A new Virginia General Assembly measure mandates elementary schoolers get out from the behind the desk, and move. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Archive for March, 2016
50 Years After the Poll Tax
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates, Virginia's News on March 31, 2016
This month marks the 50th anniversary of a key United States Supreme Court case that outlawed the poll tax. And as Michael Pope tell us, it’s a case that had its origins in a Fairfax County case that went all the way to the high court.
Raising VA’s Minimum Wage? Not Anytime Soon.
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 31, 2016

Paul Sableman/Creative Commons
California made headlines this week as lawmakers there announced a deal to slowly raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
But here in Virginia, that number is still $7.25, tied to the federal level. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, that’s not likely to change anytime soon.
NCAA 2016: Virginia Loses to Syracuse
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 28, 2016

Mar 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Trevor Cooney (10) shoots between Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) and forward Anthony Gill (13) during the first half in the championship game of the midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Cavaliers, the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Regional, were trying to clinch their first appearance in the Final Four since 1984. But tenth-seeded Syracuse prevented that from happening as Greg Echlin reports.
VaNews: Thoroughbreds Run Again, Urban Gardening Controversy
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in VaNews from VPAP on March 28, 2016
One city in Virginia is taking a fresh look at how it regulates gardens…and the Commonwealth will soon have a thoroughbred racing season again, something it hasn’t had since 2013. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VaNews link on vpap.org. Fred Echols has more.
Virginia Lawmakers Split on New Trade Deals
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 25, 2016
There are isolationist sentiments sweeping the nation right now, and Virginia lawmakers are feeling the pressure to oppose new trade deals. Matt Laslo has more.
Virginia Sets Minimum Exercise Time for Elementary Children
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 25, 2016
Virginia Cavaliers Basketball Team Has Hopes of First Elite Eight Since 1995
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 25, 2016

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Anthony Gill (13) dribbles the ball as Hampton Pirates forward Dionte Adams (32) defends during the first half at PNC Arena. Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team, the No. 1 seed in the Midwest, will tip off at 7:10 tonight against Iowa State at Chicago’s United Center. The UVA basketball hopes to follow the footsteps of other successful programs at school. Greg Echlin reports.
Charlottesville Consider Removing Confederate Statue
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 23, 2016
In the past year, officials in New Orleans, Birmingham, and Baltimore have all voted to remove some of the Confederate monuments in their locales. Now, a couple of city councilors in Charlottesville are mobilizing to have their city join that list. Tony Field reports.
New Laws: Changes to VA’s Sex Offender Registry
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 22, 2016
With the General Assembly session now wrapped up, Virginia has more than 300 new laws on the books. This week we’ll take a look at a handful of those laws — which all go into effect July first. We start off today with changes to Virginia’s sex offender registry. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Regulating Fantasy Sports in VA
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 22, 2016
Virginia has become the first state to legalize daily fantasy sports — the flipside? The state will also now regulate the quickly growing business. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Ten Leading Trends in Higher Education
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 18, 2016
The Chronicle of Higher Education is out with its second annual assessment of trends on campus. Sandy Hausman reports on what the Chronicle found in studying colleges and universities in 2016.
Richmond School Confronts Past, Changes Name
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 17, 2016
A middle school outside Richmond is seeking suggestions for a new name. The change comes after almost a year long fight to get rid of the old one — the school? Byrd Middle School in Henrico County. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
How a Rural Black Community is Using a Museum and Discussion of White Privilege to Grow
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 15, 2016
The western shores of the Chesapeake Bay have a deep history of slavery. One black community is memorializing its past and engaging its white community in moving forward. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Ten Leading Trends in Higher Education
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 15, 2016
The Chronicle of Higher Education is out with its second annual assessment of trends on campus. Sandy Hausman reports on what the Chronicle found in studying colleges and universities in 2016. Sandy Hausman reports.
Virginia Community Living Diversity
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 15, 2016

Achmed Osman, Sudanese refugee
teaches computer classes at Arlington Mill Center, off Columbia Pike, Arlington VA
Columbia Pike Documentary Project
During the current presidential campaign, the nation seems more divided than ever, but a team of photographers from Virginia has set out to show how one community – home to dozens of different ethnic groups – is making diversity work. Sandy Hausman reports.
VaNews: The Most-Read Stories
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in VaNews from VPAP on March 13, 2016
A request from a student has led to a significant policy change by a Virginia school division…and two firefighters are back at work thanks in part to a show of support from the public. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VaNews link on vpap.org.
General Assembly Elects McCullough to Virginia Supreme Court
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 10, 2016
It’s over. Court of Appeals Judge Stephen McCullough has been elected to the Virginia Supreme Court-with lots of dissent from mostly Democrats, including Governor McAuliffe. Tommie McNeil has coverage from the State Capitol.
Forsaken: A Black Child Executed in Virginia
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Virginia's News on March 7, 2016
The Black Lives Matter movement has revived discussion of a problem that has persisted in this nation’s history since the time of slavery – the unequal treatment of African-Americans by police and the justice system. It’s a subject that distresses Ross Howell, author of a new book about a black teenager who was executed in Virginia more than a hundred years ago. Sandy Hausman has details.
VaNews: Candidate Security, Habitual Drunkenness Considered
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in VaNews from VPAP on March 6, 2016
In theory, presidential campaigns pay for security when a candidate holds a public rally. But in fact, you may be covering that expense…
And Virginia may soon be defending it’s law against habitual drunkenness in court. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VaNews link on vpap.org. Fred Echols reports.
Challenging a Law that Jails Alcoholics
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 4, 2016
Virginia’s Legal Aid Justice Center is suing the state in federal court to get rid of an old law that allows courts to label people as habitual drunkards and to lock them up for a year if they’re found in possession of alcohol. Sandy Hausman has that story.
VA is 1st in the Nation When it Comes to Website
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on March 4, 2016
With just one week left in Virginia’s General Assembly, the state already has 135 new laws on the books — and will be adding many more before it’s over. Luckily, you’ll easily be able to browse all of Virginia’s laws on it’s legal website, which is considered one of the best in the country. Mallory Noe Payne reports.
At the Polls
Posted by Virginia Public Radio in Daily Capitol News Updates on March 1, 2016
Voting is underway in 12 states today for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, including Virginia. Governor Terry McAuliffe cast his vote in Richmond, first thing this morning. Mallory Noe-Payne was there.