Archive for September, 2022
Pope & Schapiro: Student walkouts and Youngkin’s continued campaigning
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 30, 2022
The Youngkin administration’s guidelines for transgender students led to classroom walkouts across Virginia this week.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss that and the week that was in state politics.
Virginia offers millions of dollars each year in film incentives, but is that investment worth it?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 30, 2022
The state spends more than $10 million a year to attract television shows and motion pictures to Virginia. Is it worth it? Michael Pope reports.
School policies could have major health implications for transgender kids, experts say
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 29, 2022
Virginia came under a national spotlight this week as kids marched out of schools across the state – protesting a proposed change in how transgender youth are treated in public schools. Mallory Noe-Payne has this look at the possible health implications of the policy shift.
The role of Virginia colleges and universities in the national semiconductor push
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 28, 2022
The federal government is about to start making huge amounts of money available to help encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Michael Pope reports that Virginia higher ed programs will be part of that effort.
VCU researcher: Property tax delinquency a strong predictor of neighborhood violence
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 28, 2022

A recent study found that negligent landlords are a significant predictor of violence in Richmond neighborhoods.
Caitlin Pierce has more on the research and how it might be used in other areas struggling to reverse trends of increasing violence.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Slides in the stock and bond markets take their toll
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 27, 2022
As the stock market continues to slide and high inflation seems to hang on, a lot of investors are wondering where to turn.
Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the concerns and the outlook for the future.
Under changes made in 2017, many Virginia schools are fully accredited
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 26, 2022
Forest researcher predicts a colorful fall in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 26, 2022
This year will be a vibrant season to see fall foliage here in Virginia, according to forest researchers. Roxy Todd spoke with one expert who says trees are very healthy because of steady rainfall we had this summer.
At Chickahominy pow-wow, William & Mary president pitches new tuition assistance
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 26, 2022

At the Chickahominy Tribe’s 70th Annual Fall Festival and Pow-Wow, the President of William & Mary announced a new tuition initiative to help students most of whom have families earning less than $60,000 a year.
But for Indigenous communities that once inhabited university lands here, is it enough?
Pamela D’Angelo has more.
Virginia’s Lorax will keep planting trees
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 26, 2022

Many Virginians look forward to fall – a time when the air is cool and trees change color.
One student at the University of Virginia is a special fan of the season.
He started a non-profit to plant more trees and has won a national award for his work as Sandy Hausman reports.
Va. News: Buildings, birds and wind turbines
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 26, 2022
Research is underway to make sure planned wind turbines will be safe for birds…and Virginia lawmakers will have to wait a bit longer for new offices and meeting space in Richmond.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: New school guidelines and new elections oversight
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 23, 2022
New school guidelines and new oversight of elections top the political headlines this week.
Jeff Schapiro, of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss the week in politics and the General Assembly.
How much early voting is too much?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 22, 2022
Polls are open Friday for the November election. Michael Pope reports there’s still a debate about how much early voting is enough.
Senator Warner wants state and local governments to be more transparent with financial data
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 21, 2022
One Virginia senator is hoping to increase financial transparency for state and local governments. Michael Pope explains how.
New study finds that many helmets for kayakers lack protections against brain injuries
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 21, 2022
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who go whitewater rafting or kayaking— you may want to check your helmet.
Researchers at Virginia Tech just released their findings after testing thousands of whitewater helmets. And, as Roxy Todd reports, they found only a handful offer enough protection against brain injury.
At second annual Sovereign Nations of Virginia Conference, Tribes address role in conservation
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 21, 2022
Opponents of Youngkin administration transgender student policies weigh options
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 20, 2022
Opponents of the governor’s new guidelines for transgender students are trying to figure out next steps. Michael Pope reports that might be a lawsuit.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Rising mortgage rates and home hownership
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 20, 2022
If you’ve been considering buying a house in the last few months, you know the impact of inflation and rising interest rates.
Roben Farzad, host the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about the increasing cost of a mortgage.
Will school divisions follow Youngkin administration’s transgender student policies?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 19, 2022
Schools across Virginia may be about to take another look at policies regarding transgender students. Michael Pope reports.
The debate over Confederate memorials in Virginia is far from over
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 16, 2022
The battle over Confederate statues and memorials is not over. Michael Pope reports on the latest developments.
Pope & Schapiro: Abortion is spotlight issue in several Virginia races
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 16, 2022
As the November election draws closer, abortion is becoming a bigger issue in some key Congressional races.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Advocates say child poverty rates in Virginia are low thanks to pandemic-related relief
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 14, 2022
Pandemic-era relief for families may end up pulling many children out of poverty in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia is required to follow California EV standard, dealers prepare for electric future
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 13, 2022
For many car buyers, finding an electric vehicle can be difficult. But a new Virginia law is about to dramatically transform the landscape of automobile sales, as Michael Pope reports.
Misinformation top concern for local registrars heading into election season
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 13, 2022
As we reported last week, Virginia’s Attorney General recently announced the formation of an Election Integrity Unit – a group, he says, that will provide legal advice to the Department of Elections and investigate violations of state elections law.
Reporter Mallory Noe-Payne recently spoke with some local election officials, and has this look at what they see as the most important priority leading to Election Day.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Building biotech capacity in Virginia
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 13, 2022
Biotech is big business. And Virginia is trying to strengthen its position and bring more research and manufacturing back onshore.
Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright have more on how that plan is coming together.
Congress weighs options that could have significant impact on the future of the MVP
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 12, 2022
Congress may soon take action to allow a pipeline to carry fracked natural gas from West Virginia into Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: Restoring elk and policing by drone
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 12, 2022
A plan by Norfolk police to use drones as first as responders is drawing some objections. And elk are thriving again in Virginia.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: Vacancies and Queen Elizabeth’s visits to Virginia
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 9, 2022
The General Assembly was supposed to deal with vacancies when it met Wednesday. But some big ones remain.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss the week in politics and state government.
Poet Nikki Giovanni reflects on 35 years of teaching
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 8, 2022

Nikki Giovanni is known around the world for her writing and activism. Her writing touches on social issues, like race and gender.
She recently retired from teaching at Virginia Tech after 35 years.
Giovanni sat down with reporter Roxy Todd, who asked about her advice to students.
Communities permitting solar arrays should plan ahead for their removal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 7, 2022
There are at least 63 large scale solar facilities generating power in Virginia and about twenty more are in the works, but it turns out only a quarter of counties in the state have laws that govern what will happen to those arrays once solar panels stop working.
Now they’ll be getting some guidance, as Sandy Hausman reports.
The debate over Virginia’s place in RGGI could end in court
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 7, 2022
Virginia is currently part of a cap and trade program to reduce carbon emissions. But the governor and new members of the Air Board are hoping to get Virginia out of the initiative. Michael Pope has more.
Researchers are creating underwater robots to study microplastics and map the ocean
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 7, 2022

Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing underwater robots, to be able to map the ocean and study the impacts of microplastics in the water.
They recently tested one beneath the surface of Claytor Lake, in the New River Valley.
Roxy Todd joined them and filed this story.
Should Virginia consolidate some of its juvenile justice facilities?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 6, 2022
The number of young people detained in Virginia’s juvenile justice system has gone down dramatically over the last few years, which is leading to a potential reorganization of the system. Michael Pope reports.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Amtrak reports record ridership
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 6, 2022
Amtrak says Virginians are boarding trains in record numbers.
Roben Farzad – host of the Full Disclosure podcast – and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright discuss that and what it could mean for the future of passenger rail in the Commonwealth.
Va. News: Self-defense kits, nuclear facility robotic dogs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 5, 2022
Self-defense kits are being offered to transgender people in Richmond who don’t feel safe on the street. And engineers have reinvented the dog to make nuclear power plants safer.
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.
Report: Virginia is among the nation’s most expensive states for child care
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 2, 2022
The cost of child care continues to be a barrier for many people struggling to make ends meet. Michael Pope reports.
You can find the full report here.
Unions are gaining steam in Virginia, a state that has typically been unfriendly to them
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 2, 2022
As Americans prepare to celebrate Labor Day, organized labor in Virginia is working hard for better pay and working conditions. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Campaign season kicks into high gear
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 2, 2022
The fall campaign season is about to kick into high gear, here in Virginia and in other states.
Jeff Schapiro, of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope talk about that that means for the candidates and the governor.
Robotics champion fled Afghanistan. Now she’s studying at Virginia Tech
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on September 1, 2022

The Afghan Girls’ Robotics Team has been internationally recognized. They’ve won numerous awards for their skills in engineering and robotics.
Now, a year has passed since the Taliban took over the country. And because most education for girls has stopped, so has the robotics team.
Many of the former team members have dispersed to other countries to pursue their education, including one incoming freshman at Virginia Tech. Roxy Todd has her story.
Report: Parts of the state’s labor force face disproportionate wages
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 1, 2022
As Labor Day approaches, new research shows how parts of Virginia’s labor force are struggling to make ends meet. Michael Pope reports.