Virginia News & Current Events | Public News Service

More than 40 million people have joined the USPS Informed Delivery program to protect themselves from phishing and smishing scams. (Pexels/Lisa Fotios)

Monday, December 23, 2024

USPS warns customers to watch out for package delivery scams

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for "smishing" scams…

Mental health professionals suggest managing depression with healthy strategies, such as staying active. Consider planning family walks to enjoy fresh air and foster social connection. Choose nutritious foods and drink alcohol responsibly, if at all. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Managing holiday blues: Expert tips for self-care

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration but for many Virginians, it can also be a deep emotional struggle. Grieving …

The latest federal numbers show that about 8.7 million U.S. households, with at least one adult older than 50, participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (Adobe Stock)

Clearing the myths: Simplifying SNAP benefits to fight senior hunger

Hunger doesn't retire, yet millions of older Americans struggling to afford food may not realize help is within reach. Misconceptions and stigma …

Virginia is one of the top 10 states in the nation for Christmas tree production. (jannoon028/Freepik)

Behind the Joy: Untold labor of Christmas tree production

As families across the country prepare to celebrate the holiday season, the joy of decorating a Christmas tree is a time-honored tradition. But the …

In the latest poll by No Kid Hungry Virginia, 78% of respondents said it has become more difficult to afford groceries in the last year. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia families grapple with food insecurity, advocates urge more support

Rising grocery prices and the end of pandemic-era benefits have left many Virginia families struggling to make ends meet. A recent poll from No Kid …

According to the Center for Native American Youth, in each Native community, culture transfer is a multifaceted process influenced by tribal histories, traumas, resilience, cultural preservation and revitalization efforts. (Adobe Stock)

VA's Native youths call for representation, support amid systemic challenges

In Virginia, Native youths often encounter systemic barriers, including a lack of representation in school curricula. A recent report by the Center …

In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature added monarch butterflies to its Red List of Threatened Species, highlighting the significant decline in their populations because of habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use. (Adobe Stock)

Monarch butterflies may join federal Endangered Species List

Monarch butterflies could soon be added to the federal Endangered Species list, with a decision expected by year's end. Eastern monarchs, which …

Studies show being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. (Adobe Stock)

Fostering connection: Combating social isolation during the holidays

For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration - but it can often bring loneliness and isolation for older adults. Steve Morrison…

Virginia's Department of Labor promotes an earn-while-you-learn model to encourage participants in apprenticeship programs. (Pixabay)

VA apprenticeships bridge skills gaps, offer career stability

It is the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week and Virginia is highlighting some programs helping bridge the skills gap for workers and em…

According to Florida Atlantic University researchers, alcohol consumption varies significantly by region worldwide and in the U.S. (Pixabay/Pen_ash) According to FAU researchers alcohol consumption varies significantly by region worldwide and in the U.S. (Pixabay/Pen_ash)

Health experts call attention to rising alcohol mortality rates

A recent study from Florida Atlantic University highlighted a concerning rise in alcohol-related deaths across the United States, with mortality …

People who qualify can receive benefits beyond doctor visits and prescription drugs through a Dual Special Needs Plan. (Pexels)

VA Medicaid, Medicare enrollees may qualify for expanded benefits

Virginians enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid may be able to get expanded health benefits through what are known as Dual-Eligible Special Needs Pl…

Low Water Bridge in Fries, Va., was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. (Adobe Stock)

Helene leaves Virginia communities struggling with long-term recovery

The hills and hollers of Virginia are no strangers to hardship, but few were prepared for the devastation Hurricane Helene would bring. Six weeks …

The Internet Crime Complaint Center is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency investigating crime. (Anete Lusina/Pexels)

Global summit in VA addresses rising threat of scams worldwide

Online scams are growing in scale and sophistication, affecting millions and creating economic losses estimated at $1 trillion globally in 2023…

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing, such as those with chronic conditions like asthma. (coltsfan/Pixabay)

VA program tackles shortage of breath therapists

Amid a nationwide shortage of respiratory therapists, an "earn while you learn" initiative is underway to build a skilled workforce in Virginia to …

More than 55 million people now have dementia worldwide, more than 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. (Pixabay)

‘Navigating the Journey’ conference aims to empower dementia caregivers

The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium will host its annual conference on Saturday - bringing together caregivers, medical experts, and …

Hazel Mountain Overlook in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. (NPS| Brett Raeburn/Wikicommons)

Virginia’s national parks highlighted in Congressional votes as election nears

With Election Day around the corner, Virginians and others nationwide have a clear view of where their representatives stand on critical issues …

According to voting rights advocates, most of the 6,300 voters who were purged by the governor's administration as noncitizens are actually legal voters who made errors in paperwork or in renewing their voter registration. (Element5 Digital/Pexels)

Virginia urged to reinstate 1,600 purged voters ahead of Election Day

Voting rights advocates are asking for the immediate reinstatement of more than 1,600 Virginia voters whose registrations were purged as part of a sta…

Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election began Sept. 20 in Virginia and extends through Nov. 2. (Edmond Dant�s/Pexels)

Virginia’s early voting less than in 2020; caution urged in drawing conclusions

Early-voting turnout in Virginia has dropped compared with the same period in 2020. As of Tuesday, slightly more than 1.1 million Virginians have …

The Annual Election Period for Medicare enrollment changes is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year. (HeungSoon/Pixabay)

VA seniors urged to review Medicare plans during open enrollment

Medicare's open enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 allows Virginians covered by Medicare to reevaluate their health coverage options and select …

A report by the Immigration Research Initiative, Economic Policy Institute and The Commonwealth Institute showed nearly 29% of Main Street business owners in Virginia, such as those operating grocery stores, restaurants and dry cleaners, are immigrants. (Pixabay)

New report highlights immigrants' vital role in Virginia's economy

Amid the ongoing debate on immigration, a new report showed how much immigrants boost Virginia's economy. The report, "Immigrants Are a Vital Part …

Amtrak is introducing new trains with a focus on safety, passenger comfort, reliability and sustainability. (VPRA)

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority speeds toward modernized, dedicated system

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority is leading efforts to modernize and expand the state's passenger rail system, with significant projects …

The annual income considered to be at Federal Poverty Level for an individual in 2024 is $15,060. (lannyboy89/Pixabay)

Richmond’s declining poverty rate raises questions

The most recent census figures show a significant drop in poverty in the Richmond metro area - and are being met with skepticism. The American …

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the last four months of jobs numbers indicate an uptick in the Black unemployment rate, from 5.2% in December to 6.4% in March. (Cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Job gaps persist for Black Americans, despite economic progress

Despite recent improvements in Black unemployment rates, a new report reveals Black Americans continue to face significant disparities in the labor …

In July, the U.S. Department of Labor released a proposed workplace heat standard requiring employers to provide rest breaks, water, shade or air conditioning to workers exposed to excessive heat. (Pixabay)

Proposed OSHA heat rule could affect Virginia workers

Labor advocates in Virginia are urging the public to weigh in on new federal protections to safeguard workers from the dangers of extreme heat…

Menhaden are forage fish species and filter feeders, each capable of filtering up to seven gallons of water per minute. (Photo of female Osprey with Menhaden/TRCP)

Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries

In Virginia's waters, the decline of a small but critically important fish is causing growing concern among conservation groups and fishermen alike…

Data from the Electric School Bus Initiative finds Virginia is one of the top states to own and purchase clean school buses. (Adobe Stock)

VA sees more school districts shift to clean buses

Virginia kids are heading back to school in a more environmentally friendly way. School districts and counties statewide are making the switch to …

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 weakened by the Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby v. Holder. (Adobe Stock)

VA, US groups build support for federal voting rights bills

Groups from Virginia and across the country are working with federal lawmakers to improve voting rights. They are building support for voting rights …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 86.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2023. (guvo59/Pixabay)

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

A new report showed more than 100,000 eligible Virginians 65 and older are not enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With …

Solar energy costs far less than fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency finds utility-level solar costs about $20 per unit less to produce than natural gas. (Adobe Stock)

Misinformation prevents VA from reaping solar-energy benefits

Although most Virginians support and prefer solar energy, misinformation is keeping more of it from being built. Several counties and cities have …

Right now, about seven percent of the federal workforce is under 30. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers look to improve pay and benefits for federal workers

Federal lawmakers will debate a number of bills this fall designed to improve hiring, retention and benefits for government workers. Their …

A plan for the Trump Administration put together by a right-wing think tank, called Project 2025, calls to reclassify tens of thousands of employees as political appointees. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

‘Project 2025’ could affect thousands of federal workers in VA

Former president Donald Trump is vowing to eliminate or alter thousands of government jobs if he wins this November, which could have a big effect on …

The Interior Department says it will hold more lease sales in the Central Atlantic in 2026. (Twixter/Adobe Stock)

Offshore wind industry gains momentum in VA

Virginia's Dominion Energy has won a lease to continue growing its offshore wind portfolio near Virginia's coast. The move is expected to grow the …

The number of youths held in juvenile justice facilities fell by 75% between 2000 and 2022. (Jan H. Anderson/Adobe Stock)

Study: Youth incarceration is declining but challenges remain

Youth incarceration has declined significantly in Virginia and around the country since 2000, according to a new report but disparities and …

Last year, the U.S government issued more than 300,000 visas for migrant agrucultural producers around the world. (Ralph/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit looks to improve conditions for Eastern Shore ag workers

A nonprofit is looking to improve the living and working conditions of migrant farm workers in Virginia's Eastern Shore. Every year, hundreds of …

Data centers could need about 9% of the nation's electricity generation by 2030, about double what the sector consumes today. (Production Perig/Adobe Stock)

Federal dollars provide boost to VA’s 'Data Center Alley'

The Biden administration is enhancing the nation's power grid by funding several storage, resilience and transmission projects. The money will …

Officer hiring and retention has struggled since 2020 amid rising public distrust in policing and concerns over excessive violence from forces. (Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock

Report: Police apprenticeships can help combat officer shortages

Police departments across the U.S. have struggled with officer shortages in recent years but a new report showed how youth apprenticeship programs …

The US Census Bureau says in a couple of decades older Americans will outnumber children for the first time in history. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Poll shows sheer numbers of older caregivers in U.S.

One in four people over age 50 is taking care of at least one person with a health issue or disability, according to a new poll. In Virginia…

A recent report found about 40% of Virginia's kindergarteners still need to build literacy, math and/or social skills. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

New poll: Voters remain concerned about cost of child care

A new poll found voters remain concerned about the high cost of living and want the government to do more to lower their expenses. More than nine in …

Ninety-five percent of people between 13 and 17 report using some form of social media. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Experts offer social media tips as VA kids head back to school

It is back-to-school time, and health experts are offering tips about improving children's physical and mental well-being. The advice comes amid a …

Experts say most work, even in traditional blue-collar fields, will require a bachelor's degree or other post-secondary training. (Kerkezz/Adobe Stock)

Report: Most good jobs will go to people with higher levels of education

Economic opportunities will favor workers with higher levels of education, according to a new report. Researchers found 85% of good jobs will go to …

Algae blooms can clog up sewage and drinking water systems, create foul odors and hurt wildlife. (Rospoint/Adobe Stock)

Climate change is making harmful algae bloom events more frequent, experts say

By Aman Azhar for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Agriculture is Virginia's largest private industry. (Timothy/Adobe Stock)

VA farmers markets support small vendors, provide food security

This week is National Farmers Market Week, and Virginia's agricultural community is using that platform to promote food security and the other …

Undocumented immigrants contribute in many ways to Virginia's economy, including through farm work. (PaolikPhotos/Adobe Stock)

Study: Undocumented immigrants contribute hundreds of millions to VA tax coffers

A new study sheds light on the tax contributions paid by undocumented immigrants. In Virginia, they contribute nearly $700 million to state and local …

Rural areas have grown in population overall since 2020, reversing a decade-long trend of decline. (Jackie Nix/Adobe Stock)

USDA highlights federal investments in rural VA

UPDATE: The event referenced in this story has been postponed due to inclement weather. The story will be updated when a new date and time are …

Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks at a reception celebrating Black History Month. (Lawrence Jackson/The White House)

Black women ramp up political organizing in VA, swing states

Black women are ramping up their political organizing efforts in Virginia and other swing states across the country. It's a key demographic for …

Homicide rates have dropped in the past year in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Richmond, but advocates say gun violence remains too high. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Violent crime rates continue to fall from pandemic heights

Violent crime rates in major U.S. cities are continuing to fall from the heights they reached during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report …

Health advocates deliver petitions to Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., in Virginia Beach. (Courtesy of Affordable Virginia)

VA health advocates push to protect the Affordable Care Act

Health advocates in Virginia are calling to protect the Affordable Care Act as it faces scrutiny from some national Republicans. More than 300 …

In a 2023 pilot program of IRS Direct File in 12 states, some 140,803 taxpayers saved $5.6 million on preparing their tax returns. (Adobe Stock)

VA Gov. Youngkin urged to implement IRS Direct File

Virginia advocates and lawmakers want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to allow a direct income tax filing option. The Internal Revenue Service's Direct File …

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