Pope & Schapiro: Primary results and the Trump effect
Jun 20, 2025
The November election is coming into focus.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
UVA professor hopes Biden’s diagnosis sparks conversations about prostate cancer
Jun 19, 2025
Randy Jones is an associate dean at UVA’s School of Nursing and creator of an aid to help patients and families decide about prostate cancer treatment. (Credit: UVA)
When former president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Randy Jones was not surprised. He’s a professor of nursing at the University of Virginia, and he knows that one in eight American men will eventually get the disease.
There are various treatments that may lead to a cure, but it’s not always easy to decide which one is best. That’s why Jones developed a questionnaire that can help men and their families make a choice that’s right for them. Sandy Hausman has that story.
Youngkin admin touts Virginia economy as Senate Dems, GOP spar over ‘Big Beautiful’ budget cuts
Jun 18, 2025
Virginia Secretary of Finance Stephen Cummings briefs elected officials at the June Senate Finance committee meeting. (Credit: Senate of Virginia livestream)
Members of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration offered an optimistic view of the Commonwealth’s finances Wednesday morning, but Senators from both parties disputed what future cuts could lead to next year. Brad Kutner has more.
Jones wins Atty. General nomination, Hashmi claims Lt. Gov. nod in Democratic primary
Jun 18, 2025
Democrats now have a slate of candidates to take on Republicans this fall, although Michael Pope tells us the primary results from Tuesday’s statewide election were tight.
Earle-Sears offers GOP vision following Dem primary
Jun 18, 2025
Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears speaks at a rally in downtown Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears rallied with supporters in Richmond Tuesday night.
While Democrats waited for primary polls to close, the Republican gubernatorial candidate offered a conservative vision for the Commonwealth.
Brad Kutner was there.
SPLC report: Militia movement is “reformatting”
Jun 17, 2025
The Southern Poverty Law Center issues an annual report tracking far-right movements across the country.
Its most recent findings, which were released at the end of May, include information on the militia movement and its connections to the commonwealth.
Dave Cantor has more.
Food banks in Southwest Virginia say demand may escalate if Congress reduces SNAP funding
Jun 16, 2025
The Lion’s Share food pantry at St. Marks Church in Roanoke (Credit: Roxy Todd)
As the Senate works through the budget reconciliation bill, it’s unclear at this time how much funding may be cut from food programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.
A draft of the legislation would make states pay a higher portion of SNAP assistance and adds work requirements for recipients.
As Roxy Todd reports, food banks are already seeing an increase in the number of people in need of food assistance, and fewer resources.
A blue wave looks like it’s coming, but how big will it be?
Jun 13, 2025
Democrats are hopeful that they’ll be able to capitalize on sentiment against President Trump in the statewide election this year. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: A big donation, a big fundraising lead, and a fight over board nominees
Jun 13, 2025
With the primaries looming, money is taking center stage in some races.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Virginia economic analysts debate impact of Trump’s budget reconciliation bill
Jun 12, 2025
A report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released Thursday morning suggests President Donald Trump’s budget reconciliation bill will negatively impact the nation’s lowest earners the most while benefiting the nation’s top earners the most. Brad Kutner spoke to Virginia-based economic groups for their analysis of the forthcoming congressional budget.
Some primaries to watch next week
Jun 12, 2025
Credit: NPR
All 100 seats in the House of Delegates will be on the ballot this year, although not all of them have competitive primaries. Michael Pope has this report on the districts to watch in next week’s primary.
Female Afghan soldiers who fought alongside U.S. military face added strain under Trump’s immigration policies
Jun 12, 2025
Shah Pari (left) stands with her sister, Azizgul Ahmadi, who served in the Afghan female tactical platoon. Shah Pari graduated from high school last month. Their parents are still in Afghanistan, and had planned on joining their family in Virginia, but their immigration case was paused indefinitely after President Trump paused programs to help refugees resettle in the U.S. (Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ)
Changes to immigration policies may impact thousands of people already in the U.S. Among them are men and women from Afghanistan who served alongside the American military.
Several of the women who served in the Female Tactical Platoon resettled in Virginia after the U.S. withdrew from that country in 2021. They were honored recently at a memorial walk in Richmond, alongside others who fought in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Roxy Todd was there and has their story.
Democratic AG candidates support review of Virginians pardoned by Trump
Jun 11, 2025
Virginia’s Democratic Attorney General candidates Shannon Taylor and Jay Jones. (Credit: Combined image from candidates’ respective social media accounts)
President Donald Trump promised pardoned January 6 rioters, including more than a dozen Virginians when he took office. He’s also pardoned a former Virginia sheriff convicted of bribery. The candidates hoping to get the Democratic Party’s nomination for state Attorney General spoke with Brad Kutner about what they would do in the face of Trump’s expanded use of pardon power.
One gubernatorial hopeful is far outraising the other
Jun 11, 2025
Virginia’s candidates for governor are heading into the fall election season with millions of dollars of campaign cash. But Michael Pope tells us that one candidate has significantly more money than the other.
Trump’s trade war impacting Virginia’s port, reshoring hopes
Jun 10, 2025
Virginia Maritime Association’s David White and Riverwind Advisors’ Bob Feeser at the June meeting of the Virginia Advisory Committee on International Trade. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
As President Donald Trump’s tariff wars heat up, Virginia businesses, and the industries that support them, are feeling the burn. That’s according to the Virginia Advisory Committee on International Trade that met in Richmond Tuesday. Brad Kutner has more.
Big money is flowing into Virginia’s primary contests
Jun 10, 2025
Credit: NPR
All those streaming ads you’ve been seeing for political candidates cost money, and broadcasting statewide in Virginia is expensive. Michael Pope tells us about the stacks of campaign cash funding the ad blitz.
After big changes in Virginia’s child care industry, candidates for governor offer more fixes
Jun 10, 2025
Teachers, including Terri Robinson (middle), sing to infants at the Sprout School in Southside Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Parents know getting childcare is a challenge, even as Virginia takes steps to improve the system. And while accessibility and quality have both increased thanks to record state spending, the two candidates for governor have their own ideas to meet the challenge. Brad Kutner reports.
Earle-Sears wants to do away with taxes on tips
Jun 09, 2025
Republican candidate for governor Winsome Earle-Sears appears with Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley during an event at the campaign headquarters in Northern Virginia. (Credit: Michael Pope)
No tax on tips was part of the Republican platform last year in the presidential election. Now, Michael Pope tells us it’s becoming a topic of conversation on the campaign trail for governor this year.
Food safety expert discusses science behind FDA’s changes to food dye rules
Jun 09, 2025
The Food and Drug Administration has approved three naturally sourced food dyes. For more on what this may mean for your health, Roxy Todd spoke with a food safety expert.
Report: Millennials are still leaving SWVA, but at slower rate
Jun 06, 2025
Millennials are leaving Southwest Virginia, although the latest demographic trends indicate a change may be on the horizon. Michael Pope has the details.
Spanberger pushes housing policy at new development in Henrico County
Jun 06, 2025
Virginia Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Abigail Spanberger shares her housing policy ideas, flanked by Sentor Lashrecse Aird and other activists, in eastern Henrico. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia’s average home price has increased six percent over the last year, bringing it up to nearly $400,000. Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Abigail Spanberger offered ideas to address the problem at an event in Henrico County Friday morning. Brad Kutner has this report.
Pope & Schapiro: New Republican leadership, a special election date, and Earle-Sears’ stance on some key issues
Jun 06, 2025
Republicans have new leadership in the House of Delegates while Democrats hope to hold onto a Congressional seat.
Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Earle-Sears says she wants to get rid of Virginia’s car tax
Jun 05, 2025
Republican candidate for governor Winsome Earle-Sears says she wants to get rid of the car tax, although previous governors have been unable to do that because local governments need the money. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Republican candidate for governor Winsome Earle-Sears is pitching her vision for Virginia. And Michael Pope reports that one of her central messages will be a familiar one to voters.
The campaign of Democrat Abigail Spanberger did not respond when asked for the candidate’s position on the car tax.
Will the Republican statewide ticket appear together this election cycle?
Jun 04, 2025
Asked about when she would appear with the other statewide Republican candidates, Winsome Earle-Sears said she has her own race to run. (Credit: Michael Pope)
It’s been more than a month since the Republican Party officially nominated all three of their statewide candidates. And Michael Pope tells us the party’s candidate for governor does not appear to have plans for a unity event any time soon.
JLARC: Moving DJJ to another state agency likely won’t improve youth programs
Jun 04, 2025
A new report says moving the Department of Juvenile Justice under a different state agency likely wouldn’t improve the programs it offers to incarcerated youth.
The report comes as the state Inspector General’s office says it will review mental health services being offered to children at the Bon Air Correctional Center — Virginia’s only state-run youth prison. Dave Cantor has more.
Virginia law offers “hope” for U.S. born children of parents facing deportation
Jun 03, 2025
As President Donald Trump deports the parents of U.S. born children, advocates are pushing a 2021 state law change that was designed to provide hope for those families. Brad Kutner has more.
The late Congressman Gerry Connolly gets one more legislative victory
Jun 03, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin has set a special election on September 9th to fill the seat open due to the death of Gerry Connolly. And as Michael Pope tells us, the news comes on a day when the House is considering one final bill from the late congressman.
DHS “sanctuary jurisdictions” list including Virginia localities has vanished
Jun 02, 2025
Last week, the United States Department of Homeland Security published a list of 33 sanctuary cities in Virginia. Michael Pope reports that the list has now disappeared.
Virginia localities puzzled by inclusion on federal “sanctuary cities” list
May 30, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security is identifying 20 counties and 13 cities in Virginia they call “sanctuary jurisdictions.” Michael Pope explains.
Several localities, including Martinsville, Hanover County and Tazewell County have publicly questioned why they were included on the list, arguing they cooperate with federal enforcement whenever requested.
Pope & Schapiro: Pardons, another water crisis, and the future of Medicaid
May 30, 2025
President Trump’s pardons reach into Virginia.
Radio IQ politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
President Trump signs tire plant legislation from Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith
May 29, 2025
Congressman Morgan Griffith is celebrating a win for the rubber tire manufacturing businesses in Virginia. But, as Michael Pope tells us, environmentalists are worried about the consequences.
A casino proposal in Northern Virginia is a hot topic on the campaign trail this year
May 28, 2025
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
Special interests are hoping to strike it rich next year in Richmond. Michael Pope reports on the shifting political landscape for a proposed Tysons Corner casino.
Virginia Democrats on track to smash primary early voting record
May 27, 2025
An absentee ballot sent out by the City of Richmond’s Office of Elections. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginians started voting early in the June 2025 primaries in early May. And with about three weeks left, Democrats are on track to smash their primary early voting record. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Jenkins pardon evokes a noteworthy corruption case from Virginia’s past
May 27, 2025
President Donald Trump has issued a pardon to Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins. Michael Pope reports this is not the first time convictions for corruption have been set aside.
Families, advocates protest alleged prison abuses
May 27, 2025
People gather at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond during a May 24 protest. (Credit: Dave Cantor)
A few dozen people gathered at the state capitol in Richmond on Saturday to protest alleged abuses at Wallens Ridge and Red Onion state prisons.
Dave Cantor has more.
Youngkin will leave office with a record number of vetoes
May 26, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin will leave office next year with at least one distinction among his predecessors. Michael Pope tells us about a record that he has already broken.
LG candidates clash over casinos and skill games
May 23, 2025
Credit: NPR
Casino gambling and convenience store slot-style machines are becoming a flashpoint in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Michael Pope explains why.
Virginia State Police push new seat belt law ahead of Memorial Day weekend
May 23, 2025
Christy King shares the story of her son’s death after he didn’t wear a seatbelt. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Over 1.2 million Virginians will hit the road this weekend. Virginia State Police want every one of them wearing a seat belt in line with a new state law. Brad Kutner has more.
Safety officials in Virginia advise boaters to wear life jackets
May 23, 2025
Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ
Safety officials suggest anyone planning on getting out on the water this Memorial Day weekend to make sure they have a proper life jacket. Roxy Todd reports 16 people died last year in Virginia who weren’t wearing proper safety gear.
Pope & Schapiro: Federal cuts, a boycott, and remembering Gerry Connolly
May 23, 2025
The Democratic-led legislature and the Republican governor are still at odds over how federal cuts will impact Virginia.
Radio IQ politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Democratic leadership signals willingness to reexamine Virginia Clean Economy Act
May 22, 2025
House Speaker Don Scott listens to presentations at the May meeting of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Passed during a Democratic trifecta in 2020, the Virginia Clean Economy Act was viewed as a monumental step toward modernizing the state’s dirty power generation. But in the face of President Donald Trump’s alternative energy funding cuts and data center-fueled power demand, the most powerful Democrats in Virginia’s legislature appear open to reviewing the law. Brad Kutner has more.
James River cruise takes passengers back in time on the boat that made Virginia rich
May 22, 2025
With its wide, flat bottom, the batteau was able to navigate a relatively shallow river. (Credit: Sandy Hausman)
River cruises are popular around the world. But for two Virginia men they are also a chance to honor a forgotten part of the Commonwealth’s history – to recall how one boat changed the fate of the state.
Sandy Hausman has their story.
Spanberger faces opposition, open minds while pitching healthcare cost plans
May 21, 2025
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Abigail Spanberger speaks with local GOP party activist Major Mansfield. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger made a campaign stop in ruby red Hanover County Wednesday morning. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate was there to discuss her plans to address healthcare costs, but she found more than just the press and local supporters. Brad Kutner has more.
Reactions roll in to the passing of Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly
May 21, 2025
Northern Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly died Wednesday morning after a battle with cancer. Connolly served as chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors before being elected to Congress in 2008. Michael Pope reports on the life and legacy of the congressman.
UVA’s medical center goes green with paper pill containers
May 21, 2025
The paper and plastic pill containers are made by a Pittsburgh-based company, UVA is one of its first customers. (Credit: Sandy Hausman)
The pharmaceutical industry generates about 300 million tons of plastic a year to package its products.
The University of Virginia got to thinking about that problem and has arrived at a partial solution, as Sandy Hausman reports.
Youngkin recognizes Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
May 20, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin stands with Amanda Brandt, a recent mother who successfully completed drug and mental health treatment programs, as they honor Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin visited a women’s behavioral health center Tuesday morning as part of an effort to recognize Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Brad Kutner has more on what the governor called successes from his administration and what legislators called a good start to a long-running problem.
Virginia lawmakers prepare for new restrictions on campaign funds
May 20, 2025
Credit: NPR
Candidates for state office are about to get some new restrictions about how they can use campaign cash. Michael Pope has the details.
Saving Appalachia’s salamanders amid the shifting definition of habitat destruction
May 20, 2025
Hellbender underwater in a stream in Virginia (Credit: Jordy Groffen/Virginia Tech)
A pair of salamanders native to Virginia are up for federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.
But the Trump administration is aiming to redefine how habitat destruction factors into those protections.
Youngkin defiant in the face of ‘improper veto’ claims
May 19, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin plans to ignore claims by Virginia’s House Clerk that some of his final actions in the 2025 legislative session were done improperly. As Brad Kutner found out, it’s not as uncommon as you might think.
Virginia lawmakers react to proposed federal moratorium on AI regulation
May 19, 2025
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne
Congress is considering a bill that could leave Virginia, and every other state, powerless to regulate artificial intelligence. Michael Pope reports.
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