Virginia News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, Virginia's steel industry generates nearly $2.7 billion in output annually. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Steelmakers Push Biden Administration to Preserve Protective Trade Policies

As the global economy faces an uncertain future, Virginia's steel producers are pushing President Joe Biden to recommit to trade policies designed to …

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks' seven regional food banks distributed approximately 165 million pounds of food in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Food Banks Seek Support Amid High Inflation, Supply-Chain Issues

Virginia's food banks are facing a perfect storm of issues. High inflation for everyday goods is driving up food costs for lower-income families…

Dominion Energy has cited the Russian invasion of Ukraine and global inflation as factors contributing to the rising cost of energy. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Customers Could See Dominion Energy Rate Hikes

Dominion Energy is proposing a rate hike, which would push up utility costs for Virginia's homes and businesses. The company has submitted several …

A leak of thousands of internal documents to journalists in 2021, detailing how social media giant Facebook handled everything from the January 6th insurrection to mental health issues among young women and girls. (Adobe Stock)

Facebook Whistleblower, Health Experts Discuss Social Media's Impact on Kids

Last year, a whistleblower at Facebook lifted the curtain on how the platform, and its sister companies, impact young kids' mental health. Frances …

According to a news release, the total cost of acquiring and updating Lick Run Farm will be about $426,000. (Adobe Stock)

Fundraising Effort Seeks to Bring Fresh Produce to Virginia Food Desert

New farmers looking to enter the agriculture industry face significant barriers, but one fundraising effort hopes to provide enough funding to leap …

About 10% of students at Virginia's Community Colleges responded to a survey on food insecurity and homelessness in 2021. The data is informing today's decisions to increase assistance. (Adobe Stock/Elena Shi)

Food Insecurity, Mental Health are Challenges for VA College Students

Community college students in Virginia still face food insecurity a year after survey data shows the COVID pandemic created greater challenges due to …

According to the most recent data from the USDA, there were only 1,865 farmers of color in Virginia as of 2017, about 4% of the state's total. (Adobe Stock)

Panel Highlights Ways for Farmers to Tap Into Federal Aid

The federal Farm Service Agency provides loans and financial support to farmers across Virginia and the nation, and experts are encouraging farmers …

In January, pharmaceutical companies increased the prices on more than 800 drugs by about 5%. (Adobe Stock)

Virginians Call on Congress to Regulate Prescription-Drug Costs

Virginia residents have signed nearly 104,000 petitions urging Congress to lower prescription drug prices. The petitions were delivered to Virginia …

According to U.S. census data, college enrollment in 2020 fell to its lowest point since before the 2008 recession. (Adobe Stock)

As Higher-Ed Enrollment Drops, Experts Weigh Options

As Virginia and the rest of the nation track a years-long decline in college enrollment, leaders in higher education are weighing the best ways to …

Per a 2021 Pew Research poll, a quarter of Republican respondents and 80% of Democrat respondents said placing more emphasis on America's history of racism and slavery was a good thing. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Group Creates Online Resource for 'Divisive' Educational Materials

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has made removing so-called "divisive" lessons on race, history and identity from classrooms a cornerstone of his administration…

Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 2020, a majority of the nation's renewable energy came from wind, while about 11% was derived from solar. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Officials Urge Biden Administration to Push Forward on Clean Energy

As the war in Ukraine continues to unfold, a national coalition of elected officials is urging the Biden administration to expedite the nation's …

The Virginia Mercury reports the Mountain Valley Pipeline's current price tag stands at $6.2 billion, up from its initial cost estimate of $3.7 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Advocate: Mountain Valley Pipeline Far From Complete

Construction on the 300-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline is more than 90% complete, according to the project's developers. But environmental advocates …

According to The Sentencing Project, more than one in four kids are detained upon their arrest. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Bill Proposes Public Health Approach to Juvenile Justice

The Virginia General Assembly has given bipartisan approval to a measure one advocate believes could lead to significant changes to the Commonwealth's…

Attorney Paul Goldman's suit to compel the state to hold new elections has earned the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Virginia NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Virginia, according to the Associated Press. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Seeks to Push Virginia to Hold New Elections for House of Delegates

Virginia may host its third election cycle in as many years for the House of Delegates, pending a decision from a three-judge panel in the U.S…

In a poll commissioned by the group Compassion & Choices, 66% of respondents in Southern states indicated they'd want the option of medical aid in dying should they receive a six-month terminal diagnosis. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Medical Aid-in-Dying Bill Stalls, Despite Public Approval

A bill to allow medical aid in dying as an option for terminally ill patients in Virginia has failed to make it through the committee process…

According to the Climate Forests campaign, intact old-growth forests can help regulate water flow across land surface and stabilize water table levels by affecting soil permeability. (Adobe Stock)

VA Groups Urge Feds to Protect Old-Growth Forests

The George Washington and Jefferson national forests cover 1.8 million acres of land across several states, including Virginia. Now, advocates are …

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, as of last July, 15 U.S. cities had banned police from using facial-recognition technology. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Bill Would Expand Police Use of Facial-Recognition Technology

Virginia lawmakers are pursuing a bill which would allow police to use facial-recognition technology in certain cases, a year after the General …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one American dies from heart disease every 36 seconds. (Adobe Stock)

For American Heart Month, Experts Advise 'Reclaiming Your Rhythm'

February is American Heart Month, and doctors and heart health groups are urging Virginians to take stock of their health after a difficult two years…

Per an AARP poll, more than three-quarters of Virginia voters support a living wage for paid caregivers in nursing homes. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Groups Push for Safer Nursing Homes, Standardized Staffing Rules

Virginia's nursing homes have been some of the most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacted a physical and mental toll …

In a new poll from Hart Research Associates, 48% of respondents believe teachers' unions have a positive impact on quality of education, but 17% of parents believe unions have had a negative effect. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Majority of Parents Support Schools' Handling of COVID-19

Virginia schools have become a political battleground over mask mandates in recent months, but a new poll indicates a majority of parents support the …

Virginia has faced several lawsuits over its use of long-term solitary confinement. A class action lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union alleges the 12 plaintiffs in the case were kept in isolation for periods ranging from two to 24 years. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Reduce Solitary Confinement in Virginia Prisons

Solitary confinement has been widely condemned by human-rights activists, and a new bill making its way through the Virginia General Assembly would …

According to the Pew Research Center, about 7% of parents report their children's screen time has diminished since the pandemic began. (Adobe Stock)

VA Department of Education Offers Guidance for Students Learning Virtually

As many Virginia schools pivot back to temporary virtual learning, some students are spending more time in front of screens. In response, the …

Groups in Virginia want laws that guarantee quarterly training for nursing-home staff on issues such as infection-prevention protocols. (PXHere)

Virginia Groups Want Action on Nursing-Home Safety, Drug Affordability

Virginia's 2022 General Assembly session begins tomorrow, and groups supporting older Americans are pushing lawmakers to pass legislation making …

Agricultural runoff makes up 70% of the remaining pollution Virginia must reduce in order to meet its water cleanup goals for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (Pixabay)

Report: Virginia Must Act Fast to Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals

As a deadline looms to meet water cleanup goals for the Chesapeake Bay, a new report shows it is critical for Virginia to accelerate its work…

Groups advocating for the Build Back Better plan say it would shore up support systems that are critical to American workers, such as improving the child care system and helping families save money on child care. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Supporters: Build Back Better Essential for Workers

As Democrats scramble to rescue the Build Back Better Act, a Virginia labor leader said some provisions in the bill are necessary to bolster support …

If affordability is a concern, look to nearby community health centers to reconnect with a doctor for a routine checkup. (Adobe stock)

As COVID Surges, Flu Shot and Checkup Can Help Maintain Health

With COVID cases on the rise this holiday season, health officials are also encouraging folks to get their flu shots and get an annual checkup before …

About half of those who experience a mental illness during their lives also will experience a substance-use disorder and vice versa, according to federal data. (Adobe stock)

Mental Health First-Aid Training Offered for Rural Virginians

RICHMOND, Va. - Substance-use disorder can go hand in hand with mental-health issues, and folks in rural Virginia can take a mental-health first-aid …

Many rural Virginians turned to telehealth to address medical issues during the pandemic, since many live far away from services. In some areas, however, adequate internet service is a concern. (Adobe Stock)

Maternal Health a Priority in New Virginia State Rural Health Plan

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia's State Rural Health Plan was approved this week, after months of meetings with community members and analyzing data to …

Children are most likely to see gaps in health coverage if they live in the South, according to a new brief from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families. (Adobe stock)

Advocates Laud Virginia-Style Maternal Health Care in Biden Plan

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia has led the nation in expanding health care for pregnant women and children, and now health advocates there are urging the …

Farming is Virginia's largest private industry, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (Adobe Stock)

New Land Trust Model Will Support BIPOC-led Farming in Central VA

RICHMOND, Va. -- In central Virginia, permanent access to land is one of the biggest barriers to farming. A new land-trust model aims to secure both …

A new report looks at policies like eminent domain, which displaced historic Black communities in Northern Virginia. Here, a trailer camp serves removed Black residents in Arlington, 1942. (Library of Congress)

Report: Biden Policies Could Correct Historic Inequities in Northern VA

RICHMOND, VA - An affluent area of Virginia blocked communities of color from accessing basic needs for generations, according to a new report…

A small-town Virginia woman is almost three times more likely to die as a result of domestic violence than a woman from a metropolitan area, according to a discussion of health disparities at the Rural Health Virginia Conference. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — A small-town Virginia woman is almost three times more likely to die as a result of domestic violence than a woman from a metropolitan area, according to a discussion of health disparities at the Rural Health Virginia Conference. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Resiliency Key to Improving Virginia Health Inequities

CORRECTION: The presentation took place at the Rural Health Voice Conference hosted by the Virginia Rural Health Association. The article incorrectly …

Virginia will benefit from the new infrastructure plan's $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization, which will reduce energy costs for families. (Adobe stock)

New Infrastructure Deal Called Critical to Climate Progress in Virginia

ASHBURN, Va. - Some Virginia lawmakers are applauding Friday's passage of President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, claiming it's a critical step …

Virginia's Supreme Court in Richmond will now oversee the state's efforts to create fair legislative maps after a bipartisan commission failed. (Wikimedia Commons)<br /> — Virginia's Supreme Court in Richmond will now oversee the state's efforts to create fair legislative maps after a bipartisan commission failed. (Wikimedia Commons)

Virginia Groups Urge Prioritizing Race as Redistricting Goes to Courts

RICHMOND, Va. -- Republicans made definitive gains in Virginia's election on Tuesday, but what is less certain is the makeup of state and …

One way to recycle jack-o'-lanterns with wildlife in mind is to fill them with seeds, turning them into "snack-o'-lanterns" for birds and squirrels. (Pixabay)

Don’t Toss that Jack-O’-Lantern: Nature-Friendly Tips for Recycling

RICHMOND, Va. - The trick-or-treaters are gone, but that doesn't mean your jack-o'-lantern has to be sent to the trash after Halloween. To help the …

Across the nation, family caregivers provide $470 billion in unpaid care each year so loved ones can live independently in their homes, according to AARP research. (Adobe Stock)

On Election Day Eve, Virginia Voters Want Family Caregiver Relief

RICHMOND, Va. -- As the Virginia governor's race comes down to the wire tomorrow, a new survey showed a majority of the state's voters would favor a …

Stroke survivor Christina Saldivar of Hampton, Va., suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage last year at age 26. (American Heart Association)

Young Virginia Stroke Survivor: ‘It Can Happen to Anyone’

HAMPTON, Va. -- Today is the 15th annual World Stroke Day, and a young Virginia survivor is sharing her story to raise awareness that a stroke can …

Cardiovascular disease occurs every 39 seconds and still is the No. 1 killer of Americans, according to the American Heart Association. (Adobe stock)<br /> — Cardiovascular disease occurs every 39 seconds and still is the No. 1 killer of Americans, according to the American Heart Association. (Adobe stock)

Virginia Area Heart Walk Takes on Impact of COVID-19

ARLINGTON, Va. -- COVID-19 has exposed inequities in health care, and this year's Greater Washington Region Heart Walk aims to raise funds to close …

Hispanic people are 2.3 times as likely to have died from COVID-19 than white/non-Hispanic people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Hispanic people are 2.3 times as likely to have died from COVID-19 than white/non-Hispanic people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Health Education Drive to Help Virginia Latinos Get Vaccinated

ARLINGTON, Va. - Although COVID-19 rates have gone down, the virus continues to hit the Hispanic community especially hard. Now, a new campaign aims …

A new report from Georgetown University explains that opportunities to explore careers through field trips, career days and other activities should start as early as elementary school. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Build Back Better Could Help Prepare Youth for Employment

RICHMOND, Va. -- The pathway to a career has become more difficult for some in recent years, with many young people not landing the right job until …

More than 80% of Virginia voters say nursing homes should be required to provide infection-control training for staff, according to a new AARP survey. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Virginia Voters Demand Nursing-Home Reforms

RICHMOND, Va. - With COVID revealing deep-seated problems in the nation's long-term care system, a new report shows most Virginia voters support …

Virginia's statewide election is Tues., Nov. 2, and polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Adobe stock)<br /> — Virginia's statewide election is Tues., Nov. 2, and polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Adobe stock)

In Critical Virginia Election, Absentee Ballots Need Witness Signatures

CORRECTION: The last day to request absentee ballots in Virginia is Fri., Oct. 22. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Oct…

A new program will boost support services, such as child care or school counseling, for students of color taking non-degree courses for workforce readiness at community colleges in six states. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — A new program will boost support services, such as child care or school counseling, for students of color taking non-degree courses for workforce readiness at community colleges in six states. (Adobe Stock)

VA Community Colleges Gain New Support for Adult Students of Color

RICHMOND, Va. - A new program aims to give underserved students of color extra support to close education and workforce training gaps that have grown …

World Restart a Heart Day for 2021 highlights the importance of learning CPR, since survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests dropped by 14% during the pandemic. (Adobe stock)<br /> — World Restart a Heart Day for 2021 highlights the importance of learning CPR, since survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests dropped by 14% during the pandemic. (Adobe stock)

Virginians Urged to Learn CPR on World Restart a Heart Day

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Last month, a health researcher in the Washington, D.C., area gave CPR to a man suffering a heart attack on a local bike trail…

Food insecurity in Virginia rose to 22.5% during the first few months of the pandemic, according to the Northwestern Institute for Policy Research. (Adobe Stock)

New Focus on Collecting Heart-Healthy Food Pantry Items

RICHMOND, Va. - Demand at Virginia food banks has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and a new effort aims to get these community lifelines fully …

Virginia has the fourth-highest student-loan debt per borrower in the nation, totaling almost $39,000. (Adobe stock)

Report: Sinking Under Student Debt, VA Voters Ask Candidates for Relief

RICHMOND, Va. -- With the Virginia governor's race neck and neck, advocates are urging candidates to address easing the burden of student debt after …

Of Arlington, Va., public school students ages 12 to 15, 92% are vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

School Clinics Boost COVID Vaccine Rates for VA Youth

RICHMOND, Va. -- As schools in Virginia face staffing challenges due to COVID-19 outbreaks, Gov. Ralph Northam wants to get more eligible students …

President Joe Biden's infrastructure bill, expected to come to a vote Sept. 30, includes measures to help the nation switch to renewable energy. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Business Leaders Urge Congress to Pass Infrastructure Bill

RICHMOND, Va. -- Business leaders are urging Congress to take action to curb climate change by supporting the Biden administration's Build Back …

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