Archive for October, 2017
Transgender Candidate Misgendered in Recent Republican Mailer
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2017
Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates’ 13th District, Danica Roem, places a campaign sign in a Manassas neighborhood. Roem, Virginia’s first transgender candidate, has been misgendered by state Republicans who recently sent out a direct mailer that attacks her as a him. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The politics of gender and language are colliding in one race for the House of Delegates. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia Prepares to Shut Down Health Insurance Program for 66,000 Children
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2017
The Children’s Health Insurance Program relies on money from state and federal governments to help subsidize the cost of medical care for some kids not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. (Credit: Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images)
66,000 children and 1,100 pregnant women could lose health insurance if Congress doesn’t act soon. They get their insurance through a federally funded program called CHIP, and Congress hasn’t agreed to keep paying the bills. Now Virginia is preparing to shut the program down, because there’s no more money. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Va News Topics: Mary Baldwin University, Higher Seat Belt Usage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
One the first colleges for women founded in Virginia now has now opened its campus to men. And, it seems more drivers in the state are buckling up these days. 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 now from Fred Echols.
GWAR: Richmond’s Home-Grown Metal Rock Band
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2017
Matt McGuire, head fabricator for GWAR, holds a set piece for one of the band’s performances. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Blood, guts, and space alien monsters bent on destroying earth. That’s what the metal band GWAR is known for internationally. It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. But for those in Richmond, where the band calls home, it’s much, much more than noise. Brad Kutner reports.
Democrats Hoped for a Wave in House, But GOP Incumbents Tough to Beat
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2017
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Democrats started this election cycle with a head full of steam, eager to run against Republicans in an environment that was supposed to the best possible election cycle for them to take back the House of Delegates. But, as Michael Pope reports, that’s not how things turned out.
How Would Gillespie Tax Cut Proposal Affect You?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2017
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie during a debate in McLean, Virginia last month. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Ask the Republican and Democrat running for Governor how Virginia’s economy is faring, and you’ll get two very different answers.
Democrat Ralph Northam says the state’s doing well, pointing out that unemployment is the lowest its been in almost a decade. But Republican Ed Gillespie highlights slow economic and wage growth to paint a bleaker picture. And to turn things around, he’s proposing the state’s first tax cut in more than 40 years.
To understand what that would mean for Virginia’s economy, reporter Mallory Noe-Payne enlisted help.
Goodlatte Aims to Undo Obama-Era Policy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 25, 2017
Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Roanoke. (Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon, File)
President Trump isn’t the only person in Washington trying to undo the Obama legacy. One powerful member of the Virginia Congressional delegation is also trying to take action against what he sees as a problem created in the last administration. Michael Pope reports.
Controversial Attack Ad Likely Just the Beginning Leading Up to Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 25, 2017
The attack ad from Democrats this week depicts President Donald Trump and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie superimposed over a crowd of torch-bearing white supremacists in Charlottesville.
Republicans are up in arms about a piece of direct mail in the hotly contested race for governor. Michael Pope has the story.
Connecting Past to Present: Facing Uncomfortable Truths, Honoring UVA’s Slaves at First Symposium
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 25, 2017
More than 50 people spent the night behind UVA’s Pavilion IX during the Slave Dwelling Project’s largest ever sleepover. (Credit: Jordy Yager)
The Slave Dwelling Project recently held its largest ever event at the University of Virginia to commemorate the hundreds of enslaved men, women and children who built and ran the school in the 19th century. Nearly 3-dozen panels saw more than 100 speakers over the three days. But at the center was an outdoor sleepover in near freezing temperatures, where the enslaved would have slept. Jordy Yager reports.
Useful Drones? Unpiloted Vehicles’ Safety being Measured
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2017
Drones are taking off as the ‘go-to’ option for, well, just about everything. Right now, FAA rules prohibit unpiloted aircraft from flying over people, but that’s changing. Robbie Harris has more.
Does More Money Lead to More Competitive House of Delegates Races?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2017
Credit: NPR
Republicans and Democrats are both targeting certain races for the House of Delegates this year, hoping to invest in retaining seats or in some cases flipping them to the other side. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Representatives Weigh In on Tax Reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2017
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers who represent the Commonwealth in Washington are engaged in a fierce debate over tax reform. Matt Laslo reports.
Va News Topics: Sheriffs Court Ruling, I-81 Tolls
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
A court ruling in Virginia has reaffirmed the right of sheriffs to fire deputies for political reasons. And, the question of tolls to finance improvements on Interstate 81 in western Virginia is back. 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 now from Fred Echols.
With Election Day Looming, Education Policies Move to Forefront of Gubernatorial Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 19, 2017
Republican Ed Gillespie (right) gestures towards Democrat Ralph Northam during the last gubernatorial debate of the campaign earlier this month. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
During the election season, Virginia’s two major-party candidates for governor have clashed on everything from environmental issues to health care. This week a new division is emerging on education policy. Michael Pope has details.
Marriage Penalty, Local Taxes On Businesses Hurting Virginia’s Reputation As Low-Tax State
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017
Virginia has a reputation as a state with low taxes and a friendly business environment. A new study challenges that reputation, however. Michael Pope reports.
State Legislators Taking Closer Look At Biosolids
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017
David Hudnall and his son, David Hudnall Jr. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Unless you’re a farmer or an avid gardener, you probably don’t know much about fertilizers. You put some down and your lawn gets greener and your tomatoes bigger. For people living next door to a farm field, fertilizers have become a worry as some farmers use treated human waste to enrich their soil. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
For Better or Worse, Politics Central to Virginia’s Attorney General’s Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017
John Adams, the Republican candidate for Attorney General in Virginia, has repeatedly attacked his opponent, Democrat Mark Herring, for politicizing his office. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s Attorney General has sued the Trump administration five times. He’s challenged the president’s decision to end DACA, the so-called Muslim Ban, and the recent decision to end subsidies that help poor Virginians afford health insurance. Now Mark Herring is up for re-election, and criticized for being too political. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Polls Give Hope To Both Northam And Gillespie
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2017
Ralph Northam (left) and Ed Gillespie shake hands at their final debate of the campaign. Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
The latest polls are showing a mixed picture in the hotly contested race for governor. Democrat Ralph Northam has a small but consistent lead against Republican Ed Gillespie in two new polls. Michael Pope reports.
Cotton Yield Almost Double Last Year’s
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 17, 2017
Credit: Kimberly Vardeman / Flickr
Most areas of Virginia saw little to no rain for all of September, and that’s actually been a good thing for many farmers. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Key Ingredient In Craft Beer Boom Finally Taking Off In Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 16, 2017
Virginia’s beer industry is booming. Some brewers wonder, though, if the state is doing enough to nurture homegrown brewers and the local farmers who want to supply them the grain. Jessie Knadler reports.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake Bay Access, Buchanan Town Manager
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 16, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Fishermen and business owners in one eastern Virginia community say they may lose access to the Chesapeake Bay. And, the town of Buchanan is divided over whether the town manager should be a full-time resident. 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 now from Fred Echols.
Virginia Candidates Try To Navigate Trump Influence In Off-Year Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 13, 2017
President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House earlier this week. (Credit: AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
Republican President Donald Trump is not on the ballot this year. But candidates are feeling the need to respond to his controversial presidency. Michael Pope reports.
Richmond Preps for 13th Annual Folk Festival
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Credit: Venture Richmond
Upwards of 200,000 people are expected to descend on Richmond this weekend for the 13th annual Folk Festival — three days of continuous music, dance, and food. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Bipartisanship Could Save Billions By Consolidating Data Centers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Mark Duncan
Here’s something you don’t hear every day: Republicans and Democrats are working together in Washington to save billions of dollars. Michael Pope reports.
Dems Hope to Turn VA’s Red Statehouse Blue; Targeting 17 Seats to ‘flip’ in November
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
The 2018 national midterm elections are considered ‘the first contest of the Trump Era.’ But some say it really begins now with Virginia’s vote in a few weeks. Republicans have long controlled the House of Delegates. But Democrats are hoping to ‘flip’ districts that went for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Robbie Harris reports.
Study: Post-High School Education Lags In Some Parts Of Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Virginia is one of the most highly educated states in the country. A new report, however, shows an uneven nature to that education, with some communities left behind. Michael Pope reports.
Governor’s Commission on Diversity, Inclusion Meets for First Time After Charlottesville
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Governor Terry McAuliffe addresses a news conference concerning the white supremacist rally and violence in Charlottesville August 12th. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A panel dedicated to racial healing met for the first time in Richmond Tuesday. Virginia’s Governor created the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion after the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.
Northern Virginia Race Pits Transgender Candidate Against Conservative Delegate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates 13th District seat, Danica Roem, right, talks with a resident as she greets voters at a neighborhood in Manassas. Roem is running against Delegate Bob Marshall in the 13th House of Delegates District. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
One of the most high-profile House of Delegates races is also the most historic. The election for House District 13 in Northern Virginia features the first transgender candidate and one of the most conservative Republicans in the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
How Some Candidates are Taking on Longstanding State Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2017
Dawn Adams signs one of her campaign calling cards. She’s running against Republican Manoli Loupassi, who has held his seat for almost a decade. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
A hundred state lawmakers are up for election this November. They’re the ones who decide how much to pay teachers, whether to expand Medicaid, or if marijuana should be legal. Last time they were elected, only 29% of registered voters turned out.
This week we’ll highlight some of those House of Delegates races. We begin in Richmond, where Mallory Noe-Payne takes a look at what it’s like to challenge someone who’s held office for a decade.
Gillespie, Northam Meet For Final Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 10, 2017
Democratic candidate for governor, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam, left, shakes hanks with Republican challenger Ed Gillespie after their third and final debate last night at the University of Virginia-Wise. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s two major party candidates are closing in on the final days of a heated campaign. They made some of their closing comments in rural Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Gillespie, Northam Hope to Impress in Tonight’s Final Gubernatorial Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Democrat Ralph Northam, left, shakes hands with Republican Ed Gillespie during the second of their three debates last month in Northern Virginia. The third debate will take place this evening in Wise. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
The third and final debate between the candidates for governor of Virginia will take place tonight. It gives both major-party candidates an opportunity to create one final impression before voters head to the polls next month. Michael Pope has this preview.
Democratic Delegate Tries To Rebuild Relationship With Rural Virginians
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) speaks during a House session at the state Capitol in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Democrats know they have an image problem among rural Americans. The only Democratic Delegate west of Charlottesville is trying to flip the script. Jessie Knadler reports.
Stink Bug Redux; New Strategies for Controlling Them
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
The sound of stink bugs flying around indoors has become a harbinger of autumn. One has been circling above me the whole time I’ve been writing this story. She looks like she’s trying to get into the ceiling but each time she hits it, she bounces off. Robbie Harris has this update on what scientists are learning about controlling the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
2012 Ultrasound Bill Still A Factor In Lieutenant Governor’s Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. Virginia State Sen. Jill Vogel, right, gestures during a debate with Democrat Justin Fairfax at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
On the campaign trail, issues surrounding women’s health are becoming one of the hottest points of debate between statewide candidates. Michael Pope has details.
Democratic Candidates Propose Single Payer Healthcare
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Supporters of single-payer health care rally in California. A slate of local Democratic lawmakers are proposing something similar here in Virginia. (Credit: AP Photo / Rich Pedroncelli)
The healthcare debate may have simmered down in Congress, but it’s heating up in Virginia. This week, Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates rolled out a proposal for a single payer healthcare system. But Republicans in office quickly shot it down. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lieutenant Governor Candidates Clash Over Guns, Trump
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor State Senator Jill Vogel, right, gestures during a debate with Democrat Justin Fairfax at the University of Richmond, Thursday October 5th, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The recent shooting in Las Vegas is creating a new flashpoint in the final few weeks Election 2017: guns. Michael Pope reports.
Donald Trump is not on the ballot this year in Virginia, but his Presidency was an issue Thursday night.
Fairfax attacked Jill Vogel for her support of Trump. “She supported him in the election. She voted for him. She tweeted on the night that he won that he’s going to make America great again, and that’s what she believes,” Fairfax argued. “Well I don’t think he’s making America great again. I think what he and his appointees are doing are unraveling so much of the protections and so much of the progress that we have made as a country.”
Vogel did not try to distance herself from Trump. “So I am unapologetic about wanting to make Virginia great again, about wanting to make America great again, about being Republican. But I’m also unapologetic about the fact that in ten years in the Senate of Virginia, I have never been afraid to break with my party,” Vogel responded.
Polls show Trump is unpopular in Virginia, which is the only southern state he did not win last year.
The Search For Paw Paw, North America’s Most Mysterious Fruit
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
James River Park System employee Andrew Alli holding a cut paw paw. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
If you’ve ever walked along the James River, you might have spotted a weird, oblong green or brown fruit hanging from a tree or rotting on the ground. But, the only thing weirder than the taste of this mysterious fruit is its story. Brad Kutner reports.
Facebook Comes to Virginia with Billion Dollar Data Center
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017
Lawmakers in Richmond pose with “Facebook” shovels, announcing a deal with tech and social media company. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Facebook is moving into Virginia. The company announced Thursday it will build an almost billion dollar data center in Henrico County, just east of the state’s capitol. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Officials Working to Maintain Voting Integrity Following Russian Hack Attempt
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Sue Ogrocki
As voters begin casting absentee ballots in Election 2017, new details are emerging about the role Russia played in Virginia’s election last year. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Pay for Performance Grant Unique Take on “Free” Community College
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017
Students at John Tyler Community College take advantage of a state grant to earn their Manufacturing Technician Certificate. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
When Charles Griffin saw the flier at work for a Manufacturing Technician class, signing up was a no brainer. He builds refrigeration coils at a nearby plant and having this certificate could mean doubling his hourly pay. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
When It Comes to Cash on Hand, State Republicans Hold a Significant Advantage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Delegate Chris Jones (R-Suffolk) has $700,000 in his campaign account. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
All the buzz this year in the election for House of Delegates has been with the Democrats, who are eager to capitalize on uneasiness with President Trump. But, as Michael Pope reports, most of the money is with the Republicans.
Thousands of Children in Virginia Could Lose Health Insurance by January
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
The federal CHIP program funds healthcare for nearly 9 million children nationwide. (Credit: Terry Vine / Blend Images / Getty Images)
65,000 low income children in Virginia could get cut off from their healthcare if Congress doesn’t act soon. The state is already preparing to send out termination notices for coverage. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Gun Control Discussions Are Sparking Donations to Campaigns on Both Sides of the Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
The mass shooting in Las Vegas is reopening the twin issues of gun rights and gun control in Virginia, just as campaign season is in full swing. And, as Michael Pope reports, both sides of the issue are spending heavily on the issue.
Some Rural Democrats Feel They’re Being Forgotten Ahead of Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Raphine in Rockbridge County (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
With Election Day looming, the Rockbridge County Democratic chairman resigned last week after what he says were months of neglect of rural voters by the Democratic Party of Virginia. Jessie Knadler reports.
High Season For Hawk Watchers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Ron Harris
For birdwatchers in the Blue Ridge this is an exciting time of year. Millions of raptors – hawks and eagles, falcons and kites – are making their way south for the winter. Sandy Hausman reports.
Kaine: Put Virginia’s Best Amazon Headquarters Pitch Forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Senator Mark Warner (left) and Senator Tim Kaine
At a packed hotel ballroom of Northern Virginia’s business leaders, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner made a rare joint appearance Monday to talk about the state of the economy in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Pipeline Expansion Could Mean Additional Compressor Stations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 2, 2017
Credit: atlanticcoastpipeline.com
Dominion Power says they’ve made no decision to expand the Atlantic Coast Pipeline into South Carolina. Last week the AP obtained a recording of Dominion executive Dan Weekly telling people at an energy conference that “everybody knows” the pipeline won’t stop in North Carolina. Mallory Noe-Payne takes a look at what that could mean for Virginia.
Va News Topics: Fredericksburg Relic, Roanoke City Schools SOL Retesting
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 2, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Fredericksburg is the latest city facing a decision about what to do with a relic from the era of slavery, but this time it’s not a statue. And, questions are being asked about Roanoke City Schools’ retesting on some SOL exams. 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 now from Fred Echols.
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