Archive for category Virginia’s News
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
One Virginia congressman wants to put cameras into classrooms
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 29, 2022
Cameras are used to monitor security in many schools. But what about cameras to monitor what’s being taught? As Michael Pope reports, that’s become a topic of discussion in a congressional race.
Could Virginia play a role in the national semiconductor push?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 28, 2022
Virginia already has one manufacturing facility for semiconductors. It’s in Prince William County in northern Virginia.
But, as Michael Pope reports, new federal money to encourage fabrication plants could be coming to Virginia.
Virginia Aquarium expecting endangered crocodile eggs to hatch this summer
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 28, 2022
Staff at the Virginia Aquarium are keeping a watchful eye on over a dozen white eggs expected to hatch this summer.
It will be cause for celebration since they were laid by an animal that’s threatened worldwide, but the rest of us might feel a little nervous as 14 baby tomistomas arrive. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Blue Ridge Poison Center: Delta-8 THC edibles driving jump in calls
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 28, 2022
The Blue Ridge Poison Center at UVA Health is fielding a significant influx of calls over adverse reactions to a substance derived from hemp and marijuana plants. Nick Gilmore reports.
You can reach the Blue Ridge Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Buchanan County flooding reignites debate over Virginia’s RGGI membership
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 27, 2022
Recent flooding in Southwest Virginia is reopening debate about Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Michael Pope reports.
New tourism grants seek to keep Virginians in state for their vacations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2022
Communities across Virginia are about to launch new tourism initiatives. As Michael Pope reports, they’ll be encouraging people to drive to destinations in Virginia rather than flying out of state for vacations.
State economy shows signs of growth, but many Virginians are still outside the labor force
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2022
The economy may be on the threshold of recession, depending on what metric you want to use to define recession. But, as Michael Pope tells us, Virginia’s economy is showing strong signs of growth.
Book explores memories of Appalachians forced to leave their land to build National Parks, dams and roads
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2022

Imagine being told the government needed your land and you had a few weeks or months to move. This happened to thousands of people, to make room for national parks, and hydroelectric dams. Roxy Todd spoke with the editor of a new book, called “Lost in Transition,” about those who were forced to leave home.
Va. News: Southwest Virginia childcare, estate auction
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2022
A new program in southwest Virginia will test ways to make childcare more available for working families. And, you’ll soon have a chance to bid at auction on an estate once owned by George Washington’s cousin, but it won’t come cheap. 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.
New study shows Virginia teachers face worst “pay penalty” in the nation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 21, 2022
Schools across Virginia are struggling to find teachers for classrooms this fall. And, as Michael Pope reports, part of the problem is teacher pay.
You can read the entire analysis here.
New updates for Virginia’s approach to the coast go into effect
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 21, 2022
Virginia’s approach to climate change and coastal flooding continued to be updated this year. Jahd Khalil briefs us on the General Assembly’s latest updates to coastal management that went into effect this summer.
Virginia’s House delegation splits on Respect for Marriage Act vote
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2022
The House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill that would safeguard gay marriage and interracial marriage. But, as Michael Pope reports, it was a party-line vote among Virginia’s delegation.
Ever wanted to have the grip of an octopus? Researchers at Virginia Tech create an ‘octo-glove’
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2022

Ever wanted to have the grip of an octopus?
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has developed an underwater glove designed to do just that. Roxy Todd has more.
New data shows teacher shortages are hitting Virginia, especially in southside
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 19, 2022
Democrats are raising more money than Republicans in Virginia’s competitive Congressional races
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 18, 2022
New fundraising numbers show a lopsided advantage for Democrats running in some key Congressional races in Virginia. But, as Michael Pope reports, Republicans have time to make up lost ground.
Va. News: Fredericksburg bag tax, cell phones in the classroom
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 11, 2022
Mobile phones can be distractions for students in the classroom. But one local school board in Virginia believes it has the solution to that problem. And, Fredericksburg’s plastic bag tax is bringing in more revenue than the city expected or wanted.
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.
Minority children disproportionately suffer from court fees in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 8, 2022
Children caught up in the court system are often harmed by fines and fees that can be extremely damaging to people struggling to make ends meet. And, as Michael Pope reports, minority children are disproportionately at risk.
How prosecutor discretion could play into the upcoming abortion debate in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2022
Across Virginia, some Commonwealth’s Attorneys are already saying they will not prosecute abortion cases if it becomes illegal. But, as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers opposed to abortion could find ways around that.
Virginia abortion rights advocates mull mobile clinics
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 5, 2022
Advocates for abortion rights are trying to figure out how Virginia might end up providing the procedure to women from prohibition states. Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: Rental bidding wars, VDOT snow struggles
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 4, 2022
Virginia doesn’t have enough contractors to handle snow removal this winter. And, in the current housing market people are finding themselves in bidding wars for rental properties.
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 taps Wheeler to run new Office of Regulatory Management
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 1, 2022
Governor Glenn Youngkin is creating a new office aimed at reducing regulatory requirements in Virginia. Michael Pope reports he’s tapped a controversial figure to lead it.
Abortion will be at the forefront of next year’s General Assembly session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 30, 2022
The recent Supreme Court decision on abortion is setting the stage for a General Assembly session where reproductive rights will be on the agenda. Michael Pope reports.
Eagles again in need of protection
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 30, 2022
Scientists say Virginia and other states around the Chesapeake Bay may once have been home to 3,000 breeding pairs of bald eagles, nourished by a rich supply of fish.
Their numbers fell dramatically, rebounded and could now be in danger again, as Sandy Hausman reports.
Vega’s comments could be just the beginning of abortion debate for elections this fall
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 29, 2022
The conversation about abortion may end up being a major campaign issue this year. Michael Pope reports it’s already taking center stage in one of Virginia’s most competitive House races.
How would Virginia prosecutors respond to a 15-week abortion ban?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 27, 2022
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is calling on lawmakers to ban abortion in Virginia after 15 weeks of pregnancy. But, as Michael Pope reports, that might be a bit more complicated than it seems.
The impact of the January 6th committee on Virginia’s 2nd Congressional race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 24, 2022
The January 6 Committee may end up influencing one of Virginia’s congressional races this year. Michael Pope explains why.
Virginia lawmakers react to Roe v. Wade decision
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 24, 2022
Friday’s Supreme Court decision that ended federal protections for abortion is setting up a political battle in Virginia. Jahd Khalil tells us what’s coming next.
New report: Virginia is one of the worst offenders when it comes to lax campaign finance laws
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 23, 2022
Virginia’s lax campaign finance laws are once again in the spotlight for opening the door to corruption. Michael Pope explains why.
You can find the report here.
A closer look at Republican Yesli Vega’s successful primary campaign
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 22, 2022
Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega is now the Republican candidate to run against Democrat Abigail Spanberger in the 7th Congressional District. Michael Pope has this look at her campaign.
Youngkin ceremonially signs state budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 21, 2022
After months of debate, negotiation and legislation, Governor Glenn Youngkin has put his signature on the state budget. As Jahd Khalil reports, the ceremonial signing Tuesday was held at a venue where Youngkin recorded ads during his bid for governor.
A gas tax holiday is dead in Virginia, but the debate goes on
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 21, 2022
As Washington considers a holiday for the federal gas tax, here in Virginia the effort to temporarily suspend the state gas tax has reached the end of the road. Michael Pope reports.
Full Disclosure Briefing: LEGO comes to Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 21, 2022
Toy company LEGO is bringing its first U.S. manufacturing facility to Chesterfield County.
Roben Farzad, host of the Full Disclosure podcast, and Craig Wright talk about the company’s massive investment and what it means for the Commonwealth.
A preview of Tuesday’s primary elections in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 20, 2022
Tuesday is Election Day in Virginia. Michael Pope has this preview of what you’ll see on the ballot.
Polling places will be open from 6am to 7pm. Anyone in line at 7 will be allowed to cast a ballot. You can find more information here.
Va. News: LEGO to Chesterfield County and Virginia’s red flag law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 20, 2022
Virginia’s red flag law has been used hundreds of times in the past two years, but not everyone is happy about it. And, Chesterfield County will soon be the only place in the U.S. where LEGOs are made.
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.
The House of Delegates rejects amendment making it a crime to protest outside judges’ homes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 17, 2022
Friday, state legislators had 38 budget amendments to go through. Budgets in Virginia don’t only mean more or less money. They could even mean a new felony, as Jahd Khalil reports from the Capitol.
Youngkin amendments move funding to HBCU’s
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 16, 2022
Lawmakers will return to Richmond Friday to consider a number of budget amendments from the governor. Michael Pope has this report on two that focus on historically Black colleges and universities.
Advocates wonder why state Democrats didn’t pass an assault weapons ban when they were in power
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 15, 2022
When Democrats were in control of the General Assembly, they passed a number of measures designed to reduce gun violence. But, as Michael Pope reports, one part of the agenda they were unable to accomplish was banning assault weapons.