Archive for category Virginia’s News
UVA Uses Smart Phones and Watches to Search for Early Signs of Sickness and Brain Injury
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 23, 2020

In the last 20 years Americans have learned just how dangerous concussions can be, and we know early treatment is key to a full recovery. Now, the University of Virginia is working on a way to diagnose brain injuries sooner and to monitor patients’ recovery. Sandy Hausman reports.
Report: Virginia Hasn’t Done Much to Improve Ethics and Transparency Since McDonnell Scandal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 20, 2020
A few years ago, former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell was involved in a political scandal over ethics. And a new report shows the Commonwealth hasn’t improved its standing since then. Michael Pope reports.
You can find the whole report here.
Virginia Restaurants Coming to Terms with New Alcohol Restrictions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 19, 2020
Restaurants across Virginia are adapting to new rules about when they can serve alcohol. Michael Pope reports.
Congressman Griffith Wants to Prevent People from Taking Advantage of Opioid Crisis
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 17, 2020
The opioid crisis is still gripping rural parts of Virginia, and one Virginia congressman is taking action to limit its supply. Michael Pope reports.
New Virginia COVID-19 Restrictions Begin Monday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 13, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam announced a series of increased restrictions designed to combat the increase of COVID-19 cases. Nick Gilmore has details on the new restrictions set to go into effect at 12:01am Monday.
You can find more information here.
At Least One Lawmaker Wants to Prohibit Private Prisons in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 12, 2020
Lawmakers just ended their special session this week. But they’re already preparing for the next General Assembly session, which begins in about two months. Michael Pope has this preview of one bill that would prohibit private prisons.
State Lawmakers Briefed on School Enrollment and the Pandemic’s Impact
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 12, 2020
Virginia schools are seeing declining enrollment – lawmakers heard details about that during a presentation from the Department of Education Thursday. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Work is Already Underway to Establish the New Redistricting Commission
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2020
Who has the judgement to pick citizen members of the new redistricting commission? Michael Pope reports that’s a decision that will be made by retired judges.
Think School Segregation Ended in the 50’s? This Study says it’s Increasing.
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 11, 2020
School segregation is getting worse in Virginia, not better. And one driving factor is segregation within school districts. Those are the findings of a new report out Wednesday from researchers at VCU. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Set to Revisit Expungement Debate After Failing to Reach Agreement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2020
Lawmakers have now ended their three-month special session. And, they left one important piece of business unfinished. Michael Pope reports.
As State Lawmakers Consider Budget Amendments, Debate Over VMI Investigation Ensues
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 9, 2020
Members of the House of Delegates sparred Monday over a proposal from Governor Northam to fund an investigation into accounts of systemic racism at Virginia Military Institute. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Vote Counting Continues Across the Country and in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2020
While national attention is focused on ballots still being counted across the country, and votes are also still being tabulated here in Virginia. As of 4pm Friday, local registrars have reported about 800 additional mail-in ballots received between Election Day and noon on Friday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Eviction-Related Protections Amendment to Be Considered by General Assembly Monday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is sending lawmakers an amendment to a bill aimed at helping renters during the pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virtual Meetings Involving Public Business Continue After the Pandemic?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 5, 2020
During the pandemic, people have gotten used to the idea of virtual meetings. But when the pandemic is over, how much government business should be conducted online? Michael Pope reports about a bill that might come under consideration in January.
What Happens Now That the Redistricting Amendment Has Been Approved?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2020
Voters have approved a constitutional amendment creating a new redistricting commission, which now has a dizzying series of deadlines it must meet. Michael Pope has this preview of the work ahead.
State Election Officials Reflect on Efforts to Safely Vote in a Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2020
As the polls closed yesterday, Commissioner of Elections Chris Piper talked about the changes and challenges Virginia saw during this election. Jahd Khalil has more.
Mark Warner Wins Third Term in U.S. Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2020
U.S. Senator Mark Warner has declared victory in his re-election bid. As Michael Pope reports, he’s heading back to Washington for a third term.
Processed vs. Tabulation: How Vote Counts Will Work on Election Night
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2020
Unlike some other states, Virginia law allows election officials to start processing absentee ballots before Election Day. But, the tabulation of votes won’t start until after the polls close. Michael Pope reports.
Report: Virginia Could See Increased Militia Group Activity on Election Day
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2020
As Election Day draws closer, Virginia is one of several states deemed to have a moderate risk of increased activity from militia groups. That’s according to a recent report from the research group MilitiaWatch. But as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, Virginians do have legal protections against voter intimidation at the polls.
Voters can report complaints of intimidation at the Virginia Department of Elections website or by phone – 800-552-9745.
Support for Constitutional Amendment #1 Appears to Be Growing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 29, 2020
There’s a lot more on the ballot than the presidential race. Voters will also consider a constitutional amendment creating a new mapmaking commission to draw political boundaries.
Michael Pope reports on a new poll that shows some good news for supporters of the amendment.
You can find the new poll here.
CNU Poll: Biden Leads Trump by 12, 20-Point Advantage for Warner Over Gade
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2020
Virginia is not among the Presidential swing states that are getting all the time and attention right now. And Michael Pope reports on a new poll that might show why. And Michael Pope reports on a new poll that might show why.
Control of the United States Senate is on the ballot this year, although as Michael Pope reports on polling that shows there isn’t much of a race in Virginia.
You can find the poll here.
Northam Considers Bill Limiting Some Use of Military Equipment by Police
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering dozens of bills lawmakers sent him during a special session on coronavirus and criminal justice reform. Michael Pope reports about one bill that could limit what kind of military equipment is available to police.
Criminal Cases in Virginia Will Work Differently Beginning Next Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2020
Starting next summer, the criminal justice system in Virginia will see a major change in how criminal trials work and what kind of plea deals are offered. Michael Pope reports.
Why Election Night will Likely be a Long One
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 27, 2020
Virginia Takes on Race-Motivated 911 Calls
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2020
Calling 911 on someone because they are Black is about to become a felony in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Soybean Seesaw: The Give and Take of Tariffs and Trade Wars
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 22, 2020

Virginia agriculture is taking some hits. But some sectors are benefiting at the expense of others. Michael Pope reports.
Differences Over Conviction Expungement Continue to Divide General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 21, 2020
Lawmakers are mostly done with their special session, although they left some business unfinished. Michael Pope reports on one criminal justice reform that has yet to be resolved.
A Closer Look at Virginia’s U.S. Senate Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 21, 2020
The race for president will be at the top of the ticket this year. But the race just underneath that will be the election for United States Senator between incumbent Democrat Mark Warner and Republican challenger Daniel Gade. Michael Pope has this look at that campaign.
Both Republicans and Democrats Split Over Redistricting Amendment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 20, 2020
Democrats are divided over a constitutional amendment creating a new redistricting commission. And, as it turns out, Republicans are divided too. Michael Pope reports.
You can find the poll here.
Special Session Begins to Wrap Up: What Did Lawmakers Accomplish?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 19, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering several dozen bills lawmakers sent during a two-month special session. Michael Pope reports.
New Study: More Deaths Can Be Attributed to COVID-19
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2020
A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University suggests the death rate from COVID-19 is higher than reported.
Sandy Hausman spoke with its lead author about the under-count, what some states have done wrong during the pandemic and how this state has performed.
Who Should Be Able to Serve on New Redistricting Commission?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 9, 2020
Voters are considering a constitutional amendment that would create a new commission to draw political boundaries. But just who is expected to serve on this commission? Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Gets “C” Grade for Future Debt in Unfunded Pensions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 8, 2020
Virginia prides itself on being a state that has a balanced budget. But, that doesn’t mean the Commonwealth is without debt. Michael Pope reports.
Here’s a link to the report from Truth in Accounting.
General Assembly Working Out Differences Over Conviction Expungement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 8, 2020
Leaders in the House and Senate are trying to work out their differences on expunging old convictions. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Are Working to Give Prosecutors More Options
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 6, 2020

Lawmakers are wrapping up their special session on the budget and criminal justice reform. And, they’re about to send a bill to the governor that could transform how cases are handled in your local courthouse. Michael Pope reports.
A Closer Look at Closed-Door Conference Committees
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 6, 2020

Lawmakers are trying to wrap up their special session in Richmond, although they’ll need to resolve several major differences between the House version of bills and the Senate version of bills. And, they’ll be resolving their differences in private. Michael Pope reports.
Report: Virginia Could Be Doing More to Help Localities Recruit Teachers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 5, 2020

State officials could be doing more to help recruit and retain qualified teachers. That’s one finding in a report released to lawmakers today by the state’s independent watchdog agency. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look at the Policing Reforms Moving Forward at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 2, 2020

Lawmakers in Richmond are moving forward with a sweeping package of new laws aimed at reforming how policing works in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Effort Banning Police Use of Chokeholds Fails in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 2, 2020

Lawmakers in Richmond may be close to wrapping up their special session. And, they’re coming to a resolution on the issue of chokeholds. Michael Pope reports.
Pretext Stops Related to the Smell of Marijuana May Soon Be a Thing of the Past
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 30, 2020

The Virginia Senate is about to consider a bill that could dramatically reduce the number of people who are stopped and searched by police officers. Michael Pope reports.
Funding Dispute Could Delay Sentencing Reform Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 29, 2020

Sentencing reform is coming to Virginia, although Democrats in the House and Senate are divided on when Virginia can afford to make it happen. Michael Pope reports.
Officials Hope New VDH Tool Will Help Virginia School Divisions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 28, 2020

State health officials continue to roll out more tools to help in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. And as Nick Gilmore reports, they hope the newest one will help school divisions across Virginia.
69,000 Virginians Come Out to Vote Early in First Couple Days
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 22, 2020

In the first couple days of early voting, 69,000 Virginians cast their ballots for the November elections. That’s as of Tuesday morning, according to the Department Elections. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
MRAPs Have Become a Sticking Point in Military Equipment Use Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2020

Lawmakers are debating a ban on some kinds of military equipment for law enforcement agencies across Virginia. As Michael Pope reports, the House and Senate are taking different approaches.
Virginia House and Senate at Odds Over Special Session’s Next Steps
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 17, 2020

House Democrats and Senate Democrats are at an impasse, and leaders in both chambers are trying to figure out what to do next in the special session. Michael Pope reports.
Lessons Learned During the 1986 Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 17, 2020

Faced with a global pandemic and undeniable evidence of police brutality, lawmakers are working their way through a hectic special session – but it’s not entirely without precedent. Cat Modlin-Jackson has this look back at a time when the legislature got together to solve a different kind of crisis.
Virginia Senate Committee Kills Paid Quarantine Leave Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 16, 2020

Lawmakers are rejecting an effort to require businesses offer paid quarantine leave. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Working to Balance the Budget… Again
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2020

Lawmakers are trying to budget the state out of the red ink created by slumping revenues tied to the economic crisis. Michael Pope reports.
Senate Democrats Split Over State Inspections of ICE Facilities
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 11, 2020

Members of the Virginia state Senate are considering a bill that would allow state inspectors access to detention centers holding people accused of violating immigration laws. But, Senate Democrats are divided about how to handle the situation. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Blocking Police Use of Military Equipment Moves to House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 10, 2020

The Virginia Senate has approved a landmark bill approving policing reform. The vote came after a debate over the use of military equipment. Michael Pope has details.