Pope & Schapiro: Campus protests, Florida’s abortion law, and the field for 2025
May 03, 2024
Protests roiled college campuses this past week, and stirred up Virginia politicians too.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Students speak, chant, blow bubbles and eat pizza at Gaza protest
May 02, 2024
Students expressed heartbreak over death and destruction in Gaza, but their protest on campus was peaceful. (Credit: Sandy Hausman / Radio IQ)
Students at Virginia Tech, VCU and the University of Mary Washington staged protests earlier this week, prompting the arrest of more than 100 people charged with trespassing. The University of Virginia has, so far, taken a different tack as Sandy Hausman reports.
A new nuclear energy law will likely mean higher utility bills
May 02, 2024
Starting this summer, Virginia will have a new law encouraging nuclear energy. Michael Pope has more on how the costs will be covered.
Glenn Youngkin’s biggest legacy in Virginia could be his impact on education
May 02, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin addresses the Board of Education. (Credit: Va. Dept. of Education livestream)
With a new sports arena in the rear-view mirror and a legislature controlled by political opponents, Governor Glenn Youngkin’s largest impact on the state after he leaves office could be in the education space.
Brad Kutner reports on how that could come in the form of influence from board appointments and law changes.
Early voting for June primaries starts on Friday
May 01, 2024
Voting for the June primary starts this week. Michael Pope has a preview.
You can find more information about deadlines and other voting details here.
Meet Virginia: Betsy Wood
May 01, 2024
Betsy Wood plays guitar in her Giles County home. (Credit: Christine Kueter)
Reporter Christine Kueter has been crisscrossing the state this year, collecting real-life stories for our Meet Virginia series.
Today, she introduces us a retired teacher from the New River Valley who taught her students more than just facts and figures.
Reaction to college protests rolls in from state lawmakers
Apr 30, 2024
Credit: NPR
Student protests and resulting arrests have upended life at some of Virginia’s universities in recent days. Michael Pope has more on how the state’s political leadership is lining up around the protests.
Virginia lab wins federal grant to break down forever chemicals
Apr 30, 2024
Jefferson Lab scientists working to break-up molecules of forever chemicals — from left, John Vennekate, Anne-Marie Valente-Feliciano, Uttar Pudasaini, Gianluigi Ciorati and Malachi Schram. (Credit: Emily Perdue/Jefferson Lab)
The EPA now requires water treatment plants to test for a group of contaminants known as forever chemicals. Used in products like non-stick coatings and waterproofing, these substances are water, grease and stain resistant, but they’re also hazardous to human health – linked to liver damage, cancer and birth defects.
Getting them out of our water will be the next great challenge.
A lab here in Virginia is working on technology to achieve that goal as Sandy Hausman reports.
VT president says he supports free-speech, but is disappointed with 82 protestors arrested at pro-Palestinian rally
Apr 29, 2024
Police arrested dozens of people at a pro-Palestinian protest at Virginia Tech’s campus Sunday April 26th. (Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ)
Virginia Tech Police now say that they arrested 82 people late Sunday night and early Monday when they broke up a days-long protest on campus.
53 are current Virginia Tech students, according to a revised statement. Roxy Todd reports they were charged with trespassing.
How the EPA’s new rules could impact Virginia
Apr 29, 2024
New environmental rules from the federal government may help clear the air here in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia using multi-pronged approach to address teacher vacancies
Apr 26, 2024
A map showing Virginia’s school regions with the depth of their teacher vacancy rates. (Credit: Virginia Department of Education)
Virginia wasn’t an outlier in learning or teacher loss in the wake of the pandemic. But new teacher licensure programs, backed with state funds, are hoping to curb the lack of educators parts of the Commonwealth face. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Millions of dollars are flowing into primary contests
Apr 26, 2024
Primaries for Congress are only a few weeks away, and new fundraising numbers are giving an indication of where the race stands. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.
Pope & Schapiro: Primaries in the near and not-too-distant future
Apr 26, 2024
Primaries top the list of political topics in the news over the last few days.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
More lab schools approved, but not without some controversy
Apr 25, 2024
Governor Glenn Younkin speaks before a crowd at VCU’s School of Engineering, opening the doors to his first STEM-focused lab school. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin is still looking to spend $100 million on new lab schools across Virginia, and a handful of applications were approved Thursday. But there were concerns about the viability of at least one of the programs. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
How AI could help those who care for people with dementia
Apr 24, 2024
UVA Professor John Stankovic, graduate student Nan Wang and Professor Hongning Wang developed a system to support those who care for people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. (Credit: Dan Addison / University Of Virginia Communications)
Experts have raised alarms about the potential of artificial intelligence to cause problems for humanity, but in the field of medicine it’s already making a positive difference.
At the University of Virginia, for example, computer scientists are experimenting with a way to help caregivers do a difficult and frustrating job – caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Sandy Hausman has that story.
A nuclear electric utility bill hike may be on the horizon later this year
Apr 24, 2024
This summer, a new law will go into effect, and it may mean you pay a higher electric bill. Michael Pope reports that money will go toward development of nuclear power.
Gold medalist boxer from Virginia won landmark 1949 Civil Rights case
Apr 24, 2024
Norvel Lee state historical marker, dedicated in 2022 (Credit: Jeff Bossert)
Until recently, if you do a quick web search on the name Norvel Lee, you’d likely find some of his accomplishments as a boxer.
The Botetourt County native did earn an Olympic gold medal in the sport, becoming the first Black Virginian to receive that honor in the early 50’s. But a state historical marker and recent book about Lee’s life story now offer a much broader perspective on his impact.
Meanwhile, family members say they’re discovering an even greater connection with him, more than 30 years since his passing.
Jeff Bossert has more.
Next year’s lieutenant governor race is already crowded
Apr 23, 2024
The Democratic primary for lieutenant governor is heating up – with two high-profile candidates entering the race this week. Michael Pope has the latest.
Supreme Court of Virginia sides with former inmate on earned sentence credits case
Apr 22, 2024
Credit: Jahd Khalil
People who are incarcerated might be able to get out of prison earlier now that the Supreme Court of Virginia is weighing in on how earned sentence credits are calculated. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin open to changes in skill games amendments
Apr 19, 2024
Dozens of convenience store owners gather at the Capitol in yellow shirts in support of legalizing skill games. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia’s legislature said no to a host of amendments from Governor Glenn Youngkin to a bill legalizing skill games in the Commonwealth.
But that didn’t end the conversation and lawmakers agreed to work with the governor to find a more palatable bill. Brad Kutner spoke with Youngkin and some pro-skill game activists as those negotiations are kicking off.
A Supreme Court victory for a Richmond man will impact veterans nationwide
Apr 19, 2024
A Richmond man’s victory in the United States Supreme Court is expected to help hundreds of thousands of veterans across the country. Michael Pope explains why.
Pope & Schapiro: Plenty of unfinished business
Apr 19, 2024
There’s still a lot of unfinished business from the General Assembly Session.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope talk about where we’re headed next.
Who has the upper hand in a Virginia budget standoff?
Apr 18, 2024
Lawmakers are expected to return to the Capitol in Richmond next month for a special session on the budget. Michael Pope has a preview.
Youngkin signs student athlete compensation bill
Apr 18, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin signs a bill allowing colleges to pay student athletes for their name, image and likeness. He’s flanked to the left by Del. Terry Kilgore, Sen. Aaron Rouse and Del. Terry Austin. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned rules barring college athletes from getting paid for the use of their image, states, including Virginia, have been working to develop rules to accommodate the change.
Thursday morning Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a bill that would make such payments easier.
Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Even with some Republican support, Senate can’t override Youngkin’s veto of school construction tax option
Apr 17, 2024
Virginia Middle School in Bristol was built in 1916. (Credit: Bristol Public Schools)
Lawmakers were unable to overturn a veto from the governor on a bill that might have helped school construction.
Michael Pope has more on the debate.
Virginia’s budget deal pushed to May after newfound collaboration between Youngkin and legislature
Apr 17, 2024
Members of the Virginia General Assembly gather in the House of Delegates for the 2024 veto session. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Virginia’s top elected officials appeared unified around the promise of a real compromise budget during Wednesday’s veto session. Brad Kutner has more from the Capitol.
The fate of skill games is now in the governor’s hands
Apr 17, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin is now facing a decision about what happens with slot-machine style machines in convenience stores and truck stops. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s legislature hasn’t overridden a veto in more than a decade. Could that change Wednesday?
Apr 16, 2024
Virginia’s legislature returns to Richmond Wednesday to review Governor Glenn Youngkin’s vetoes and amendments. While tension remains high, at least one bill with strong bipartisan support could see Youngkin rebuked. Brad Kutner has more.
A look at what the 2024 reconvene session may hold
Apr 16, 2024
All 140 members of the Virginia House of Delegates and the state Senate will be back in Richmond Wednesday. They’ll take action on all the governor’s amendments, including a historic number of budget amendments. Michael Pope has this preview.
A gubernatorial amendment on bullying might get the boot later this week
Apr 15, 2024
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ
All 140 members of the Virginia General Assembly will return to Richmond this week for a brief session to consider the governor’s amendments and vetoes. Michael Pope tells us one of the amendments they’ll be considering involves bullying in schools.
Virginia convenience stores protest Gov. Youngkin’s skill games amendments
Apr 15, 2024
Convenience store owner Jarnail Singh participates in a protest over Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed amendments to legislation that would legalize skill games in the Commonwealth. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Governor Glenn Youngkin tacked a lengthy list of amendments onto a bill that would legalize skill games.
Now, impacted store owners are pushing back.
Brad Kutner spoke to one such owner south of Richmond.
AirTags: Useful tool or potential privacy risk?
Apr 15, 2024
Innovative technologies produce gadgets meant to be helpful or simplify our lives. But sometimes, new products are used for unintended, illicit purposes.
Craig Wright has the story of a woman who wasn’t sure how to react to a disturbing alert she received on her phone about one such device.
‘Zombie mortgages’ to die for good later this year
Apr 12, 2024
Starting this summer, Virginia will have a new law against so-called “zombie mortgages.” Michael Pope explains.
Pope & Schapiro: Parsing the governor’s amendments and vetoes
Apr 12, 2024
The General Assembly is parsing through the governor’s many amendments and vetoes.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Governor Youngkin says no to ranked-choice voting legislation
Apr 11, 2024
Credit: Jahd Khalil
Ranked-choice voting has gained popularity in recent years. Although, as Michael Pope tells us, it’s not popular at the Executive Mansion.
Youngkin gets mixed reviews on final criminal justice reform actions of 2024 session
Apr 10, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin ran on a law and order platform. And while that may have put most criminal justice reform efforts on the chopping block, advocates and elected officials were surprised by what survived his veto pen. Brad Kutner has more.
UVA conference to address health risks linked to hotter weather
Apr 10, 2024
We’ve heard a lot about dangerous weather and rising seas associated with a changing climate, and medical experts say it will also take a toll on public health. That’s why the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing is hosting a conference on the subject this weekend. Sandy Hausman has that story.
State lawmakers are working to reorganize Virginia’s workforce development efforts
Apr 10, 2024
Virginia’s workforce development is in the midst of a reorganization – one designed to make better use of federal money. Michael Pope reports.
‘They have been a godsend’ — Home visiting program brings parenting skills home
Apr 10, 2024
A family who participated in home visiting through People Incorporated in southwest Virginia. (Credit: People Incorporated)
Being a new parent is a learning experience. But accessing resources and help isn’t easy for everyone.
A program in Virginia is helping families build stronger relationships, by visiting with parents and kids in their own homes, as Roxy Todd reports.
Youngkin slashes Democrats’ education budget, vetoes bipartisan school funding bill
Apr 09, 2024
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin sits next to state Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera while the two hear about poor SOL test scores. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin released budget amendments and issued vetoes just hours before Monday night’s deadline. Some of Youngkin’s strikes hit education spending and funding plans crafted by Democrats. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Skill games proponents ponder next steps following Youngkin amendments
Apr 09, 2024
Lawmakers will return to Richmond next week to consider next steps on a number of important bills. Michael Pope reports that they’ll need to make a decision on what to do about skill games.
Youngkin offers over 200 amendments to budget bill
Apr 09, 2024
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin speaks to the press after announcing his “common ground” budget. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)
Governor Glenn Youngkin offered more than 200 amendments to the General Assembly’s proposed budget Monday. The governor struck a more conciliatory tone, opening up the upcoming budget fight on a positive note, but Democratic leadership remained wary, as Brad Kutner found out.
Tim Kaine’s new book: Walk Ride Paddle
Apr 09, 2024
(Credit: Michael Pope)
Senator Tim Kaine is out with a new book this week.
And as Michael Pope tells us, it’s not the standard Washington memoir.
Youngkin adds to veto total with abortion bills
Apr 08, 2024
Abortion remains a key topic as the governor takes his final actions on bills from the General Assembly. Michael Pope has the latest.
Among Governor Glenn Youngkin’s education reforms was the development of a lab school program, linking colleges with local school systems to innovate new education models.
But as Democrats seek increased resources for the rest of the state’s public schools, they’re looking to reduce funding for that experiment in education.
Brad Kutner has more.
Pope & Schapiro: Time is running out for 2024 bills
Apr 05, 2024
Time is running out for the governor to act on bills from this year’s General Assembly session.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.
Advocates disappointed by veto of climate change classroom materials bill
Apr 04, 2024
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is setting new records for vetoing more bills than any other governor in recent years.
Michael Pope has details about one vetoed bill that would have encouraged teaching climate change in public schools.
Advocates deliver 37,000+ signatures in support of contraception protections
Apr 04, 2024
Sen. Gazala Hashmi, center, holds the over 37,000 signatures collected supporting an effort to ensure access to contraception in the Commonwealth. She was joined, from left, by Rae Pickett, Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, Lara Bury and Penny Blue of Red Wine and Blue, Delegates Rae Cousins and Destiny LeVere Bolling, Tyanna Haynes of Birth in Color and Delegate Mike Jones. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
After some justices of the U.S. Supreme Court suggested they should reconsider precedent protecting access to contraceptives, Virginia Democrats passed a law that would protect such access.
But the governor has yet to sign it, and advocates want him to act, as Brad Kutner reports from Richmond.
Youngkin signs new fentanyl punishments
Apr 04, 2024
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, flanked from the left by Senators John McGuire and Mark Obenshain, signs a law increasing penalties for fentanyl-related production. Attorney General Jason Miyares and Delegates Buddy Fowler, Mike Cherry, Todd Gilbert and the families of overdose victims look on. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
Governor Glenn Youngkin Thursday morning signed a bill that increases punishments for those who manufacture pressed pills that include fentanyl.