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Virginia voters identify as moderate but support progressive policies, poll finds
Cameron Jones/ Capital News Service Virginia voters in a recent poll ranked themselves as moderate, with a slightly conservative lean, but indicated support of more progressive legislation. The poll, released last week by Christopher Newport’s Wason Center for Civic Leadership, could be a thermometer for the upcoming November election. Virginia voters ranked themselves an average of […]
Graduation plans vary across Virginia
By Sarah Elson/ Capital News Service College and high school graduations will still look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but more Virginia universities are returning to in-person ceremonies. Graduations will be held online, in person or a hybrid format. Gov. Ralph Northam announced last month preliminary guidance for graduation events, which continues to be updated. […]
Will Virginia colleges require COVID-19 vaccinations? Should they?
By Hunter Britt/ Capital News Service Virginia universities plan a return to campuses in the fall, but there are questions if the COVID-19 vaccine can be mandated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration only authorized the vaccine for emergency purposes, according to Lisa Lee, professor of public health at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The vaccine […]
FOIA bill allows some access to criminal investigation records
By Anya Sczerzenie/ Capital News Service A bill allowing the public access to limited criminal investigation records will go into effect in July, along with a handful of other bills related to government transparency. Del. Chris Hurst, D-Blacksburg, a former television reporter, introduced House Bill 2004. The bill requires files related to non-ongoing criminal investigations […]
College students reflect on COVID-19 anniversary: ‘I’ve grown up’
By Anya Sczerzenie/ Capital News Service Shayla McCartney remembers where she was when the pandemic closed her university. “It was spring break,” said McCartney, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. “I was at home with my mom, we were marathoning ‘Gilmore Girls.’ We got the email that said ‘don’t come back.’” McCartney said […]
Lawmakers ban gay panic defense in Virginia
Cierra Parks/Capital News Service Virginia lawmakers have passed legislation banning the use of a person’s perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity as a defense in court for assault or murder. “It’s done: We’re banning the gay/trans panic defense in Virginia,” Del. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, said in a Twitter post. Roem’s House Bill 2132 […]
Lawmakers repeal ban on abortion coverage through state exchange plans
By Cameron Jones/ Capital News Service The Virginia General Assembly passed two bills that repeal the ban keeping some health insurance plans sold in the state from covering abortions House Bill 1896, introduced by Del. Sally L. Hudson, D-Charlottesville, and Senate Bill 1276, introduced by Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Richmond, loosen restrictions through Virginia’s health […]
More Virginia colleges scrap traditional spring break
By Anya Sczerzenie/ Capital News Service A growing number of Virginia colleges are announcing that spring break will be canceled or modified in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, announced plans Monday. The biggest change is that the university will not have a week-long spring break. It will instead […]
Virginia lawmakers pass legislation to make Juneteenth a state holiday
By Sam Fowler/ Capital News Service Juneteenth has officially become a state holiday after lawmakers unanimously approved legislation during the Virginia General Assembly’s special session. Juneteenth marks the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, which was the last state to abolish slavery. The companion bills were introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, and Del. […]
Bill to hold localities responsible for protest damage stalls
By Ada Romano/ Capital News Service A General Assembly bill is likely dead for the session that would have held localities accountable for damages caused by protesters if an adequate police response was not provided. Del. Mark Cole, R-Fredericksburg, said he proposed House Bill 5026 to assure localities provide proper police protection during protests in […]
VCU Poll: Women voters favor Biden; mixed support for mail-in voting
By Anya Sczerzenie/ Capital News Service A poll released this week by the Virginia Commonwealth University L. Douglas Wilder School of Government shows presidential candidate Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner leading by double-digit margins in the commonwealth. The Richmond-based university conducted a telephone poll of just over 800 adults from Aug. 28 to Sept. […]
Efforts falter to require schools to provide in-person options
By Sam Fowler/ Capital News Service An effort to require Virginia school districts provide in-person classes to students with poor internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic is most likely dead. House Bill 5009, introduced by Del. Mark Cole, R-Fredericksburg, would require public schools to offer in-person classes to elementary, middle and high school students who have […]