Boysko hopeful this is the year for her “Equal Pay Act”
Jan 09, 2026
Show notes
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
Show notes
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
Show notes
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
Show notes
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
Show notes
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
Show notesRappahannock 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
Show notesDavid 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
Show notesMembers 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
Show notes
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
Show notesCredit: NPR
Democrats have big plans for the first few days of the General Assembly session next week. Michael Pope reports.
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