Archive for August, 2022
Hanover County school officials approve controversial transgender student policy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 31, 2022
School boards across Virginia are struggling with how to handle transgender students and bathrooms. Michael Pope reports on the latest development.
COVID revives family business bringing oysters to SW Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 31, 2022
The pandemic drove some companies out of business. But for three brothers in Hampton Roads, COVID created the opportunity for a whole new enterprise.

Sandy Hausman reports on First Landing Seafood – a company claiming it brings better water quality to the Lynnhaven River and better oysters to restaurants from Williamsburg and Richmond to Blacksburg and Bristol.
Record-breaking passenger rail use could lead to more service expansion
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 30, 2022

Virginia’s railroad system is seeing a record number of passengers, and as Michael Pope reports that could lead to future expansion of service.
Mystery bird prepares to migrate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 30, 2022

It’s migration season for hawks and other raptors, and thousands will be passing through the Rockfish Gap in Virginia – among them a small bird that mystified the experts here. Sandy Hausman reports on why this creature caused confusion and where he’ll be headed next.
Police funding is a hot topic on the campaign trail, including in Virginia’s 7th District
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 30, 2022
The relationship between citizens and law enforcement officials has become one of the hottest issues on the campaign trail this year. And, as Michael Pope reports, it’s become a topic of conversation in the 7th Congressional District.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Restaurant business blues
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 30, 2022
It’s never been easy to be successful in the restaurant business. But it’s been even harder during the last few years.
Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about the challenges.
Washingon & Lee stops sale of bottled water
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 29, 2022
When he took office, Governor Glenn Youngkin rolled back an executive order restricting the purchase of single-use plastic by state agencies, colleges and universities. But one campus is pressing ahead, and when students arrive this week, they’ll find it impossible to buy bottled water. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Dominion offshore wind project: how much risk should customers assume?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2022
The future of a massive wind project is in doubt, and state regulators are about to weigh how much risk should be assumed by utility customers. Michael Pope reports.
U.S. Energy Secretary applauds Biden’s climate bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2022
Senator Tim Kaine and the U.S. Secretary of Energy were in Lexington this week to talk-up the Inflation Reduction Act.
They promised it would be a good deal for consumers and businesses selling solar, wind and other energy sources… that don’t contribute to climate change. Sandy Hausman spoke with them and filed this report.
Pope & Schapiro: Governor Youngkin hits the campaign trail… again
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2022
Governor Glenn Youngkin is again stumping for candidates in this year’s mid-term elections.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss the week in politics and state government.
School divisions get uneven support from the state
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 25, 2022
As students across Virginia head back to school, Michael Pope reports those schools are not receiving the same amount of financial support from the state.
You can find the Commonwealth Institute analysis here.
Spotted lanternflies are spreading in Virginia. These three things will help save vineyards
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 25, 2022

Virginia winemakers are under a new threat. An insect called the Spotted Lanternfly is spreading throughout Virginia. In July, the state Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine for 12 counties and 10 cities.
The insect originated from China, and has wreaked havoc for some vineyards in Pennsylvania. There is a silver lining, however: people can prevent the spread of the insect. Roxy Todd tells us how.
If you see one of these insects, the state Department of Agriculture asks that you kill it immediately, and contact your local extension office.
Environmental groups bemoan regulatory MVP extension
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 24, 2022
Environmental groups are raising the alarm after federal regulators granted another extension to a natural gas pipeline. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Tribes work with state officials on correct history education standards
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 24, 2022

A delay in Virginia’s overhaul of state standards for history and social studies learning standards has some concerned, but one minority group is confident changes they’ve made will stick. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
RC Poll: Consumer sentiment is on the rise
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2022
A new survey shows consumer sentiment in Virginia is on the upswing. Michael Pope reports.
You can see the rest of the poll’s findings here.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Inflation vs. Investors
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2022
High inflation and several factors – like the war in Ukraine – make for uncertain economic times.
Roben Farzad – host of the Full Disclosure podcast – and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright discuss what all that means for investors.
Immigrant candidates will likely make immigration a big focus of congressional races
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 22, 2022
Immigration is likely to be an issue on the campaign trail this year. And, as Michael Pope reports, the Republican candidates will have their own immigration stories to tell.
Commission to consider consolidating or repurposing juvenile detention facilities
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 22, 2022
Va. News: Invasive plans & Lewis, Clark and York
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 22, 2022
The names Lewis and Clark are famous in U. S. history. But only a few people have heard the name of one of their most important companions. And invasive plant species are serious problems in Virginia, especially where they’re being locally sold.
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.
Youngkin proposes new round of tax relief
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 19, 2022
Pope & Schapiro: Abortion, History & Election Denial
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 19, 2022
Abortion is becoming a prime topic in two Virginia Congressional races.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss the week in politics and state government.
Help (still) Wanted, even as schools reopen
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 19, 2022
Across Virginia, schools are struggling to find enough teachers for the upcoming fall semester.
Michael Pope explains why.
SOL test scores rebound, but still behind pre-pandemic performance
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 18, 2022
Student performance on Virginia Standards of Learning tests rebounded in the last school year.
But it’s still well-behind the performance logged before the pandemic.
David Seidel has a snapshot of the result.
State officials have so far denied a request to ban conversion therapy among Virginia adults
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 17, 2022
State regulators are not barring medical professionals who want to perform what’s known as conversion therapy from doing so. Michael Pope has details.
Can natural history and national history co-exist?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 17, 2022

(Credit: Meagan Thomas/Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources)
When the Virginia Department of Transportation started work on the Hampton Bridge and Tunnel Project, construction equipment displaced sea birds that had been nesting there for years.
The situation alarmed bird lovers who lobbied the state to create a new place for terns and gulls. Experts identified a piece of land nearby and turned it into suitable habitat – removing trees and adding sand.
The birds returned from their winter homes and happily settled in, but there’s a problem with the new arrangement as Sandy Hausman reports.
New lawsuit challenges sentence credits budget amendment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 16, 2022
Incarcerated people across Virginia are hoping a new lawsuit from the ACLU might help them get out of prison when they expected to instead of unexpectedly serving more time. Michael Pope explains why.
With ‘Raising Lazarus’, Roanoke author Macy finds positives amid the opioid crisis
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 16, 2022
After covering the nation’s opioid crisis in the book and streaming series ‘Dopesick,’ Roanoke journalist and author Beth Macy has checked in with a second book on the issue.
‘Raising Lazarus’ updates efforts to treat people struggling with addiction rather than send them to jail, and seek justice against drug manufacturers.
Macy talked with Jeff Bossert.
Full Disclosure Briefing: The Inflation Reduction Act
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 16, 2022
We’ve all felt the sting of high inflation over the past few months. So can federal legislation slow the climb of consumer prices?
Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on one recent effort.
Va. News: Stafford County outdoor event fallout, a Centerville cold case
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 15, 2022
Police are hoping the public will provide more than just information to help solve a Centerville cold case from the 90’s. And, Stafford County school division leaders are apologizing for holding an outdoor event in weather that left many people struggling in the heat.
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 with VPAP.
For many across Virginia, dental health care is still out of reach—these programs are trying to bridge the gap
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 12, 2022
Until last summer, nearly 5 million Virginians lacked dental insurance.
Expansions to Medicaid in the past year have helped, but as Roxy Todd reports, there’s still a shortage of dentists in parts of the Commonwealth who are willing to accept low-income patients.
Charlottesville residents reflect five years after Unite the Right
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 12, 2022

Five years after neo-Nazis and other white supremacists marched in Charlottesville, the city is still reflecting on what happened.
Several residents shared their stories and their conclusions with Sandy Hausman.
Pope & Schapiro: Virginia governors with presidential aspirations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2022
Many Republicans are encouraging Glenn Youngkin to run for president, but he’s not the first Virginia governor to consider a campaign for the White House.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope take a look at governor’s who have considered hitting the campaign trail for national office.
Cville photographer presents The Story of Us
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 11, 2022

As Charlottesville observes the fifth anniversary of Unite the Right, a photographer who documented the Summer of Hate five years ago presents a show in the trees along the city’s downtown mall.
Rather than focus on right-wing extremists, it features those who stood up to them. Sandy Hausman has that story.
1 in 10 children in Virginia suffer from anxiety or depression, study finds
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 11, 2022
Newly released data shows that about 1 in 10 Virginia children are experiencing mental health problems. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, those numbers are on par with the national average.
Get up close with Virginia’s first offshore wind turbines
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 10, 2022

State regulators have now approved plans for the largest offshore wind farm in the nation.
Already, Dominion Energy has completed testing of two turbines off the coast of Virginia Beach.
Sandy Hausman joined other journalists on a trip to see how those windmills are working, when we can expect to see more, and how much this might cost consumers.
“Cups and Claws” offers a relaxing environment for potential adopters
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 10, 2022
The market for coffee shops is highly competitive, but a Virginia couple may have an edge at their new café. It’s called Cups and Claws, and allows customers to hang out with cats. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Full Disclosure Briefing: The Misery Index
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on August 9, 2022
In the dictionary of economic terms, “misery index” sounds particularly menacing. So what exactly is it?
Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright explain it and its impact.
Va. News: Charlottesville plastic bag tax, Virginia Beach police encrypt communications
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 8, 2022
Virginia Beach police will no longer allow the public to listen in on radio communications. And, Charlottesville has joined the effort to reduce plastic bag pollution with a targeted tax.
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.
Electric bike-share program in New River Valley abruptly shuts down
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 5, 2022

Several electric bike and scooter sharing programs across Virginia have stopped abruptly after the company, Bolt Mobility, has seemingly stopped operations. Roxy Todd reports that it’s caught local officials in the New River Valley off guard, and without a plan to move forward.
Pope & Schapiro: Kansas abortion vote, Youngkin listening tour and classroom cameras
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 5, 2022
What impacts could the Kansas abortion vote have here in Virginia?
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss that and all of this week’s political happenings.
AG Miyares joining effort to cut down on scam robocalls
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 4, 2022
Attorney General Jason Miyares is working with a bipartisan group of AGs from across the country to crack down on robocalls. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia teachers be allowed to bring guns into the classroom?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia on August 3, 2022
As concern over school shootings increases, some say teachers should be able to bring guns to the classroom. Michael Pope reports.
After a years-long effort, Virginia will soon do away with a tax on menstrual products
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2022
Sometimes the path between an idea and a law takes years of effort as advocates try and fail multiple times before they achieve success. Michael Pope reports on the six-year effort to remove Virginia’s tax on menstrual products.
Virginia’s Moton Museum added to Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2022
In 1954, the Supreme Court did away with legal segregation of schools in Brown versus the Board of Education. Today, there’s a national park in Kansas celebrating that case, but there were other places involved in the lawsuit – one here in Virginia – and Congress has now made it part of the park, as Sandy Hausman reports.
Full Disclosure Briefing: JetBlue and Spirit announce plans to merge
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2022
Last week, JetBlue and Spirit announced plans to merge. The new company would become the country’s fifth largest airline – if federal regulators approve.
Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and host Craig Wright discuss the potential merger and what it could mean for Virginia travelers.
Environmentalists worry climate legislation may lead to weakened permitting process
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 1, 2022
The Mountain Valley Pipeline has encountered a number of setbacks from courts and regulators throughout the permitting process. Michael Pope reports environmentalists are worried Congress may soon take action to weaken that process.
Va. News: South American rodents, historic flour mill closure
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 1, 2022
The imminent closing of a historic Virginia flour mill has caused a run on its products. And, the state is gearing up to deal with an invasion of South American rodents.
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 with the Virginia Public Access Project.