Archive for November, 2018

Photographer, Victims Describe Terrifying Scene of Charlottesville Car Attack

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flickr.com / CC

Three victims of the deadly crash following a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville testified Friday, along with an award-winning photographer who took pictures of the event.

Sandy Hausman is covering the trial of the man accused of deliberately driving his car into a crowd.

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New Virginia Reps Get Crash Course in Congress

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(Credit Rog Cogswell via flickr.com / CC)

Virginia just sent five new lawmakers to Washington who have spent the past few weeks going through freshmen orientation.

Correspondent Matt Laslo has this snapshot of their time at the Capitol.

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RC Poll: Consumer Sentiment Heavily Dependent on Political Affiliation in Virginia

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Credit: Roanoke College

How healthy is Virginia’s economy? The answer to that question might just depend on how you vote. Michael Pope reports.

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Witnesses in Fields Trial Recount Deadly Crash

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Barricades line the sidewalk outside the Charlottesville City courthouse. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne)

A young man hit by a car after a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville gave dramatic testimony Thursday, and the defense hinted at its strategy in opening arguments.

Sandy Hausman was in court and filed this report.

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Melania Trump to Liberty University Students: Remove the Stigma of Opioid Addiction

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First Lady Melania Trump as seen on a video screen in Liberty University’s Vines Center
(Credit: David Seidel)

First Lady Melania Trump Wednesday stressed the need to remove the stigma from opioid addiction.

David Seidel reports she also opened up about what she tells her own son about the danger.

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Yes, There ARE Fewer Stink Bugs This Year

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Credit: Katja Schulz via Flickr.com / CC

Have you noticed there are fewer Stink Bugs around this year? Robbie Harris reports on why that it is and what we might expect going forward.

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Millenials Are Leading the Way in Virginia’s Rising Homeownership Rate

homeownershipThe recession ended a decade ago. But in some ways, Virginia’s housing industry is just now starting to recover. Michael Pope reports.

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Auto Loan Delinquencies On the Rise in Virginia

Auto Loan Delinquency in VirginiaIt’s been a decade since the subprime mortgage crisis tanked the global economy. Now, there’s another potential bubble about to burst. Michael Pope reports.

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Turning Pig Poop into Natural Gas

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Align Renewable Natural Gas

Hog farmers in Virginia could soon be making money on an overlooked by-product  — methane gas.

Mallory Noe-Payne has details on a new venture between Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods.

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RC Poll: Virginia Shoppers Looking to Spend This Holiday Season

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Credit: Roanoke College

The holiday shopping season is now officially upon us. And one recent survey of shoppers reveals this is likely to be a lucrative year. Michael Pope reports.

You can find the survey here.

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Man Charged in White Nationalist Rally to Argue Self-defense

Cville Courthouse Monday

Barricades line the sidewalk outside the Charlottesville City courthouse Monday. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne)

Jury selection began in Charlottesville Monday for the trial of James Fields, Junior.

He’s accused of murdering Heather Heyer, and injuring several others, when he drove a car into a crowd during the Unite the Right Rally.

Mallory Noe-Payne has been in court and has this report.

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Va. News: Rappahannock Oral History Vindicated, Pardoned Turkeys at Virginia Tech

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New research is vindicating oral histories passed down by Virginia’s Rappahanock Tribe. And a pair of turkeys recently pardoned at the White House will enjoy their retirement  at Virginia Tech.

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.

 

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Fighting Ice with Ice: VT Engineers Invent Environmentally Friendly Frost Preventing Technology

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Deicing airplanes using antifreeze chemicals is a common practice during winter months. Virginia Tech’s new anti-frosting technology has the potential for use in aerospace applications, including airplane wing manufacturing

We’ve all heard the saying “fight fire with fire.” 

Well, scientists at Virginia Tech have a new twist on that idea.  They’ve come up with a way to “fight ice with ice.”

As Robbie Harris reports, it could revolutionize the way we de-ice everything from airplanes to windshields without harming the environment.

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Even With Medicaid Expansion, There’s Still Debate Over Work Requirements

StateSeal00Democrats have been trying to expand Medicaid for years, and they were unsuccessful until this year when they cut a deal with Republicans to institute work requirements. Now, as Michael Pope reports, those work requirements are creating a new set of difficulties.

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On Immigration Where Congress Fails, States Step In

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As gridlock in Congress prevents meaningful action on immigration, state lawmakers have begun to fill in the gap.

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, Virginia’s legislature is one of the busiest — taking a lead in state-based immigration legislation.

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Congress to Consider Beyer’s School Seclusion Bill

399px-Don_Beyer,_official_114th_Congress_photo_portraitMembers of Congress are about to consider a piece of school legislation that has its origins in the Virginia General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.

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“It’ll Be 40 to 60 Years” A History of the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia

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Virginia is on the verge of history. The commonwealth could be the 38th, and final state, to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

The amendment to the U.S. constitution guarantees rights based on gender.

Momentum around the cause has surged, giving activists hope this could be the year.

But as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the fight began decades ago.

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VCU to Study Opioid Withdrawal Treatment

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Doctors at Virginia Commonwealth University are beginning a study that could save lives by changing the way people with opioid addiction are treated.

Sandy Hausman has that story.

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State Lawmakers May Soon Consider Ethics of Medicaid Aid in Dying

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Credit: Wellness Corporate Solutions / Flickr / wellnesscorporatesolutions.com

Should doctors help terminally ill patients end their lives? That’s a moral debate that’s about to unfold in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.

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New Virginia Democrats Deciding on House Speaker

 

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi (Credit: Julio Obscua via flickr.com/CC)

The Commonwealth’s newly elected Democrats who voters just sent to Washington will now be pivotal in writing Nancy Pelosi’s future.

Correspondent Matt Laslo has the story from Washington.

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Does Virginia Need So Many Occupational Licenses?

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Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons

For many jobs in Virginia, workers are required to get a license. But what’s the cost of all those licenses? Michael Pope reports.

You can find the new report here.

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With New Research Ship, VIMS Steps Up the Science

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Three-year-old Trent digs into the sand at Yorktown waterfront. Behind him visitors tour VIMS new research vessel Virginia. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science is stepping up the science behind managing state fisheries, as well as research on how the planet is changing with a newly built 93-foot, state-of-the-art research vessel, the R/V Virginia.

Pamela D’Angelo went aboard to take a look.

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Va. News: Eastern Shore economy benefits from launches, Driverless Shuttles in Albermarle County

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Going to the beach is generally seen as a summer tradition but hotels and restaurants on Virginia’s Chincoteague Island are doing excellent year-round business thanks to rocket science. And a new shuttle service is coming to Albemarle County but you won’t have to tip the driver.

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.

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Affordable Housing in Virginia Remains Difficult to Find

rentersThe economy is booming, and Virginia is doing well in a number of areas. But, some are being left behind. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Think School Counselors Should Spend More Time Counseling

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Credit: joeannenah / Flickr

What will it take for Virginia schools to be more secure? A panel of lawmakers recently looked at the issue and made a number of key recommendations. Michael Pope reports.

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Can Tangier Island Survive?

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(Credit: Sandy Hausman)

As hurricane season draws to a close, Virginians who live on the coast may be feeling relief, but for residents of Tangier Island the threat of being overwhelmed by wind and waves remains.

They could become the first climate change refugees in this country.

This fall, the state promised to spend 3-million-dollars on a sea wall to protect Tangier’s harbor, but locals want a wall to surround their shrinking island as Sandy Hausman reports.

Note: There are three parts to this report below.

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Environmental Groups Warn of Coal Ash Health Risk at Conservation Area

StateSeal00It could cost billions to recycle toxic coal ash currently sitting in lagoons across Virginia. That’s according to a report Dominion Energy gave to lawmakers this week. At the same time, two environmental groups now say coal ash ponds in Chesterfield could pose a risk to human health. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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In Potential New Leadership Role, Scott Planning to Join Fight for 15

BobbyScottAs Democrats plan to take control of the House of Representatives, one Virginia congressman is poised to control a key committee. And he’s already making plans for what he wants to do in that position. Michael Pope reports.

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Could Releasing More Prisoners Help Lower Costs?

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Virginia is spending a growing amount on healthcare for inmates. That’s according to a report presented to lawmakers Tuesday.

To help lower those costs, Virginia’s legislative watchdog agency recommends the state make it easier to release sick and elderly inmates.

Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Equal Rights Amendment Bus Tour Kicks Off

ERA YEs

Activists are pushing for Virginia’s lawmakers to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment this year, potentially changing the United States Constitution.

To help raise awareness, a group is driving around the state. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

 

 

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Va. News: Cell Phone Snooping, Protests at the UDC

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Charlottesville police have a new tool. And the United Daughters of the Confederacy canceled a planned ceremony in Richmond when protesters gathered.

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.

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How Tuesday’s Senate Election Could Determine Next November’s Battlegrounds

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The 2018 election is now in the books.

But get ready for the next election cycle because the primary is only about seven months away.

Michael Pope has this preview.

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State Regulators Consider Buckingham Compressor Station

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John and Ruby Laury fear the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will rob them of clean air, clean water and the quiet of their rural neighborhood. (Credit: Sandy Hausman / RADIO IQ)

A state regulatory board is preparing to vote on a key permit for a giant compressor station in rural Virginia. Dominion will use the station to push natural gas through the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

But opponents say the construction is being thrust on a historically black community. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Virginia Democrats Seem Likely to Take on New Leadership Roles in Congress

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Congressman Bobby Scott, who will likely become the next chairman of the Education Committee. (Credit: US Congress)

Now that Democrats have taken control of the House, Democrats in Virginia’s congressional delegation are about to take on a new and more significant role in the next Congress. Michael Pope reports.

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Spanberger Wins a Nail-biter

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In Virginia’s 7th Congressional District Democrat Abigail Spanberger has declared victory.

After hours of nail-biting vote counting, the Associated Press called the race just past midnight.

Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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“We’re not going back,” says Kaine on election night

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Sen. Tim Kaine

Senator Tim Kaine cruised to victory on election night, scoring one of the first victories of the evening.

Michael Pope has the story.

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Women Win Big in Virginia

virginia_flag_map_0Yesterday, Virginians elected three new congress-women to represent the state on Capitol Hill. It was one of the largest gains for women in the country. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Northern Virginia is No Longer a Republican Stronghold

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Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons

Northern Virginia was once a bastion of economic conservatism. But now, as Michael Pope reports, the region has only one elected Republican official at the state or federal level.

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Ben Cline Wins 6th District Seat

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Republican Ben Cline gives his victory speech in Roanoke Tuesday evening. (Credit: Nick Gilmore / RADIO IQ)

Virginia’s 6th Congressional District has been represented by a Republican for more than two decades. And, as Nick Gilmore reports, that trend will continue with a new face.

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Turnout Reported as Heavy Across Virginia

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Turnout is up all over Virginia, in some places it’s on track with presidential election years.

Michael Pope reports from a voting precinct in Alexandria.

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At the Intersection of Civic Duty and Public Transportation

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  Archie Jones voted for the first time ever Tuesday.
(Credit Mallory Noe-Payne)

Turnout across Virginia is reported to be heavier than an average mid-term election.

In Richmond and other cities, to help get people to the polls bus rides are free.

Mallory Noe-Payne hopped on board and filed this report.

 

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Justices Hear Arguments Over Virginia Uranium Mining Ban

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The United States Supreme Court (Credit: DBKING via Flickr / CC)

Justices of the United States Supreme Court are now considering a legal challenge to Virginia’s ban on uranium mining. Michael Pope is at the court with the latest.

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Va. News: Fairfax County Floodplain Development, Funeral Directors Seeking Office

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Another Virginia community is confronting the question of whether to allow development in a flood plain…  And funeral directors seem to be emerging as the newest political class in Hampton Roads.

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.

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Northam Signs Climate Change Executive Order

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Gov. Ralph Northam signs the executive order. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)

During the past 20 years, Virginia has experienced a 250 percent increase in federally declared disasters.

Citing those statistics and damage across the state from recent hurricanes, Governor Ralph Northam on Friday, signed an executive order to protect state-owned assets and the economy by reducing the impacts of climate change such as tidal and storm surge flooding in coastal Virginia.

Pamela D’Angelo reports.

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What Will Turnout Look Like on Election Day?

midtermturnoutVoters are headed to the polls next week to vote in the midterm elections. But how many are expected to show up? Michael Pope has a forecast.

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U. S. Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Virginia’s Uranium Mining Ban

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(Credit: dbking via flick.com / CC)

The owners of a huge deposit of uranium in Pittsylvania County want to mine it. But a long-standing Virginia ban on the process is stopping them.

On November 5th, they’ll ask the United States Supreme Court to decide if that ban is constitutional.

Michael Pope has a preview.

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Virginia Has One Congresswoman, That Could Change Come Tuesday

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Rep. Barbara Comstock

Of Virginia’s 11 Congressional representatives, only one is female — Republican Barbara Comstock of Northern Virginia. But this Election Day, that could change.

After a wave of women were elected to the statehouse last year, there’s been a push this year to do the same in Congress.

Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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