Virginia News & Current Events | Public News Service

Virginia has the sixth largest difference between rates of Medicaid enrollment in rural areas versus metro areas. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Rural VA communities most affected by possible Medicaid cuts

Medicaid cuts proposed by congressional lawmakers may end up affecting the most rural communities in Virginia and the country. A new report by …

One in seven hospitalized patients will need a blood transfusion. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Blood donors needed year-round in VA

This month is National Blood Donor Month, and blood donor groups are making sure people know the importance of giving blood. Blood can't be …

Virginians' view of the economy is still 23 points less favorable than pre-pandemic levels. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, January 20, 2025

What is VA’s economic forecast for 2025?

A new State of the Commonwealth report by Old Dominion University finds Virginia had a strong year in 2024. But researchers say challenges remain…

Last year, electric vehicles accounted for nearly 9% of all new vehicles sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would build more EV charging stations in rural VA

Virginians are buying more electric vehicles and need more charging stations but they are not being built across the state equally. House Bill 1791 …

The majority of land owned by faith-based organizations is in southwest and southern Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

VA faith groups seek to help fix housing crisis

Virginia has a housing shortage of more than 200,000 units, and one legislative effort backed by a coalition of faith-based groups is trying to fill …

The oysters planted by the foundation will filter more than 5 million gallons of water each day. (Adobe Stock)

Oyster outlook: Thousands grown in Chesapeake Bay this year

Chesapeake Bay has added more than six billion oysters since 2017 through the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance. And last year, the Chesapeake Bay …

Virginia Democrats may want to reintroduce legislation to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour. (Skip Plitt / Wikimedia Commons)

What to expect in this year’s VA legislative session

Virginia lawmakers begin their legislative session today but with elections ahead in November, passing bills may be more difficult this year…

Along with Virginia, New Jersey, Louisiana and Kentucky are the only states to hold off-year elections. (Adobe Stock)

VA special elections: The first 'enthusiasm test' for Dems?

Virginia will hold three special elections across the state today, the first elections since President-elect Donald Trump's victory in November…

In Virginia, garnishments are limited to 25% of a person's disposable income. (Adobe Stock)

VA lawmakers aim to strengthen debt protections

As the Virginia General Assembly convenes, new legislation protecting working families from harsh debt collection practices is on the table. With …

EF Go Ahead tours reported a 17% increase in bookings for vacations in Nordic countries and a whopping 60% increase in destinations across Latin America in the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities …

In January, the Biden-Harris administration temporarily paused decisions on LNG export approvals to non-Free Trade Agreement countries, pending updated DOE analyses. (Adobe Stock)

LNG report sparks calls for change amid rising costs, environmental concerns

The Department of Energy is taking a close look at the economic and environmental impacts of liquefied natural gas exports, which some experts argue …

Congress's recent one-year extension of the Farm Bill allocates $20 billion for federal farm programs and $10 billion in direct economic aid to farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New administration could help farmers by addressing meat industry monopolies

As inflation and falling crop prices continue to affect Virginia farmers, their advocates said the incoming Trump administration could take steps to …

The Virginia Child Protection Accountability System, accessible on the Virginia Department of Social Services website, provides public information on the agency's response to reports of child abuse and neglect. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns over CPS overreporting spark calls for change

CORRECTION: The number of reports to Virginia Child Protective Services that are found to include abuse or neglect is just under 3,000. An earlier …

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

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 …

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