Virginia Teachers Will Soon Undergo Cultural Competency Training Under New Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 11, 2021
Virginia history is complicated, and now teachers in Virginia will have help explaining some of the racial elements to students. Michael Pope reports.
Legislation Would Expand Some Impact Statements to Include Equity
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 10, 2021
The governor is now considering hundreds of bills lawmakers put on his desk.
Michael Pope has this report on one that would shed light on racial disparities.
Student Nurses Join the Push to Vaccinate
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 10, 2021

With more vaccine in the pipeline, experts predict more of us will be inoculated against COVID in the next few months.
At some Virginia schools, nursing students are stepping up to help.
They’re already on the job at VCU and Radford. Now Sandy Hausman reports dozens are in training at UVA.
Scott’s Labor Union Bill Passes House, Faces Hurdles in Senate
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 10, 2021
The House of Representatives isn’t dealing with just COVID-relief.
As Michael Pope reports, members also voted on a labor law introduced by a senior member of the Virginia delegation.
Northam Administration Hits Back in Parole Board Controversy
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 9, 2021

A simmering controversy over the Virginia Parole Board got a response from the Northam Administration Tuesday.
The Governor’s Chief of Staff defended the administration and said the case was becoming politicized.
Jahd Khalil has more.
U.S. House to Consider Scott Legislation Updating Labor Laws This Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 8, 2021
The House of Representatives will consider a major piece of union legislation this week – a bill introduced by a senior member of the Virginia delegation. Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: Wrongful Convictions and Gypsy Moths
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 7, 2021
A Northern Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney is the first local prosecutor in the state to set up a dedicated unit to review possible wrongful convictions. And the U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on its aerial battle against the Gypsy Moth.
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.
EVs and Charging Stations: Virginia Going Zero Emissions Under New Vehicle Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2021
Virginia is about to become the first Southern state to enact zero-emissions vehicle legislation. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Endorses Herring Rival in Attorney General Race
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 4, 2021
The Democratic primary for attorney general is heating up. And, a surprising endorsement might change the dynamics of the race. Michael Pope reports.
Effort to Eliminate Mandatory Minimums Met a Disappointing End, But Will Likely be Back
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 3, 2021
One of the big disappointments for many criminal justice advocates in this year’s General Assembly session was a failure to ditch mandatory minimums.
Michael Pope explains why.
Dept. of Elections Completes Risk Limiting Audit
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 2, 2021
What do you think the chances are that something was wrong with how ballots were counted?
A Risk Limiting Audit found that the chances the Virginia Department of Elections missed a faulty ballot tabulation was less than one in 100,000.
The department announced the results Tuesday. Jahd Khalil explains how they did it.
As In-person School Increases, So Can Student Anxiety
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 2, 2021
Governor Northam has said he wants kids back in school by mid-March.
But as more schools gear up to re-open or increase their in-classroom days, mental health experts warn that the return to in-person education may be stressful for students.
Christine Kueter has that story.
Examining Next Steps for Legislation Passed During 2021 Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 1, 2021
General Assembly Wraps Up Session With Groundbreaking Vote On Marijuana
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 28, 2021
The General Assembly will formally adjourn today Monday, but it finished most of its business on Saturday.
Jahd Khalil sums up what the lawmakers did on their last day of legislating.
Va. News: Goals Accomplished
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 28, 2021
Thanks to the work of some elementary school students a Virginia civil rights pioneer now has a long overdue historical marker… And a Navy Corpsman has accomplished one his life goals and a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
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.
Legislators Find Compromise On Old Criminal Records
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 26, 2021
Lawmakers are ending the General Assembly session with a major compromise on expungement.
Michael Pope reports.
An Unprecedented General Assembly Session Wraps Up
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 26, 2021
Budget Bill Includes Raises for State Employees, Teachers and Troopers
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 25, 2021
On Thursday negotiators from the House and Senate agreed on a budget proposal.
Jahd Khalil tells us how one compromise led to a five percent raise for teachers.
Lawmakers Still Need to Balance Virginia’s Budget; Where Will Teacher Raises Fit Into That Work?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2021
Virginia’s legislative session is wrapping up, but one big piece is still missing: funding. Lawmakers are expected to reveal the budget they’ve agreed on today. Reporter Jahd Khalil says eyes are on teacher salaries.
State Lawmakers Kick Precinct Data Legislation Down the Road
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2021
Voters may be about to get better data about elections. But as Michael Pope reports, it won’t be this year.
The Debate Over Reforming Virginia’s Bail System Likely Won’t End This Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021
Conference Committee Working on Bill Allowing Mental Health Testimony in Criminal Cases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021

People with developmental disabilities are incarcerated much more often than the rest of the population. But when defending themselves, they’re not allowed to introduce evidence about their mental state at the time of the alleged crime. Jahd Khalil reports on how that practice could end.
Despite Democratic Majorities, A Ban on Assault-Style Weapons Isn’t Headed to Northam’s Desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021
Lawmakers are sending the governor several bills aimed at preventing gun violence. But there’s one bill they’re not sending him. Michael Pope reports.
Northam: Some COVID-19 Restrictions to Be Relaxed Monday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021
The number of new COVID-19 infections is trending down, and vaccination numbers are going up. And, Governor Ralph Northam says that’s cause to relax some safety restrictions. Nick Gilmore has details.
You can find more details about the relaxed restrictions here.
Senate Won’t Close Campaign Cash Loophole
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 23, 2021
Lawmakers are rejecting an effort to create new rules for how lawmakers are able to spend campaign cash.
Michael Pope explains.
Virginia Senate Votes to Remove Harry Byrd Statue from Capitol Square
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 23, 2021
The General Assembly is about to remove a prominent symbol of its racist past from Capitol Square. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate Rejects Farm Worker Minimum Wage Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2021
Senate Democrats are rejecting an effort to guarantee a minimum wage to farm workers. Michael Pope has the story.
Legislation Requiring In-Person Instruction Currently Under Consideration by House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2021
On Monday, some students in Henrico County returned to in-person learning. Governor Northam has asked all schools to have an in-person option by March 15th. A bill in the General Assembly would require it by this summer. Jahd Khalil has this report from Richmond.
Effort to Add Paid Sick Days Has Been Narrowed, More Debate Potentially on the Horizon
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2021
Senators may be on the verge of approving paid sick days. But, the bill they’re considering would be a very narrow requirement. Michael Pope reports.
Study: Virginia is Still a Long Way From Herd Immunity
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 22, 2021
More than half a million Virginians have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and many more could have been infected without developing symptoms. The state also reports vaccinating more than one-million people.
So are we getting close to what’s known as herd immunity?
Sandy Hausman put that question to one expert at the University of Virginia.
Va. News: School Names and Schools Online
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 21, 2021
School districts in southwest Virginia are getting together to plan what they see as the next step for online learning…and a Northern Virginia high school may soon take on the name of a former staff member who was fired for taking a stand against segregation.
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.
State Democrats Want to Prevent Those Convicted of Domestic Abuse From Having Firearms
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2021
Lawmakers are considering a bill designed to keep guns out of the hands of people convicted of domestic violence. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Working to Remove Byrd Statue, Rename Jefferson Davis Highway
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2021
Lawmakers are taking action to remove some divisive symbols from public view. Michael Pope has the story.
Legislation Would Help With Food Insecurity, During and After the Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2021
More Virginians are having trouble getting access to food because of COVID-19. A bill before the General Assembly is looking to offer food banks assistance. But the bill also has implications after the pandemic. Jahd Khalil has details.
How Will Opioid Settlement Dollars Be Used?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 19, 2021
Virginia won millions of dollars from pharmaceutical consultants for the damage done by the opioid epidemic. It’s probably getting much more from the drug makers themselves.
But will Virginia be able to learn from its past mistakes?
Jahd Khalil reports that public health experts are thinking about the future and another major settlement.
Senate Considers Ban on “Ghost Guns”
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 18, 2021
Members of the General Assembly are considering legislation that would prohibit people from evading gun-control laws by constructing a gun at home.
Michael Pope explains.
Senate Committee Kills Cyber Flashing Bill
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 18, 2021
Virginia Could Soon End Costly Coal Tax Credits
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2021
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would scrap tax credits for the coal industry. Michael Pope reports.
State Call Center for COVID-19 Vaccination Registration and Information Now Live
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam delivered some good news during an update on Virginia’s continued COVID-19 response Wednesday: case numbers are trending down and vaccinations are up. The state has a few new tools as well. Nick Gilmore reports.
You can reach the call center at 877-VAX-IN-VA. And the online portal is accessible here.
General Assembly Considers Allowing Sunday Voting
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 17, 2021
State Democrats Working Out Differences on Gun Control Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2021
Democrats campaigned on a platform of taking action to crack down on gun violence. Now, they’re divided on some of the details. Michael Pope has the story.
The General Assembly Has Approved Marijuana Legalization, But Details Up in the Air
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2021
The House and the Senate have both approved legalizing marijuana, although there are differences between the two approaches that still need to be worked out. Michael Pope reports.
A Surprising Year for College Applications
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 16, 2021

The pandemic has played havoc with many things this year including college admissions.
As Sandy Hausman reports, applications at some schools were up dramatically, while other institutions appear to be falling short.
Senate Committee Kills Workers Comp Retaliation Bill
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 15, 2021
Senators rejected a House bill that would prevent employers from retaliating against their employees.
Michael Pope explains why.
State Lawmakers Considering Baseline Data Privacy Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 15, 2021
What can a company do with your personal data? That’s what lawmakers are discussing in the General Assembly. California already has its own law. Jahd Khalil reports on a data protection act proposed for Virginia.
Legislation Moving Forward in Richmond Would Ban Guns at All Virginia Polling Places
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 15, 2021
Now that Democrats are in control of the General Assembly, firearms are prohibited in a number of places. And, one of those places might soon be a polling place. Michael Pope has the story.
Va. News: Absentee Ballots and Boosting Minority Owned Businesses
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 14, 2021
Minority owned businesses in the upper Shenandoah Valley will soon have a new source of capital. And Virginia lawmakers are looking to change the way absentee ballots are counted.
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.
It’s Open Season for Campaign Fundraising Thanks to Mostly Online Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2021
Lawmakers are now in a General Assembly unlike any other, partly because it’s largely virtual. But, the laws around campaign fundraising also work differently. Michael Pope reports.
Adoption Agency “Conscience Clause” is Target of Legislation
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 12, 2021
Lawmakers are debating a bill aimed at preventing discrimination by adoption agencies.
But, as Michael Pope reports, the House and the Senate are divided over how to do it.
A Divide Over Electric School Buses?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on February 12, 2021
Last year’s passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act meant electric utilities needed to come up with more than 3,000 megawatts of energy storage capacity. One place was in the batteries of electric school buses.
But as Jahd Khalil reports, some Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups weren’t on the same.