The Washington Commanders have been making news off the field, as parts of the team’s proposals for a new stadium come to light.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the potential impact for Virginia.

It isn’t just COVID-19 that’s made it difficult to find referees for youth sports.

Many older refs have quit, and, as Christine Kueter reports, it’s even harder to find replacements willing to put up with rowdy spectators.

As often happens, tragedies in other parts of the country can force Virginia to look inward at its own laws and communities.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on the impact of the Texas shooting, as well as new movement on a state budget.

It’s been a brutal spring for the stock markets.  They’ve recorded seven straight weeks of declines.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright offer some context for worried investors.

Fredericksburg has joined a multi-state program designed to help local governments switch over to clean energy vehicles.

And the Virginia court case that ended bans on interracial marriage will be commemorated with an opera.

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 and Edie Gross.

Thursday’s report from the state education superintendent painted a dire picture of Virginia’s schools.

Michael Pope reports it’s opened a debate about past decisions and the future.

Editor’s Note: The Virginia Education Association is a financial supporter of Virginia Public Radio.

Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony have announced plans to create an original opera. 

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the project will tell the real-life story of the Virginia couple whose relationship paved the legal pathway for inter-racial and same-sex marriage.

Virginia’s state budget is weeks past due.  But there are some signs an agreement may be coming.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on the week in politics and state government.

184 years ago, James Lindsey Smith, an enslaved man in Northumberland County on Virginia’s Northern Neck, made his way to freedom and eventually to Norwich, Connecticut.

Inspired by that journey and Smith’s determination, a group of men from a Norwich church attempted to retrace his steps.

Pamela D’Angelo went with them for part of the journey.

There’s new intrigue in the tobacco business, and it connects back to Virginia.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on this merger news.

A growing elk population is creating some challenges in Southwestern Virginia. And students at Virginia Tech are using hip-hop to promote learning.

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 and Edie Gross.

There were some surprises this week for state workers and for one potential state employee.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more about the week in politics and the General Assembly.

Four years ago the Upper Mattaponi Tribe received federal recognition.

Since then it has built a health clinic and purchased lands that were recently accepted into federal trust.

Pamela D’Angelo reports on the significance for the Tribe and nearby communities.

Seeing fields full of corn, wheat, or tobacco on a drive through Virginia is not unusual.  But the vistas might increasingly begin to include solar farms.   

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on solar’s present and future.

The future of abortion access has dominated the political discussions in Washington and beyond this week.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope have more on where Virginia stands.

Menthol accounts for more than a third of cigarettes sold in the U.S.  And the Food and Drug administration now has a plan to phase out production and sale of the mint flavored cigarettes.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the health and business implications of the move.

A new institute at the College of William & Mary is teaching students to solve conservation challenges around the world.

This year, Indigenous people were invited to share their knowledge, including the head of the National Park Service Chuck Sams.

Pamela D’Angelo reports.

While boating accidents are down across Virginia this year there’s an opposite trend at Smith Mountain Lake.  And a celebrity civil trial in Northern Virginia has taken on a circus-like appearance, complete with animals.

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 and Edie Gross.