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.
Will paid family and medical leave finally happen in Virginia next year?
Dec 03, 2025
Credit: NPR
Paid family and medical leave is one of the issues at the top of the agenda for Democrats who run the Virginia Senate. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia legislators preview legal weed market effort ahead of 2026
Dec 02, 2025
Credit: NPR
Virginia decriminalized marijuana possession back in 2021 with the hopes of creating a legal market the year after. But with Governor Glenn Youngkin opposed, the effort languished and an illegal market flourished. Now, heading into the 2026 legislative session with a sympathetic Governor-elect in Abigail Spanberger, an early version of a new legal market bill is being formed. Brad Kutner has this report.
How can Virginia crack down on AI ticket hoarders? One lawmaker has an idea
Dec 02, 2025
Are AI bots snagging up the best seats in the house? Michael Pope has this report about a member of the House of Delegates who wants to crack down on algorithms that buy tickets in bulk.
One state lawmaker hopes to prevent AI chatbots from being therapists
Dec 01, 2025
Artificial intelligence will be one of the major issues in the upcoming session of the Virginia General Assembly. Michael Pope has this preview of one bill taking aim at AI.
Cases of bears with mange increasing across Virginia
Dec 01, 2025
A bear with mange (Credit: Katie Martin/Va. Dept. of Wildlife Resources)
Scientists in Virginia are seeing an uptick in bears with mange.
This disease is fairly common in other states and has been spreading throughout the Commonwealth in recent years.
Roxy Todd spoke with two experts who are following the spread of this disease, which can kill bears.
Federal changes leave Virginia environmental work on unsure footing
Dec 01, 2025
A statewide climate assessment recently issued by George Mason University highlights a number of changing environmental issues affecting the state.
Health, the economy and farming will be impacted by higher temperatures, sea-level rise and more precipitation, the report said.
As President Donald Trump’s second term nears the one-year mark, policies he’s implemented will affect how that plays out.
Dave Cantor has more.
RC: Virginians likely spending less this year on gifts thanks to inflation, tariffs
Nov 28, 2025
Credit: Roanoke College
Tis the season for shopping. But will holiday shoppers buy as much as they did last year? Michael Pope has the latest numbers from a new Roanoke College poll.
Pope & Schapiro: Moving toward the next budget, the next governor, and the next session
Nov 28, 2025
As we close the books on November, Governor Glenn Youngkin is moving into the final weeks of his term.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope look ahead to the next General Assembly session.
13 Republican incumbents won’t be back at the General Assembly in January
Nov 26, 2025
Credit: NPR
The Virginia House of Delegates will be losing 13 Republican incumbents when the next General Assembly gavels into session. Michael Pope has this look at the delegates who will be saying goodbye.
Youngkin honors his last Thanksgiving Tribute Ceremony as governor
Nov 26, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin and Mattaponi Chief Mark Falling Star Custalow participate in the 348th Virginia Thanksgiving Tribute ceremony. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in his final Thanksgiving Tribute Ceremony today. The event in its 348th year honors the relationship between Virginia and its indigenous tribes, and it also highlights the more solemn Thanksgiving holiday Virginia celebrated before the Pilgrims. Brad Kutner has this report.
Youngkin doubts AI bubble, says Democrats’ economic fears are ‘disconnected from the facts’
Nov 25, 2025
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomes Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger during a recent meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Recent economic forecasts in Virginia have placed data centers as one of the Commonwealth’s fastest growing economic sectors. And while some worry the artificial intelligence boom those data centers are powering resembles the internet bubble in the late 90s, Governor Glenn Youngkin is more optimistic. Brad Kutner explains.
Virginia shoppers, store owners see higher prices ahead of holiday season
Nov 25, 2025
For many, the holidays come hand in hand with a big feast. But new reports suggest this year’s feast could cost Virginians more than ever. Brad Kutner has this report.
For Native Americans in Virginia, November is a month of educating and healing
Nov 25, 2025
Chickahominy Tribe Chief Stephen Adkins speaks at an event at Virginia Commonwealth University. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
This is Native American Heritage month where we take time to recognize the history, culture, contributions and achievements of Indigenous people.
For many of the Tribes in Virginia it’s a way to educate the public and to heal centuries of trauma.
Pamela D’Angelo reports.
After Youngkin veto, Democrats set to retry on weatherization task force
Nov 24, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are about to gavel back into session. Democrats who will be leading the Senate have an agenda based on the buzz word of this election cycle. Michael Pope tells us about one piece of the affordability agenda.
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.
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