Archive for April, 2019

School Discipline Disparities Get Attention on Capitol Hill

BobbyScottDemocrats in Congress are pushing back against a Trump administration directive on racial disparities in student discipline. And, a Virginia congressman is leading the charge. Michael Pope reports.

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A Look at Virginia’s Rate of “Urbanization”

urbanizationVirginia is urbanizing at a faster rate than the rest of the country. Michael Pope is looking into the numbers.

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State Fight Against Obesity to Include Environmental Factors

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Nearly a third of Virginia’s adult population has obesity. A new statewide plan is looking to address the issue.

Mallory Noe-Payne has details.

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Va. News: Danville residents mixed on Casinos, Pitcher from Southside brings local fish to Milwaukee

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A Southside Virginia native who has made it big in baseball is taking his favorite piece of his hometown with him.

And Danville residents seem to have mixed feelings about the possibility of a casino coming to town.

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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Virginia gets High Grade for Financial Education

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(Credit: Champlain College Center for Financial Literacy)

Here’s one thing Virginia is getting right: financial education in high schools.

Michael Pope explains why.

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Analyzing Virginia’s “Economic Mobility”

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Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons

Is Virginia a place where individuals can move up the income scale based on merit and hard work? One new study challenges that idea. Michael Pope explains why.

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After 100 Days Controlling the House, Virginia Dems Tout Accomplishments, Intra-Party Debate

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(Credit: Rog Cogswell via flickr.com / CC)

This month Democrats reached their 100th day controlling the U. S. House of Representatives. But some fissures are starting to show in the party.

Washington Correspondent Matt Laslo reports on how some new lawmakers are starting to show some frustration with life in the nation’s capital.

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Following FAA Approval, Drone Deliveries on the Way to New River Valley

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The Wing company, a Google spinoff, has won federal approval to operate its drone delivery system as an airline in the U.S. That system will begin in the New River Valley. (Credit: Wing)

The Old Dominion is about to start looking a bit like a science fiction movie. Michael Pope reports on the future of drone deliveries in Virginia.

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Who Needs Broadband? Virginia Pushes Forward with Expansion Despite Not Having the Answer

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Credit: Marcie Casas / Creative Commons

Some residents of Virginia still hear that annoying dial up tone when they connect to the Internet. The state estimates more than 600,000 residents don’t have high speed broadband. There’s a surprising barrier, but the state isn’t letting it stop them from getting people connected. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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A Breakdown of New Crime Statistics from the Virginia State Police, FBI

StateSeal00New data suggests crime is down across Virginia. Michael Pope has details.

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Why Biden Bypassed Charlottesville for Campaign Kickoff

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 (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Late last week rumors circulated that Joe Biden would come to Virginia to announce a run for the presidency, but it now appears he’ll be going elsewhere.

Sandy Hausman reports on why his campaign might have considered launching from Charlottesville and what may have scared them off.

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New Census Data Suggests Southwest Virginia is Continuing to Shrink

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New Census data shows Tazewell County has lost 10% of its population over the last decade. (Credit: visittazewellcounty.org)

New numbers from the Census show Northern Virginia continues to add population. But, the new numbers also show a slow and steady decline in Southwest Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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Va. News: Limits on catching Rockfish, Portsmouth may end Misdemeanor Marijuana charges

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Another Virginia prosecutor has announced plans to stop trying misdemeanor marijuana cases.  And Virginia may shorten this year’s striped bass season.

 

 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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Virginia Set to Lower Carbon Emissions

StateSeal00Virginia regulators have made environmental history Friday, making the Commonwealth the first southern state to take drastic moves to lower carbon emissions by joining a regional cap and trade program. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Now That the Presidency is Off the Table, What’s Next for McAuliffe?

McAuliffeFormer Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s announcement that he will not be running for president may end up reshuffling the deck for this year’s statehouse elections. Michael Pope reports.

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Could Medicaid Reimbursement Be a Solution to Black Maternal Mortality?

StateSeal00This year, lawmakers took action to start collecting data on Virginia’s maternal mortality rate. But, that may end up being just the beginning of the effort. Michael Pope reports.

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NASA Aims for Space and Battles Erosion on Wallops Island

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NASA Wallops Flight Facility shoreline that is undergoing replenishment this year. To the left is the launch pad under preparation in February for April’s launch.
(Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore sits at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a climate change hot spot, where rising waters and stronger storms are eroding about 12 feet of shoreline every year.

For NASA, science and persistence are major tools in climate resilience.

Pamela D’Angelo reports.

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Financial Reports Show What Races Are a Priority for Republicans and Democrats This Fall

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Credit: NPR

All 140 seats in the General Assembly are up for grabs this November. Campaign finance reports released this week show what races Republicans and Democrats are prioritizing. Micheal Pope has details.

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O’Rourke is First Presidential Hopeful to Visit Virginia

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Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ

The 2020 Presidential campaign has arrived in Virginia. The first of 18 Democratic candidates is campaigning today in the Commonwealth. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Examining Tax Freedom Day in Virginia

StateSeal00This week’s tax filing deadline has many people thinking about the tax burden they face. But today marks another significant tax-related event. Michael Pope has details.

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Va. News: Norfolk offers Teacher Stipend at ‘troubled schools’, Historic Marker recognizes dark past

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Credit: Virginia Public Access Project

For the first time, Virginia is acknowledging a dark aspect of its history with a roadside marker. And Norfolk has a plan to encourage teachers to stay in troubled schools. More now from Fred Echols.

Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VA News link.

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New Analysis Catalogs the Wealth of Virginia Lawmakers

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How wealthy are members of the General Assembly?

Michael Pope found some answers.

Click here to see the complete data from VPAP

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Data Shows Racial Disparity in Richmond Policing

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Credit: Wikimedia

Black residents in Richmond are more likely to be stopped by police than white residents. That’s according to data the police department has handed over to a grassroots group pushing for more police accountability. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Is McAuliffe About to Announce His Presidential Campaign?

McAuliffeA former Virginia governor may be on the verge of announcing for president. Michael Pope reports.

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VCU to Offer New Minor in LGBTQ Studies

584b7ab80be21.image_Students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond will have the opportunity next year to pursue a new minor in LGBT+ and Queer Studies. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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With Every Seat Up for Grabs, Many Republicans are Calling it Quits at the General Assembly

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Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr

Nine lawmakers are calling it quits, stepping down from their position in the General Assembly. Michael Pope has the breakdown.

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New Data Offers Insight into Civil War Population

StateSeal00Researchers at the University of Virginia are using some new data to learn about a very old subject: the Civil War. Michael Pope reports.

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Proposed Changes to NAFTA Could Be Very Damaging to Virginia’s Economy

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Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons

International trade is playing an increasing role in Virginia’s economy, which means that a debate about to take place in Congress could have dramatic consequences for the Commonwealth. Michael Pope reports.

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Cardiac Cavs Force Overtime, Win National Championship

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The University of Virginia outlasted Texas Tech in overtime, 85-77, Monday night in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game.

Greg Echlin has more from Minneapolis where UVA made team history with its first men’s hoops title.

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Paystub Protections Are Now Law in Virginia, With One Notable Exception

StateSeal00Workers across Virginia are about to get a new guarantee — a paystub showing how their salary was calculated and what kind of withholdings were taken out. Michael Pope reports.

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UVA Squeaks by Auburn, Will Play for National Championship Monday Night

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After a bizarre finish to the first national semifinal game on Saturday night, the Virginia Cavaliers are in their first men’s basketball title game Monday night against Texas Tech.

Greg Echlin has more from Minneapolis.

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Va. News: Empty boxes at the Port of Virginia, One Person’s FOIA requests tying up Pulaski County

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The Port of Virginia says many of the containers it’s shipping out are empty. That’s not a good sign for the U.S. balance of trade.  And Pulaski County leaders say one person is using the Freedom of Information Act to tie up months of staff time.

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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Advocates for Menstrual Equity Shift Attention to Schools

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Women across Virginia are about to get a tax break on feminine hygiene products.

Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia Cavaliers Ready for Final Four

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The University of Virginia men’s basketball team is getting ready to play Auburn in the Final Four Saturday night.

Greg Echlin  has more from Minneapolis.

UVA coach Tony Bennett isn’t far from his roots at the Men’s Final Four in Minneapolis.

Greg Echlin explains why.

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General Assembly Agrees to End License Suspensions for Unpaid Court Costs

 

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Credit: Patrick Feller via flickr.com / CC

More than half a million people in Virginia with outstanding court fines are about to get their driver’s licenses back.

That’s thanks to a budget amendment from Democratic Governor Ralph Northam that was approved yesterday by a Republican-led General Assembly.

Michael Pope reports.

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Lawmakers Approve Funding Plan for Interstate 81 Improvements

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Credit: Jeff Bossert / RADIO IQ

Drivers along the Interstate 81 corridor are about to see higher gas taxes and new infrastructure improvements. Michael Pope reports.

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Fairfax Seeks Investigation of Assault Allegations

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Credit: Creative Commons

Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is asking law enforcement to investigate claims he sexually assaulted two women. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Fairfax again said the allegations are untrue. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

Meanwhile, Republicans in the statehouse are pushing for a public legislative hearing as a means to determine the truth.

Delegate Todd Gilbert suggests a lie detector test is meaningless.

Democrats say a bipartisan hearing would merely be political spectacle. Their lack of support leaves the possibility in limbo.

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Northam Working to Increase Affordable Housing Options, GOP Support Remains Unclear

virginia_flag_map_0Lawmakers are returning to Richmond Wednesday, where they’ll be considering a proposal from the governor to invest more money into affordable housing. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia May End Driver’s License Suspensions for Unpaid Court Fees After All

StateSeal00Lawmakers will return to Richmond this week to finish up some loose ends from this year’s General Assembly session. And one issue that is expected to be at the top of the agenda is suspended drivers licenses. Michael Pope reports.

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‘I Was So Ashamed’ Fairfax Accuser Describes Alleged Assault

screen_shot_2019-04-01_at_3.26.21_pmTwo women accusing Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax of sexual assault are now going public, giving their first television interviews since coming forward in February. Fairfax continues to deny the accusations, saying the encounters were consensual. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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Va. News: Virginia Lottery faced 1990’s controversy, new rules for Roanoke dog owners

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Rental property owners are bringing 21st-Century technology into the battle against dog poop…and we take a look back at the time the Virginia State Lottery was at the center of an intercontinental controversy. 

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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Data Shows Steady Decline of Virginia Manufacturing Jobs

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Source: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

Manufacturing in Virginia is suffering, according to data from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

Michael Pope looked into the numbers.

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