Archive for August, 2016
Republicans Want Virginia Supreme Court to Hold Governor in Contempt
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 31, 2016
Credit: Creative Commons
Republican leaders in the General Assembly say the Virginia Supreme Court should hold Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe in contempt of court for his action to restore voting rights to former felons. Michael Pope has the story.
State Accepting Comments on Concealed Carry Ban
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 31, 2016
Credit: Stephen Z / Flickr
Last October, Virginia’s Governor used executive action to ban concealed-carry in state offices. There was an immediate backlash from many pro-gun advocates, and Wednesday in Richmond they got the chance to speak out. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Lawmaker Jailed for Sex Scandal is Front-Runner in Richmond’s Mayoral Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 30, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The presidential election isn’t the only political showdown in Virginia this November. The state’s capital is also electing a new mayor. A poll out Tuesday from Christopher Newport University finds former state delegate Joe Morrissey has a commanding lead in Richmond’s mayoral race. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
What’s Happening Behind Closed Courthouse Doors In McDonnell Case?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 30, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
Former Governor Bob McDonnell had his conviction overturned by the United States Supreme Court, but that doesn’t mean his legal troubles are over yet. And now, as Michael Pope tells us, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is granting a delay in the case.
Supreme Court to Rule on Virginia Redistricting Case This Fall
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 30, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This fall the Supreme Court will weigh in on whether race unfairly played a role when the lines were drawn for some Virginia House of Delegates seats. Matt Laslo reports.
Virginia Republicans Already Looking Ahead To Next Year’s Election and Beyond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 29, 2016
Credit: gop.com / Wikimedia Commons
The 2016 election is about to heat up after Labor Day, but Republicans in Virginia are already thinking ahead to 2017 and beyond. Michael Pope reports.
Va News Topics: Outdated Zoning Regulations, Annoying Drones
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on August 29, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Outdated zoning and use regulations can hinder development as Henrico County has learned, and a Virginia woman has brought down a drone she thought was intruding over her property. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org.
Airbnb Hosts May Soon Have to Pay Lodging Tax in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
For now, the thirty five hundred Airbnb hosts in Virginia operate largely in the shadows. The vast majority of those businesses pay no taxes, and they are not regulated by local governments in a way similar to hotels or bed and breakfasts. But, as Michael Pope tells us, that’s about to change.
Budget Shortfall Means Delayed Raises for State Employees and Teachers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2016
Virginia’s governor announced an unexpected budget shortfall today. It means state employees and teachers who were due for a raise won’t see that money anytime soon. It also means state agencies will have to find ways to cut spending, and Virginia’s rainy day fund will be taking a hit. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Hosts Hackathon Using State Data
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 25, 2016
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF
Hackathon is a bit of a buzzword these days. It’s an event where software developers come together and are given a short period of time to collaborate on new projects. Think lots of computers, lots of creativity, and lots of energy drinks. You might associate a hackathon with universities or tech companies, but probably not state government. Virginia, though, is looking to change that. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Will Don Beyer’s Fundraising Ability Land Him a Senate Seat?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on August 25, 2016
Credit: United States Congress / Wikimedia Commons
For political candidates, raising money isn’t always just about the next election. Sometimes running up a large campaign war chest is about thinking ahead beyond Election Day. Michael Pope reports.
Third-Party Presidential Candidates Face Friday Deadline in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on August 24, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
When voters head to the polls this November, they’ll be facing more choices for president than Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Who else will be on the ballot, and what kind of influence might that have on the election? Michael Pope has the story.
Students File Discrimination Complaint Against Richmond Public Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 24, 2016
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF
Students and advocacy groups in Richmond are accusing school administrators of unfairly disciplining black students, and students with disabilities. Two students and a local chapter of the NAACP filed a federal discrimination complaint against Richmond Public Schools Wednesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Limiting Some Football Practice Drills to Cut Head Impact Risk for Young Players
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2016
Credit: John McStravick / Creative Commons
Researchers at Virginia Tech are out with the first findings of a five year study tracking head impacts to children who play tackle football. Robbie Harris reports.
Trump Staffers Caught Posting Off-Color Messages to Social Media
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
Fresh off a campaign shakeup, Donald Trump is facing new allegations that people who work for him are making questionable statements about Muslims online. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Colleges Preparing for New School Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2016
Credit: Taber Andrew Bain / Creative Commons
Many of Virginia’s colleges are back in session this week. Classes at Virginia Tech started Monday, the University of Virginia’s began today — and Virginia Commonwealth University kicks things off tomorrow. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Republicans Say McAuliffe is Trying To Rig Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 22, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
Governor Terry McAuliffe’s effort to restore voting rights to former felons is attracting some criticism from Republicans, who say the move a politically motivated effort to help his friend Hillary Clinton win the White House. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Governor Renews Efforts to Restore Felons’ Rights
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 22, 2016
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF
The fight to restore voting rights to Virginia’s felons has been a tug of war between Virginia’s Democratic Governor and state Republicans. Today, the governor gave his next big pull, announcing almost 13,000 individual restorations and laying out a path for more. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Va News Topics:Mock 5th Grade Quiz, Gathering Pokemon Players
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 22, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
A question about 20th Century Virginia’s most powerful politician has proven to be a surprising stumper on a mock 5th Grade quiz taken by over a thousand adults, and history, geography and technology working together have brought overwhelming numbers of Pokemon players to a small Virginia community. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org.
Critics of Predatory Lending Divided Over Best Way to Help Borrowers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized, Virginia's News on August 19, 2016
Credit: Taber Andrew Bain / Creative Commons
What’s the best way to protect people from predatory lending? One federal agency has a new proposal, but it’s getting mixed reviews — even among people who agree that something needs to be done. Michael Pope has the story.
Former Delegate Seeking Appeal In Wake Of McDonnell Decision
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 18, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn former Governor Bob McDonnell’s conviction for corruption may have had consequences far beyond the fate of the former governor and his wife. Michael Pope has the latest legal twist.
Local Governments Struggle with Handling Airbnb Tax Cheats
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 17, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The new disruptive economy is shaking up everything from the newspapers to the music business, and the latest target is the hotel industry. But local governments aren’t getting their cut of the action, at least not yet. Michael Pope has the story.
Religious Leaders Call for Action Against Predatory Lending
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 16, 2016
Credit: Michael Pope
Faith leaders from across Virginia are joining forces with religious figures from around the country to press federal regulators to take action against predatory lending. As Michael Pope tells us, the move comes in reaction to a new federal rule designed to protect consumers.
Virginia Beach to Consider Penalty for Airbnb Rentals That Don’t Pay Lodging Tax
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 15, 2016
Credit: Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Scheduler / Creative Commons
The old saying goes that there are only two things certain in the world, death and taxes. But as Michael Pope tells us, that’s not necessarily true for the short-term rental market.
Scientists Still on the Case of the Missing Chespeake Bay Blue Crabs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 15, 2016
Credit: Pamela D’Angelo
Scientists know more about the blue crab than just about any other species in the Chesapeake Bay. So when millions of young crabs vanished in 2012, scientists became detectives, searching for clues. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Va News Topics: Religious Instruction, Fredericksburg Airbnb Regulations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 15, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Some parents in Staunton are unhappy after the school board voted to no longer allow students time off for religious instruction, and Fredericksburg is the latest city to regulate Airbnb rentals. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org.
Virginia Birth Rate Continues to Decline Long After Recession
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2016
Credit: Harald Groven / Creative Commons
The recession may be over. And Virginia may be adding jobs again. But the state’s birth rate has not recovered yet, and it continues to fall. Michael Pope is digging into the numbers.
Critics Say New Federal Rule On Predatory Lending Doesn’t Go Far Enough
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 11, 2016
Credit: frankieleon / Creative Commons
The federal government is about to move forward with a new rule designed to protect consumers from predatory lending. But critics say the rule doesn’t go far enough. Michael Pope has the latest in his ongoing investigation into predatory lending.
Campaign Finances Big Factor in Virginia Congressional Races
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 10, 2016
Credit: Pictures of Money / Creative Commons
Virginia may have three open congressional seats this year, but the races aren’t all that contested. Only one of the seats is highly competitive. So what do the campaign finance numbers have to say about the congressional races this year? Michael Pope is following the money.
Paintings and Poems Collide in Charlottesville Mural
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 10, 2016
Credit: Charlottesville Mural Project
If you’ve driven through the UVA campus recently, you may have noticed a mural going up on the side of the Graduate Hotel. It’s a collaboration with the Charlottesville Mural Project, a Philadelphia artist and a prize-winning poet. Emily Richardson-Lorente has the story.
Chesterfield and Loudoun Counties Have Some of the Fastest Growing Job Numbers in America
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 9, 2016
Credit: Creative Commons
Virginia is home to some of the fastest growing job centers in the country, according to new data from the federal government. Michael Pope has the story.
Legal Troubles Not Over for Bob and Maureen McDonnell
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 8, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The United States Supreme Court may have thrown out the public corruption convictions for former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen McDonnell. But, as Michael Pope tells us, that’s not the end of legal jeopardy for the couple.
Va News Topics: Public Fountain Costs, Bail for Low Income People
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 8, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Virginia Beach wants to wash it hands of the cost of maintaining any more public fountains, and the founder of a Virginia non-profit that pays bail for low income people says they are being harassed by a government official in Augusta County. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More from Fred Echols:
Virginia Lawmakers Look to Address Mandatory Arbitration in Financial Contracts
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 5, 2016
Credit: Tom Woodward / Creative Commons
Several members of the Virginia congressional delegation are calling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to take swift action against mandatory arbitration clauses. Those are provisions tucked away into consumer financial contracts that allow corporations to avoid lawsuits. Michael Pope reports.
Menhaden Fishing Limits are Swimming in Controversy
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 5, 2016
Credit: Peter Pearson / Creative Commons
A fish crucial to Chesapeake Bay crabbers and Virginia’s omega-3 oil industry is proving to be one of the most controversial, as Atlantic fisheries managers struggled this week at their summer meeting to determine how much should be caught. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Confusion Reigns on Transgender Bathrooms as Schools Prepare for Fall
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 5, 2016
As schools across Virginia prepare for the end of summer and the first day of classes, superintendents and principals will be waiting to hear the outcome in a dramatic court case that could have a lasting influence for transgender students across the country. Michael Pope reports.
CubeFest to Crank the Sound Way Beyond ’11’
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 4, 2016
Virginia Tech, Center for the Arts, Location: Blacksburg VA, Architect: Snohetta
“Spatial Music” is an immersive roomful of sound that is so new it can be heard in only a few places on the planet. One of them is Blacksburg, Virginia, where you’ll find a venue called “The Cube” at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech. This week, a three-day “spatial music festival” will explore the new medium with a concert series and workshops. Robbie Harris has more on what this new venue, and its 2 tons of audio equipment, can do.
Virginia Republicans React to This Week’s Trump Controversies
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 3, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons
Republican leaders across Virginia are grappling with how to handle the latest round of controversy from Donald Trump. And, as Michael Pope tells us, they’re taking a variety of approaches.
Local Governments Leading Airbnb Regulation Efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2016
Credit: Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Scheduler / Creative Commons
As state leaders argue over how to craft regulations overseeing Airbnb, local governments are moving forward with their own rules. Michael Pope has the story.
How Climate is Changing Chesapeake Bay Shorelines for Archeologists, Paleontologists
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2016
Credit: Pamela D’Angelo
Shorelines of the Chesapeake Bay are disappearing as sea level rises and higher tides eat away at beaches and cliffs. That means hand-wringing among some waterfront property owners. But for archeologists and paleontologists, the story is more complicated. Pamela D’Angelo explains.
McAuliffe Office Rushes to Fulfill Promise by Individually Restoring Voting Rights
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 1, 2016
Elections officials across Virginia are about to cast aside thousands of voters in the wake of a Virginia Supreme Court decision last month. It’s the latest in an ongoing drama that could have drastic consequences on Election Day. Michael Pope has the story.
Va News Topics: Hybrid Buildings in D.C., Phantom Parking Spaces
Posted by Payton Knobeloch in Virginia's News on August 1, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project.
A Northern Virginia developer is placing a big bet on the future of hybrid buildings in the DC suburbs…and it turns out that quite a few parking spaces in Norfolk are simply figments of the city’s official imagination. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More from Fred Echols:
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