Virginia legislators weigh the cost of weight loss drugs on Medicaid
Dec 23, 2024
Two WEGOVY® (semaglutide) single-use injection devices. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia’s elected officials are looking to expand access to weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wagovy in 2025. A patient can lose as much as 20% of their body fat, but high demand has led to high prices. Brad Kutner has more.
America’s largest salamander, the Eastern Hellbender, could soon be listed as endangered
Dec 20, 2024
Hellbender underwater in a stream in Virginia. (Credit: Jordy Groffen / Virginia Tech)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list North America’s largest salamander as endangered. The Eastern Hellbender’s habitat is shrinking, but Southwest Virginia creeks give the animal valuable refuge, as Roxy Todd reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Looking ahead to 2025 political battles
Dec 20, 2024
As 2024 ticks away, many in Richmond and Washington are looking ahead to 2025 political battles.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Youngkin unlikely to support racial bias training for doctors despite bipartisan interest
Dec 17, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin announces several maternal health initiatives alongside Senator Emily Jordan and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
With mere hours until Governor Glenn Youngkin announces his budget amendments for the 2025 session, he offered a chilly reception to a renewed effort to require racial bias training for Virginia doctors. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.
Virginia’s minimum wage is set to increase in 2025
Dec 17, 2024
Virginia’s minimum wage is about to go up. Michael Pope has this preview.
Youngkin pitches ‘no tax on tips’ bill
Dec 16, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin announces his ‘No Tax on Tips’ budget amendment at McLean’s Restaurant in downtown Richmond. He’s flanked by [from left] Del. David Owen, Sen. Mark Obenshain, Lt. Gov. Winsome-Earl Sears, Del. Eric Phillips, Del. Del. Anne Ferrell Tata and Del. Wendell Walker. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a ‘No Tax on Tips’ effort at a diner in downtown Richmond Monday morning. Brad Kutner has more on the idea that garnered bipartisan support ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Some pivotal special elections are now set for next month
Dec 16, 2024
Credit: NPR
A series of special elections will determine which party controls the state Senate. Michael Pope has this preview.
How long sheriffs should hold someone after their release date likely to be hot topic next month
Dec 13, 2024
How long should Virginia sheriffs hold inmates beyond their release date? Michael Pope reports that will be an issue in the upcoming session of the General Assembly.
Pope & Schapiro: What will the state legislature focus on next month?
Dec 12, 2024
The General Assembly session for 2025 is right around the corner. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – talk about what state lawmakers are thinking about ahead of the session – from data centers to their own pay.
A look at the last time the General Assembly gave itself a raise
Dec 12, 2024
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
It’s been more than 30 years since members of the General Assembly received a pay raise. Michael Pope has this look back at the fight over that increase.
Lobbyist spending suggests action on skill games and casinos next month
Dec 11, 2024
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Members of the General Assembly are getting ready for the upcoming session. And as Michael Pope reports, so are lobbyists who represent gambling interests.
Friends and colleagues remember poet Nikki Giovanni as a beloved mentor and fierce advocate for justice
Dec 10, 2024
Nikki Giovanni during her Virginia Tech retirement celebration in 2022. (Credit: Andrew Adkins / Virginia Tech)
One of the most famous American poets, Nikki Giovanni, died Monday. She taught at Virginia Tech for 35 years, and was a prominent figure in the Black Arts and Civil Rights Movements. Roxy Todd has this remembrance.
Could state lawmakers give themselves a raise next month?
Dec 10, 2024
Credit: NPR
Members of the General Assembly are considering giving themselves a pay raise. Michael Pope has the details.
Meet Virginia: Lottie Smith Payne
Dec 10, 2024
Lottie Smith Payne at her home in Willisville. (Credit: Christine Kueter)
Over the last year, Christine Kueter has crisscrossed Virginia, introducing us to some of the more than eight million people who call the Commonwealth home.
In this final part of the series, we meet Lottie Smith Payne and the tiny town she’s always called home.
Lawmakers weigh options, as new report shows broadband efforts continue to see delays
Dec 09, 2024
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Many parts of Virginia are still without high-speed internet, and that’s expected to be a major topic of conversation next year during the General Assembly session. Michael Pope has this preview.
Data center fever ahead of Virginia’s 2025 legislative session
Dec 06, 2024
As Virginia inches closer to the 2025 legislative session all eyes are on a state watchdog report on data centers. Brad Kutner spoke with those involved in the debate ahead of the report’s release.
Should landlords be required to follow temperature guidelines?
Dec 06, 2024
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond and consider hundreds of bills, including some that make requirements on landlords. Michael Pope has this preview.
Pope & Schapiro: A pardon, the transition, and an advance
Dec 06, 2024
The presidential transition in Washington, along with a surprising presidential pardon, have dominated the headlines.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
RC Poll: Most Virginians are just glad the 2024 presidential election is over
Dec 05, 2024
Political anxiety is high among Virginians that responded to the survey, but there’s a stark difference between Republicans and Democrats. (Credit: Roanoke College)
Political anxiety in Virginia is high, although Republicans and Democrats have different views about the future. Michael Pope has details.
New approaches to attracting and keeping nurses
Dec 05, 2024
Clinical Nurse Leader May Gallanosa got special training to promote improved patient care. (Credit: UVA School of Nursing)
Long before COVID-19 hit, Virginia was talking about a nursing shortage.
The pandemic made it worse, but programs around the state are making progress in drawing new people to the field and keeping those who are already in practice.
Sandy Hausman has details.
Virginia’s food to alcohol sales ratio likely safe for now thanks to court action
Dec 04, 2024
A state law requires restaurants to sell about as much food as they do alcohol – a measure that dates back to the prohibition era. But there was an unsuccessful effort last year to roll that law back. Now, despite momentum, those hopeful for change during the 2025 session might have to wait a bit longer. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Virginia licensing reform effort reduces wait time, some professional experience requirements
Dec 04, 2024
Brian Wolford, Director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, speaks before the Virginia Small Business Commission during their December 2024 meeting. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia’s regulatory reform efforts may not create eye-popping headlines. But a presentation to the Small Business Commission this week gave Radio IQ’s Brad Kutner some insights into just how much has improved.
An abortion extradition bill was vetoed last session; will it fare better in 2025?
Dec 04, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are about to return to Richmond and consider hundreds of bills. Michael Pope has this preview of one related to abortion rights and other states.
Abortion will again be a significant topic of debate at the General Assembly next month
Dec 03, 2024
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Abortion rights are expected to be top priority for Democrats who control the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports Republicans are trying to push back.
Advocates want legislation to limit shackling of youth court defendants
Dec 03, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are about to consider legislation aimed at reducing the number of children who are shackled while appearing in court.
Michael Pope has more.
Legislators float new process that could override localities on solar plant approvals
Nov 27, 2024
When legislators passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act in 2020, it set lofty goals for carbon-free power generation across the Commonwealth. And while localities line up to take tax revenue from power-hungry data centers, they’ve been less willing to approve clean energy projects. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Indigenous communities in Virginia are reclaiming their Algonquian language
Nov 27, 2024
Kayla Locklear and her 7-year-old daughter Hanna demonstrate using the QR code on coloring pages Algonquian language learning they handed out during the Rappahannock Indian Tribe Pow Wow. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Indigenous Communities throughout the country are reclaiming their languages.
Here in Virginia, eight Tribes are fostering the use of their Powhatan Algonquian language in a cultural renaissance.
Pamela D’Angelo saw the education effort in action at the Rappahannock Indian Tribe Pow Wow this fall.
The effort to close the “rent-a-bank” loophole
Nov 26, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are working on legislation to crack down on predatory loans. Michael Pope tells us the focus is on something called rent-a-bank.
Youngkin backs Trump in anti-fentanyl tariff fight
Nov 26, 2024
From left, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, First Lady Suzzane Youngkin, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Sec of Public Safety Terrance C. “Terry” Cole, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly, and Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera at a press conference at the Attorney General’s office in late November 2024. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin threw his support behind President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff promise Tuesday. The support came hours after Mexico’s president promised to match any tariffs Trump adds. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Out-of-school time program pitches importance to Virginia legislative committee
Nov 25, 2024
Nearly one-fifth of crime committed by school-aged kids happens after school hours. That’s why so-called out-of-school programs have been hailed for keeping kids busy between school and dinner time. Representatives from a state-wide out-of-school time program praised its successes in a committee Monday. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Same-day registration was a big hit in this year’s election
Nov 25, 2024
Credit: NPR
This election cycle was the first presidential election in Virginia that allowed for same-day registration. Michael Pope has the details.
Ousted Virginia legislators run for new seats
Nov 22, 2024
Credit: NPR
Post 2024 election shuffling means there’s still some voting to come in Virginia. Brad Kutner spoke with two former Virginia legislators who hope to return to Richmond through these lower-profile elections.
Two members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation want to address drug shortages
Nov 22, 2024
Virginia’s congressional delegation is hoping to make some bipartisan accomplishments in the lame duck Congress. Michael Pope reports on one of the efforts.
Pope & Schapiro: 2025 candidates, RGGI, and a big budget surplus
Nov 22, 2024
There were some big reveals in Virginia’s political, climate and financial futures over the last few days.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Virginia special elections don’t follow the same rules as regular elections
Nov 21, 2024
Across Virginia, voters are participating in firehouse caucuses. Michael Pope tells us what they are, and why they can’t be used in every election.
House committee hears free speech vs. campus safety testimony ahead of possible 2025 legislation
Nov 20, 2024
VCU student and protest organizer Sereen Haddad speaks before the House Select Committee on Maintaining Campus Safety and First Amendment Expression (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
The pro-Palestinian protests broken up on Virginia’s college campuses last spring have led to multiple legislative meetings. And a meeting of a House of Delegates committee today/Wednesday added to that list. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Judge rules Youngkin can’t pull Virginia out of RGGI
Nov 20, 2024
A judge in Floyd County has ruled that Governor Glenn Youngkin’s effort to pull the state out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – or RGGI – was unlawful. Roxy Todd reports.
The long-running skill games saga continues in Virginia
Nov 20, 2024
Dozens of convenience store owners gathered at the Capitol in yellow shirts earlier this year in support of legalizing skill games. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
The debate over skill games is moving from the committee room to the courtroom. Michael Pope has the latest.
Next year’s gubernatorial field is pretty much already settled
Nov 19, 2024
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (left) and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (right) are the likely major party candidates in next year’s gubernatorial contest.
The primary for governor is six months away, although Democrats and Republicans have already essentially selected their candidates. Michael Pope reports.
10 W.Va. and Va. counties are asking for changes inside radio quiet zone
Nov 19, 2024
An image of the Green Bank Observatory Telescope, taken in summer 2021. (Jill Malusky/Green Bank Observatory)
In West Virginia’s most remote mountains are two research facilities that analyze radio waves.
Since the 1950s, the federal government has designated parts of Pocahontas and Pendleton Counties as a National Radio Quiet Zone, meaning radio, TV and other communication signals must operate at low power.
Now, ten West Virginia and Virginia counties are asking the government to change these restrictions, to ensure 9-1-1 calls get to emergency responders.
Roxy Todd reports.
Field set for NOVA state senate special election
Nov 19, 2024
Over the weekend, voters in Loudoun County selected candidates for a special election for the Senate seat vacated by Congressman-elect Suhas Subramanyam.
Michael Pope tells us this election will determine control of the Senate.
Virginia patients offer feedback to state’s medical cannabis program
Nov 18, 2024
It’s been one year since Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority took over regulating the state’s legal medical dispensaries.
Brad Kutner has details on what the state’s patients have to say about the program and what changes members of the authority might like to see.
A special election will determine control of the Virginia Senate
Nov 15, 2024
Credit: NPR
Last week, voters elected a state senator from Loudoun to Congress. Now, as Michael Pope reports, the special election to fill that seat will determine control of the Virginia state Senate.
Virginia legislators debate future of automated license plate readers
Nov 15, 2024
Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis speaks before the Virginia State Crime Commission at their November 2024 meeting. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Technology to photograph and read your car’s license plate isn’t new, but laws for how Virginia law enforcement agencies use that tech may be after the 2025 legislative session. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Pope & Schapiro: Election fallout and looking ahead to 2025
Nov 15, 2024
While the dust from this month’s election settles, there’s plenty of looking ahead to 2025.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Millions already distributed to Virginians impacted by Helene
Nov 14, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin assesses storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Grayson County. (Credit: Christian Martinez / Governor Youngkin’s office)
Governor Glenn Youngkin held a press conference to update the state on its ongoing response to Hurricane Helene. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
The role of Virginia’s permanent absentee list in special elections
Nov 14, 2024
A recent change to early voting may be helping Democrats in a series of special elections that are about to happen. Michael Pope reports.
Thousands of tourists flock to far Southwest Virginia to see wild elk
Nov 14, 2024
Sharon Pressler, from Chatham, said this is the third time her family has made the trip to Buckhanan County to see elk. (Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ)
If you’re in far southwest Virginia during fall, you might here an elk bugling…
These 700-pound animals used to live throughout the eastern United States, but European colonizers overhunted them, and they went extinct in the 1800s.
Now, elk are coming back. Roxy Todd joined a bus tour of tourists who traveled to see elk in their new habitat.
Three potential amendments to the Virginia constitution face a long road to passage
Nov 13, 2024
Members of the Virginia General Assembly will consider a trio of constitutional amendments when they gavel into session in two months. Michael Pope has a preview.
Families, traffic safety advocates prepare for World Day of Remembrance
Nov 13, 2024
Lanie Kruszewski’s ghost bike along River Road in Richmond. (Credit: Ian Stewart)
While many are preparing to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, others are preparing for another, more somber event.
This Sunday, November 17th, families from around the globe will hold vigils and memorials to honor the people lost due to road-related tragedies.
It’s called World Day of Remembrance. And for some Virginians, the day is a reminder to keep fighting for changes in legislation to make the streets safer for everyone.
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