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DHS “sanctuary jurisdictions” list including Virginia localities has vanished

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 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

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025


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. […]

James River cruise takes passengers back in time on the boat that made Virginia rich

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025


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

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025


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. Dave Cantor has more on the Eastern Hellbender and the Yellow-spotted woodland salamander.

Youngkin defiant in the face of ‘improper veto’ claims

Play Episode Listen Later 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

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025


Congress is considering a bill that could leave Virginia, and every other state, powerless to regulate artificial intelligence. Michael Pope reports.

Virginia’s outmigration trend may be shifting again

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025


Will changes in Washington cause more people to leave Virginia than arrive? Michael Pope has the forecast.

Pope & Schapiro: Ad onslaughts and international political operatives

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025


As the June primaries draw closer, candidates are stepping up their TV ad campaigns. Virginia Public Radio politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Early figures show local primaries are driving turnout right now

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025


Early vote data shows local primaries are driving turnout, at least at this point. Michael Pope is digging into the numbers.

Virginia gubernatorial hopefuls share their housing ideas as Commonwealth struggles with supply

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025


Ask anyone trying to buy a house in Virginia how the process is going and you're likely to hear stories of one heartbreak after another. Brad Kutner found out why it’s so hard to get new housing in Virginia and what both candidates for governor would like to see happen if they win. 

What to do if you find a fawn

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025


Between May and July, the Wildlife Center of Virginia gets lots of calls about what people assume are abandoned fawns.  In fact, experts say, female white tails usually leave their babies in what they think is a safe area and spend much of the day feeding.  As Sandy Hausman reports, the fawns are usually fine.

Advocates say cuts to SNAP would have significant impacts for Virginia families

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025


Families that are in poverty and struggling to make ends meet might be cut off from social welfare benefits if Congress moves forward with a funding proposal now under consideration. Michael Pope has the latest.

These non-traditional candidates say they represent the evolving politics of Virginia

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025


First it was John Reid, the first openly gay Republican candidate running for statewide office in Virginia. Now, two more candidates had their lifestyles thrown into the spotlight. Brad Kutner spoke to them and has this report on what they say is the changing face of politics in the Commonwealth. 

UVA forecasts paint a bleak picture for jobs in Virginia this year

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025


The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service is looking into the future with an economic forecast. Michael Pope has the numbers.

Virginia signals it’s ready to explore geothermal energy with new legislation

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025


Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is working with Democrats who control the General Assembly to increase renewable energy. Michael Pope has the details.

Unemployment numbers show a “slow leak,” but are worse conditions on the horizon?

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025


The latest unemployment numbers are showing where Virginia’s economy might be headed. Michael Pope is looking at the data.

Pope & Schapiro: What will Youngkin’s legacy be?

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025


As the sun begins to set on Governor Glenn Youngkin's time in office, what his legacy will be is starting to take shape. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss that and more from this week in state politics and government.

This year’s campaign season has already started. And yes, that means ads

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025


This year's campaign season is now underway, and that includes all those ads on TV. Michael Pope reports on the first ones headed to a screen near you.

Youngkin signs Dem-backed social media limits for kids

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025


Among the bills Governor Glenn Youngkin signed in the last week was a Democrat-led effort to add new limits to social media for kids. Similar laws have faced legal challenge. But Brad Kutner reports the bill's author hopes to see Virginia's effort survive. 

Governor Youngkin has signed a compromise measure on license plate readers

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025


Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is working with Democrats who control the General Assembly to craft some rules for license plate readers. Michael Pope reports.

Pamunkey Reservation listed as one of the nation's most endangered historic places

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025


Some of the highest rates of sea level rise in the country are in the Chesapeake Bay region where it's twice the average annual global rate. Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the Pamunkey Indian Tribe's reservation, on a peninsula in King William County, among its eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in America. […]

Youngkin vetoes Confederate tax break roll back, but 1A scholar says that might be best

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025


Democrats in Virginia's legislature tried once again to roll back tax exempt status for confederate heritage organizations this year, and Governor Glenn Youngkin once again vetoed the effort. But even if it were to pass, First Amendment scholars fear the action may not hold up in court. Brad Kutner has more. 

Virginia to rein in medical debt collectors after Youngkin signature

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025


Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is working with Democrats who control the General Assembly to put new restrictions on debt collectors seeking money for hospitals and doctors. Michael Pope reports.

After another veto, Virginia Democrats vow to return next year with contraceptive protections

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025


Governor Glenn Youngkin has again vetoed legislation Virginia Democrats say will protect abortion access from future U.S. Supreme Court action. Republicans feared it would open up doctors to legal liability, but the bill's authors disagree. Brad Kutner has more.

Advocates celebrate Youngkin’s signature on “junk fees’ legislation

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025


Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin and Democrats who run the General Assembly are working together to go after junk fees. Michael Pope reports.

VMI’s Board of Visitors selects new leadership, as Wins’ tenure closes

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025


After several days of meetings that began Friday, the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors selected new leadership. It also voted in an acting superintendent to replace Major General Cedric Wins whose contract was not renewed earlier this year after criticism of DEI initiatives he supported. Dave Cantor has more.

Census figures show Virginia lags behind the rest of the country on public education spending

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025


Spending on public education in Virginia is falling behind the rest of the country. Michael Pope has the latest numbers from the Census Bureau.

Governor Youngkin signs 2025 budget with ‘cushion' for Trump ‘disruptions;' capitulates on Reid

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025


Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the 2025 state budget Friday. The governor says many shared priorities were funded, but some items were removed to account for quote “short term disruptions” anticipated from President Donald Trump's federal actions. Brad Kutner has more.

Pope & Schapiro: A bumpy week for Virginia Republicans

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025


Controversy surrounding the Republican nominee to be Virginia's next lieutenant governor has been one of the top stories this week. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss that and the week that was in state politics and government.

Virginia’s early voting period for the June primaries starts Friday

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025


Friday is the first day of early voting for statewide and local primaries. Michael Pope has this preview.

Virginia congressmen dispute future cuts to Medicaid

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025


Two members of Virginia's congressional delegation discussed future Medicaid cuts this week. As rumors of over 800 million dollars in cuts swirl, Republican Morgan Griffith downplayed concerns, while Democrat Don Beyer warned of people losing their health care. Brad Kutner has more.

New reports suggest U.S., Virginia economies are slowing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025


A pair of reports released this week show economic growth in Virginia and the country is slowing down. Brad Kutner spoke to a local economist for their thoughts on the news.

How will Youngkin act on parental notification bill after lawmakers rejected his amendment?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025


Governor Glenn Youngkin is about to make a decision on legislation outlining parental rights and responsibilities. Michael Pope reports.

A contraception bill on the governor’s desk is also now a campaign talking point

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025


Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering about a hundred bills that are on his desk right now, and his deadline to take action is at the end of the week. Michael Pope more about one bill that guarantees a right to contraception.

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