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Spotsylvania County book controversy gets national attention
Posted in Uncategorized on November 17, 2021
Virginia has a lot of extra cash, but not as much as it seems
Posted in Uncategorized on November 17, 2021
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will be the one to propose how your tax dollars are spent but he’ll have to go through the Senate and House of Delegates.
Tuesday the House Appropriations Committee met and heard about booming revenues.
Jahd Khalil was there and heard some words of caution, too.
VCU launches huge new study of genetics and depression
Posted in Uncategorized on November 16, 2021
A team at Virginia Commonwealth University is working with scientists at two other medical centers to conduct the world’s largest study of genetic risk factors for depression.
Sandy Hausman reports on what they hope to learn.
Va. News: Innovations in food
Posted in Uncategorized on November 15, 2021
Virginia is home to a pair of innovative projects that may change the way food is produced and supplied.
That’s been a popular topic over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.
More on that now from Fred Echols.
Youngkin promised a new parole board. How quickly can he move on it?
Posted in Uncategorized on November 13, 2021
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin is poised to start working toward one of his campaign promises as soon as the General Assembly session starts.
Michael Pope reports on the future of the Parole Board.
Can AG-elect Miyares follow through with promise to prosecute
Posted in Uncategorized on November 12, 2021
Now that the election is over, lawmakers will be considering a number of bills generated from the campaign trail.
Michael Pope reports on one proposal that was a frequent topic of conversation in the race for attorney general.
Pope & Schapiro: Transitions and Transparency
Posted in Uncategorized on November 12, 2021
We’re learning more about who will be helping Republicans transition into the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope are already seeing some differences in approach.
Advocates say massive change is needed at Virginia Employment Commission
Posted in Uncategorized on November 11, 2021
Virginia’s beleaguered Employment Commission has been struggling to keep up with unemployment claims since the pandemic hit.
Now Michael Pope tells us about a new report calling for changes to the agency.
What’s the path for legal marijuana sales?
Posted in Uncategorized on November 10, 2021
The presumptive new Republican majority in the House of Delegates and Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will inherit a sticky question.
Possession of small amounts of pot is legal, but marijuana sales aren’t.
Reporter Jahd Khalil says a vote Wednesday told us Republicans are still figuring out their stance on the issue.
As Attention Turns To Richmond, Hope For A Big Education Budget
Posted in Uncategorized on November 8, 2021
As lawmakers plan to return to Richmond in a new era of Republican control, one issue that will be a heavy focus is education.
Michael Pope reports on a big budget promise.
Va. News: Yes to Higher Taxes and No to High Rollers
Posted in Uncategorized on November 8, 2021
Voters in two Virginia cities surprised some people last week by approving higher taxes and rejecting a casino.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: Turnout, Fallout And Looking Forward From Tuesday’s Election
Posted in Uncategorized on November 5, 2021
It’s been a huge week in Virginia politics.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope look to the future of a Glenn Youngkin administration and the Democratic Party’s future in Virginia.
Youngkin, Republicans Sweep Virginia Election
Posted in Uncategorized on November 3, 2021
Glenn Youngkin will be the next governor of Virginia.
In a stunning upset, Republicans retook the Governor’s Mansion after more than a decade.
Reporter Jahd Khalil was in Chantilly for Youngkin’s Victory Party.
McAuliffe Concedes While Democrats Try To Figure Out What Went Wrong
Posted in Uncategorized on November 3, 2021
Democrats are pointing fingers after losing all three statewide races to Republicans.
Michael Pope reports.
Lots of Early Voting And Heavy Election Day Turnout
Posted in Uncategorized on November 2, 2021
About 1.1 million people voted early in this election, 20 percent of all registered voters.
Joe Staniunas talked to some in southwest Virginia who waited until election day to cast their ballots.
Va. News: Foot Traffic Jams And Citizen Engagement
Posted in Uncategorized on November 1, 2021
One of Virginia’s favorite hiking trails has gotten a little too popular during the pandemic. And Arlington County wants more of its residents involved in local government planning.
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.
Holton Rembered As Groundbreaking Governor
Posted in Uncategorized on October 29, 2021
Pope & Schapiro: Closing The 2021 Campaign And Opening The 2021 Transition
Posted in Uncategorized on October 29, 2021
There’s been plenty of buildup. And now Election Day is almost here.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss the closing days of the race for governor and what we might see in the first days of the transition to a new administration.
Another Poll Shows A Neck And Neck Race For Governor
Posted in Uncategorized on October 27, 2021
New polling in the race for governor shows the election tightening with early voting wrapping up.
Michael Pope explains the results.
Biden Headlines Rally for McAuliffe
Posted in Uncategorized on October 26, 2021
Is Virginia’s Habit Of Ticket Splitting A Thing Of The Past?
Posted in Uncategorized on October 26, 2021
Voters in Virginia will choose three statewide offices next month.
As Michael Pope reports, they could end up splitting the ticket.
Leading, Trailing, or Tied: Turnout and Enthusiasm the “Name of the Game” in 2021 Elections
Posted in Uncategorized on October 26, 2021
We’re a week out from the last day of voting in Virginia’s election.
Polls show a tight race, despite Virginia looking bluer and bluer over the past few election cycles.
Jahd Khalil reports that’s got both campaigns focused on turnout, but for different reasons.
ARPA Funds Not Addressing Recruitment at State Hospital for Children
Posted in Uncategorized on October 25, 2021

This summer, five state hospitals that serve Virginians with mental illness had to pause admissions due to staffing shortages
American Rescue Plan funding was supposed to help address that, but as Jahd Khalil reports, the situation has continued to worsen at the hospital that treats children.
Va. News: Vaccination Mandates And Mental Health Days
Posted in Uncategorized on October 25, 2021
The University of Virginia will soon require employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19. And public school staff in Richmond will be getting a break from pandemic stress.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: The New Impact Of Early Voting
Posted in Uncategorized on October 22, 2021
Virginia’s fall election is breaking new ground.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss new voting rules and their impact.
State Psychiatric Hospitals Reopened During The Pandemic But Are Still Full
Posted in Uncategorized on October 19, 2021
Congressional Map Gets Chilly Reception
Posted in Uncategorized on October 18, 2021

After the process for redrawing new state legislative districts broke down, Virginia’s redistricting commission has moved onto drawing congressional districts.
Jahd Khalil reports the commission avoided a major pitfall of the last process but may have exacerbated another.
New Report: English Language Learners in Virginia’s Schools Don’t Have Sufficient Support
Posted in Uncategorized on October 18, 2021
Virginia ranks among the worst states in the country for graduation rates of students who do not speak English as their native language, a group that is more likely to drop out than go to college.
Michael Pope tells us about a new report identifying some potential solutions.
Va. News: Cops in Schools and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Posted in Uncategorized on October 18, 2021
One Virginia community has changed its mind about removing armed police from schools while another will require its employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: Former Presidents Lend Weight And Controversy In Governor’s Race
Posted in Uncategorized on October 15, 2021
Former presidents are bringing new attention to the race for governor.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope catch us up on those details and some other closely watched House of Delegates races.
Draft Congressional Maps Include Big Changes For Central And Western Virginia
Posted in Uncategorized on October 14, 2021

After failing to agree on new maps for state legislative districts, Virginia’s Redistricting Commission is moving on to federal Congressional districts.
David Seidel reports the drafts reviewed Thursday included some big changes for southwest and central Virginia.
Trump Phone Call Roils Race For Virginia Governor
Posted in Uncategorized on October 14, 2021
The fallout from the January insurrection at the Capitol isn’t just at the center of Washington politics. It’s also become a flashpoint in the election for governor of Virginia.
Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: Roaming Pigs And Resort Renovations
Posted in Uncategorized on October 11, 2021
People in a rural eastern Virginia community say they’re being overrun by roaming animals… And an iconic Virginia mountain resort is getting a massive makeover.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: Campaigns Focus On Parents And Vaccinations
Posted in Uncategorized on October 8, 2021
As the fall campaign moves into the final weeks, the candidates are trying to capitalize on potential missteps by their opponents.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope talk about how that’s playing out.
Virginia Indictments Send Message About Worker Misclassification
Posted in Uncategorized on October 7, 2021
The labor practices of construction companies across Virginia are in the spotlight because of a new case brought by Virginia’s attorney general.
Michael Pope explains.
Watermen in Broadband, Cell Service Deserts Struggle with State’s Mandatory Move Online
Posted in Uncategorized on October 7, 2021

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has been slowly moving fishermen, the oyster industry and now commercial crabbers to mandatory online reporting of their daily catch.
But in rural Tidewater, where many go without good cell coverage or internet, that’s a problem.
Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Demographers: Census Data Shows Virginia’s Urban-Rural Divide Is Growing
Posted in Uncategorized on October 6, 2021
Virginia is increasingly becoming a commonwealth of urban and rural.
And, as Michael Pope reports, those two worlds are growing farther apart.
How Can COVID-19 Patients Regain Their Sense of Smell?
Posted in Uncategorized on October 6, 2021
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that having a brain injury made it more likely a COVID-19 infection would take your sense of smell or taste.
But is there anything that can help survivors get their senses back?
Jahd Khalil spoke to one of the researchers on that question.
Va. News: Connecting With City Government And Free Community College
Posted in Uncategorized on October 4, 2021
Interacting with city government will soon be less challenging for non-English speakers in one city. And virtually every student currently enrolled in schools in Martinsville and Henry County will have a chance to attend community college at no cost.
These 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.
Redistricting Commission Fails to Agree on Consensus Map Ahead of Public Comment Period
Posted in Uncategorized on October 3, 2021
This week the public can comment on the work of the Virginia Redistricting Commission.
It was widely understood that the Commission would submit two maps to the public – one for the house and one for the senate.
Jahd Khalil reports they failed to do that.
Pope & Schapiro: Did Debates Drag Down Either Candidate?
Posted in Uncategorized on October 1, 2021
Did the two televised debates between Terry McAuliffe and Glenn Youngkin change the trajectory of the governor’s race?
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope consider what helped and what hurt the two major party candidates.
At Inaugural Conference, Virginia’s Indigenous Nations Begin Drafting A Sovereignty Accord
Posted in Uncategorized on September 29, 2021

The leaders of federally recognized tribal nations in Virginia held their first-ever Sovereignty Conference last week.
Pamela D’Angelo reports on what they hope to achieve.
McAuliffe, Youngkin Meet For Second And Final Debate
Posted in Uncategorized on September 28, 2021
The campaign for governor is now headed into the final stretch now that the second and final debate has concluded.
Michael Pope reports.
Northam To The Unvaccinated: You Are Hurting People
Posted in Uncategorized on September 28, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam had sharp words for Virginians who have chosen not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
But as David Seidel reports, the governor admitted he’s running out of ideas to convince them to get the shot.
Va. News: Officer Shortages And Firearms Bans
Posted in Uncategorized on September 27, 2021
Residents of Petersburg will no longer be allowed to carry guns in any public area. And the Danville Police Department, like many, is struggling with an officer shortage.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: New Polls, A New Debate, New Monument
Posted in Uncategorized on September 24, 2021
There are new polling insights into the race for governor this week. And a new direction for who and what gets memorialized in the former capitol of the Confederacy.
Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Michael Pope discuss those issues.
Afghans Already In Virginia Play Big Role In Latest Resettlement Effort
Posted in Uncategorized on September 23, 2021
Tens of thousands of people came to the US, fleeing Afghanistan after the American military’s withdrawal hastened a collapse of the Afghan government.
Among the refugees are Special Immigrant Visa holders and their families who assisted the military.
Jahd Khalil reports that those working to resettle these Afghans and other refugees put a part of themselves into the effort.
Splitting Saltville: One Example Of The Tough Choices Faced By Redistricting Commission
Posted in Uncategorized on September 23, 2021
Republican and Democratic map drawers mostly agreed on a compromise for districts in Southwest Virginia. But they had some questions for the Virginia Redistricting Commission Thursday.
Jahd Khalil reports that after weeks of debating criteria for maps, the redistricting commission is now deciding where to digress.
University of Mary Washington Poll Finds Tight Race For Governor
Posted in Uncategorized on September 22, 2021
The race for governor may be tightening up heading into the final few weeks before Election Day.
Michael Pope reports on a new poll that shows the race is deadlocked.
New Effort To Uncover The Past And Power Of Werowocomoco
Posted in Uncategorized on September 22, 2021

It’s been nearly 20 years since archeologists and tribal nations in Virginia began looking for clues to the people and cultures of Werowocomoco.
It was the political center of the Powhatan chiefdom before and during the early 1600s along the York River in Gloucester.
Pamela D’Angelo brings us the latest on this important Indigenous town.