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.

There was plenty of political intrigue packed into this year’s one-day reconvene session.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and David Seidel, sitting in for Michael Pope, have more on the fallout.

Virginia has started giving prison inmates their own tablets so they can download music, watch TV, take classes and send e-mails.

But there’s one feature missing from their device – a service that could save lives. 

Sandy Hausman has that story.

The U.S. Attorney’s office for the western district of Virginia is pleading with parents to spread the word. 

China is sending chemicals to Mexico, and Mexican cartels are mixing them up to make powerful, and sometimes deadly, pills that look just like what you might get from an American pharmacy. 

Sandy Hausman has that story.

Losers and winners both like to say that elections have consequences. But sometimes they’re delayed.

Jahd Khalil reports on the latest fallout from the Democrats’ losses last November. 

Legislators were back in Richmond to deal with vetoes and amendments. But they also took a key action on a proposed gas tax holiday.

Jahd Khalil was at the capitol and has this report. 

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol Wednesday to consider a host of amendments.

And as Michael Pope reports, one of the most controversial amendments is about marijuana.

With inflation at levels not seen in decades, a lot of families are facing some tough pocketbook decisions.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about some of the options.

Computers are everywhere, even in your car.  And a shortage of computer chips is having a big impact on the auto industry.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright have more on that challenge.

When a parent goes to prison, they’re not the only one being punished. 

Their children may also suffer, and when Mom or Dad is released, returning to family life may be difficult.

Virginia offers several programs to help incarcerated people become full-time parents again. 

Sandy Hausman has that story.

There’s no sign of progress in the negotiations to form a state budget.

So how long can the gridlock go? And can the governor break the logjam?

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope ponder those questions.

The war in Ukraine is prompting some members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation to introduce a range of bills addressing the issue.

Michael Pope reports.

Virginia is filled with Civil War battle sites. That’s nothing new.  But one location has special significance in African American military history.

Sixteen Black soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their service in the Civil War and almost every one of those medals was given to men who fought in the Battle of New Market Heights.

Mallory Noe-Payne has more. 

A new United Nations report says countries aren’t cutting greenhouse emissions fast enough to stay below key global climate limits.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on Virginia’s pace.

Virginia still has large segments of the population that have no access to broadband.

But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers are hoping to implement some new laws to change that.

Nearly 400 years after the Rappahannock Tribe was forced from their lands, they will finally return as owners to one of their towns on Fones Cliffs.  

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, herself a member of the Pueblo Laguna Tribe, spoke during the ceremony.  

Pamela D’Angelo was there. 

The war between Russia and Ukraine is impacting much more than gas prices.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright have more on the potential effect on agriculture here in Virginia and around the world.

One of former Governor Ralph Northam’s signature policy proposals is known as G3 — that’s an investment in community colleges that helps low-income students get in-demand work credentials at little or no cost to them.

This past fall was the first full semester of the program. And as Mallory Noe-Payne reports it bucked the trend of low-enrollment. 

College campuses are emerging as prime destinations for refugee families.  And new building designs are being developed to help save birds.

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.

The negotiations to set Virginia’s budget have entered a new, rather public, phase.

Richmond Times-Dispatch political columnist Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope have more on that.

With four-year and community college enrollments on a two-year decline, technical education is emerging as a bright spot for students interested in skilled trades like carpentry, car repair, energy, and electrical work.

Christine Kueter has that story.

What may be the country’s largest burial ground for enslaved and free African-Americans is one step closer to federal recognition.

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the site in Richmond recently earned a spot on the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Interest rates are starting to move higher as federal regulators try to bring inflation under control.

But will it be enough?

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about the impact and the potential outcomes.

Students are asking for more of a voice in decisions made by a Virginia school board. And Charlottesville is looking for ways to restore its tree canopy.

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.

The scheduled General Assembly session may be over, but there’s still major work to be done by legislators.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope talk about the new normal of overtime budget negotiations.

The University of Richmond upset Iowa in the NCAA tournament Thursday.

And Virginia Tech hopes to do the same in its first-round game Friday afternoon.

Greg Echlin has more from Milwaukee.

Crude oil prices dipped a bit this week, though gas prices are still at record highs in the US.

Roben Farzad, host the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about what’s driving those prices and the potential for some relief.

Lawmakers ended the General Assembly session Saturday.

But as Michael Pope reports, they left town without passing a budget.

The final act of this General Assembly session will likely be an agreement on Virginia’s budget.

But Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond-Times Dispatch, and Michael Pope say there’s likely to be more action even after adjournment.

It’s not often we have the chance to experience some of the more personal cultural treasures of Indigenous communities in Virginia.

Pamela D’Angelo reports the exhibit of them at the Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg is open for just a few more weeks.

The company that puts on the Kentucky Derby is now a player in Virginia.   In a multi-billion dollar deal, Churchill Downs will acquire the parent company of Colonial Downs and its Rosie’s Gaming locations.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright discuss the race for gambling entertainment dollars.

Time is running out on this year’s General Assembly session.  And that means some high-profile issues are likely out of time as well.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times Dispatch and Michael Pope have this update from the state capitol.

Western governments have been steadily tightening the economic sanctions on Russia, targeting everything from banks to airline flights to Russian-made liquor on the shelves of Virginia ABC stores.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright discuss some of the economic side-effects that might be felt here.

The battle over Virginia’s budget is creating fireworks at the state capitol.

Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Time-Dispatch and Michael Pope bring us up to speed on some of the big story lines at the General Assembly this week.

Last year lawmakers opened up public access to some police documents in closed cases.

Now, as Michael Pope reports, they’re considering rolling that back.

The Washington Commanders’ contract at FedEx Field in Maryland expires after the 2026-27 season.  And an effort to lure the football team to a new stadium in Virginia is working its way through the General Assembly.

Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Weekend Edition host Craig Wright have more on the proposal that comes with a whole lot of strings attached.