Do LED lights on roadways affect our sleep?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 19, 2023

There have been several studies over the past decade that show blue lights, like the type in our phones and TVs, can negatively impact our sleep patterns. But what about lighting along our roads? A recent study from Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute looked at whether LED road lighting affects how well we fall asleep. Roxy Todd explains.
The effort to include Virginia’s labor history into education standards
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 19, 2023
This week, members of the Virginia Board of Education are expected to take up controversial new history standards. And Michael Pope reports union leaders are hoping that labor history will be part of the curriculum.
Who should own offshore wind turbines in Virginia?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 18, 2023
Virginia is about to get a massive new offshore wind farm with 170 turbines. As Michael Pope reports, opinions are divided about how to go about making that happen.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Shopping malls look to reinvent
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 18, 2023
Shopping malls once ruled the retail landscape. Now they’re reinventing themselves, or just trying to stay afloat.
Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about where they’re headed.
12 Virginia Delegates are hoping to move to the state Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2023
20 members of the House of Delegates are retiring and saying goodbye to the General Assembly. And as Michael Pope tells us, another 12 delegates are hoping to move over to the Senate.
Pope & Schapiro: The veto session, abortion, and a diagnosis
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 14, 2023
The General Assembly finished work on the governor’s amendments and vetoes this week, while a hot-button issue simmered in the background.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss the week in politics and state government.
Right now, there’s no rush on the state budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 13, 2023
Lawmakers now have finished their one-day reconvene session and taken action on all the governor’s amendments and vetoes. But Michael Pope reports the budget remains a work in progress.
Legislators turn down internet amendment
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on April 13, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin is now facing a choice of what to do with an internet safety bill.
Michael Pope reports members of the General Assembly rejected an amendment he suggested.
The General Assembly backs controversial THC amendment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 12, 2023
Members of the General Assembly are considering amendments from the governor. And as Michael Pope reports, they are giving a stamp of approval to some controversial changes to a bill about marijuana.
Spreading pest could threaten wild ramps
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 12, 2023
The debate over Youngkin’s voting rights decision should only heat up this week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 11, 2023
As members of the General Assembly return to the Capitol for the reconvene session this week, the restoration of voting rights is expected to be a major topic of conversation. Michael Pope reports.
Democratic Senator Lionell Spruill of Chesapeake says he’ll be meet with the governor Wednesday morning to talk about the process.
Here’s what to expect from this week’s veto session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2023
Lawmakers are returning to Richmond Wednesday for a spring session of the General Assembly. Michael Pope has this preview.
UVA team makes key discovery about deadly dengue fever
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2023

A team of scientists at the University of Virginia has made a discovery that could – eventually – save millions of lives. Sandy Hausman reports on what they’ve learned about a virus that threatens half the world’s population.
A Lynchburg company is developing nuclear rocket fuel for NASA
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2023

There’s a manufacturing company on the cusp of big things in central Virginia. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, they’re developing nuclear rocket fuel for NASA.
Va. News: Sea level rise, free tuition at Ferrum College
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2023
New research shows Norfolk remains at the top of the list of East Coast cities facing the fastest rate of sea level rise. And Ferrum College in Franklin County will begin offering free tuition to qualifying students this fall.
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.
A look at Youngkin amendments that deal with internet safety
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 7, 2023
Lawmakers will be returning to Richmond next week to consider amendments from the governor. Michael Pope tells us about one of the amendments on internet safety.
Some rural hospitals across Virginia at risk of closing, according to study
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 7, 2023
Healthcare costs are high – not only for patients, but many rural hospitals are also facing financial strains. Nearly three in 10 rural hospitals in Virginia are at risk of closing, according to a recent report. Roxy Todd explains.
Pope & Schapiro: State lawmakers to consider amendments next week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on April 7, 2023
State lawmakers will be back in Richmond next week to discuss amendments from Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, discuss that and the week that was in politics and state government.
New poll: Youngkin is out of step with Virginia voters on cultural issues
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 6, 2023
A new poll from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University shows Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to be out of step with Virginia voters. Michael Pope reports.
In a rare move, Youngkin vetoes bill creating a work group to study loud mufflers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 5, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin is breaking out his veto pen and taking aim at a bill introduced to crack down on loud cars. Michael Pope reports.
Bill expanding Massive Resistance fund to become law later this year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 4, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin is signing a bill that offers reparations for victims of a racist policy that shut down Virginia’s public schools. Michael Pope reports.
Full Disclosure Briefing: Is a Washington Commanders sale imminent?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 4, 2023
It appears a sale of the Washington Commanders could be imminent.
Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright discuss that and where the franchise’s value ranks among other professional sports teams.
General Assembly candidates must decide this week if they’re running this year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2023
This week will see some major news for the 2023 election in Virginia. Michael Pope has this preview.
Va. News: Spotsylvania County school libraries, gun safe legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 3, 2023
A Virginia school superintendent’s mention of eliminating libraries to save money is getting some negative reviews, but a gun safety law passed by the General Assembly this year seems to be popular across the board.
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.
Utility regulation will be on the agenda for state lawmakers next month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 31, 2023
Members of the General Assembly will be returning to the Capitol April 12th to consider amendments from the governor. Michael Pope reports that some of the amendments might influence your power bill.
Pope & Schapiro: Youngkin vetoes and another special election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 31, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued nearly 80 amendments to legislation and vetoed three bills.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss that and the week that was in politics and state government.
Excited fans gear up for Hokies’ Final Four game
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 30, 2023
Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball team will play Friday in the national semifinals. This is the first time the team has made it to the final four, and fans are gearing up ahead of the game, as Roxy Todd reports.
Youngkin breaks with recent tradition on rights restoration policy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 30, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin is taking a different approach than previous governors when it comes to restoring the right to vote to people previously convicted of felonies. Michael Pope reports.
Newly-signed bill puts restrictions on tow companies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2023
Virginia’s governor is signing legislation to crack down on tow truck drivers. Michael Pope reports.
Governor Youngkin amends THC legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 28, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin is rolling out his amendments to legislation this week. And as Michael Pope reports, one set of amendments is aimed at products with THC currently available on store shelves.
Full Disclosure Briefing: What’s in store for Virginia’s housing market
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 28, 2023
Virginia’s housing market may be cooling off, but sale prices remain hot.
Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright have more on what’s influencing the market and what it might mean for the future.
The governor wants to move forward with nuclear innovation; critics say more info is needed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 27, 2023
Virginia ski resorts innovate through warming winters
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 27, 2023
Virginia’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction will face several challenges
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 24, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin has a new superintendent in charge of a school system facing budget challenges and rising demand for services. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: A busy weekend for Youngkin and a big shakeup at VDOE
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 24, 2023
There’s been a big shakeup at the Department of Education while the governor has a big weekend ahead.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
With primaries on the way, advocates worry about losing election officials
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 23, 2023
Election officials across Virginia say they are trying to do the best they can in very difficult circumstances.
And as Michael Pope reports, some of them are resigning.
Earned wage access legislation likely to return
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 22, 2023
A new federal report on earned-wage access is reopening a debate from the General Assembly session earlier this year.
Michael Pope reports.
President of Botswana visits Virginia Tech
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 21, 2023

The President of Botswana visited Virginia Tech Tuesday.
As Roxy Todd reports, he focused on how conservation, democracy, and sustainable development are linked.
After a year-long wait, Youngkin Administration releases guidance to include environmental justice in permits
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 21, 2023
Last week, the Youngkin administration released a draft of a new state air, land and water permitting process that incorporates environmental justice.
Pamela D’Angelo has more on how that might impact Virginia’s native Tribes.
Full Disclosure Briefing: What’s next for banks?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 21, 2023
It’s been a nervous week in the banking world, both in the United States and abroad.
Roben Farzad, host of public radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about what might come next.
State Police vehicles across Virginia will now have red and blue lights, following safety study
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 20, 2023

\(Credit: Lee Friesland/Virginia Tech)
Don’t be surprised if you begin seeing more state police cars with red, as well as blue, lights.
As Roxy Todd reports, police across Virginia have begun phasing in new lights, based on a study that showed they’ll help prevent crashes.
ADL: 400+ extremist incidents in Virginia in 2022
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 20, 2023
Va. News: Term limits & turning out records
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 20, 2023
Term limits may be on the way in Virginia, at least in one town. And even after 75 years the vinyl record refuses to disappear and a Virginia company is playing a major role in keeping it spinning.
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.
Pope & Schapiro: The SCC, signs of a state budget, and saying goodbye to the Senate
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 17, 2023
There are some signs of movement toward an updated state budget.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
The all-important top ballot position
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 16, 2023
Candidates across Virginia are preparing to snag a spot at the top of the ballot next week. Michael Pope explains.
More and more Virginia school divisions are starting to unionize
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 15, 2023
The Fairfax County School Board recently approved a resolution allowing for collective bargaining among public school employees, and the Falls Church School Board is expected to follow suit sometime soon. As Michael Pope reports, school divisions across Virginia are starting to unionize.
Redistricting might prevent some state lawmakers from participating in budget special session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 14, 2023
Members of the General Assembly finished their legislative session without passing a budget, and they are expected to return to the Capitol soon to finish the job. But, as Michael Pope reports, all members of the legislature might not be able to participate.
Highlighting overlooked stories across Appalachian Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 14, 2023
Across the Commonwealth, and the country, there have been many debates around monuments, and the stories they tell. A new project is underway to highlight stories in southwest Virginia that have often been overlooked. Roxy Todd reports.
Full Disclosure Briefing: What to make of the SVB collapse?
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 14, 2023
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank shocked both the banking and the tech sectors.
Roben Farzad, host of public Radio’s Full Disclosure, and Craig Wright talk about the longer-term repercussions.
Very few veterinarians are Black. These students are trying to change that
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Uncategorized on March 13, 2023

Nationally, only about three percent of all veterinarians are Black, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Students at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg are working to change those statistics, as Roxy Todd reports.