginia, Governor Ralph Northam proposed a good chunk of that to improve ventilation systems in schools.
Jahd Khalil was in Hopewell for the announcement.
Va. News: New Names And New Rockets
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 25, 2021
Rockets have been launched from Virginia’s Wallop’s Island for years. Now they may also be made in Virginia. And five Virginia community colleges are changing their names.
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.
Governor Avoids Mandates Despite Rising New Cases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 23, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam said he was going to stick with encouraging vaccination and other safeguards rather than mandating them in a variety of contexts Thursday, despite accelerating new cases. Jahd Khalil reports.
Federal Pandemic Aid: Advocates Call for More Affordable Housing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 23, 2021
Lawmakers will be back in Richmond next week to figure out how to spend $4 billion of federal stimulus money. One agenda item they’ll be debating is affordable housing. Michael Pope reports.
With Monday Vote, SW Virginia Stays Unrepresented on Redistricting Commission
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 22, 2021
Virginia’s Redistricting Commission chose a new member Monday, leaving the commission without a member from Southwest Virginia. Jahd Khalil reports.
Federal Pandemic Aid: Advocates Push for Eviction Protections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 22, 2021
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a special session to determine how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money. Some advocates want them to take action to protect people against evictions. Michael Pope reports.
McAuliffe Promises Ban On Sale Of Assault-style Weapons, High Capacity Magazines
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 21, 2021
Preventing gun violence is near the top of the agenda for many voters.
And as Michael Pope explains, it’s already becoming a hot topic in the campaign for governor.
Interest Groups Lining Up Proposals on How to Spend Federal Funding
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2021
Lawmakers are returning to Richmond to figure out how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money. Michael Pope has this preview.
UVA’s Innocence Project Calls on FBI to Take Another Look at 25-Year-Old Cold Case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2021
It’s been 25 years since two women were found dead at their Shenandoah National Park campsite. Now, the FBI has put up posters, hoping to generate new leads, but the Innocence Project in Charlottesville has another idea. Sandy Hausman reports.
Another Virginia Locality Implements Collective Bargaining Agreements Under New Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 19, 2021
Local governments across Virginia are considering entering into collective bargaining agreements with their employees. Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: New Police Data And New COVID-19 Treatment Options
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on July 18, 2021
A group that provides free medical services in far Southwestern Virginia has brought advanced COVID-19 treatments to the region. And a Virginia law that requires police to compile data on traffic stops has produced some enlightening information.
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.
Environmentalists Still Battling Fossil Fuels Despite Clean Economy Act
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021
The Virginia Clean Economy Act has been law in Virginia for a year now. However, many environmental groups are still fighting against natural gas projects. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Proposal Would See All Virginia Households Connected to Broadband by 2024
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam proposed a historic investment in the state’s continued efforts to get Virginians connected to broadband Friday. Nick Gilmore has details.
Resignations, Injuries at State Hospitals Increasing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021
A state health official updated lawmakers on the dire situation at Virginia’s mental hospitals Thursday, after she she told five of eight state-run hospitals to stop admitting new patients last week. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Book Explores Why Lack of Broadband Access Has Been a Struggle in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2021
The lack of broadband connection across parts of Virginia has been a source of concern for years. Now, a new book explores why. Michael Pope reports.
Marijuana and Firearms Updates at the Board of Forensic Science
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2021
In a Wednesday meeting the Board of Forensic Science made regulatory changes in light of Marijuana legalization and was briefed on a backlog of firearms and toxicology cases. Jahd Khalil reprots.
Glenn Youngkin Still Not Ready to Answer Questions About Abortion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2021
Republican candidate for governor Glenn Youngkin is on the campaign trail talking to voters. But, he’s not answering questions about one hot-button issue. Michael Pope reports.
Fourth Circuit Says People Under 21 But Older Than 18 Can Buy Handguns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2021
In a win for Second Amendment advocates, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals sided this week with two Central Virginians in their quest to purchase a handgun despite being under the federally required age limit. Brad Kutner reports.
Will SW Virginia Still be Represented on the Redistricting Commission?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021
As Virginia’s redistricting commission prepares for its first public hearings, one the commission’s most pressing issues is replacing one of its members and considering geographic representation on the body in the process. Jahd Khalil reports.
Rebuild VA Program Aims to Get Small Businesses Back on Their Feet
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam is hoping a grant program for small businesses will help them stay open and reorient themselves coming out of the pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
Spanberger Talks Up Expanded Child Tax Credit, But Some Say More is Needed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021
Central Virginia Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger held a round table in her district office Tuesday to discuss a new expanded child tax credit championed by the Biden administration. The mothers and child care providers in attendance were excited about the new benefit, but after a year and a half in a pandemic some are hoping for more support. Brad Kutner has more.
Northam Announces First Proposal for ARPA Funds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam announced Monday that he wanted $353 million in American Rescue Plan funding to go towards small business recovery, in the first look into the budget proposal that will set the debate over how billions will be spent. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Book Examines Virginia’s Urban-Rural Divide
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 12, 2021
The divide between urban and rural parts of Virginia is a frequent source of tension at the General Assembly. Now, a group of academics and business leaders is taking a look at that divide and what we can learn from it. Michael Pope reports.
VA News: Flooding Could Impact Child Asthma in Portsmouth, Fort Lee Barbers Go On Strike
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 12, 2021
Two Virginia researchers say they’ve found evidence that associates frequent flooding with a higher incidence of asthma. And barbers at Fort Lee have walked off the job claiming their pay has been reduced. 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.
New VCU Poll: Black Virginians Twice as Likely to Face Economic Hardship During Recovery
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2021
The pandemic is hitting racial and ethnic minorities harder in Virginia, according to a new poll. Michael Pope reports.
Unemployment Claims Down Slightly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2021
37,790 Virginians applied for unemployment again in a continuing claim, and 6,825 made an initial claim in the week ending July 3rd, according to numbers released by the Virginia Employment Commission Thursday. Jahd Khalil has details.
A Hot Mic Could Have Lasting Impacts on the Gubernatorial Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 8, 2021
The politics of abortion are taking center stage in the race for governor. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Retirement System Sees Major Returns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2021
The Virginia Retirement System’s trust fund has reached an all-time high after large investment returns over the past year, representatives told the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission Tuesday. Jahd Khalil reports.
Declining Birth Rates May Transform Virginia Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2021
The declining birth rate is having an influence over planning in school divisions across Virginia. It’s a discussion that’s playing out while lawmakers are trying to figure out what to do with stimulus money. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Redistricting Commissioner Resigns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2021
A resignation from the Virginia Redistricting Commission announced at a meeting Tuesday will upset the partisan balance of the body until a replacement is voted on. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Data Shows More and More of Virginia’s Population is in Deportation Proceedings
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 6, 2021
Across Virginia, a rapidly growing number of people are in deportation proceedings. Michael Pope looks at the numbers.
You can find the new data here.
New Overtime Law is Confusing Some, But Improvement Could Be on the Horizon
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Employers in Virginia now have new requirements for paying overtime. And, lawmakers are already considering ways to improve the new law. Michael Pope reports.
Redistricting Commission Prepares to Meet In-Person for the First Time
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Virginia’s redistricting commission will meet in person for the first time Tuesday. The meeting in Richmond comes after months of virtual meetings. Jahd Khalil reports on how the commissioners and the public will be learning about the process.
VA News: 3D House Printing in Richmond, New Rules limit keeping Reptiles as Pets
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Virginia has taken steps to help wild reptiles and amphibians remain wild in the state. And a new way of making housing more affordable is getting a trial run in Richmond.
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.
Plaintiffs: VEC Processing Claims Too Slowly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
A court filing provided insight into the Virginia Employment Commission’s progress towards resolving tens of thousands of backlogged cases. In a status report released Thursday, legal groups said the pace is not quick enough. Jahd Khalil reports.
Data Appears to Show Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on July 5, 2021
Data released by the Virginia State Police shows a wide disparity in the rate at which Black drivers are involved in traffic stops when compared to their share of Virginia’s population, while data analysts with VSP and the Department of Criminal Justice Services say there may be other benchmarks to compare the data with. Jahd Khalil reports.
New Poll: Unvaccinated Black Virginians More Likely to Get a Shot Than White Virginians
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 2, 2021
A new poll reveals racial disparity among people who are reluctant to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Michael Pope has details.
Water Crossings Next Hurdle for MVP Approval
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 2, 2021
Time was about to run out for Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality to gauge the impact of the Mountain Valley Pipeline on sensitive wetlands in its path. Now, that deadline is being extended until next year. Robbie Harris has details.
Interest Groups Have Many Ideas About How Virginia Should Spend Pandemic Aid
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 1, 2021
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond to figure out how to spend billions of dollars in stimulus cash from the federal government. Michael Pope reports every interest group in Virginia is making a case for a piece of the pie.
Robbery Definition Changing in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 1, 2021
Robbery will have a more nuanced definition after a bill reforming the state’s definition becomes law on July 1st. Jahd Khalil reports.
Advocates Rejoice as Marijuana Becomes Legal in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 30, 2021
The prohibition against marijuana is drawing to a close. As of Thursday, pot will be legal in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Online Governing to End, For The Most Part
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 30, 2021
After going online because of the pandemic, zoning decisions and regulatory hearings on Zoom are coming to an end, for the most part. Boards and commissions across the state are having to adjust how they do business. Jahd Khalil reports.
Congressman Connolly Wants to Be Ready for the Next Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 29, 2021
One member of Virginia’s congressional delegation is working across party lines to help head off the next pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
Wild Oysters Overcoming 35-Year Struggle with Deadly Parasite
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 29, 2021
Virginia’s thriving oyster farming industry means the shellfish can be eaten year-round. But wild oysters in the Chesapeake Bay region remain in a struggle to survive. Now, scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have discovered the oysters are evolving to resist a deadly parasite variant outbreak that began 35 years ago. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
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From NPR News- Opinion: New Jersey Renames Its Rest Stops As A Nation Rethinks Monuments July 31, 2021New Jersey will honor nine of its most illustrious citizens by slapping their names on rest stops along the turnpike. Scott Simon muses over what becomes a legend most.
- Ravi Told George, They Told The World: The Birth Of The Celebrity Benefit Concert July 31, 202150 years ago, on August 1, 1971, the Concert for Bangladesh, led by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, raised funds — and awareness — for Bengali refugees. What's the legacy of this landmark event?
- There's Vaccine Drama In Arkansas, Where Rates Are Low And Everyone Has An Opinion July 31, 2021The state has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the U.S. And this weekend, 80,000 doses will expire because of lack of demand. The campaign is on to get people to sign up.
- This Utah Adventure Town Wants To Put The Brakes On Promoting Itself July 31, 2021Tourists are visiting national parks and surrounding public lands in record numbers this summer, which is causing some overwhelmed national park gateway towns to rethink their promotion strategies.
- At The 'Quarantine Hotel,' Olympians Deal With Isolation And Shattered Dreams July 31, 2021Some of the athletes who tested positive for the coronavirus were first-time Olympians. They all must wait in a "quarantine hotel" for up to 10 days and watch their teammates compete without them.
- Opinion: New Jersey Renames Its Rest Stops As A Nation Rethinks Monuments July 31, 2021
- From BBC News
- Tokyo Olympics: Dina Asher-Smith pulls out of 200m after hamstring tear July 31, 2021Great Britain's world champion Dina Asher-Smith pulls out of the Olympic 200m after revealing she tore her hamstring earlier this month.
- Simone Biles: Tokyo Olympics gymnast withdraws from two more events July 31, 2021American Simone Biles pulls out of the vault and uneven bars gymnastics finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- Covid vaccine not to be compulsory for university lectures July 31, 2021Ministers are no longer considering making two doses mandatory for students in England, the BBC learns.
- Covid: Pulse oxygen monitors work less well on darker skin, experts say July 31, 2021Pulse oximeters, which spot falling oxygen levels, may work less well on darker skin, experts warn.
- Afghanistan: Fighting rages as Taliban besiege three key cities July 31, 2021Fears rise of a humanitarian crisis as Islamist militants seek to capture major Afghan urban areas.
- Tokyo Olympics: Dina Asher-Smith pulls out of 200m after hamstring tear July 31, 2021
