Archive for January, 2019
ACLU Joins Call for More Information on How Virginia Handles Solitary Confinement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 10, 2019

Credit: David Nakayama / Creative Commons
Democratic lawmakers and the ACLU of Virginia are pushing for more information on how the state uses solitary confinement. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Republicans Skeptical of Some of Northam’s Progressive Proposals
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 10, 2019
Reaction to the governor’s state of the commonwealth address was mixed, mostly falling along partisan lines.
Michael Pope has the story.
Northam Stresses Cooperation in Address to Lawmakers
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 10, 2019

Gov. Ralph Northam
Virginia’s Governor delivered the State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night.
As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, he got consistent applause from lawmakers in both parties by focusing on bipartisan successes from last year, like expanding Medicaid and rolling back regulations.
Republicans Outline Legislative Priorities for 2019 Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2019
Even though Democrats may have won every statewide election since 2009, Republicans are in control of the House and the Senate. Michael Pope has this preview of their priorities for this year’s General Assembly session.
Examining General Assembly Politics in an Election Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 9, 2019
Lawmakers are assembling in Richmond for this year’s General Assembly session. The session is expected to last about two months, but many lawmakers are already looking ahead to November. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Board Approves Compressor Station for Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 8, 2019

Opponents of the compressor station express their disagreement by turning their backs to the Air Pollution Control Board. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
A state board gave unanimous approval today to a controversial compressor station for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Dominion Energy plans to build the station in a historically African-American community in Buckingham County. Mallory Noe-Payne was there as the board voted, and has this report.
State Lawmaker Wants to Reconsider Virginia’s Ban on Guns in Churches
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 8, 2019

Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr
Do guns belong in churches and synagogues? Lawmakers are about to take up that issue in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Port of Virginia Invests to Land Bigger Ships and More Business
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 8, 2019
Virginia has the nation’s number five port – serving an average of 40 ships a week – connecting more than 200 countries.
And despite talk of trade wars in Washington, Sandy Hausman reports that the place is poised to grow.
Dems Say Gun Regulations Could Save Lives
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 7, 2019
On Monday, House Democrats outlined a set of legislative proposals dealing with gun safety. They say the measures are focused on saving lives. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
At Least One Virginia Lawmaker Wants to Criminalize 3D-Printed Firearms
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 7, 2019

Credit: Justin Pickard / Flickr
The rise of 3D printing is creating a whole new world for manufacturing all kinds of items. But it’s also created new concerns about security at courthouses and airports. Michael Pope reports one Virginia lawmaker is hoping to update the code.
Va. News: Cville Police Hiring Woes, Pet Owners Seeking Vets who Prescribe Opioids
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 7, 2019
Like many cities, Charlottesville is struggling to keep its police officers, but its problem is more complicated than in most places…and veterinarians are being drawn into Virginia’s opioid crisis.
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.
Republicans Look to Derail “Hidden” Tax Hike
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 4, 2019
Federal lawmakers are wrestling with how to handle a budget standoff over a wall at the southern border.
But as Michael Pope reports, state lawmakers may soon be in the midst of their own budget standoff.
Fixing Virginia’s School Counselor Ratio May Be Easier Said Than Done
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 3, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
After several high-profile school shootings, lawmakers are trying to figure out how to make the classroom safer. But, they may be at odds over how much money to spend. Michael Pope reports.
Nursing Professor Looks for Links Between Domestic Violence, Strangulation and Damage to the Brain
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on January 3, 2019

A forensic exam kit used by nurses like Kathryn Laughon.
(Credit UVA School of Nursing)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports a decrease in calls over the holidays, but when January rolls around those numbers rise again.
In many cases, women report being choked – an assault that may not look as serious as it is.
Sandy Hausman explains. And this report, while clinical, may be a sensitive topic for some listeners.
General Assembly to Consider Giving Teachers a Raise
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 2, 2019
How much money should Virginia teachers be paid? That’s an issue that’s about to take center stage in Richmond when the General Assembly meets next week. Michael Pope reports.
In Lee County, Arming Teachers Seems Like the Only Option Left
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 2, 2019

Students at St. Charles Elementary in Lee, Virginia go to school in a building constructed in the 1930’s and don’t have a school resource officer. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Since the Parkland shooting in Florida lawmakers, teachers and parents are thinking more about school security. But as officials in one Virginia county know, keeping kids safe in remote rural schools can be more difficult than protecting city and suburban schools.
Lee County has 11 schools, but can only afford four resource officers. To help fill the gap they’re turning to teachers and administrators — training them and hoping they’ll get permission from the state to let them carry guns in the classroom.
Mallory Noe-Payne traveled to the far southwestern corner of the state, and has this report.
Mallory Noe-Payne has more on Lee County’s plan to arm teachers.