Virginia News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

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 …

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has introduced legislation to codify the Chevron Deference into law. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS ruling impacts future action of VA, US

Recent Supreme Court rulings on air pollution are affecting Virginia and the nation. Climate advocates said the court overstepped its bounds in …

A JLARC study finds childcare is unaffordable for 85% of Virginia households. (Adobe Stock)

State investments help bolster VA's flailing childcare industry

Virginia is making a financial investment to help tackle the state's childcare shortage. This year's budget allocates more than $1 billion to …

A 2021 report found more than 70% of the 3,000 hazardous natural gas leaks in Washington, D.C. posed an immediate threat to residents. (Adobe Stock)

DC residents push back on natural gas infrastructure build-up

Washington D.C. residents are pushing back on a plan to build out existing fossil fuel infrastructure. Washington Gas' $12 billion Project Pipes …

Along with extreme temperatures and public health-related states of emergency, a new Virginia law prevents utility shutoffs on Fridays, weekends and the day before or during state holidays. (Adobe Stock)

VA law prevents utility shutoffs in extreme circumstances

A new Virginia law protects residents from utility shutoffs in extreme weather. The law prevents utility company shutoffs when temperatures are at …

A new report from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission showed Chesapeake Bay's adult female blue crab population is around 133 million. While it is above the 72.5 million threshold to pause the harvest, it is well below the target of 196 million. (Adobe Stock)

VRMC votes to reopen winter blue crab harvest season

Virginia's Marine Resources Commission is ending the winter blue crab harvest prohibition. Crabbing is permitted from March to the middle of …

Before implementing a union contract, four of five year-round full-time City of Richmond workers did not earn enough money to support a family. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Richmond city workers’ first union contract to take effect

More than a year after City of Richmond workers filed to vote on a union contract, they are celebrating its implementation. The contract provides …

Virginia is one of 10 states with legislation to sustain 988 funding through phone fees. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA needs help maintaining 988 staffing levels

A new report found Virginia's mental health crisis response can improve. The "A Better Response" report from the mental health advocacy organization …

Hunger Free America's 2023 Annual Hunger Survey found almost 774,000 people in Virginia are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

VA health center selected for food scarcity innovation program

A Virginia community health center is part of a program addressing food scarcity. The National Association of Community Health Centers' 2024 …

Virginians ages 35-49 have the most student loan debt in the state, with $16.7 billion in outstanding loans. (Adobe Stock)

VA student borrowers affected by courts pausing SAVE program

Virginia student loan borrowers will feel the effects of federal courts blocking more student loan forgiveness. The Biden administration forgave …

American Heart Association research showed short-term exposure to extreme heat can increase inflammation, interfere with normal immune system function and can accelerate the progression of cardiovascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

VA doctor gives advice on staying heart-healthy in heat

Virginia doctors are reminding people how important it is to stay heart healthy in extreme heat. Temperatures across the U.S. have skyrocketed…

One in eight undergraduate students at Virginia public colleges is also a parent. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA public college policies can help student parents

A new report examines how Virginia public colleges can help student parents. The Urban Institute report reviews three policies schools can …

A U.S. Water Alliance report finds maintaining Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding in water infrastructure could reduce service disruptions to water-reliant businesses, saving them 46% over 20 years. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA, U.S. need more water infrastructure investments

Recent reports are calling on Virginia and the U.S. to invest in water infrastructure. The U.S. Water Alliance's Bridging the Gap report reviews two …

The Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Book finds 13% of Virginia kids live in poverty, a figure that has stagnated from previous years. However, it is lower than the national average of 16%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA economic instability disrupts kids’ well-being

A new report finds Virginia's economic instability disturbs kids' well-being. The Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Book ranks Virginia 16th nationwide …

The American Lung Association found the public health benefits of moving to zero-emission transportation are saving almost $30 billion in public health costs, and avoiding 2,700 deaths, 70,900 asthma attacks and 350,000 lost workdays. (Adobe Stock)

Youngkin rolls back VA’s clean-car standards

Gov. Glenn Youngkin is rolling back Virginia's clean-car standards. The General Assembly passed legislation adopting California's clean-car …

A First Street Foundation report found 7.5 million people are expected to leave current and emerging climates in the next 30 years. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia group hears stories from nationwide climate survivors

As summer storms begin, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network is speaking to people about how climate change affects them. Worsening storms are …

An AARP survey found 77% of veterans ages 45 and older are unfamiliar with the Department of Veteran's Affairs adaptive housing grants for disabled veterans. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: VA, US veterans unaware of eligible housing benefits

A recent survey showed Virginia and other U.S. veterans are unaware of housing benefits to which they are entitled. AARP's survey found 60% of …

Dominion Energy's Integrated Resource Plan calls for up to 9 gigawatts of gas-fired capacity. Emissions from its proposed Chesterfield plant could equal up to 470,000 gas cars on Virginia roads. (Wikimedia Commons)

Dominion eyes alternate site for Chesterfield gas plant

Dominion Energy is eyeing a new site for a natural gas plant in Chesterfield. Documents show the company is considering the recently closed …

Report: VA seniors’ physical, behavioral health declines

A new report showed Virginia's older residents face worsening physical and behavioral health and looks at the possible reasons. The America's Health …

Around 14 proposed Virginia data centers will require more than 1 gigawatt of power, which is enough electricity to power 750,000 average homes. (Adobe Stock)

VA groups host rally against 'unchecked' data center growth

Virginians are coming together for a rally this Sunday to voice concerns about data center expansion. Lawmakers, community leaders and environmental …

Transportation accounts for 28% of emissions in the U.S. and ships and boats produce 3% of greenhouse-gas emissions. Emissions for the sector declined between 1990 and 2020 but shot to record highs in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Groups want Biden to reduce shipping emissions in VA, U.S.

Environmental groups want to reduce shipping emissions at ports in Virginia and nationwide, urging President Joe Biden to sign an executive order …

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