Virginia News & Current Events | Public News Service

High school students are getting a head start on careers in the

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Program trains underserved high school students for 'data economy'

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Virginia News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News…

Support for neutrality agreements comes as more public employees in the Commonwealth unionize following a 2021 bill giving them the right to form a union. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Poll: Voters support company neutrality when workers unionize

A recent poll finds that voters in Virginia and around the country view unionization efforts as widely beneficial to workers - and are more supportive…

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has dropped lawsuits against major financial groups, including Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, and Rocket Homes. (Adobe Stock)

VA advocates chart new path without consumer rights watchdog

Consumer advocates in Virginia and around the country are trying to chart a new path forward as a federal consumer rights watchdog is being effectivel…

Grants and other disbursements from the U.S. Department of Education fund about 40% of the annual budget for students with disabilities in Virginia Public Schools. (Adobe Stock)

Possible closure of US Department of Education 'devastating' for VA

Capitol Hill observers said the Trump administration is moving quickly against the federal Department of Education, potentially leaving Virginia …

The bill to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board received the support of all Democrats and seven Republicans in the General Assembly. (Adobe Stock)

Youngkin to decide fate of prescription drug cost watchdog

Two-thirds of Virginians over the age of 18 regularly take prescription medication, and - according to ARRP - support establishing maximum prices for …

Agriculture systems constructed before 1998 often have the biggest issues with runoff of animal wastes that can contaminate groundwater. (Adobe Stock)

The state of animal waste regulations in Virginia

Virginia has certain restrictions in place for workers handling animal waste in order to avoid contaminating groundwater sources. But one expert says …

An estimated 60% of Virginians have a valid passport. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Bill would disenfranchise VA rural voters, married women

House Republicans have reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility or SAVE Act. Backers say it's meant to ensure only citizens register …

One option states could consider to make up for added Medicaid costs would be to reduce provider payment rates, which many argued are already too low and disincentivize providers from accepting Medicaid patients. (Adobe Stock)

Over half-million Virginians risk Medicaid coverage loss under proposed cuts

As Congress threatens deep cuts to the Medicaid program, a new report from the health policy research organization KFF showed how some of the …

More than 7.5% of the Commonwealth's electricity comes from solar power. (Adobe Stock)

VA clean energy benefits at risk in Capitol budget negotiations

Virginia lawmakers and clean air advocates are closely watching budget talks in Congress. They hope clean energy tax incentives, passed in previous …

Manuel Gago Silcox, co-director of the Virginia-based Worker Justice Program at the Legal Aid Justice Center, said less-mechanized crops such as tomatoes or apple orchards rely on migrant farmworkers. (Adobe Stock)

Migrant farmworkers in VA threatened by mass deportation policy

President Donald Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders meant to jump-start his mass deportation policy but the policy may negatively affect mi…

Nearly two-thirds of adults in a recent study noted behavioral changes during the winter months. (Adobe Stock)

How Virginians can combat wintertime blues

Some people may feel more fatigued during the winter months, when the days are short and sunlight is in short supply - and that's common. People …

Libraries are tailored to their local communities, Varga says, such as a local library in Virginia Beach offering surfboard rentals. (Adobe Stock)

Show some love to VA libraries

February is Library Lovers Month - and libraries across the Commonwealth are encouraging their long-time and new patrons to celebrate. Lisa Varga…

The largest flock identified in the Great Backyard Bird Count was a group of four million bramblings in Germany. (Adobe Stock)

Bird count begins today, across VA and worldwide

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Virginia motorists collide with many animals, including bald eagles, according to Meg Gammage-Tucker, president of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates push for program to decrease wildlife collisions in VA

Virginia is the ninth-likeliest state for a driver to hit wildlife but environmental advocates are working to change it. One in 76 people in …

The Trump administration has paused all environmental litigation in the Justice Department. (Adobe Stock)

Climate advocate: Closure of EPA branch harms VA environment

The Trump administration has begun to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency's office dealing with reducing environmental harms to minority and…

A new federal report found U.S. service members, when buying cars, are less likely to make a down payment, more likely to make a smaller down payment, and more likely to make a negative equity trade-in than civilian buyers. (Freedomz/Adobe Stock)

Service members in VA pay more for car loans, report finds

Military borrowers pay higher costs and face greater financial risks than civilian borrowers when taking out credit to buy a car, according to a new …

Salmonella, campylobacter, listeria and E. coli are among the leading bacterial causes of foodborne illnesses resulting in hospitalizations and death. (Adobe Stock)

Government report offers ways to better monitor foodborne illnesses

Foodborne illnesses from meat and poultry products kill thousands of people a year and a new report from the Government Accountability Office offers w…

In the latest analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data by state, Maryland took first place as the worst state for wage theft, owing on average more than $2,200 to workers. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft

Virginia ranks third behind only Maryland and Delaware among the worst states for the average amount of back wages companies owe to their workers…

Data from the State of Supplemental Income report shows paying down debt, paying off student loans, saving for major life goals and covering living expenses are the top reasons for working multiple jobs. (Adobe Stock)

The benefits, pitfalls of juggling two jobs

Americans working two jobs to help with living expenses and cover some extras has become the norm. A study conducted by the company My Perfect …

Omega Protein, a Canadian company, removes an estimated 100 million Atlantic menhaden from the Chesapeake Bay each year. (Adobe Stock)

VA advocates push for study on Chesapeake menhaden

A critical fish species in the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic menhaden, could be declining rapidly. Or its numbers could be growing. There is no data …

Legislation to increase fines for companies that violate child labor law to as much as $10,000 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. (Adobe Stock)

New child labor laws on the books in VA this year

New child labor laws went into effect in Virginia at the start of the year, but some advocates say more can be done. House Bill 100 took effect in …

Among respondents to a Consumer Reports survey, 95% said fuel economy is at least somewhat important when buying a vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Virginians want better fuel economy standards

A new survey finds the vast majority of Virginians want automakers to continue improving their vehicles' fuel efficiency. Large majorities of …

No current offshore oil and gas drilling leases were affected by outgoing President Joe Biden's order to restrict new drilling, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. (Garth Weals / Wikimedia Commons)

VA coastline protections: Are they safe in the Trump era?

Days before the end of his term, President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections for the nation's coastlines but President Donald Trump has …

A Virginia Healthcare Association survey found that burnout and stress are major reasons for staff members leaving their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing home staffing shortages key focus for VA senior advocates

What is the quality of Virginia's nursing homes? If you ask one advocate, he says "bad." Jared Calfee, state advocacy director for AARP Virginia…

Free lunch, breakfast could soon come to all VA students

Free school lunch and breakfast may soon be the law in the Commonwealth. House Bill 1958 would require local school boards to participate in federal …

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

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)

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 />

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…

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 …

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…

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