Virginia Democrats officially roll out affordability agenda
Jan 13, 2026
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell joins with other members of his party to roll out Democrats’ affordability agenda ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Senate Democrats are putting a spotlight on kitchen table issues. Michael Pope has a preview of their agenda, as the General Assembly session starts Wednesday.
In some of the poorest counties in the country, bottled water is a costly part of household budgets
Jan 13, 2026
(Credit: David Seidel)
Across parts of Appalachia, some people don’t trust their water, or their water isn’t safe to drink. So they turn to bottled water, even for cooking in some cases.
But as a recent study points out, this is costing low-income families a lot of money, as Roxy Todd reports.
Virginia officials look to lower drug prices during 2026 legislative session
Jan 13, 2026
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has set her sights on a number of health-related, cost saving measures leading up to Virginia’s 2026 legislative session. And elected officials from both parties are working on efforts to earn her signature. Brad Kutner has this report.
Fundraising for Virginia inaugurations keeps ticking upward
Jan 13, 2026
(Credit: Virginia Public Access Project)
Abigail Spanberger is about to be sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor.
Michael Pope tells us about how fundraising for her inauguration is breaking records.
ACLU says Virginia prisons continue to miscalculate earned sentence credits
Jan 12, 2026
The ACLU of Virginia is claiming that the state’s corrections department is “over-detaining a significant number of people” as a result of earned sentence credits being improperly applied to individuals’ sentences. Dave Cantor has more.
Boysko hopeful this is the year for her “Equal Pay Act”
Jan 09, 2026
One of the items on the affordability agenda for Virginia Democrats this year is the Equal Pay Act. Michael Pope explains.
Spanberger, tepid on redistricting, will have a role in the process
Jan 09, 2026
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger takes office next weekend, shortly after Democrats in Virginia’s legislature are expected to pass a mid-decade redistricting amendment.
And while Virginia governors usually have little influence on the constitutional amendment process, the timing required for the proposed redraw to have any impact will require the governor-elect, who’s lukewarm on the concept, to act. Brad Kutner has this report.
Pope & Schapiro: Youngkin’s last days, Spanberger’s administration, and more special elections
Jan 09, 2026
Glenn Youngkin is heading into the last week of his term as governor, while Abigail Spanberger is putting her administration together.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Virginia Democrats are focused on affordability, and that includes housing
Jan 08, 2026
As members of the Virginia General Assembly prepare to gavel into session next week, the word to watch is affordability. Michael Pope reports.
Could this be the year Virginia reins in FOIA fees?
Jan 08, 2026
Public records are theoretically available to the public. But as Michael Pope reports, local and state governments often deny access by charging large sums of money.
Rappahannock Tribe says state agencies did not consult over potential harm to its namesake river
Jan 08, 2026
Rappahannock Chief Anne Richardson on the Rappahannock River looking at ancestral lands on Fones Cliffs. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
As a sovereign nations, Tribes in Virginia have the right to consult with state agencies on certain environmental permits and reviews.
This week, the Rappahannock Tribe said that didn’t happen with two projects related to the Rappahannock River.
Pamela D’Angelo reports.
The challenging job of keeping pianos in tune
Jan 07, 2026
David Weiss estimates he’s made about 17,000 service calls to ensure Virginia pianos are properly tuned. (Credit: Sandy Hausman)
A hundred years ago, pianos were a fixture in many American homes. More than 300,000 of them were sold in 1925, but today the number has fallen to under 18,000.
Electronic keyboard sales outnumber acoustics ten to one. They’re cheaper and easier to maintain. But one man in Virginia says he still keeps busy ensuring existing instruments – which can last a hundred years or more – stay in tune.
Sandy Hausman spoke with him and filed this report.
Virginia developmental disability community fears funding cuts in 2026
Jan 07, 2026
Members of Arc of Virginia, a group that supports the state’s disabled community, rally at the Capitol during the 2024 legislative session. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia disability advocates will ask for additional funds they say governor Glenn Youngkin failed to include in his outgoing budget. And a federal judge may affirm that need at a hearing Wednesday. Brad Kutner has this report.
Another chapter to Virginia’s RGGI saga is likely around the corner
Jan 06, 2026
Virginia is about to get a new governor next week, and that will come with a new outlook on environmental policy. Michael Pope has this preview.
Democrats could put four constitutional amendments on the ballot this spring
Jan 05, 2026
Credit: NPR
Democrats have big plans for the first few days of the General Assembly session next week. Michael Pope reports.
Bill dials up potential change to courthouse policy
Jan 05, 2026
For some, it’s an inconvenience. But for others, it could make or break their case.
A bill in the General Assembly could change what you can bring into a courthouse.
Michael Pope explains.
Pope & Schapiro: Youngkin’s legacy and Spanberger’s new administration
Jan 02, 2026
We wrap up some political loose ends from 2025 while setting the stage for a new administration in 2026.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Why Virginia’s cabinet secretaries moved from elected to appointed positions
Jan 02, 2026
As Governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger appoints more people to positions of power than any other state in the country.
Michael Pope explains why it happens that way.
The majority of American teens use AI for school; This Virginia school division is getting on board
Dec 31, 2025
Kenny Bouwens is Louisa County Public Schools’ AI lead. (Credit: Christine Kueter)
A recent College Board survey found the majority of high schoolers use Generative A-I tools, such as Chat GPT, for schoolwork, even though nearly half of American schools restrict its use.
As educators struggle to keep pace with AI, one rural Virginia school system is embracing it.
Christine Kueter explains.
Balcony solar. Plug in solar. Whatever you call it, it might be coming to Virginia.
Dec 31, 2025
The future is looking bright for solar energy in Virginia.
Michael Pope reports about one initiative members of the General Assembly are about to consider.
Nearly 90 first day hikes planned across Virginia for New Year’s Day
Dec 30, 2025
Sky Meadows State Park (Credit: Va. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation)
On New Year’s Day, parking is free at all Virginia State Park locations, and there are there are nearly 90 guided hikes and other events planned across the Commonwealth.
Roxy Todd has the details.
Virginia legislators to weigh AI in education; it’s already in our schools
Dec 30, 2025
Artificial intelligence is just about everywhere these days, and that includes inside – and outside – Virginia classrooms.
As legislators head to Richmond, they have a myriad of issues to tackle, including how the Commonwealth’s schools and colleges should use or encourage the tool’s use.
Brad Kutner has this report.
Reeves says he’s out of U. S. Senate race
Dec 29, 2025
State Senatore Bryce Reeves speaks on the floor of the Senate during a session of the Virginia General Assembly. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
The highest-profile Republican hoping to take on incumbent Senator Mark Warner is out of the race.
Michael Pope explains.
Calls in Virginia prisons are among the cheapest in the country, but activists say prices are ‘predatory’
Dec 29, 2025
The Federal Communications Commission voted this fall to hike rate caps for phone and video calls that incarcerated people and their families can be charged. It rescinded a reform implemented under the Biden administration.
While Virginia’s rates sit below those limits, prison reform advocates say communications costs are still too high. Dave Cantor has more.
Pope & Schapiro: A busy final week of 2025
Dec 26, 2025
The year is coming to a close, but the last full week of 2025 has had quite a bit of activity in state politics and government. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss.
One Virginia lawmaker wants to crack down on “default judgements”
Dec 23, 2025
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Members of the General Assembly are about to consider several bills aimed at affordability. Michael Pope has this preview of one involving debt.
Pope & Schapiro: Youngkin’s final budget, special elections, and a statue for Virginia
Dec 19, 2025
Virginia’s outgoing governor has one more chance to cement his legacy—a budget.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
With reduced refugee quota on the horizon, a nonprofit for newcomers faces new reality
Dec 19, 2025
The Kasondwa family, including (from left) nephew Rocky, Sheria, Kari Miller, Siloé (8), Sylvan, Cherubine (16), Charline (10), Sylvie (19), and Joseph (3). (Credit: Christine Kueter)
By early 2026, the Trump administration is poised to shift how many and who among the world’s 43-million refugees is eligible to resettle in a country once known as the world’s melting pot.
That’s leaving refugees and refugee advocates in Central Virginia collectively holding their breath, as Christine Kueter reports.
Spanberger offers agenda specifics ahead of 2026 session
Dec 18, 2025
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, joined by House Speaker Don Scott and Senate President Louise Lucas, announce their 2026 “Affordability” agenda (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger rolled out new details about her policy agenda Thursday. Brad Kutner was in the room at the state Capitol and has this report.
New report: Virginia isn’t doing enough to help English language learners on standardized tests
Dec 18, 2025
An image detailing the different in Science SOL scores among English language students and non-English language students. (Credit: Legal Aid Justice Center)
Members of the General Assembly are about to consider dozens of bills aimed at improving public education. Michael Pope has this preview about some legislation dealing with students who speak English as a second language.
One Virginia lawmaker is hoping to limit the use of masks by law enforcement
Dec 17, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are about to consider a bill aimed at addressing some of the concerns about ICE raids across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin announces final, outgoing state budget
Dec 17, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin, flanked by his wife Suzanne (left) and cabinet members, speaks to reporters after presenting his final budget. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin won’t be in office come next month, but he still gets to propose one final budget before leaving office. And Wednesday morning he did just that. Brad Kutner has this report.
Dems aim to re-enter elections data-sharing partnership known as ERIC
Dec 17, 2025
(Credit: David Seidel)
State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg has filed legislation that would direct Virginia to rejoin the Electronic Registration Information Center — known as ERIC.
It’s a multistate data-sharing consortium the Commonwealth withdrew from in 2023.
Dave Cantor has more.
A teenage Virginia Civil Rights pioneer is now memorialized in US Capitol
Dec 16, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin speaks at the unveiling of the Barbara Rose Johns statue at the US Capitol. (Credit: Michael Pope)
The United States Capitol now has a new statue representing Virginia.
Michael Pope has more from Capitol Hill.
Trump changes to student loans, demographic cliff to impact Virginia college enrollment
Dec 16, 2025
Changes to student loan programs and the so-called demographic cliff are set to impact Virginia college’s enrollment numbers, according to members of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
Brad Kutner explains.
Griffith bill would change when coal plants get shut down
Dec 16, 2025
Rep. Morgan Griffith (Credit: House of Representatives)
Rising power bills are causing increasing anxiety across Virginia, although opinions are divided about the reason for the increase and potential solutions.
Michael Pope tells us about one approach that is expected to be considered Tuesday in Congress.
Most well water in Virginia likely has PFAS, researchers find
Dec 16, 2025
Water from a public water source. (Credit: Roxy Todd)
Towns and cities across Virginia are now required to test for levels of PFAS in public water. But much less is known about whether forever chemicals may be in well water.
A recent study has some answers on this, as Roxy Todd explains.
Will the use of license plate readers in Virginia expand in 2026?
Dec 12, 2025
Credit: Flock Safety
A company that makes license plate readers is hoping that the General Assembly will let them operate on interstates, although many lawmakers are skeptical. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Governor-elect Spanberger continues to shape her Cabinet
Dec 12, 2025
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is piecing together her cabinet before her inauguration next month. Michael Pope and Radio IQ politics analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss that and more in state politics and government.
New report: Virginia’s history of racial disparity still has impacts today
Dec 11, 2025
A graphic detailing the disparities in court fees and fines in Virginia. (Credit: The Commonwealth Institute)
Lawmakers consider changes at Virginia’s juvenile justice department
Dec 11, 2025
Recent state reports and the upcoming legislative session could mean changes for how the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice is operated.
Dave Cantor has more.
With redistricting looming, congressional candidates move full speed ahead
Dec 11, 2025
In Virginia, every year is an election year. And the primaries for the congressional midterms are only a few months away.
Michael Pope tells us about the bumper crop of candidates challenging Republican incumbents.
Students serve up delicious ways to combat spread of invasive species
Dec 10, 2025
Kudzu. Spotted Lanternfly. Blue catfish.
Alex Owusu made fried rainbow trout. Although this species is native to parts of the United States, they are not native to Virginia. Some research suggests they can hybridize with other fish and could present a threat in the future to native populations in the future. (Credit: Roxy Todd)
These are just a few of the invasive species that spread fast and outcompete Virginia’s native plants and animals.
Ecology students at Virginia Tech recently hosted a potluck featuring dishes with invasive ingredients.
Roxy Todd stopped by, and she reports the food was …actually quite delicious.
Spanberger willing to work with Trump if he doesn’t call ‘affordability’ a hoax; hours later he did
Dec 10, 2025
Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger speaks with Politico at an event in Richmond, while President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Pennsylvania. (Credit: Spanberger campaign photo)
Virginia’s Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is starting to give us an idea of what her term might look like.
At an event with Politico Tuesday evening, she answered questions about her interest in working with President Donald Trump. And the two appear to be on opposite sides of the nation’s issues, as Brad Kutner reports.
George Mason University students tried to increase turnout there… and it worked
Dec 09, 2025
Credit: Jahd Khalil
Young people are becoming more interested – and more active – in Virginia politics. Michael Pope tells us about one group of college students who worked to turn out the vote this year.
Democrats spent record sums in November’s campaign. The big winners were broadcasters.
Dec 09, 2025
(Credit: Virginia Public Access Project)
The November election for the House of Delegates saw record-breaking numbers for campaign finance.
Michael Pope has the details.
Crime Commission considers how to review more cases connected to DNA review
Dec 09, 2025
The State Crime Commission will determine how and when to notify the families of eight individuals executed by the commonwealth whose trials involved Mary Jane Burton.
Burton was the late state forensic scientist who allegedly mishandled evidence and offered inaccurate court testimony.
Dave Cantor has more.
Carroll Foy takes another shot at overturning Virginia’s “right to work” law
Dec 05, 2025
Members of the Virginia General Assembly may be on the verge of debating a contentious labor issue.
Then again, as Michael Pope tells us, they might pass on the opportunity to have a debate at all.
Pope & Schapiro: Spanberger’s cabinet, Warner’s campaign, and a possible pause on data centers
Dec 05, 2025
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet is coming into focus.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
The poll about polls
Dec 04, 2025
Credit: Roanoke College
A new poll reveals a partisan dimension to what people think about opinion research. Michael Pope reports.
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