Archive for category Virginia’s News
Virginia’s Schools: Achievement Gaps Widen, Attendance Up
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 30, 2019

Credit: Alberto G. / Flickr CC
92% of public schools in Virginia are meeting the state’s education standards. That’s according to the Department of Education, which released the annual accreditation ratings Monday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
New Report: Federal Reliance Could Be Limiting Virginia’s Economy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 30, 2019
Is Virginia’s economy being outpaced by the rest of the country? One new report suggests that’s the case. Michael Pope reports.
New Poll: In Virginia, Trump Trails All 2020 Democratic Candidates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 26, 2019
A new poll of Virginia voters shows President Donald Trump trailing all of his potential Democratic rivals by significant margins. Michael Pope reports.
One Virginia Candidate Has Accepted A Massive Campaign Donation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 25, 2019

Delegate Nick Freitas (Credit: BingBong321 / Creative Commons)
Running for office isn’t cheap, especially when the stakes are as high as they are this year. But one very large campaign contribution is raising eyebrows across Virginia. Michael Pope is following the money.
The Impact of Small-Dollar Donations in Virginia Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 24, 2019

Credit: NPR
Candidates often brag about the amount of money they’ve pulled in. But, sometimes a campaign is known more for the amount of donors. Michael Pope reports.
Beyer and Other House Democrats Are Pushing Ranked Choice Voting
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 23, 2019
Should voters have more choices when they are at the polls? One Virginia congressman wants to create a new system of ranked choice voting. Michael Pope reports.
Critics Worry A Trump Administration Proposal Could Limit Virginia’s Ability to Help Poor Families
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 23, 2019

Credit: USDA
How much money should people make before they are denied food stamps? That’s a question being debated in Washington and Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Summer Fundraising Helps Several Democrats Pull Ahead of Their Republican Rivals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 20, 2019

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Campaign finance numbers from the summer show Democrats pulled ahead of Republicans in several campaigns for the General Assembly. Michael Pope is following the money.
Group That Represents Home Healthcare Workers Donates 300k to Female Candidates of Color
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 19, 2019
A national group that represents home healthcare workers has jumped into politics, and one of their first investments is here in Virginia. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Census Race Categories Are Struggling to Keep Up With Virginia’s Population
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2019
In the next 20 years, white people in Virginia are expected to become a minority. But, the story of race is a bit more complicated than that. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia is Losing Residents to Our Southern Neighbors
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 18, 2019
For the past few years fewer people have been moving to Virginia. Instead more are actually leaving the Commonwealth, moving to other states — and they’re heading south. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The Growing Influence of Hispanic Voters in Virginia Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 17, 2019

Credit: NPR
This month is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the contribution Hispanic voters have made to Virginia politics. Michael Pope reports.
With Deadlines Approaching, Campaigns Use Different Tricks to Influence Finance Disclosures
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 16, 2019
Candidates for the General Assembly are facing a key deadline this week for campaign finance. Michael Pope is following the money.
Some Schools Across Virginia Opened Before Labor Day, Effectively Ending “Kings Dominion Law”
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 30, 2019

Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
Across Virginia, schoolchildren are heading back to school. And now school divisions are no longer required to wait until Labor Day to open their doors. Michael Pope reports.
Regulators: Dominion’s Profits $277 Million Too High
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 29, 2019
Virginia’s largest electric utility earned $277 million more in profits last year than what regulators say is reasonable and its customers could see huge bill increases in coming years, state regulators said Thursday in a new report. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Some Virginia Workers Are Continuing to Deal With Low Wages
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 29, 2019
Service sector employees in Virginia have been struggling for years with low wages. And now, they are looking ahead to an uncertain future. Michael Pope has the story.
New Report: Virginia Economy Faces a Looming Slowdown
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 28, 2019
Is Virginia’s economy headed for a rough patch? Michael Pope looks into the crystal ball.
You can find the full report here.
Virginia’s Tourism Industry Continues to Boom
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2019
Tourism is booming in Virginia. And, the forecast for the next decade is also strong. Michael Pope reports.
This Year’s Election Could Have Impacts on FMLA and Sick Leave in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2019
When can employees take time off? And how much time should they get to leave work? Lawmakers are expected to consider these questions next year, and the results will depend on what happens during this year’s election. Michael Pope reports.
Seniors to Outnumber Children, Although Virginia Lags National Trend
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 21, 2019
The senior population in Virginia is about to experience a boom. Michael Pope explains why that’s important.
Public, Interest Groups Weigh In On Guns At Crime Commission
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 20, 2019

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
Virginia’s State Crime Commission heard hours of public testimony Tuesday – all on gun violence. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, comments are falling along expected lines, but there is one emerging point of consensus.
Should Virginia Crack Down on Tax-Avoiding Corporations?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 19, 2019
This week, Governor Ralph Northam will outline the state of Virginia’s finances to the House and Senate money committees of the General Assembly. And, opinions are divided about the best way to balance the books. Michael Pope reports.
Could A Public Option Health Plan Hurt Rural Hospitals in Virginia?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 16, 2019

Credit: Wellness GM / Flickr
Democrats are divided about how much of America’s health insurance should be run by the government. That’s leaving some industry groups worried about the future of Virginia’s rural hospitals. Michael Pope reports.
Public Business Requires Advance Notice, Although it Doesn’t Always Work Out That Way
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 15, 2019
Members of the Norfolk School Board are facing criticism over meeting without public notice. It’s an issue that every Planning Commission and water-control board in Virginia has to deal with. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Incumbents and Their Challengers Often Have More in Common Than Meets the Eye
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 14, 2019

Credit: NPR
Who are the people running against all those incumbent members of the Virginia General Assembly this year? And just how rich are they? Michael Pope reports.
Proposal for ICE Juvenile Center in Northern Virginia Meets Opposition
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 13, 2019
The Trump administration wants to build a new detention center for children in Northern Virginia. And, the idea isn’t all that popular in the region. Michael Pope reports.
A Peaceful Anniversary for Charlottesville
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2019

Charlottesville police kept a low profile as the city observed the second anniversary of Unite the Right. (Credit: RADIO IQ)
There were no protests, no chanting and no arrests this weekend as Charlottesville marked the second anniversary of a violent white supremacist rally. Instead, the city celebrated what it calls Unity Days – a range of events designed to bring people together. Sandy Hausman reports.
Two Years Later, Still No Conclusion Over What Caused Helicopter Crash
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2019

Credit: Virginia State Police via AP
Two years ago Heather Heyer was killed during the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. Two others also died that day. Troopers Berke Bates and Jay Cullen were killed when their helicopter crashed. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
With Republicans in Washington Considering Gun Control, Will the Virginia GOP Follow Suit?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2019
Are Republicans in Virginia on the verge of moving their position on gun control? Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Transit Projects Show How Off Cost Estimates Can Sometimes Be
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 9, 2019
Estimating the cost of major transit projects can be difficult. And a new federal report points to Virginia as an example of how cost estimates can be dramatically wrong. Michael Pope reports.
Medicaid Enrollment Numbers Offer Hope for Maternal Mortality Rate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 8, 2019
The crisis of maternal mortality among African-American women in Virginia continues to raise alarm bells among state officials, although a new report has some good news on the subject. Michael Pope reports.
Activists Want Twitter to Ban White Supremacists
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 8, 2019

Activists say white supremacists are using Twitter to promote hate. The company says it has policies against that. (Credit: Twitter)
Community activists from Charlottesville are asking Twitter to ban white supremacists in advance of August 12th – the 2nd anniversary of a violent rally called Unite the Right. RADIO IQ’s Sandy Hausman has that story.
Virginia Leaders on Both Sides of the Aisle Want to End the ACA’s “Cadillac Tax
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 7, 2019
Washington isn’t a place that’s known for bipartisan agreement on many things. But, as Michael Pope reports, Republicans and Democrats from Virginia are coming together in an effort to repeal a key part of the Affordable Care Act.
Elections Board Denies GOP Another Chance in Central Virginia District
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 6, 2019

Credit: BingBong321 / Creative Commons
Virginia’s Board of Elections will not allow Republican Delegate Nick Freitas on the ballot this November. That decision came during a board meeting Tuesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Northam Blasts Trump After Mass Shootings
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 5, 2019

Following an event marking the 75th birthday of Smokey Bear, Governor Northam blasted President Trump and state lawmakers who failed to act during a special legislative session on gun control. (Credit: RADIO IQ)
In the wake of two mass shootings over the weekend, Governor Northam is blaming Donald Trump and calling on voters to reject gun violence on November 5th. Sandy Hausman has the story.
Some Virginia Districts Are Turning to Virtual Solutions to Teacher Shortage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 5, 2019

Credit: Marcie Casas / Creative Commons
Schools across Virginia are having a hard time finding teachers. And, the lack of teachers in Virginia is causing some schools to take drastic measures. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Outlines School Readiness Proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2019
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is hoping to get his hands on new funding streams for early childhood education. Michael Pope reports.
‘We Will Win It’ Says GOP Delegate Who Missed Filing Deadline
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 1, 2019

Republican Delegate Nick Freitas (Credit: BingBong321 / Creative Commons)
A GOP state lawmaker says he’s willing to step aside as a candidate, if it means voters in his district can get a Republican on the ballot. The election in central Virginia could impact party control of the statehouse. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Measure Honoring Virginia Beach Shooting Victim Headed to the White House
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 1, 2019

Congresswoman Elaine Luria, who introduced the legislation honoring Ryan Keith Cox.
It’s been two months since the Virginia Beach mass shooting, and the scars are still healing. Michael Pope has this report about one of the heroes of that day.
The Effort to Diversify Virginia’s Teachers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 31, 2019
The vast majority of teachers in Virginia are white, a cause of concern for some who say more diversity is needed in the classroom. Michael Pope reports.
Trump and Other Leaders Celebrate 400th Anniversary of American Democracy at Jamestown
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 30, 2019
Citing what he called “four incredible centuries of history, “President Donald Trump closed out Tuesday’s ceremony in Jamestown, celebrating in the same place where the legislative body first met. Jeff Bossert reports.
The Port of Virginia Would Face Significant Impacts From Proposed Tariffs
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 30, 2019

Credit: The Port of Virginia
The Port of Virginia and other port and terminal operators across the country are pushing back against a new round of proposed tariffs on imports from China. Michael Pope reports.
A Look Back at the Virginia Colony in 1619
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 29, 2019

A map of the Colony of Virginia, drafted by Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu.
A number of events are scheduled to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first General Assembly session on July 30th, 1619.
Michael Pope has this look at what was happening at the time.
Middle-Skills Jobs Becoming Harder to Find
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 26, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Employers across Virginia are demanding more of workers, and that’s changing the job market. Michael Pope reports.
Congressman Cline’s Bankruptcy Bill Headed to Senate With Bipartisan Support
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2019
The Mueller hearings dominated the headlines on Capitol Hill this week. But action was still happening on the House floor with a Virginia congressman’s reform of chapter 11 bankruptcy. Michael Pope has details.
When it Comes to Small-Dollar Donations, Democrats Are Out-Raising Republicans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2019
Campaign-finance disclosures show business groups and corporations are donating to Republican incumbents in this year’s General Assembly races. But, Democrats are leading in smaller donations. Michael Pope reports.
Big Spenders Don’t Always Win Elections, But They Win Quite Often
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 24, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
For candidates trying to get elected, spending money isn’t everything. But as Michael Pope reports, it’s often a sign of success.
Marijuana Arrests in Virginia Reach 20 Year High
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 23, 2019
According to Virginia police, arrests for possessing marijuana are on the rise in the Commonwealth. In 2018, almost 30,000 people were impacted. That’s triple the number from the late 90’s. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Virginia’s Congressional Delegation Takes Opposite Sides on Minimum Wage Vote
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 19, 2019
Democrats in the House of Representatives have taken action to raise the minimum wage. But will workers see a benefit? Michael Pope reports.
Virginia is for Outdoor Lovers Too
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 18, 2019

Credit: Nick Gilmore / RADIO IQ
You’ve heard that Virginia is for lovers, but state officials are hoping you’ll also soon think of the Commonwealth as a home for outdoor lovers too. Nick Gilmore explains.