Archive for December, 2016
As Obama Commutes Drug Sentences, Virginia Inmates Targeted
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2016
The Eastern District includes Alexandria, Richmond and Norfolk (Credit: U.S. Department of Justice)
As the Obama administration draws to a close, officials at the Justice Department are busy commuting sentences of people convicted for drug offenses, especially crack cocaine. And, as Michael Pope reports, nowhere in the country has sentences for crack dealers as long as the Eastern District of Virginia.
Special Elections: Could Virginia’s Senate Flip?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 28, 2016
Credit: NPR
Think the election season is over? Think again. Voters in central Virginia are about to head to the polls for two special elections. And, as Michael Pope reports, control of the state Senate is at stake.
Are you eligible to vote in the special elections? Click here to find out if you live in the State Senate’s 22nd or 9th Districts.
Republican Leaders Want to Limit Welfare in Areas With High Unemployment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on December 21, 2016
Credit: gop.com/Wikimedia Commons
Looking ahead to the General Assembly session next month, Republicans are hoping to crack down on welfare abuse. As Michael Pope reports, one of the items on their agenda is increasing work requirements for people receiving public assistance.
A Tale of Two Voters: Looking At How Rich and Poor People Voted This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on December 20, 2016
A breakdown of voters across the state by income. (Credit: Virginia Public Access Project)
Rich people and poor people often end up voting the same way, depending on where they live. But a new analysis of voter data from the election shows some parts of Virginia are divided along class lines. Michael Pope looks at the numbers.
With New Funding, VCU Professor Continues Research to Lower the Cost of Drugs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2016
Frank Gupton, an engineering professor at VCU, is leading a team trying to make drugs cheaper for those who need them in developing countries. (Credit: VCU)
A professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering in Richmond has partnered with the Gates Foundation and Clinton Health Access Initiative in research that is drastically lowering the cost of HIV drugs. But as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, his research could help bring down the cost of all drugs.
Back from the Campaign Trail, Kaine Sets His Sights on Re-Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2016
Credit: U.S. Congress
It’s been said by some who have taken a campaign run for the White House that doing so is like going 200 miles per hour in a race car. For former Vice Presidential candidate Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, the race continues. Matt Laslo reports from Washington D.C.
Virginia Governor Looks for Way to Raise Money on Internet Sales
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 20, 2016
Governor Terry McAuliffe proposes a way for Virginia to get a cut of the action, as more people buy online than in stores. (Credit: Andrew Dallos / Flickr)
For many years, state leaders in Virginia have been trying to collect sales taxes on purchases from outside the state. Now Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has a plan. Michael Pope has the story.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake Night Clubs, Surry County Preservation Efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
City council members in Chesapeake have decided they need stronger laws to deal with night clubs where things get out of hand, and Surry County is finding out how hard it can be to keep 400-year-old paperwork in good condition. 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.
Could Unfaithful Electors Sway the Election?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2016
Credit: NPR
Virginia’s 13 members of the Electoral College are slated to meet Monday in Richmond, determining the outcome of the presidential election. Michael Pope has this preview.
At the Intersection of Religious Conviction and Environmental Ethics
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2016
Frances and Tim Sauder on their farm in Quarryville, PA. (Credit: Joel McCord)
Not long ago, we learned that water quality in the Chesapeake Bay is improving. But one part of one state—south central Pennsylvania—has lagged behind in reaching its pollution reduction goals, mostly because of fertilizer that runs off farm fields into Bay tributaries. Now, Pennsylvania, the US Department of Agriculture and the EPA have committed to spend $28 million to accelerate pollution reduction efforts in that region.
But as Joel McCord reports for Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative some of those farmers are conflicted about taking the money because of religion.
Chesapeake: A Journalism Collaborative is funded 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.
DuPont Pays Historic $50 Million To Clean River in Waynesboro
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2016
Courtesy of the South River Science Team
More than 50 years ago, a DuPont factory outside Waynesboro dumped mercury into the river. Now, in an historic settlement, the company is paying the state $50 million to clean up. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Voter Registration Trends Paint an Interesting Picture of the Election in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 15, 2016
Richmond saw a 38% increase in voter registration this year. (Credit: Mobilus in Mobili / Flickr)
Election 2016 may have come and gone. But all those newly registered voters will remain on the books. Michael Pope reports.
Marine Safety is a Concern for the Chesapeake Bay Following Dead Whale Sightings
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 15, 2016
The Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Team (Credit: Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center)
Several sightings of a dead whale in Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay have been reported since last weekend. Because it’s on the move the Virginia Aquarium has been unable to locate it. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Governor Highlights Improvements to Mental Health System in Budget Proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 15, 2016
As lawmakers gear up for the legislative session beginning in January, Governor Terry McAuliffe is prepping his agenda. Wednesday, he rolled out a suite of ideas for how to improve the state’s mental health system. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
VRE Asks for $20 Million More Each Year from General Assembly Plus $400 Million from Feds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2016
Senator Tim Kaine talks with transportation officials at the Spotsylvania VRE station, which opened last year. (Credit: Michael Pope)
When the next Congress takes office in 2017, one of the first big items on the agenda will be infrastructure spending. And Virginia may benefit from an agreement between a Republican president and Democrats in Congress. Michael Pope has the story.
This Week Marks the Beginning of the Holidays for Many of Virginia’s Mexican Immigrants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2016
Our Lady of Guadalupe
For Virginia’s communities of Mexican immigrants, the winter holidays kicked off on Monday with processions celebrating the Lady of Guadalupe. In Charlottesville, this began at two o’clock in the morning. Jackson Landers has the story.
4 Out of 5 Offenders in Virginia Don’t Recommit Crimes After Release
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2016
Almost one in four criminals in Virginia will commit another crime after being released from prison or jail. Although that number may seem high, it’s actually the lowest in the country. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Department of Justice Sues Culpeper for Denying Mosque Permit
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2016
The Culpeper County courthouse.
Leaders in Culpeper County are headed to federal court to defend themselves against charges they violated the civil rights of Muslims. Michael Pope has the story.
New State Grants Hope to Help Keep Inmates with Mental Illnesses Out of Jail
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 13, 2016
Virginia’s Secretary of Public Health, Brian Moran
The state has awarded $3.5 million in grants to six regional jails to provide mental health services. Officials hope to address the underlying cause of crimes — to keep inmates from coming back after they’re released. Sandy Hausman has more on that story.
Local Governments Craft Airbnb Regulations in Advance of General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Local governments across Virginia are crafting new regulations to allow homeowners to rent their houses through online platforms like Airbnb. As Michael Pope tells us, the last-minute flurry of activity comes as members of the General Assembly are about to consider statewide regulations.
McAuliffe to Introduce Legislation for Reform of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on December 12, 2016
Virginia’s governor is suggesting changes to how the state doles out economic development money. The proposals come after investigators blasted the Economic Development Partnership for mismanagement. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Va News Topics: Geologists Battle Rising Sea Levels, VMI Stress Relief Efforts
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
As cities in Hampton Roads slowly lose ground to the Atlantic Ocean geologists are hoping to reverse the trend by putting more water underground, and VMI has reacted to comments about efforts to help cadets deal with exam stress. 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.
Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking to Open in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Thanks to a $500,000 state grant, central Virginia is getting its first and only shelter for victims of human trafficking. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Senator Helps Upgrade Cyber Command
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2016
Credit: Creative Commons
As worries mount about Russian hacking and cyber-crimes, leaders in Washington – including Virginia Senator Mark Warner – are taking new steps to fight a virtual war online. Michael Pope has the story.
Should Local Offices in Virginia Remain Nonpartisan?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 8, 2016
Credit: NPR
Should candidates for local offices be identified as Republicans or Democrats in Virginia? That’s an issue now being considered by the courts. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia to Crack Down on Black Market Cigarette Trade
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 8, 2016
Cigarettes confiscated by the Northern Virginia Tax Board. (Credit: Virginia Crime Commission)
For those who are willing to traffic in illegal goods, the big money is not in cocaine or heroin. As Michael Pope tells us, criminals are cleaning up with illegal cigarettes.
Workgroup Tackles Unique Challenges to Virginia’s Coastal Industries
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2016
Virginia’s coastal industries are a major part of the state’e economy, but face distinct threats. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Virginia is the nation’s third largest producer of marine products, behind Alaska and Louisiana. But working waterfronts in coastal Virginia are under increasing threats from development, sea level rise, subsidence, and loss of marine habitat to name a few. At a recent conference sponsored by the Virginia Coastal Policy Center stakeholders presented a plan to save working waterfronts to members of the General Assembly.
Attempts to Reform Virginia’s Open Records Law Lead Nowhere, Critics Say
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2016
Many communications in state government remain secret under exemptions to Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act despite attempts to reform the law. (Credit: Bill Dickenson / Flickr)
For the last three years, leaders from across Virginia have been looking at improving the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. But now that they’re done, critics say the final result won’t do much to improve transparency. Michael Pope has more on the law’s exemptions.
Potentially Historic Supreme Court Redistricting Case Began Today
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2016
Credit: 350z33 at English Wikipedia
Did Republicans in Virginia’s General Assembly pack black voters into a dozen House of Delegates districts to dilute their influence elsewhere? That’s the argument that justices of the Supreme Court heard today. Michael Pope is at the court with the latest.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake Sign Ordinance, Controversial Literary Classics
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2016
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
A Chesapeake business owner may be facing more than a fine for violating the city’s sign ordinance, and two controversial literary classics have been banned by a Virginia school district, at least for the time being. 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 has more.
Carrier Deal in Indiana Prompts New Debate About Economic Development In Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 2, 2016
Credit: Carrier / United Technologies
President-elect Donald Trump was able to negotiate a deal to protect about a third of the Indiana jobs that air-conditioner maker Carrier was planning to ship to Mexico. The deal was struck not by threatening tariffs, but by offering $7 million in tax breaks as part of an economic development package. Michael Pope has this look at similar efforts in Virginia.
Should Parents Be Able To Block Sexually Explicit Material in the Classroom?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 1, 2016
Credit: Virginia Department of Education
Members of the Virginia School Board are considering a new proposal that would allow parents and guardians to prevent children from being exposed to sexually explicit material. Michael Pope has the story.
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