Archive for November, 2021

Gun rights advocates hope new Republicans will roll back local authority

(Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

In the past few years, Democrats have implemented a host of new gun violence prevention measures.

 Now that Republicans are moving into positions of power in Richmond, many of those new laws may be reevaluated.

Michael Pope reports on one top priority of gun-rights enthusiasts.

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Va. News: Flood recovery and flood preparedness

A small community in western Virginia is struggling to recover from a devastating flood while cities in Hampton Roads are trying to be better prepared for their next one.

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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Pope & Schapiro: Why every year is election year in Virginia

There’s an old saying that every year is Election Year in Virginia.  And with state candidates running in odd numbered years and federal offices up in even years, that’s true.

So how did we get here?

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope explore the background of Virginia’s off-year elections.

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Renewed focus on clemency as Gov Northam’s term nears its end

The Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, VA. Photographed on August 31, 2021 (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

Those incarcerated in Virginia before 1995 generally only have one option to get out of jail early: the governor has to grant them clemency. As Governor Ralph Northam enters his last full month in office, his time to make those decisions is running out. Jahd Khalil has this report.

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Credible messengers legislation will be up for debate during the upcoming General Assembly session

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Lawmakers may soon consider legislation aimed at a unique method that will hopefully prevent children from getting caught up in the criminal justice system. Michael Pope reports.

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Advocates hope more minor peer courts pop up across Virginia

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The effort to prevent young people from finding themselves caught up in the criminal justice system has a new tool. Michael Pope reports on the emergence of peer courts.

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With Medicaid funding returning to normal, what’s in store for the next budget?

The pandemic has been a watershed moment in public health. That’s been especially apparent when it comes to Medicaid, which insures half a million people in Virginia. Reporter Jahd Khalil has a preview of what could be in store for the state’s Medicaid budget. 

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Mattaponi and Pamunkey fulfill 1677 treaty obligations at governor’s mansion

Governor Ralph Northam receives tributes under the 1677 Treaty of Middle Plantation at the Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday November 24, 2021. (Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ)

Each year the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Tribes fulfill a legal obligation that has become a Thanksgiving fixture in Virginia. Jahd Khalil has more.

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Lawmakers will consider how much say school officials have over crime reporting

How much discretion should school officials have about contacting law enforcement when they suspect a crime has been committed? Michael Pope reports on a bill that would take away some of that discretion.

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Family leave is up for debate in Congress, but one state lawmaker wants even more than the current proposal

Lawmakers are preparing to return to Richmond for next year’s General Assembly session, and lawmakers are already introducing bills, including one expanding family and medical leave. Michael Pope has details.

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The pandemic and its impact on instruction is wreaking havoc on some school kids

Research is still being conducted, but early data suggests about 20% of school children are experiencing moderate to clinical levels of psychological trauma symptoms – things like anxiety, depression or even aggression. Nick Gilmore reports.

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Va. News: Sleeping on sidewalks and Delta 8

A substance that provides a marijuana-like high at a much lower price may soon be outlawed in Virginia. And Roanoke is considering a new law that would move campers off the city’s sidewalks.

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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Lt Governor Fairfax and Lt Governor-elect Sears meet for the first time

Credit: Winsome Sears’ Twitter Page (@WinsomeSears)

Winsome Sears made history this November as the first woman of color to be elected to statewide office. On the sidelines of a routine revenue meeting Monday, reporter Jahd Khalil witnessed another, quieter, historic moment.

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Democrats in the state Senate likely to serve as a check on the Youngkin administration’s agenda

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Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will enter the Executive Mansion with a Republican House of Delegates. But, he’ll also be facing a Democratically-controlled Senate. Michael Pope reports.

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Pope & Schapiro; A victory tour, VMI, and a huge budget surplus

Virginia’s next governor continues his victory tour as the debate over how to spend the state’s enormous budget surplus heats up.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope bring us up to speed on the week in politics and state government.

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Budget planning for schools will be more difficult because of COVID-19

A presentation by budget planners Tuesday revealed the extra obstacles school closures face to education funding, two years out. Jahd Khalil has details.

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Virginia driver’s licenses may soon include racial and ethnic information

Credit: DMV Twitter Page (@VirginiaDMV)

Lawmakers are about to consider legislation that would change what kind of information appears on Virginia driver’s licenses. Michael Pope reports.

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Spotsylvania County book controversy gets national attention

Dozens of people spoke at Monday’s school board meeting. (Credit: Spotsylvania County livestream)

The books on the shelves of school libraries have become a new flash point in the culture wars. 

Michael Pope reports on how Spotsylvania County has become the latest example.

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Justin Fuente is out as Virginia Tech football coach

Credit: Virginia Tech Football Twitter Account (@HokiesFB)

Justin Fuente and Virginia Tech have parted ways. Nick Gilmore has more about the football coach’s tenure in Blacksburg and what’s next for the program.

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Virginia has a lot of extra cash, but not as much as it seems

The House of Delegates chamber (Credit: Jahd Khalil)

Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will be the one to propose how your tax dollars are spent but he’ll have to go through the Senate and House of Delegates.

Tuesday the House Appropriations Committee met and heard about booming revenues.

Jahd Khalil was there and heard some words of caution, too.

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VCU launches huge new study of genetics and depression

A team at Virginia Commonwealth University is working with scientists at two other medical centers to conduct the world’s largest study of genetic risk factors for depression. 

Sandy Hausman reports on what they hope to learn.

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Now that Republicans control the House of Delegates, will the Clean Economy Act be revisited?

Credit: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Now that Republicans have won control of the Executive Mansion and the House of Delegates, will they be able to roll back some of the new environmental regulations approved by Democrats over the last two years? Michael Pope reports.

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The Virginia Board of Elections certifies November 2nd results

Journalists and analysts called this month’s election for Republicans a few hours after the polls closed, but Monday the Board of Elections met to decide whether it would certify local election boards’ results. Jahd Khalil has this report. 

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Va. News: Innovations in food

Virginia is home to a pair of innovative projects that may change the way food is produced and supplied.

That’s been a popular topic over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.

More on that now from Fred Echols.

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Youngkin promised a new parole board. How quickly can he move on it?

Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin is poised to start working toward one of his campaign promises as soon as the General Assembly session starts.

Michael Pope reports on the future of the Parole Board.

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Can AG-elect Miyares follow through with promise to prosecute

Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares (Credit: Virginia General Assembly)

Now that the election is over, lawmakers will be considering a number of bills generated from the campaign trail.

Michael Pope reports on one proposal that was a frequent topic of conversation in the race for attorney general.

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Pope & Schapiro: Transitions and Transparency

We’re learning more about who will be helping Republicans transition into the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope are already seeing some differences in approach.

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Advocates say massive change is needed at Virginia Employment Commission

Virginia’s beleaguered Employment Commission has been struggling to keep up with unemployment claims since the pandemic hit.

Now Michael Pope tells us about a new report calling for changes to the agency.

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What’s the path for legal marijuana sales?

(Credit: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)

The presumptive new Republican majority in the House of Delegates and Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will inherit a sticky question.

Possession of small amounts of pot is legal, but marijuana sales aren’t.

Reporter Jahd Khalil says a vote Wednesday told us Republicans are still figuring out their stance on the issue. 

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Charter Schools Appear Poised to Change Dramatically Next Year

The upcoming session of the General Assembly may see some major changes in terms of how charter schools work in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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As Attention Turns To Richmond, Hope For A Big Education Budget

As lawmakers plan to return to Richmond in a new era of Republican control, one issue that will be a heavy focus is education.

Michael Pope reports on a big budget promise.

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Va. News: Yes to Higher Taxes and No to High Rollers

Voters in two Virginia cities surprised some people last week by approving higher taxes and rejecting a casino.

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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Youngkin Meets Northam As Transition Begins

Credit: Jahd Khalil / RADIO IQ

With voting in Virginia’s gubernatorial election over, a Republican is heading back to Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion. Governor Ralph Northam met Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin there for lunch in the first step of what appears to be a collaborative transition. Jahd Khalil reports.

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The Legality of Next Year’s General Assembly Session Could Be Called Into Question

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The newly elected House of Delegates will have to deal with a thorny question about its legitimacy. Michael Pope explains.

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Pope & Schapiro: Turnout, Fallout And Looking Forward From Tuesday’s Election

It’s been a huge week in Virginia politics.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope look to the future of a Glenn Youngkin administration and the Democratic Party’s future in Virginia.

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How Tuesday’s High Turnout Numbers Impacted the Results

Voters turned out in massive numbers this week, exceeding expectations and setting new records. Michael Pope is taking a look at the numbers.

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Avula: Virginia to Receive Enough Vaccinations for More Than Half of 5-11 Population This Week

The Centers for Disease Control gave final approval to COVID-19 vaccinations for kids aged five to 11 earlier this week. And, Virginia has been preparing for that rollout for some time now. Nick Gilmore reports.

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Sears’ Win is Historic, But Tuesday Leaves the General Assembly with Fewer Black Members

Winsome Sears’ win last night as the Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate was historic. Sears is the first Black woman elected to a statewide office. But, as Michael Pope reports, one of the other outcomes of Tuesday will be fewer Black members in the General Assembly.

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Youngkin, Republicans Sweep Virginia Election

Glenn Youngkin speaks to reporters a few days before the election. (Credit: Michael Pope)

Glenn Youngkin will be the next governor of Virginia.

In a stunning upset, Republicans retook the Governor’s Mansion after more than a decade.

Reporter Jahd Khalil was in Chantilly for Youngkin’s Victory Party. 

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McAuliffe Concedes While Democrats Try To Figure Out What Went Wrong

Terry McAuliffe speaks to supporters on Election Night. (Credit: Michael Pope)

Democrats are pointing fingers after losing all three statewide races to Republicans.

Michael Pope reports.

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Lots of Early Voting And Heavy Election Day Turnout

About 1.1 million people voted early in this election, 20 percent of all registered voters.

Joe Staniunas talked to some in southwest Virginia who waited until election day to cast their ballots.

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Voter Turnout Likely to Play a Big Role in the Outcome of Tuesday’s Elections

When the polls close Tuesday and the vote counting starts, one thing to watch with the election returns is voter turnout. Michael Pope explains why.

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Trump Will Be on the Call for a Telephone Rally Monday Night, Youngkin Declines to Participate

Donald Trump is expected to call into a telephone town hall tonight to speak in favor of Republican candidate for governor Glenn Youngkin. Michael Pope has this preview.

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Va. News: Foot Traffic Jams And Citizen Engagement

One of Virginia’s favorite hiking trails has gotten a little too popular during the pandemic.  And Arlington County wants more of its residents involved in local government planning.

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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