Archive for October, 2016
Shifting Demographics in Chesterfield and Loudoun Create Key Battlegrounds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 31, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
It wasn’t all that long ago that Virginia was considered a red state, or at least a state that strongly leaned Republican. Now Democrats have won the last two presidential cycles, and the trend is expected to continue again this year. Michael Pope is digging into the numbers.
Virginia Transgender Teen’s Case Will Go to Supreme Court
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 31, 2016
A transgender teen from Virginia will be fighting to use the bathroom of his choice in front of the Supreme Court. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Va News Topics: Lee-Jackson Day Parade, Controversial Seminar
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 31, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Lexington’s traditional Lee-Jackson Day Parade in January will be very different from what the city is accustomed to seeing, and a Virginia Sheriff is being criticized for organizing a seminar that some say will be unfairly critical of Muslims. 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. Fred Echols reports.
Presidential Candidates Polar Opposites on Climate Change
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2016
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump could not disagree more on climate change. Clinton sees it as a real threat. Trump dismisses it as a hoax. So, John Lee got to wondering what the candidates’ views on climate change might mean for the Chesapeake Bay and came up with this report for “Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative.”
Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative is funded by the participating stations with grant support from the Clayton Baker Trust, The Bancroft Foundation, Michael and Ann Hankin, The Jim and Patty Rouse Foundation, The Rob and Elizabeth Tyler Foundation, and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.
How Will the End of Obama’s Term Impact the Commonwealth?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2016
Credit: Beth Rankin / Flickr
With President Obama heading out of office soon Virginia Republicans fear he’s preparing a slew of executive orders that could hurt the economy in the Commonwealth. Matt Laslo has that story from Washington.
Elections Officials Bracing for Armed Poll Watchers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2016
Credit: justgrimes / Creative Commons
After the campaign headquarters of Jane Dittmar was visited by armed demonstrators recently, election officials across Virginia began asking about what will happen when people show up on Election Day with firearms. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia’s 2017 Harvest of Atlantic Menhaden Will Increase
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2016
Credit: Pamela D’Angelo
At a meeting in Maine this week, Atlantic coast fisheries managers agreed to increase the catch for menhaden, a fish considered crucial to birds, other fish and by commercial watermen to catch crabs. It’s also key to the remaining fish oil plant on the East Coast here in Virginia. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Many Congressional Districts in Virginia Don’t Look to Be That Competitive
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2016
Credit: owlpacino / Flickr
When voters head to the polls on Election Day, most will be focused on the presidential race. But every seat in the House of Representatives will be on the ballot too — although you might not have heard much about that. Michael Pope takes us to one of the many congressional districts in Virginia that’s NOT in play this year.
Mark Warner Says Housing Bailout Should Not Continue to Put Taxpayers at Risk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 26, 2016
Credit: American Advisors Group / Creative Commons
Remember when the mortgage loan industry almost brought down the global economy? Virginia Senator Mark Warner says we haven’t fully recovered from that, and he’s working to make long-term change. Michael Pope has more.
An Influx of Cash Gives Democrats Hope in the 5th District
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 26, 2016
One congressional race is becoming increasingly more competitive, according to newly released campaign finance numbers. Michael Pope is digging into the numbers in the 5th Congressional District – the seat that stretches from Charlottesville to Southside.
State Board of Health Discusses Abortion Clinic Regulations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2016
Credit: Virginia Department of Health
Pro-choice advocates in Virginia are celebrating today —the State Board of Health has voted to remove targeted regulations on abortion clinics.
In an 8 hour meeting today the board worked its way through dozens of amendments to regulations affecting clinics. In the end, they decided to roll back building codes and other restrictions that had been approved by former Governor Bob McDonnell 5 years ago. Since being passed, 7 clinics throughout the state have closed down. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Voter Intimidation in Virginia is Nothing New
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2016
Voter intimidation in Virginia is nothing new. As Michael Pope reports, the state has a long and complicated history of various forces trying to influence elections.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake City Council Decision, In-Home Assistance Concerns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Chesapeake City Council is considering whether to post “In God We Trust” in City Hall and other public buildings, and people who require in-home assistance say they’re being affected by a state law that prohibits overtime for caregivers paid by Medicaid. 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. Fred Echols reports.
In Virginia, Juveniles Sentenced to Life Without Parole Wait in Limbo
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2016
Credit: Jail / Flickr
Jason Clem is 12 years into a life sentence for a murder he committed when he was 16. A nonprofit estimates there are 60 people like Clem in Virginia, serving a life sentence without hope of parole, for a crime they committed when they are under 18. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that’s unconstitutional. But, so far, that’s had little effect for those in Virginia. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Voter Registration Deadline Gets an Extension
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 20, 2016
Credit: Virginia Department of Elections
Forget to register to vote by Monday’s deadline? Or have problems trying to do it online? Well — you’ll get a second chance. A federal judge has extended Virginia’s voter registration deadline to Friday. Mallory Noe-Payne explains.
Feds Take Aim at Opioid Crisis in Southwest Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 20, 2016
Credit: Brandon Giesbrecht / Creative Commons
Some of the most remote parts of Southwest Virginia are about to get help in the opioid crisis. That’s because this month, two counties are receiving a new federal designation. Michael Pope has the story.
$6 Million House Race in Northern Virginia Dominates Campaign Finance Numbers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 20, 2016
Virginia’s congressional candidates have raised a grand total of $20 million this election cycle. As Michael Pope reports, much of that comes from one or two particularly competitive seats.
Virginia Votes: Reluctance on Tangier Island
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 20, 2016
Virginia has more than 5 million registered voters. They come from urban centers, rolling and rural countryside, and increasingly diverse suburbs.
Credit: WVTF / RADIO IQ
In the end, all those voices will be lumped together in a winner-take-all system to decide where the state’s 13 electoral votes go.
Leading up to election day we’ll be hearing from both voters, and non-voters, across the Commonwealth — in a series we’re calling Virginia Votes.
We begin on Tangier Island, where people live simply. Church on Sundays, zero alcohol, and you’ll never hear them swear. They hail from some of America’s first settlements. Many have served their country, including the town manager. Of some 470 Tangier residents, 399 are registered to vote this November. And while the majority are Republican and loyal to their party, this year, they’re having a hard time.
First Presidential Cycle with Online Voter Registration Keeps Election Officials Busy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2016
Credit: Virginia Department of Elections
Now that the deadline for registering new voters has come and gone, election officials across Virginia are entering the final stretch toward Election Day. Michael Pope has the story.
Could Hackers Influence the Election?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2016
Credit: Marcie Casas / Creative Commons
With alleged cyber-attacks from Russia on the rise, federal officials are looking at ways to keep foreign operatives from meddling with this year’s elections. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.
Have You Already Voted? Candidates and Parties Have Your Name on a List
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2016
Credit: moonShadows7 / Flickr
Many voters are not waiting until Election Day to cast their ballots. Election officials across the state are reporting record amounts of in-person absentee voting. Michael Pope reports.
Latest Poll: Clinton Leads Trump by 15 Points in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2016
Poll results and graphic from Christopher Newport University.
Hailed as a swing state during the past two presidential elections, Virginia looks to be solidly in the blue this time around. A poll out this weekend gives Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton a 15-point lead over rival Donald Trump.
Today is the final day to register to vote in Virginia.
In Light of Vetoed Bill, Literature Censorship Continues to Be A Concern
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2016
Steve Watkins’ new book, “Great Falls.” (Credit: stevewatkinsbooks.com)
Earlier this year Governor McAuliffe vetoed a bill that would have given parents of public school students a say in assigned readings. Now, it’s up to schools to make that decision. Last week, the administrators of a rural high school, in a conservative county did just that, asking an award-winning author invited to speak to leave. Pamela D’Angelo has more.
Watkins, who lives in Fredericksburg, plans to continue his tour — which includes a presentation October 20th at the Virginia Association of School Librarians Annual Conference. You can read about his books here.
Va News Topics: Lack of Candidates, Liberty Students Against Trump
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
When a Northern Virginia city didn’t have enough candidates on the ballot to fill its city council residents became politically active in a hurry, and a group of students at Liberty University has taken exception to an endorsement of Donald Trump by Liberty’s president, Jerry Falwell, Jr. 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.
Increased Traffic Growing Concern for Virginia’s Voter Information System
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 14, 2016
Credit: Virginia Department of Elections
Registrars throughout Virginia are concerned the computer system that keeps track of voters may not hold up to increased traffic as Election Day approaches. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Once Again, McAuliffe Presses for Medicaid Expansion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 14, 2016
Credit: Images Money / Flickr
State leaders are divided over the best way to close a $1.5 billion budget shortfall. But Governor McAuliffe is taking the opportunity to once again press for expanding Medicaid. Michael Pope explains.
Trump Supporters Concerned Campaign Will Pull Out of Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 13, 2016
Credit: Gage Skidmore / Flickr
The presidential campaign may seem endless, but the end is near. That means campaigns are making crucial decisions about how to allocate resources in the final few weeks before Election Day. Michael Pope reports.
How Will Governor McAuliffe Deal With the Budget Shortfall?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 13, 2016
Credit: Kate Wellington / Flickr
Up to 26 state employees may be losing their jobs, and no state employees will be getting previously promised pay raises. That’s because of a budget shortfall this year. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, Governor McAuliffe today gave specifics on how he plans to close the gap.
Democrats Hope Trump Turmoil Helps Downballot in Fifth Congressional District
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2016
One of the hottest congressional races on the ballot this fall is the Fifth Congressional District, which stretches from Charlottesville to Danville. It’s a district currently held by Republicans, but Democrats are hoping the turmoil of the Donald Trump campaign might be giving them new momentum. Michael Pope has the story.
Republicans Advertise on General Hospital; Democrats Advertise on he Tonight Show
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2016
A still shot from Donald Trump’s latest campaign ad.
Do not adjust your television, there is an election going on — even if you don’t see your airwaves flooded by television advertising the way they’ve been in recent years. Michael Pope has the story.
Without the She Crab, There Would be No He Crab
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 11, 2016
Basket with sponge crabs in all stages of egg development. Taken legally in Virginia in late June. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
The Atlantic Blue Crab, Chesapeake Bay’s signature crustacean, has been through tough times in the last 20 years. Some recent improvement has been credited to restrictions on harvesting females. Yet Virginia still allows the harvest of egg-bearing females, something Maryland banned back in 1917. The reasons why seems to be wrapped up in economics. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
The Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative is funded by the participating stations with grant support from the Clayton Baker Trust, The Bancroft Foundation, Michael and Ann Hankin, The Jim and Patty Rouse Foundation, The Rob and Elizabeth Tyler Foundation, and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.
Virginia Moves Forward with Plans for Slave Site Memorial
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 11, 2016
Delegate McQuinn (left) and other state and local politicians plant a tree at the historical site of a slave market and jail in Richmond. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF)
The architecture firm responsible for the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. has been brought on board to lead another historical project, this time here in Virginia. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Comstock is First Prominant Virginia Republican to Ask Trump to Step Aside
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2016
Credit: U.S. Congress
Republicans across Virginia are struggling to figure out how to handle their relationship with Donald Trump in the wake of his hot mic moment on the Access Hollywood bus. So far, only one prominent Republican is calling for the candidate to step down. Michael Pope has more.
Fast Food Workers Protest Handling of Sexual Harassments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2016
Credit: Mike Mozart / Creative Commons
Forty percent of women who work in the fast food industry are sexually harassed. That’s according a recent survey commissioned by the National Partnership for Women and Families. After the release of the new numbers, low wage workers across the country protested at McDonald’s, including here in Virginia. Mallory Noe-Payne has the story.
Va News Topics: Radford Arsenal Waste, Williamsburg Mega-Resort
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The Army has put a drone in the air to find out what’s being released from waste material as it’s burned in the open at the Radford Arsenal, and promotion of a possible mega-resort complex near Williamsburg has left two boards of county supervisors surprised and annoyed. 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. Fred Echols reports.
The Wait for New Medicare ID Cards Could Be Longer Than Expected
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 7, 2016
If you’re on Medicare, you’re probably carrying around an ID card that includes your Social Security number. That’s a problem that everybody in Washington says they want to fix, but it’s taking longer than some would like. Michael Pope has the story.
October is Virginia Wine Month, and Uber’s Making Sure You Celebrate Responsibly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 7, 2016
King Family Vineyard (Credit: Monticello Wine Trail)
October is Virginia wine month — and in order to help more people safely enjoy the state’s wineries the Governor announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with UBER today. Mallory Noe-Payne has the details.
Most News Outlets Claim Pence as Debate Winner. But…Did Kaine Actually Lose?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 7, 2016
Credit: Cliff / Flickr
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is getting a rough treatment for his debate performance Tuesday night, a hard-driving style that showed off the former governor’s attack dog skills. Did Kaine lose the debate? Michael Pope reports.
Models Still Unsure on How Hurricane Matthew Will Impact Virginia on Saturday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 6, 2016
Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Power companies, marinas, and waterfront communities along Virginia’s coast and tributaries are not taking any chances with Hurricane Matthew. Models used to track the storm keep changing, making it hard to predict the impact on Virginia. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Virginia Spurned Numerous Talking Points During Last Night’s Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2016
The vice presidential debate featured a few key moments that put Virginia in the national spotlight. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Wild Oyster Season Opens to Controversy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2016
Virginia’s wild oysters are still recovering from disease and over-harvesting (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Disease, pollution and a century of over-harvesting decimated the Chesapeake Bay’s wild oyster population. As Virginia’s wild oyster season gets underway, there are new harvest restrictions and concerns over the state of this key bay species. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Meet Virginia’s Newest Citizens: Attending a Naturalization Ceremony
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2016
Rafah Al Ameri stands alongside about 60 new citizens, saying the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as Americans (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF)
This election year, illegal immigration has often been a talking point. So much so, it’s easy to lose sight of the country’s legal immigration process. In 2014, the U.S. welcomed almost 700,000 new citizens. It’s not an easy process, and for many it takes years. Mallory Noe-Payne attended a naturalization ceremony and filed this report.
How Will Tim Kaine Perform Tonight?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2016
Credit: U.S. Congress
Virginia’s Senator, and Democratic vice Presidential candidate, Tim Kaine will be in the national spotlight this evening, when he debates Mike Pence, Trump’s running mate. What kind of performance is Kaine expected to deliver? Michael Pope has this preview.
Environmental Picketers Stake Out Governor McAuliffe’s Offices
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2016
Environmental activists began a three-day protest outside Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s offices in Richmond yesterday. Mallory Noe-Payne has the details.
Why Longwood?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 3, 2016
Credit: Longwood University
Thousands of people are descending on Farmville, Virginia – home to Longwood University, the site of Tuesday’s vice presidential debate. Sandy Hausman looks at why the parties will face off at that little-known school.
Va News Topics: Fauquier County Registrar, Misleading Endorsement Videos
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 3, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Fauquier County’s registrar was surprised when he received a letter telling him he was not registered to vote, and a couple of video endorsements for a Suffolk City Council candidate were not quite what they appeared to be. 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.
Salvadorans Seeking Shelter From War-Torn Country Flock to Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 3, 2016
Credit: Allison McKellar / Creative Commons
Salvadorans are flocking to Virginia, a trend that new Census numbers say has increased since the civil war in El Salvador ended more than 20 years ago. One center of that community is a neighborhood in Alexandria. Michael Pope reports.
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