Three Virginia Republicans Asked the Supreme Court to Throw Out Ballots
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 14, 2020
Presidential Electors cast their votes in Richmond and other state capitols Monday, again confirming Joe Biden as President-elect. Meanwhile, Republicans in the Commonwealth are trying to navigate through a difficult period after the election but before the inauguration. Michael Pope reports.
Va. News: Holiday Traditions and Trees Turning the Tide
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 13, 2020
The pandemic has made traditional holiday parades all but impossible this year, but one Virginia city has shown that where there’s a will there’s a way. And while Virginia Beach waits for major construction projects to reduce flooding the city is partnering with nature to mitigate the problem.
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 Lawmakers Face Unique Challenge With Doling Out Education Funding Next Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2020
Lawmakers will return to Richmond next month – and writing a new budget will be a priority. But, they’ll have to answer some questions about what kind of assumptions they want to make about schools. Michael Pope reports.
Economic Recovery Following the Pandemic is on Track, But Could Take Longer in Rural Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on December 11, 2020
Recovering to pre-pandemic employment levels is expected to take longer in rural Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Announces Curfew, Other Restrictions Amid Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2020

New COVID-19 restrictions will go into effect Monday morning thanks to record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 infections. Nick Gilmore has details on what Virginians can expect.
You can find the full executive order here.
McAuliffe to Run Again: What’s the Historical Context for Governors Returning to Executive Mansion?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 9, 2020
Virginia is the only state in the country where an incumbent governor is forbidden from running for re-election. But, there’s no prohibition against former governors returning to the Executive Mansion. Michael Pope reports.
As Carroll Foy Resigns, Other Lawmakers Weigh Options for 2021 Campaigning
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 8, 2020
As the upcoming General Assembly session approaches, lawmakers who are eyeing statewide office are trying to figure out how to juggle the legislature with the campaign trail. Michael Pope reports.
State Republicans Ditching Primary Election for 2021 Gubernatorial Nomination Process
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 7, 2020
Virginia Republicans will hold a convention rather than a primary next year to determine the party’s candidate for governor. Michael Pope has details.
Va. News: Gone from Monument Ave. and Gone Fishin’
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 6, 2020
Rather than report for a remotely taught freshman year, two young college students from Virginia went fishing, and their parents are fine with it. And Richmond is trying to decide who will take possession of the Confederate statues that no longer stand in the city.
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.
Virginia Business Leaders Working to Keep the Commonwealth Rolling in the Right Direction
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 4, 2020
Business leaders from across the country are preparing for a recovery in 2021, and hoping to position Virginia as the best state for business. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Urged to Consider Changing Language on Disabilities
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 3, 2020
Lawmakers are considering legislation that might change how we speak about people with disabilities. Michael Pope reports.
Tired of Virginia’s Political Maps? Now’s Your Chance to Help Draw Them
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 2, 2020
Now that voters have approved of a new redistricting commission, half of the members have been named. And, state officials are now taking applications for the other half. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Warns of Rising Hospitalizations
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 2, 2020
More Virginians are hospitalized today for coronavirus-related health issues than at any other point during the pandemic.
Governor Ralph Northam made that announcement during a COVID-19 briefing Wednesday.
Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Marijuana Legalization May Be on the Horizon in Virginia, But Questions Remain for Banks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 1, 2020
Lawmakers in Virginia may be on the verge of legalizing marijuana. But, nobody is taking that news to the bank just yet. Michael Pope reports.
Job Loses Linger in Leisure & Hospitality Businesses
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on December 1, 2020
Officials Prepare for Vaccine Distribution as Soon as Mid-December
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 30, 2020
With recent positive news about COVID-19 vaccines from two major pharmaceutical companies, Virginia is now planning for distribution.
As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, state officials say the first round could happen as early as mid-December.
Could Community Ownership Save Mobile Home Parks?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 30, 2020

Mobile home parks have been a source of affordable housing since the 1970s.
Now, these communities are starting to disappear as land values rise, developments crop up and the structures start to wither with age.
But a movement to preserve the neighborhoods is gaining traction across the state.
Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Where People Want to Live
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2020
The pandemic economy is influencing the prices of rental housing, and where people are choosing to live. Michael Pope has details.
Latest Figures Show Down Unemployment Numbers, But There’s Still a Long Road Ahead
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2020
The number of people collecting unemployment insurance in Virginia has sharply declined in recent months. But, that doesn’t mean the employment situation is improving. Michael Pope reports.
‘What We Were Meant To Do’ Medical Reserve Corps Preps for Vaccinations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 25, 2020
More than 12,000 volunteers have stepped up to help battle the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials say more will be needed before it’s all over. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look at Why So Many House of Delegates Members are Running for Statewide Offices
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 25, 2020
As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session, a huge number of House members are running for statewide office or at least considering a run. As Michael Pope reports, that’s because of a quirk in the calendar this year.
Examining the Future of the Republican Party Post Trump? Look No Further than Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 24, 2020
When Donald Trump is no longer in the White House, what will the future of the Republican Party look like? Michael Pope reports that Virginia might offer a first look.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Opens to the Public
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 24, 2020

Virginia’s newest tourist attraction opened this week in Afton. The Blue Ridge Tunnel was the longest tunnel of its kind when it opened in 1858.
Today, it’s part of a hiking trail that winds past streams, waterfalls and stories of the people who built this engineering marvel. Sandy Hausman reports.
Opponents of BrdsNBz Hotline Want Trump Administration to Intervene in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 23, 2020
Opponents of a text hotline for teens to ask questions about sex are asking the Trump administration to take action against the program. Michael Pope reports.
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.
Va. News: Time Capsule Preservation and Norfolk Revitalization
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 22, 2020
A team at UVA is working to salvage damaged items from a recently unearthed time capsule. And what was expected to serve as a focal point in a revitalized area of Norfolk may never come to be.
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.
Virginia Unemployment Dips, But Some are Leaving the Workforce
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 20, 2020
Virginia’s unemployment rate is down a bit, according to the latest data from the federal government.
Michael Pope explains the numbers.
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.
Northam: No New Restrictions Before Thanksgiving Holiday
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 18, 2020
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.
Studies on School Segregation Highlight Challenges of Housing, Economics
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 17, 2020
‘Legalization Will Happen’ Virginia Gov Says on Marijuana
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 16, 2020
Virginia could be poised to become the first state in the south to legalize recreational use of marijuana.
Governor Ralph Northam expressed full support Monday.
Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
House of Delegates to Continue Virtual Meetings but Republicans Vow to Limit Length of 2021 Session
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 16, 2020
Lawmakers are preparing for the upcoming session of the General Assembly.
And, as Michael Pope reports, it probably won’t be quite as long as the special session that just wrapped up.
Should Wolves Return to Virginia?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 16, 2020

(Credit U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
With so much attention focused on the presidential race, you may have missed this news from Colorado.
That’s where, by just over one percent, voters asked their state to come up with a plan for reinstating wolves west of the continental divide.
There is also talk of bringing those animals back to Virginia as Sandy Hausman reports.
Va. News: Council Cooperation and Sports Uncertainty
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 15, 2020
A story from Richmond this week has highlighted the effect of the pandemic on high school athletes. And there’s much co-operation among the nine members of Chesapeake City Council. Some people say it may be a little too much.
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.
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.
Seagrass Meadows Restored Off Eastern Shore
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 11, 2020

Virginia is celebrating a 20-year experiment off the Eastern Shore – the restoration of vast seagrass meadows where marine animals live.
As Sandy Hausman reports, it’s the largest project of its kind in the world, offering benefits on many fronts.
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.
What the Link Between Heat Islands and Redlining Looks Like in One Virginia City
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 10, 2020

A group of researchers set out to explore how climate change is interacting with decades-old housing policy.
They overlaid two sets of maps: One set showing how neighborhoods in over 100 US cities were “red-lined” in the 1930’s. The other showing surface temperatures of the same neighborhoods today.
To learn more about what they found, reporter Mallory Noe-Payne took a drive around Richmond with one of the scientists behind the work.
General Assembly’s Special Session is a Wrap
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 10, 2020
A marathon special session of the General Assembly is now over.
Michael Pope reports on one last debate over a criminal justice issue.
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.
Northam’s Budget Amendments Face Final Hurdle Monday
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 8, 2020
Now that election results are in, the process of passing a state spending plan is moving forward as members of the General Assembly resume their special session Monday.
Up for consideration are a handful of budget amendments from Governor Northam.
As Cat Modlin-Jackson reports, one of those is tied to a constitutional amendment that was on the ballot.
Va. News: Secrets Revealed and Gold Unearthed
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on November 8, 2020
A Virginia veteran has finally shared some long held secrets from World War Two. And talk of a comeback for gold mining has some Central Virginia residents upset.
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.
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.