Archive for November, 2017
Traffic Light Dilemma: How Close Should You Get to the Car in Front of You?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 30, 2017
Credit: Kenny Louie / Flickr
Right now, you might be sitting at a stop light, inching forward to make it through the intersection on the next green signal. Researchers at Virginia Tech recently did some work that might get you through faster. Nick Gilmore has details.
Virginia Senators Welcome Virginia Vets To Washington
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 30, 2017
Marine Rob Jones, center, ran 31 marathons on 31 consecutive days in 31 different cities to raise money for veterans charities. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Veterans from across Virginia were on Capitol Hill this week, meeting with senators over coffee and doughnuts. Michael Pope reports.
Mussel Men and Women; Resurrecting a Species
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 30, 2017
Tagged Golden Riffle Shell Mussels bred in vitro to repopulate nearly extinct strain. (Credit: Gary Peeples / USFWS
A federally endangered species of fresh water mussel could be found in only one water way in the world; southwestern Virginia’s Clinch River. But 20 years ago, a chemical spill nearly wiped them out. Now biologists may be on their way to resurrecting them. Robbie Harris got into the creek with the scientists and the baby mussels.
The Campaigns of the Future May Rely Increasingly on Text Messaging
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 29, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Marcio Jose Sanchez
Political campaigns are moving from the television to your smartphone as candidates try to use new technology to reach voters. Texting has become the next frontier for elections. Michael Pope has the story.
With Deadlines Looming, Officials Hope Congress Renews CHIP Funding Soon
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2017
In this May 23, 2017 photo, budget director Mick Mulvaney holds up a copy of President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget as he speaks to members of the media in the Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. His $4.1 trillion plan for the budget year beginning Oct. 1 generally proposed deep cuts in safety net programs, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. (Credit: AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)
Thousands of children and pregnant women may be on the verge of losing their health insurance if Congress does not take action. And, as Michael Pope reports, state officials are hoping that happens soon.
Richmond Hosts Native American Film Fest “Pocahontas Reframed”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2017
Richmond celebrates native American films with its first annual Pocahontas Reframed Festival. (Credit: Indian Country Media Network)
Earlier this month, Virginia hosted a Native American film festival called Pocahontas Reframed. Sandy Hausman reports on the movies, the filmmakers and why organizers thought Richmond the perfect place for such an event.
Why One Virginia City’s Teen Pregnancy Rate Dropped By 70 Percent
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 28, 2017
Credit: Ron Cogswell / Flickr
Nationally, teen pregnancy rates have fallen to historic lows. Here in Virginia nowhere has the change been more drastic than in Petersburg. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Click here to read the Virginia Department of Health announcement.
Click here to read the Pew Research Center report on falling teen pregnancy rates.
Virginia Economy Trails Historical Average and National Growth Rate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
Credit: Center for Economic Analysis and Policy
The Great Recession happened almost a decade ago. But Virginia’s economy is still struggling to recover. Michael Pope reports.
Click here for more from the Center for Economic Analysis and Policy
Virginia Congressional Delegation Weighs In On Opioid Emergency Declaration
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
Credit: Creative Commons
President Donald Trump recently declared the nation’s opioid crisis as a national health emergency. While Republicans are hailing the move, Democrats say it still falls short. Matt Laslo reports.
Opioid Crisis Costs Virginia About $6 Billion a Year in Lost Productivity
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
Credit: Center for Economic Analysis and Policy
Virginia’s opioid crisis has a well-known human cost. But what’s the financial cost? A new study shows how much it is hurting our economy. Michael Pope reports.
Movie Making In Virginia May Not Be A Great Investment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
A clap board is readied during the filming of an American Heroes Channel three-part series about the Revolutionary War in Powhatan County, Va., in 2014. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia taxpayers have spent almost $50 million luring film producers to the state. Movie crews get tax breaks and grants, but new data is casting doubt on whether the investment is worth it. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Oyster Families Remember Life In The Northern Neck
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
Catherine Bundy holding a photo of her with husband Thomas, who perished out on the Rappahannock River while oystering in December 1953. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
It’s wild oyster season around the Chesapeake Bay. In Virginia’s Northern Neck, at Belle Isle State Park, a new exhibit slated to open early next year will feature stories from people who lived and worked there during the 1940s and 1950s.
Two families, the Boatwrights and the Pollards, co-owned the 1000-acre farm and nearby oyster grounds in the Rappahannock River. These are some of their stories:
Saving the History and Heroes of Social Welfare
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
Causes like the 40-hour work week, laws against child labor and winning the vote for women involved heroic fights. VCU Libraries and its partners are sharing images of social welfare heroes online. (Credit: American Labor Museum)
Every picture tells a story. That’s why Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries and partners from across the nation are creating the Image Portal, an online collection focused on social reform and social welfare — things like prohibition, women’s suffrage, civil rights and immigration. Sandy Hausman has details.
Click here to read more about the Social Welfare History Project
The Changing Role Of Libraries In Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
The Library of Virginia in Richmond (Credit: Jason Fuller)
The kids are probably out of school for a few days this week. For some families, that might mean finding some distraction at the local library. With so many other avenues for reading and buying books, not to mention other entertainment choices, have public libraries lost their significance in 2017? Jason Fuller has the story.
Portal Aims To Connect Veterans With Community Colleges
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
Using a new online tool, veterans can more easily get college credit for their work experiences. Virginia’s Community College System unveiled the new online portal this month. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Elections Board Delays Meeting To Certify Close House Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
Workers continue to build bleachers and the reviewing stand as they prepare for the January inauguration of Virginia Governor-elect Ralph Northam at the Capitol in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The Virginia State Board of Elections has postponed a meeting to certify the results in a Fredericksburg-area House of Delegates district where election officials say some voters were given the wrong ballots. Michael Pope reports.
A Thanksgiving-Season Tradition On Wheels
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2017
A match during Turducken Ten. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
It’s not thanksgiving without turkey, stuffing and family, but some folks in Richmond take it a step further. For them, it’s not the Thanksgiving season without the annual Turducken bike polo tournament. Brad Kutner reports.
Activists File Lawsuit Challenging Trump Immigration Changes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Carolyn Kaster
Nurimaro Park, 26, is one of about 800,000 people who had benefited from an Obama-era program that extended protections to immigrants brought illegally to the U.S. as children. Michael Pope reports.
China’s Ancient Terracotta Soldiers on Display in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2017
Credit: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The ancient Chinese terracotta army is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site halfway around the world, but now Virginians will get the chance to glimpse the history in their own backyard. Mallory Noe-Payne has this preview.
Two Uncertified Races in Fredericksburg Could Throw House of Delegates Into Chaos
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon
Control of the House of Delegates is still up in the air two weeks after the election, and election officials are now casting even more uncertainty on two key races. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Declares a New Era for Protests
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2017
Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Brian Moran, says Charlottesville marked a new day for police deal with protests. (Credit Commonwealth of Virginia)
Virginia has entered a new era when it comes to protests. That’s one of many conclusions drawn by a task force set up to study events in Charlottesville on August 12th. The full report will be issued December 1st. Sandy Hausman reports.
Va News Topics: Football Protests And Slow Internet Service
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 21, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The Spotsylvania County school board will not require football players to stand during the national anthem and Halifax County residents are hoping to soon have the kind of internet service that most people already take for granted. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VA News link. More now from Fred Echols.
Richmond Man Goes Upscale with Swine Skins
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 17, 2017
Marty McCauley (Credit: Sandy Hausman / RADIO IQ)
Pork rinds are a staple for Southern snackers – crispy fried pig skin, salty and deep fried. Now, thanks to the efforts of a Richmond man, this humble food is going upscale. Sandy Hausman reports.
Fishery Limits Cause Disputes At Regional Commission Meeting
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 17, 2017
One of Omega Protein’s two new ships out in the Chesapeake Bay. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Meetings of fisheries managers are not exactly a big draw.
But this week, Atlantic state commissioners’ changes in harvests of a menhaden, a baitfish used by crabbers and lobstermen, turned into a hand-wringing session for commercial fishermen, environmentalists, anglers and even the commissioners. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Virginia Approves Carbon Cap and Trade Plan
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
Virginia is one step closer to implementing a cap and trade program. Regulators in Richmond Thursday gave the preliminary stamp of approval on a plan to reduce carbon emissions. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Report Shows Virginia Has Significant Amount of Burdensome Licensing Requirements
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2017
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Does Virginia impose an unnecessary burden on low-income workers? Michael Pope has this report about a new study that calls attention to the state’s requirements for licensing.
The Eighties Return to Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 16, 2017
Gigi Gits, a Richmond celebrity in the 80’s.
Much has been written about the decades when America’s baby boomers came of age. Now, as children raised in the 80’s step into leadership roles, some are looking back on that decade, and the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond is hosting a new show. Sandy Hausman reports.
A Potential Ballot Issue in Fredericksburg Could Determine Who Controls House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 15, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon
Control of the House of Delegates is still in play, and Democrats are calling attention to problems in Fredericksburg. Michael Pope has the story.
Monument Avenue Commission Gets Back to Work
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 15, 2017
Credit: Dronebase / AP
Three months after a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Richmond’s Monument Avenue Commission has deemed it time to get back to work. They held a meeting Tuesday evening at the Library of Virginia. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Campaign Managers Dish the Dirt on Gubernatorial Campaign
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 14, 2017
George Mason University professor Mark Rozell, left, moderates a panel in Arlington featuring Gillespie campaign manager Chris Leavitt, center, and Northam campaign manager Brad Komar. (Credit: Michael Pope)
So what was it really like behind the scenes of a campaign for governor? Michael Pope has this look inside the two major party campaigns.
Women Win Big in Virginia’s Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 14, 2017
Danica Roem is among the many candidates who won historic elections in Virginia Tuesday. (Credit: Getty Images / The Washington Post)
Although half of Americans are female, only about a quarter of state lawmakers are. Arizona and Vermont have the most women in office: 40%. And while Virginia is nowhere close to that, women did win big election night. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
JLARC: Some State Salaries Aren’t Competitive Enough
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 13, 2017
Credit: JLARC
Three-quarters of HR directors at state agencies say they have trouble filling open jobs. The biggest hurdle? Money. That’s according to a new report lawmakers heard in Richmond Monday. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Virginia’s Congressional Representatives Respond to Last Week’s Democratic Sweep
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 13, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite
Last week’s results on Election Day is causing some soul searching among Virginia Republicans. But members of the Congressional delegation are at odds over what the takeaway is. Correspondent Matt Laslo has this report from Washington.
Va News Topics: Portsmouth Police Outreach Unit, Staunton Historic Buildings
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 13, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Portsmouth has created a special police outreach unit as way of dealing with homeless people. And, Staunton is hoping Congress will spare credits for historic buildings as it tries to re-write federal tax law. 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.
Republican Bloodbath: 12 House GOP Members Unseated
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
12 Republican House members are packing up their offices in Richmond and headed home after being fired by voters this week. Michael Pope has this look at the unseated.
Bluegrass Kids Boost Traditional Appalachian Music
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2017
Presley Barker and his bandmates took top honors in the youth competition at this year’s Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax. (Credit: Sandy Hausman / RADIO IQ)
Washington and Lee’s Bluegrass Ensemble presents its fall concert Nov. 11 at 8 – an event that’s free and open to the public. The program will feature a first – the debut of Dueling Basses. It might surprise you to find enthusiasm for this traditional Appalachian music on a college campus, but as Sandy Hausman discovered at the Old Fiddler’s Convention, bluegrass has made a comeback.
Former Felons Also Took to the Polls Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2017
Credit: AP Photo
More than two and a half million Virginians went to the polls Tuesday to elect a new Governor. For some it was the first time they had voted in years, if at all. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Flood-Proofing Virginia’s Military Bases Could Be A Very Expensive Venture
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 9, 2017
Col. Keith Morrow, U.S. Army (Ret.), Deputy Mission Support Commander talks about flooding issues at Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
You may remember earlier this year when President Trump made a call to the mayor of Tangier Island. The island is slowly disappearing into the Chesapeake Bay, sinking at the same time sea-level is rising at a faster pace due to climate change. Trump told him not to worry. But his Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, is doing the opposite, facing down climate change as a threat to national security.
Recently, top regional brass spent a day with scientists and policymakers at the William & Mary Law School. All agreed, it’s going to be a long, very expensive battle. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
With A Few Races Still Undecided, Talk of Power Sharing Picks Up in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2017
The Virginia State Capitol Building (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Democrats are within striking distance of taking control of the House of Delegates. But as Michael Pope reports, they’re not there yet.
Governor-Elect Ralph Northam Gives First Post-Election Press Conference
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2017
Governor-elect Ralph Northam gestures during a news conference at the Capitol in Richmond earlier today. Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie in Thursday’s election. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginians are getting a first glimpse of their new Governor today. Democrat Ralph Northam beat Republican Ed Gillespie in Tuesday’s election. Mallory Noe-Payne reports from the state capitol.
Early Numbers Suggest Voter Turnout Could be Stronger than 2013
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 7, 2017
Karina Smith holds her son Kyler Smith, 2, as she fills out her ballot at a polling place Tuesday, Nov. 7th, 2017, in Alexandria, Va. (Credit: AP Photo / Alex Brandon)
Election officials are reporting a steady stream of voters across the state, as Virginians pick a new governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Some close races for the House of Delegates and lots of local contests are also drawing voters out.
In Roanoke, about 13% of the city’s registered voters had cast ballots as of 10 am. And in Montgomery County, the turnout figure as of 10 o’clock was 16%. Joe Staniunas has this early look at voter turnout.
Gillespie, Northam and Hyra Make Last Pitches Before Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2017
Republican Ed Gillespie (left), Libertarian Cliff Hyra (center) and Democrat Ralph Northam (right) are vying to be Virginia’s next governor. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber, File)
The candidates vying to be Virginia’s next governor campaigned across the state today with hopes of making one last appeal to voters before polls open tomorrow morning.
When Virginians head to the polls tomorrow, they will elect a new governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. All 100 seats in the House of Delegates will also be up for grabs. And, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, Democrats are feeling the pressure.
Republican Ed Gillespie says he’s finishing his race for governor strong, and that he’s the one heading into Election Day with the big momentum. Michael Pope has details.
With polls showing such a tight race, Libertarian Cliff Hyra says he’s not afraid to possibly play spoiler.
Hyra has been polling at about 2%. He says success Tuesday would be mean better setting up his party for the future.
Polls open tomorrow morning at 6 and will remain open until 7 PM. You can find more details on where to vote and what materials are needed to cast your ballot here.
Va News Topics: Richmond City Treasurer, Dilwyn Town Council
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Voters in Richmond know they will soon have a new City Treasurer, but they have no idea what the treasurer’s duties will be once in office. Meanwhile, in Dilwyn the entire town council missed the filing deadline to run for re-election. 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.
It’s Open Enrollment: Here’s What You Need to Know About the ACA in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Andrew Harnik, File
It’s open enrollment season for health care via the Affordable Care Act. And while uncertainty over federal policy has meant a big jumps in prices, it’s also meant a jump in subsidies. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Since August, Candidates Have Shifted Tactics on Confederate Monuments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 3, 2017
City workers drape a tarp over the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
If you had asked Virginians a year ago what topics would dominate the race for Governor, Confederate monuments might not have topped the list. But a rally in Charlottesville changed everything. Now, Confederate monuments have become a flashpoint in the race for Virginia’s next Governor. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look Into Turnout Projections Ahead Of Next Week’s Statewide Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 3, 2017
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Voters are headed to the polls this week to elect a governor, a lieutenant governor and an attorney general. Plus all 100 seats of the House of Delegates. But how many voters will show up on Election Day? Michael Pope has this look at turnout projections.
The Makeup of This Year’s Voter Turnout Could Determine Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 2, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Alexander F. Yuan
Voters are headed to the polls this month to vote for three statewide races and every member of the House of Delegates. But the electorate this year will not look like the one that turned out last year for the presidential election. Michael Pope takes this look at odd-year voters.
Libertarian to Other Candidates for Governor: Grow Up
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 2, 2017
Cliff Hyra, the Libertarian candidate for Virginia governor, gestures during an interview in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Five days before Virginians elect their next Governor, the third-party candidate is accusing his opponents of acting like children. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Polling is All Over the Map in Hotly Contested Race for Governor
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2017
Democratic candidate Ralph Northam and Republican candidate Ed Gillespie at a debate last month. A number of recent polls show different results in the hotly contested race for governor. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Polling in Virginia’s gubernatorial race is a mixed bag, with different polls predicting different results next week. Michael Pope has the story.
Following The Money From High-Interest Lenders To Lawmakers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 1, 2017
LoanMax is the most generous high-interest leader lender, giving about $350,000 this election cycle. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Companies that offer high-interest loans are fighting back against efforts to reform their industry, and part of that effort involves writing checks to political campaigns. Michael Pope reports.
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