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Full Disclosure Briefing: What’s in store for Virginia’s housing market

Virginia’s housing market may be cooling off, but sale prices remain hot.

Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright have more on what’s influencing the market and what it might mean for the future.

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Virginia ski resorts innovate through warming winters

A ski run at Massanutten (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne)

Last week the world’s leading climate scientists released another grim report: climate change is worsening.

Mallory Noe-Payne has this look at how Virginia ski resorts are faring as they face an uncertain future.  

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Pope & Schapiro: A busy weekend for Youngkin and a big shakeup at VDOE

There’s been a big shakeup at the Department of Education while the governor has a big weekend ahead.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

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With primaries on the way, advocates worry about losing election officials

(Credit: David Seidel)

Election officials across Virginia say they are trying to do the best they can in very difficult circumstances.

And as Michael Pope reports, some of them are resigning.

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Earned wage access legislation likely to return

A new federal report on earned-wage access is reopening a debate from the General Assembly session earlier this year.

Michael Pope reports.

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President of Botswana visits Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands greets Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. To the right is Kathleen Alexander, who leads the Centre for Conservation of African Resources: Animals, Communities, and Land Use, a nongovernmental organization in Botswana. (Credit: Clark DeHart/Virginia Tech)

The President of Botswana visited Virginia Tech Tuesday.

As Roxy Todd reports, he focused on how conservation, democracy, and sustainable development are linked.

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After a year-long wait, Youngkin Administration releases guidance to include environmental justice in permits

Last week, the Youngkin administration released a draft of a new state air, land and water permitting process that incorporates environmental justice.

Pamela D’Angelo has more on how that might impact Virginia’s native Tribes.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: What’s next for banks?

It’s been a nervous week in the banking world, both in the United States and abroad.

Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about what might come next.

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State Police vehicles across Virginia will now have red and blue lights, following safety study

The new lights on Virginia State Police vehicles will be both red and blue on the front and back
\(Credit: Lee Friesland/Virginia Tech)

Don’t be surprised if you begin seeing more state police cars with red, as well as blue, lights.

As Roxy Todd reports, police across Virginia have begun phasing in new lights, based on a study that showed they’ll help prevent crashes.

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ADL: 400+ extremist incidents in Virginia in 2022

Virginia was among the top states for hate and extremist incidents in 2022.

Michael Pope reports.

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Va. News: Term limits & turning out records

Term limits may be on the way in Virginia, at least in one town. And even after 75 years the vinyl record refuses to disappear and a Virginia company is playing a major role in keeping it spinning.

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.

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Pope & Schapiro: The SCC, signs of a state budget, and saying goodbye to the Senate

There are some signs of movement toward an updated state budget.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: What to make of the SVB collapse?

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank shocked both the banking and the tech sectors.

Roben Farzad, host of public Radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about the longer-term repercussions.

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Very few veterinarians are Black. These students are trying to change that

Kia Williams and Taylor Emery are students at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg. They recently launched a local chapter of the National Association of Black Veterinarians (SNABV). Williams is the chapter’s president. (Credit: Roxy Todd)

Nationally, only about three percent of all veterinarians are Black, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Students at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg are working to change those statistics, as Roxy Todd reports.

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Charlottesville considers gun buyback program: Is it worthwhile?

During a community forum, one resident urged Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis to organize a gun buyback program. (Credit: Sandy Hausman)

Since September, 14 people have been killed and 22 wounded by gunfire in Charlottesville, prompting police to consider a gun buyback program. 

Richmond and Roanoke have also offered rewards to those who surrender their firearms, but as Sandy Hausman reports, that may not be the best way to prevent gun violence.    

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Should we monitor the mental health and cognition of presidents and candidates?

President Woodrow Wilson had a devastating stroke while in office and suffered from a deep depression.
(Credit: Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library)

The approach of another presidential election in which one or both candidates might be over the age of 80 during their term has prompted more talk about the need for good mental and physical fitness in that job. 

One expert on presidents and health says the nation should be using technology to scan candidates and presidents on a regular basis.

Sandy Hausman spoke with him.

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Pope & Schapiro: Changes in the chambers of the legislature

Plenty of comings and goings at Virginia’s capitol and the nation’s capitol over the past week.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss the changes.

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Retirements, redistricting will change the General Assembly

Former House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn says she will not run for reelection. And state Senator Lynwood Lewis says he won’t either.

As Michael Pope reports, it’s the latest round of retirements in a historic election cycle.

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Whole Milk: A good source of bipartisanship?

Rep. Abigail Spanberger

Virginia’s congressional delegation is working across party lines to make whole milk available at your local public school.

Michael Pope explains why.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: Amazon’s pause on HQ2

Cities all over the country wanted it.  Northern Virginia won it.  But now Amazon is pressing pause on its new second headquarters in Northern Virginia.

Roben Farzad, host of public Radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about what happened and its potential impact on the Commonwealth.

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Va. News: School solar power and paying jurors

Jurors in Virginia can expect the state to show a little more appreciation for their civic service starting this summer. And Prince William County’s power bill will be more manageable if a solar project works out as expected.

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 David Poole.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: The cashless trend

More and more venues—from The Diamond ballpark in Richmond to Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech—are going cashless.  And while it may be easier to pay for items electronically, it’s also more expensive in many cases.

Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright have more on this cashless trend.

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Budget bills to be decided by conference committees

Lawmakers will wrap up their legislative session without passing a budget.

And as Michael Pope reports, the rest of the work will happen outside the public view.

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Pope & Schapiro: Unfinished business and big changes at the General Assembly

The last few hours of the General Assembly session are ticking away.  And the legislature will look remarkably different when it convenes next year.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss the week in politics and state government.

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Lviv Orchestra of Ukraine performs at Radford University as part of U.S. tour

The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine rehearsing before a performance at Radford University. (Credit: Roxy Todd)

As the war in Ukraine reaches the one-year mark, an orchestra from that country has been performing in the U-S.

Roxy Todd reports the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at Radford University this week was part of a two-month tour.

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Virginians elect Jennifer McClellan, Virginia’s first Black congresswoman

Jennifer McClellan, Virginia’s newest Congresswoman, hugs her daughter during an election night party. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne)

For the first time ever, Virginians elected a Black woman to represent the state in Congress.

Mallory Noe-Payne was at the election night celebration in Richmond Tuesday night and filed this report. 

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Full Disclosure Briefing: Login fatigue

Remember the old adage “membership has its privileges?”

Well, more and more often that privilege is access to content that used to be free as all sorts of services add paid memberships and subscriptions.

Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about the business trend.

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Virginians choose new Congressional representative in special election

(Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne)

It may not be November, but Tuesday is an election day in some parts of the state.

Mallory Noe-Payne reports on the special election in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.

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Senate considers definition of concealed weapon

Lawmakers in Richmond often consider laws about concealed firearms.

Now, as Michael Pope reports, they are considering laws about concealed switchblades.

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Farmland ownership legislation headed to governor

Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering legislation aimed to preventing foreign adversaries from purchasing farmland in Virginia.

Michael Pope has an update.

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VCU offers drug to delay type I diabetes

Dr. Bryce Nelson heads pediatric endocrinology at Children’s Hospital of Richmond. (Credit: VCU)

Type One diabetes is rare, but it tends to run in families, and if you have a close relative with the disease your lifetime odds are 5 to 7%.

Now, doctors can offer a medication that prevents development for an average of two years. Children’s Hospital of Richmond is helping families to get tested and to come in for treatment, as Sandy Hausman reports.

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Va. News: Healthcare lab school & paying UVA’s fair share

The University of Virginia’s Student Council wants the university to make a financial commitment to help support housing and public education in Charlottesville.  And high school students in Southwest Virginia soon will have access to college-level training.

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.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: Variable seat pricing and the Silver Screen

Would you be willing to pay more for a better seat at a movie theater? 

Roben Farzad, host of Public Radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright have more on what might become standard operating procedure at some theaters.

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Could the science behind flying snakes help create flying robots?

Jeff Anderson is a PhD student in Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. He’s been working with researchers at the Socha Lab to study the mechanics of flying snakes. (Credit: Roxy Todd)

Have you ever wondered how flying snakes do their thing and fly?

Scientists at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are working to uncover this mystery, and determine if the same technology could be applied to robots.

Roxy Todd explains.

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Can abortion amendment get through House of Delegates?

Lawmakers are debating access to abortion.

But as Michael Pope tells us, neither side is expecting any success on the issue.

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Parental involvement or “utter foolishness”

Lawmakers in Richmond are taking a look at what role parents should play in public education.

Michael Pope reports that even gets down to the level of guest speakers.

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What communities need to know about solar arrays

Irene Cox and colleagues at UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center produced a report on decommissioning solar farms (Credit: Weldon Cooper Center)

The cost of solar panels has fallen by more than 50% over the last ten years, and Virginia is a national leader in new solar development. 

That’s why a team at the University of Virginia is advising communities on how to plan for solar arrays as Sandy Hausman reports.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: Can Virginia land a regional tech hub?

Virginia could be a landing spot for a multi-billion dollar effort to create regional technology hubs.

Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about some of the potential locations and the impact.

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Solitary confinement legislation hits snag

The effort to ban solitary confinement in Virginia has run into some opposition.

Michael Pope explains.

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“Second Look” bill gets through Virginia Senate

The House of Delegates is now considering a bill that allows courts to modify prison sentences allowing for early release.

Michael Pope reports it passed the State Senate Monday.

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Virginia Senate approves bill targeting Chinese ownership of farmland

The Chinese spy balloon may have been shot down over the weekend.

But it’s still hovering in the minds of lawmakers in Richmond. Michael Pope explains why.

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New study shows trains could produce electricity

Yang Chen is one of the researchers studying how to harvest electricity from trains. Inside the Railway Technologies Laboratory at Virginia Tech. (Credit: Alex Parrish/Virginia Tech)

A new study shows that trains could be tapped as a potential source of electricity.

Roxy Todd explains.

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Va. News: Trouble on the courts

Pickleball was once seen as an easygoing exercise opportunity for seniors but it’s gotten a little too loud for some people. And a Virginia high school basketball team had its season canceled after a coach took to the court.

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.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: The growth of AI chatbots

People are experimenting with AI chatbots in all sorts of situations– classrooms, writers’ rooms, even newsrooms.

Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about the technology’s impact.

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Full Senate, committee decide some gun related bills

Lawmakers in Richmond are debating the presence of guns in public places.

Michael Pope reports the bills aren’t likely to make it to the governor’s desk.

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Pope & Schapiro: Tax cuts, abortion restrictions & the Parole Board

A divided General Assembly is proving to be a hurdle for two of the governor’s biggest legislative priorities.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

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Full Disclosure Briefing: Virginia’s big data center deal

Digital economies still require brick-and-mortar infrastructure.  And a big new announcement from Amazon and the state is a good example.

Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright have more on the plans and the push-back.

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Va. News: Microtransit & cutting class

Albemarle County will use a new grant to try out what it hopes will be a better way of providing public transportation.  And it seems quite a few college students who got used to remote education during the pandemic are less than enthusiastic about going class.

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 David Poole.

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UVA announces new biotech center

The University of Virginia has announced plans for a new $300 million biotech center that will produce and test new treatments for many diseases. 

The center could break ground in a matter of months and is already recruiting the first of 100 new scientists as Sandy Hausman reports.

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Pope & Schapiro: Youngkin, Ford and the CCP

An about-face on a potential economic development win and a tabloid-style scandal are making headlines at the capital.

Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

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