Archive for December, 2019
“Middle Housing”: Equal Access or a War on Suburbs?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 31, 2019
Zoning decisions are usually made by your local government. But, lawmakers in Richmond are thinking about getting into the act. Michael Pope reports.
2019 Was a Busy Year for Virginia’s Congressional Delegation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 31, 2019

Credit: NPR
2019 was a historic year in Washington for many reasons, including the new makeup of the freshmen class that states like Virginia made more diverse than any others. Correspondent Matt Laslo reports that besides making history, the Commonwealth ended the year on a legislative high note.
Redistricting Debate Likely to Take Center Stage Again Next Month in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 30, 2019
One of the biggest issues in next year’s General Assembly session is likely to be a leftover issue from last year — gerrymandering. Michael Pope reports.
Some Virginia Congressional Leaders Are Beyond Ready to Shift Focus From Impeachment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 30, 2019

Credit: Rog Cogswell / Creative Commons
Members of the Virginia congressional delegation are glad that impeachment has moved out of the House, because it distracted from many of their priorities last year. Correspondent Matt Laslo has the story from the Capitol.
Va. News: Weather’s impact on the White Oak, Record Pedestrian Bridge helps Southwest Virginia
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 30, 2019
Tourism in Southwest Virginia is about to get a boost… and state officials are monitoring a spike in reported losses of White Oak trees.
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.
Legislation to Fix the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund is Now Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 27, 2019
Before they left town for the holidays, members of Congress and President Trump took action to help victims of the Virginia Beach shooting. Michael Pope reports.
2019 State of the Commonwealth Report: A Healthy Virginia Economy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 24, 2019

Credit: Old Dominion University
Virginia’s economy continued to expand this year. Nick Gilmore reports that’s the finding of Old Dominion University’s annual State of the Commonwealth report.
You can find the full report here.
Democratic Gun Control Legislation May Bar Guns From State Capitol
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 24, 2019

Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Gun control is expected to be one of the top agenda items for Democrats as they take control of the General Assembly next month. And, that could include a ban on guns in and around the Capitol. Michael Pope reports.
Poll Points to Support for Loan Limits
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2019
Virginia voters want to see the General Assembly take action on curbing high-interest lending in Virginia.
That’s one finding of a poll that may factor into the upcoming session. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Aims to Gather Better Data About Internet Service Areas
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2019

Rep. Donald McEachin
Bad data on service and quality from internet service providers is frustrating to many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.
Now one Virginia congressman is doing something about it. Michael Pope reports.
Beyer Bill Would Bring Comparison Shopping to Health Care
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 23, 2019
As Congress approaches the end of the year, the Democratic House majority is introducing a flurry of new legislation — including reforms to health care.
One bill aims to create more transparency about the cost of care. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Attorney General: 2nd Amendment Sanctuary resolutions “have no legal effect”
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 20, 2019

Attorney General Mark Herring
Attorney General Mark Herring says Virginia localities have no legal standing to exempt themselves from gun control legislation.
As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, he issued an advisory opinion on the question Friday.
Line in the Sand or Symbolic Statement: 2nd Amendment Sanctuary Movement Grows in Virginia
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 20, 2019

Amelia county resident Troy Carter speaks to the county Board of Supervisors shortly before they vote to become a Second Amendment Sanctuary. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne)
In the past week, at least five more Virginia localities have voted to become Second Amendment Sanctuaries, a symbolic gesture of support for gun rights.
Mallory Noe-Payne was in Amelia County Wednesday night for one of the most recent votes.
She has this look at the growing trend.
A Look at How Presidential Candidates Get on Virginia’s Primary Ballot
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 19, 2019
Democrats have set their list of candidates for Virginia’s presidential primary next year, and Republicans are planning a convention. As Michael Pope reports, Virginia makes it particularly difficult for candidates to get on the ballot.
State Report Sheds Light on Internal Issues at Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 18, 2019
In December, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, or JLARC, confirmed a host of problems with the operations and management of the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
The department regulates hunting and fishing through licensing and its conservation police force.
Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Education, Environment and Gas Tax: Takeaways from Gov’s Budget Proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 17, 2019
Fully funding Virginia’s public schools, an increase in the fuel tax, and a new state run health insurance marketplace — those are all on Governor Ralph Northam’s budget wish list. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Despite Impeachment, Congressman Beyer is Finding Success With Animal Testing Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 17, 2019
Washington may be bitterly divided over impeachment. But, the tension over President Trump is also providing an opportunity for bipartisan action against animal testing. Michael Pope reports.
Jens Soering Begins New Life in Germany
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 17, 2019

Soering at the ICE detention center in Farmville. (Credit: Sandy Hausman)
Jens Soering is back in Germany, paroled after more than 33 years behind bars, 29 of them in Virginia.
He was convicted in the brutal murder of his girlfriend’s parents – a crime he insists he did not commit.
Before leaving, Soering gave an exclusive interview to Virginia Public Radio’s Sandy Hausman who has covered his case for nearly a decade. She set up a microphone at the ICE detention center in Farmville.
JLARC: Virginia Spent Less Than Expected on Medicaid This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2019
More Virginians received health insurance through Medicaid this year while the state actually spent less than expected on the program. As lawmakers learned Monday that’s because of Medicaid expansion. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
CNU Poll: Virginians Largely Support Democratic Agenda
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 16, 2019

Credit: Christopher Newport University
Democrats won majorities in the House and Senate this year by promising a sweeping series of reforms. And now, a new poll indicates widespread support for that agenda. Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: School District may change unpaid board policy, Honor System failing on Richmond bus line
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 16, 2019
The honor system doesn’t seem to be working very well for a new public transit line. And one of the last localities in Virginia with an unpaid school board has decided to compensate members.
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.
Nominating Contests Shape Up in Virginia
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 16, 2019
Every year is an election year in Virginia, but next year’s presidential election is going to be one for the record books.
Michael Pope has this preview of the nominating contest here in Virginia.
National Park Service Needs You; Help I.D. Invasive Animal Species
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2019

A volunteer participates in a BioBlitz at Rocky Mountain National Park. BioBlitz events — an intensive field study in an area that usually lasts for more than 24 hours — can help identify the presence of invasive species in national parks. (Credit: National Park Service)
National Parks in this country are losing native species at an alarming rate and the National Park Service is asking for help to combat the growing problem. Robbie Harris reports.
And there’s an App for that here. Actually, there is a couple of them. Here’s another one.
Donors to Democratic Candidates Are Going to Want a Return on Their Investment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 12, 2019

Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Special interest groups that funded many Democratic campaigns are going to be expecting action in the next General Assembly session. Michael Pope reports.
Despite Democratic Control, Reigning in Predatory Lenders May Still Be Difficult
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2019

Credit: NPR
Some are hoping this will finally be the year that lawmakers crack down on high-interest lenders now that Democrats are taking control of the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
Interest Groups: Now is the Time to Better Fund Virginia’s Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2019
Now that the Democrats are seizing power in Richmond, interest groups are already angling for money from the budget. Michael Pope has this preview of a push for more money for crumbling schools.
Shortage of Clerks at Crisis Level in Virginia’s District Courts
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 10, 2019

If staffing levels aren’t brought up some district courts across the state may have to shorten the hours that customer service desks are open. That would make it more difficult for people to file cases or pay fines. (Credit Mallory Noe-Payne)
Roughly three million cases a year run through Virginia’s General District Courts. Everything from traffic tickets to homicides.
But according to state staffing models, more than half of those courts are under-staffed. That includes large counties like Fairfax, Chesapeake and Henrico – but also smaller courts in Smyth, Carroll and Rockingham Counties.
Mallory Noe-Payne visited one of those understaffed courts to learn about the impact.
Earlier this fall the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia stood before lawmakers pleading. He was asking for more money so courts across the state could hire more clerks.
According to his office, more than half of the state’s district courts are under-staffed. And that could impact everything from people’s credit to jail-time.
Mallory Noe-Payne has this look at why Virginia’s courts are short staffed and what lawmakers can do about it.
The Growing Cost of Virginia Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 9, 2019

Credit: NPR
This year’s election for the House of Delegates was the most expensive ever. Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: Struggling former Coalfields in Southwest Virginia, Martinsville may change to Town status
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 9, 2019
Despite years of effort many places in the Virginia coalfields are still struggling to rebuild their economies. And the city of Martinsville is considering becoming a town which is causing some apprehension in surrounding Henry County.
These 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.
“Rumors of War” Unveiling Tuesday in Richmond
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 9, 2019

One of Kehinde Wiley’s paintings on display at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. (Credit: Mallory Noe–Payne)
Rumors of War, a statue mirroring and challenging Confederate monuments, will be installed Tuesday at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Mallory Noe-Payne has this preview.
Virginia’s Congressional Delegation On Opposite Sides of Climate Change Issue
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 6, 2019
As the demand to act on climate change mounts, members of the Virginia Congressional delegation are taking a variety of approaches. Michael Pope reports.
Study: Many Wage Complaints Go Uninvestigated
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 5, 2019
When a worker believes they’ve been cheated out of their pay, they can file a complaint with the state.
But Michael Pope reports a new study finds many of those complaints are never investigated.
Congressman McEachin’s Effort to Get More Young People Enrolled in Health Insurance
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 5, 2019
Ever since the Trump administration spiked the individual mandate for health insurance back in 2017, young people have avoiding signing up for health insurance. Now, one Virginia congressman is supporting a proposal aimed at getting more young people in the insurance pool. Michael Pope reports.
New Regulations on Restraint and Seclusion in Public Schools Headed to Governor
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 4, 2019
Virginia is one step closer to adopting the state’s first-ever set of regulations governing the use of seclusion and restraint on public school students.
As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the proposed rules recently received the necessary approval from multiple state agencies.
757? Coastal Virginia? — Hampton Roads Considers What’s in a Name
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 4, 2019

Localities included in the Hampton Roads Planning District (Credit: hrpdcva.gov)
A community’s brand identity, like Virginia’s Blue Ridge or RVA, can often be a key marketing tool to attract visitors, businesses and new residents.
That’s why a rebranding effort is being considered in Hampton Roads.
Michael Pope has this preview of a report out next week.
Retail Jobs Drop in Virginia
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 3, 2019

(Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Now that the holiday shopping season is underway, new data shows Virginia’s retail trade employment is taking a hit this year.
Michael Pope reports.
Dominion Energy Outlines Plans to Remove and Recycle Coal Ash
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 2, 2019
Dominion Energy is coming up with plans to remove and recycle coal ash from four sites around the state.
Lawmakers got their first update on the new legislative mandate Monday.
Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Va. News: W&L Students want to alter its Diploma, a Virginia political campaign that cost nothing
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 2, 2019
Some graduating students at Washington and Lee University would like an alternate version of the school’s traditional diploma… and in the era of long and expensive political campaigns, one in Virginia lasted an hour and cost nothing.
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.