Spanberger, Democratic leadership set to inherit drastically different budget thanks to federal cuts
Nov 21, 2025
Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger meets fans at a then campaign stop at JR Tucker High School in Henrico County. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session, elected officials gathered in different parts of the state to hear budget forecasts this week. Democrats, who are now in control of all three branches of Virginia’s government, are bracing for stark cuts and a slowed economy. Brad Kutner has this report.
Do Virginia localities need a “local income tax?”
Nov 21, 2025
Credit: NPR
Members of the General Assembly are about to start balancing the books for a new budget. And Michael Pope reports they may consider a proposal that could bring more cash flow to localities across the state.
Virginia sued over new social media age verification law
Nov 21, 2025
During the 2025 legislative session, Virginia’s General Assembly unanimously passed a new law that requires age verification for the use of social media. Advocates say the aim is to protect children damaged by its extended use, but in a new lawsuit, free speech advocates argue it violates the U.S. Constitution. Brad Kutner has this report.
Pope & Schapiro: The Spanberger transition
Nov 20, 2025
Abigail Spanberger isn’t governor yet, but she’s wasting no time on the gubernatorial transition. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – Radio IQ Politics Analyst – discuss that and the week that was in state politics and government.
Virginia’s “Right to Work” law could be a big point of discussion in the upcoming session
Nov 20, 2025
Credit: NPR
Labor politics might end up being a flashpoint in the upcoming General Assembly session. Michael Pope has this preview.
Gambling interests are investing heavily in Virginia’s legislative process
Nov 19, 2025
Gambling interests are hoping to strike it rich in the next General Assembly session. Michael Pope reports.
Early bill filings signal Democratic priorities in Senate, House
Nov 18, 2025
Democrats who control the Virginia Senate are rolling out their list of priorities.
Michael Pope has the latest.
Which statewide candidates overperformed their ticket-mates?
Nov 18, 2025
A Chesterfield County voter casts their November 2025 ballot at the Stonebridge Recreation Center. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Now that November’s election tallies have been finalized, it’s becoming clearer which candidates over-performed, or under-performed, their party’s standard bearer at the top of the ticket.
Michael Pope has more on the numbers.
Proportional committees and the Virginia General Assembly
Nov 14, 2025
Credit: NPR
When the next General Assembly goes into session in January, the House of Delegates committees will have more Democrats and fewer Republicans. Michael Pope explains.
Pope & Schapiro: Endings and beginnings
Nov 14, 2025
Endings and beginnings highlighted the political talk over the past few days.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
State lawmakers will likely take a look at Virginia’s tax code in January
Nov 13, 2025
As members of the General Assembly prepare for the upcoming session with a new governor, tax policy is likely to be a topic of debate. Michael Pope has a preview.
You can find the report from the Commonwealth Institute here.
Virginia’s federal employees return to work
Nov 13, 2025
After Wednesday night’s vote in Congress, the federal government is on its way to reopening. And that means a return to work for hundreds of thousands of Virginia’s federal employees and federal contractors. Brad Kutner spoke with some of those impacted.
Sam Rasoul is no longer the only Democrat to represent Southwest Virginia in Richmond
Nov 12, 2025
Delegate Sam Rasoul (left) and Delegate-elect Lily Franklin (Credit: Official Virginia House Portrait / Lily Franklin Campaign)
The politics of Southwest Virginia are shifting in the wake of the election last week. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia National Guard troops trained for ‘reaction force’
Nov 12, 2025
Members of the Virginia National Guard have received special training as part of a “reaction force” that’s expected to quickly respond to civil unrest or natural disasters.
Dave Cantor has more.
VCU study: Tick-borne meat allergy exploding in Northeast, Southern U.S.
Nov 11, 2025
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Nothing ruins a nature walk like a tick bite, and scientists say concerns from those bites are growing beyond Lyme disease. Brad Kutner has this report on a new study out of Virginia Commonwealth University.
Virginia Republicans are soul searching after last week’s elections
Nov 11, 2025
In the wake of an overwhelming election loss, Virginia Republicans are looking to the future. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia is getting older
Nov 11, 2025
Virginia is about to get a bit older, according to the latest demographic projections.
Michael Pope has the numbers.
Spanberger, Virginia senators split on effort to reopen federal government
Nov 10, 2025
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (Credit: House of Representatives photo)
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and the Commonwealths’ two senators are split on a deal working its way through Congress to reopen the government.
Brad Kutner has this story.
GEDs, per-person funding up in VADOC education programs
Nov 10, 2025
A nonpartisan state report issued today/Monday said people who participated in education programs run by the Virginia Department of Corrections were less likely to be rearrested after release.
They also were more likely to find employment and earn a higher wage than those who weren’t enrolled in classes.
Dave Cantor has more.
Back to the 80’s: The last time Democrats held a 60+ seat House majority
Nov 10, 2025
A newspaper headline and photo of A. L. Philpott from his time as Speaker of the House of Delegates.
Speaker of the House of Delegates Don Scott is about to have 64-seat majority.
Michael Pope tells us about the last time Democrats had a majority that large.
Pope & Schapiro: The transition begins
Nov 07, 2025
Now that the election is over, what lies ahead for Abigail Spanberger and Glenn Youngkin?
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap an eventful week in politics and state government.
The Richmond area saw the most flipped seats in Tuesday’s elections
Nov 06, 2025
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Democrats were able to flip 13 House of Delegates seats from red to blue. And Michael Pope tells us that one region saw more action than anywhere else.
Spanberger, Youngkin share lunch in long-running, Virginia tradition
Nov 06, 2025
Virginia’s Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and outgoing Governor Youngkin after eating lunch. They’re flanked by their spouses Adam and Suzanne. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia’s outgoing governor, Republican Glenn Youngkin, had lunch with the Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger Thursday. It’s part of a long-running tradition that both said was pleasant and part of a healthy transition of power. Brad Kutner has this report.
Twin Oaks Community looks to what’s next
Nov 06, 2025
Tom Freeman, who goes by the name Tigger, walks past some of the Twin Oaks Community buildings. (Credit: Dave Cantor)
It’s been about a year and half since a fire consumed a building at the Twin Oaks Community that housed its decades-old hammock business.
The destruction of one of the intentional community’s main revenue generators means the Louisa County commune’s been trying to figure out what’s next.
Dave Cantor has more.
‘This is what a mandate looks like’– Virginia House Democrats beam following historic win
Nov 05, 2025
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott speaks to the press following Tuesday’s historic legislative election. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Democrats in Virginia’s House of Delegates picked up 13 seats in Tuesday’s election. During a news conference Wednesday morning, leadership in both parties offered their reasons for the dramatic gains. Brad Kutner has this story.
Northern Virginia now has no Republicans in the General Assembly
Nov 05, 2025
Credit: NPR
When the next General Assembly gavels into session in January, Northern Virginia will have zero Republican members. Michael Pope has more on the fallout from Tuesday’s election.
Pope & Schapiro: A big night for Virginia Democrats
Nov 05, 2025
It was a very good night for Virginia Democrats in last night’s elections. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss the results.
Democrats sweep Virginia statewide, keep House majority
Nov 05, 2025
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger addressing a crowd of supporters as she claimed victory Tuesday night. (Credit: Spanberger campaign livestream)
Congresswoman Abigail Spangler will become the first female governor of Virginia after a resounding win in Tuesday’s statewide election. She’s led the rest of her ticket, and Democrats expanded their majority in the House of delegates as well. Brad Kutner was in Richmond where the governor-elect claimed victory.
Earle-Sears talks about core issues of her campaign in concession speech
Nov 05, 2025
Republican hopeful Winsome Earle-Sears giving her concession speech in Leesburg Tuesday night. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Republicans came up short in all three of their statewide races. Michael Pope has this look at how the ticker came up short.
Early vote soars in Virginia’s 2025 election
Nov 03, 2025
An absentee ballot sent out by the City of Richmond’s Office of Elections. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginians voted early in record numbers for a governor’s race this year. So, what impact might that have on Election Day? Brad Kutner spoke with Virginia politicos for their early voting takes ahead of Election Day.
Why does Virginia have odd-year elections?
Nov 03, 2025
The timing of the election this week is a relic of the 1850s. Michael Pope explains.
Federal cuts to food bank program contribute to SNAP worries
Nov 03, 2025
A pallet of USDA Foods product on a forklift is moved through a warehouse in Fairfax, VA in January 2025. (Credit: USDA Photo)
On Saturday, more than 800,000 Virginians began to lose out on benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — a byproduct of the federal government shutdown.
Complicating the issue is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture this spring cut funding and canceled delivery of millions of pounds of food to food banks across the country — including to Virginia.
Dave Cantor explains.
What a “wealth proceeds tax” could look like in Virginia
Oct 31, 2025
When the General Assembly goes into session in January, members will have to balance the books on the next budget. Michael Pope reports on one idea advocates say should be considered.
Redistricting amendment passes first General Assembly test
Oct 31, 2025
Lynchburg Republican Senator Mark Peake speaks on the floor of the Senate of Virginia ahead of a redistricting amendment vote. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
After the Senate of Virginia approved a redistricting constitutional amendment Friday afternoon, the chamber’s Republicans pushed a message for Virginia voters: you can stop redistricting by voting next week. Brad Kutner has this report.
Pope & Schapiro: The last days of Campaign 2025, redistricting, and federal financial impacts
Oct 31, 2025
There’s been no shortage of news coming from the capitol in the last few days.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Louisa food bank bustling as SNAP funding expires
Oct 31, 2025
Mineral resident and LRC volunteer Karen Lansing organizes carts of food for residents. (Credit: Christine Kueter)
With the federal government shut down nearing the one-month mark, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, runs out of money this Saturday. That’s several days before state emergency funds are poised to fill the gap.
At a Louisa County food bank, there’s no pause in traffic from residents seeking help to put food on the table.
Christine Kueter reports.
RC poll: Significant lead for Spanberger, but the other statewide races are closer
Oct 30, 2025
As Election Day approaches, a new poll shows Democrats poised to win the election for governor. But Michael Pope reports the races for other statewide offices are less clear.
A possible reason to celebrate spotted lanternflies
Oct 30, 2025
Sourwood Farm beekeeper Ryan Williamson says his bees are making honey from what spotted lanternflies produce. (Credit: Sandy Hausman / Radio IQ)
There’s some good news today for those who are tired of spotted lanternflies.
They’ll still be swarming around trees and fruit crops, but it turns out those beautiful, invasive bugs may have an unexpected redeeming quality.
Sandy Hausman has that story.
Governor’s appointments fight heads to Supreme Court of Virginia
Oct 30, 2025
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s fight with Democrats in the state Senate went to the Supreme Court of Virginia on Thursday. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin asked the Supreme Court of Virginia to allow him to put a handful of appointees on state college Boards of Visitors Thursday. The brief hearing comes after state senators denied the appointment in a committee meeting and Youngkin claimed more steps were needed. Brad Kutner has this report.
House of Delegates approves redistricting amendment
Oct 29, 2025
Members of the Virginia House of Delegates gather at the beginning of Wednesday’s session. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Leadership in Virginia’s House of Delegates offered competing versions of the future if Virginia goes forward with a redistricting plan to counter President Donald Trump’s pressure on other states.
Brad Kutner has this report.
Statewide candidates sidelined from the campaign trail by special session
Oct 29, 2025
Republican Lieutenant Governor — and gubernatorial hopeful — Winsome Earle-Sears presides over the Virginia Senate on October 29th, 2025. (Credit: Michael Pope / Virginia Public Radio)
Two statewide candidates are temporarily off the campaign trail and at the Capitol for a special session. Michael Pope reports.
Senators argue over motives behind the special session
Oct 28, 2025
Sen. Scott Surovell speaks on the floor of the Senate during the special session on October 28, 2025. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Late Tuesday afternoon, Democrats revealed their proposed language to allow Virginia to change its Congressional boundaries.
The proposed change could only be used if other states redistrict outside the normal process that follows every census. It would also expire in 2030, presumably turning the process back over to the bipartisan redistricting commission.
Meanwhile, partisan finger-pointing was the order of the day in the state senate, as Michael Pope reports.
Details of proposed redistricting legislation revealed
Oct 28, 2025
Virginia Democrats released the language of the proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday.
It could allow the legislature to redraw the Commonwealth’s congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Brad Kutner has this report.
Youngkin introduces state nutrition assistance program
Oct 28, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin is creating a state-based system to fill the gap for people who are in need of food assistance. Michael Pope reports.
UVA scientists map East Coast’s ghost forests
Oct 27, 2025
UVA scientists say 10 million trees have died, many due to sea level rise. (Credit: Henry Yeung)
If you drive along coast of Virginia or any other state on the eastern seaboard, you might catch sight of ghost forests – large stands of dead trees. Using artificial intelligence, scientists from the University of Virginia have created a map that details the destruction. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Virginia’s Republican Congressional members oppose redistricting effort
Oct 27, 2025
Congressman Morgan Griffin speaks at a press conference with all five GOP members of the Virginia delegation. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Virginia’s Republican members of Congress are speaking out against an effort of Democrats to redraw congressional districts. Michael Pope is at the state capitol with the latest.
Virginia Republicans prep for redistricting fight
Oct 24, 2025
The Virginia House of Delegates during the 2024 legislative session. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia Republicans are reacting to news that Democrats in Richmond are planning to redraw the Commonwealth’ s congressional districts. Brad Kutner has this report on what steps they could take to slow down a process that will require a tight timeline to meet federal deadlines.
Just how much will Virginia step in to help SNAP recipients?
Oct 24, 2025
As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, state officials are scrambling to figure out how to keep the most vulnerable fed. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Redistricting, NOVA House campaigns, and the tightening race for Attorney General
Oct 24, 2025
There have been plenty of October Surprises in this campaign season. Now the latest surprise is about redistricting.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Virginia Democrats call for special session to redraw the state’s congressional maps
Oct 23, 2025
Credit: NPR
Members of the General Assembly will be returning to Richmond on Monday for a special session on redistricting. Michael Pope tells us Democrats are talking about redrawing the maps as a reaction to Republican-led redistricting efforts across the country.
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