Public News Service

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

En 2022, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. public� una solicitud de informaci�n sobre la actualizaci�n de los requisitos de Beneficios de Salud Esenciales. Es la primera vez que se solicitan comentarios desde 2014. (Adobe Stock)

Senador de VA pide actualizaciones de la cobertura de salud de ACA

El senador de Virginia Tim Kaine quiere actualizar la Ley de Atención Médica Asequible, ACA por sus siglas en inglés, vigente hace 14 …

A report by the Virginia Coalition for Open Government finds some reasons state agency websites weren't in compliance with Virginia's Freedom of Information Law is they didn't say what kind of records they maintained, didn't say what records the agency withholds, and there was no link to FOIA on the agency's homepage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA State Agencies, Public Colleges Not Complying with FOIA

A new report finds Virginia's state agencies are failing to post key Freedom of Information Act links. The report from the Virginia Coalition for …

The American Library Association estimates between 82 and 97 percent of book challenges go unreported. (Adobe Stock)

Censorship in VA Highlighted During Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

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…

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 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 …

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 />

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 death is reported at one out of 62 demonstrations where guns are identified as part of the event, compared with one in 2,963 protests where no gun possession is identified. (Flickr)<br />

Report: Armed Protests, as Seen in VA, More Likely to Spark Violence

RICHMOND, Va. - Armed protests in the United States are six times more likely to turn violent as unarmed protests, according to a new report…

Analyzing body camera footage from more than 100 police officers and 250 audio clips, a new study finds officers spoke to Black men with less warmth, respect and ease compared to white men. (Adobe stock)<br />

New Virginia Research Center to Connect Police, People of Color

PETERSBURG, Va. - As Virginia law enforcement agencies adjust to a number of new policing laws this year, a new state think tank represents the first …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

RICHMOND, Va. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

Food-distribution programs are eligible for the American Heart Association's Faith-Based Accelerator grants for worship groups on the East Coast. (Adobe stock)

Faith-Based Grants Aim to Close Equity Gaps in At-Risk Communities

FAIRFAX, Va. - More and more people are turning to faith-based groups for help during the pandemic. In Virginia and other East Coast states, one …

Susan Bro started the Heather Heyer Foundation to fight for social justice in honor of her daughter, who died during a 2017 protest against white supremacists. (Ben Rekhi)

Documentary Highlights Hope in Healing Nation’s Divides

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- With former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial demonstrating deep divisions in the nation, a new documentary released …

Nearly 75% of domestic workers did not receive any compensation when their jobs were canceled during the pandemic, according to research. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Groups Push Passage of Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights

RICHMOND, Va. - As the pandemic reinforces the value of caregivers, groups in Virginia are urging state lawmakers to pass a trio of bills they're …

Officials are expecting violence today when pro-Trump protesters rally at the U.S. Capitol as Congress meets to certify the 2020 election results. (Wikimedia Commons)

Experts Clarify Pence's Role in Vote Certification

WASHINGTON - Pro-Trump protesters have converged on Capitol Hill today as Congress gets set to certify states' electoral votes. The mostly ceremonial …

If Congress passes it, a new bipartisan stimulus bill would provide $13 billion for Americans needing emergency food assistance during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Stimulus Plan's Business Liability Shield Could Undermine VA Workers

RICHMOND, Va. -- One GOP senator called it a "Christmas miracle," as a bipartisan group of senators has agreed on a $908 billion, two-part stimulus …

The General Services Administration is being urged to cooperate with a peaceful transition of presidential power. (Adobe stock)

Experts Press Federal Agency to Launch Presidential Transition

RICHMOND, Va. -- As President Donald Trump continues to fight election results with legal challenges, concerns are rising that his administration …

Some local post offices might have processed mail ballots in the 2020 election without scanning them in first at regional processing centers. (Adobe Stock)

Nation Needs Patience to Work Through Ballot Challenges

RICHMOND, Va. -- As the nation waits for final election results, a lawsuit from the NAACP and other voting-rights groups against the U.S. Postal …

Virginia's ballot this election includes a constitutional amendment for a bipartisan redistricting commission. (C. Thomas/Public News Service)

Official: Virginia in Good Position to See Results Before Other States

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginians planning Election Night parties might see some results this evening. Almost 2 million absentee ballots have been cast in …

Mail-in ballot drop boxes in Fairfax County, Va., are being monitored by security cameras to ensure safe voting. (Adobe Stock)

Time's Almost Up to Register to Vote in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. -- With the November 3 election just three weeks away, tomorrow is the last day Virginians can register to vote for president, one U.S …

La legislaci�n actualmente atorada en el Congreso patrocinar�a programas de capacitaci�n para maestros y otras ayudas financieras para futros profesores de color, para ayudar a diversificar la fuerza educativa en la educaci�n. (Adobe Stock)

Grupo Presiona al Congreso para Fondear Programa para la Diversidad en la Enseñanza

RICHMOND, Va. -- Una coalición de educadores y oficiales presiona al Congreso para fondear la iniciatdiva H.R. 4288, en favor de entrenar má…

Missing the deadline is the most common reason absentee ballots are rejected nationwide. (Adobe Stock/Alcorn Imagery)

Virginia Leaders Work to Improve Absentee Voting Process

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia lawmakers have passed new measures to make voting by absentee ballot easier. Just last Friday, Gov. Ralph Northam signed …

Some faith leaders believe the Trump administration's family separation policy disrupts the sanctity of families. (Adobe stock)<br /><br />

Virginia Faith Leaders Demand an End to Immigrant Child Detentions

RICHMOND, Va. -- More than 450 faith leaders - from Virginia and across the United States - are urging President Donald Trump to end what they call …

President Trump at the 2020 National Prayer breakfast in February. (Official White House photo)

Is White Evangelical Support for Trump Beginning to Ebb?

RICHMOND, Va. -- Evangelical Christians make up an important piece of President Donald Trump's base. But polls show the president's behavior…

Mental Health Website Supports Veterans in Pandemic Isolation

RICHMOND, Va. - As the new coronavirus pandemic increases depression and anxiety for folks across the nation, a mental health campaign is boosting …

Groups want to move local elections in Virginia from May 5 to Nov. 3. (Adobe stock)

Voting During Pandemic: Groups Urge VA Lawmakers to Move Election Date

RICHMOND, Va. -- Concern over public gatherings during the coronavirus crisis has spurred voting-rights groups to press Virginia's General Assembly …

Groups are urging Gov. Ralph Northam to allow voters to submit absentee ballots in upcoming elections without having to give an excuse. (ACLU)<br /><br />

VA Asked to Boost Health-Care Workforce, Guarantee Safe Voting

RICHMOND, Va. -- As COVID-19 continues to spread in Virginia, AARP Virginia is calling on Gov. Ralph Northam to take steps to increase the health …

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg says rail service in America is

On Infrastructure: Buttigieg Casts Doubt on Gas Taxes, Touts Rail

RICHMOND, Va. -- Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is critical of the federal government's use of gas taxes and its failures to improve rail …

Sen. Elizabeth Warren stirs up the crowd at her first presidential campaign rally in Virginia last week. (Wikimedia Commons)

Warren: ‘Road to White House Runs Right through Virginia’

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren became the first presidential candidate after the New Hampshire primary to visit Virginia last week. Virginia …

Virginia is poised to pass a law allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses, which Democrats in the Legislature had tried to pass for years. (Adobe Stock)

VA Poised to Aid Undocumented Immigrants with Driver's Licenses

RICHMOND, Va. - Several thousand undocumented immigrants in Virginia could get driver's licenses if a bill passed in the General Assembly this week …

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam supports this session's legislation that rescinds a law requiring voters to show photo identification in order to vote. (Wikimedia Commons)

VA Set to Make History with Repeal of Photo-ID Voting Law

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia is poised to become the first state to repeal a law that says voters have to show a photo ID before casting a ballot…

A new lawsuit launched by Virginia's attorney general challenges the original deadline to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. (Wikimedia)

Lawsuit Demanding Addition of ERA to Constitution Called Unprecedented

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has joined with attorneys general from Nevada and Illinois to file a federal lawsuit arguing …

Virginia lawmakers are looking to close a loophole that allows people to buy guns privately or at gun shows with no background checks. (Adobe Stock)

'Common Sense' Gun Laws at Core of VA Emergency Declaration

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency, banning guns on the State Capitol grounds until Tuesday as militia …

Many retirees in Virginia live on incomes of less than $20,000 a year, primarily from Social Security benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Will Virginia Voters Demand Answers on Retirement Security?

RICHMOND, Va. — With state and local elections in Virginia less than a month away, AARP Virginia says it's prime time for voters to get …

Robert M. Pennoyer, now and at age 19, on the U.S.S. Pensacola at Iwo Jima in 1944 (Courtesy: Robert M. Pennoyer)

WWII Veteran: Ignorance, Indifference Greatest Threats to America

NEW YORK – Seventy-four years after he saw the flag raised on Iwo Jima, a World War II veteran has an Independence Day message for America: The …

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission wants to give states such as Virginia more flexibility in implementing pollution standards. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Environmental Groups Oppose Changes to ORSANCO Commission

RICHMOND, Va. — After failing to get rid of its pollution-control standards entirely, a multi-state commission will vote this week on a plan …

Mercury emissions from U.S. coal plants decreased 85 percent between 2006 and 2016, and mercury levels in water and fish also have decreased. (JuergenPM/Pixabay)

Groups Testify Against EPA Rollback of Mercury Regulations

RICHMOND, Va. — Environmental groups plan to speak out against the Trump administration's rollback of regulations that have cut mercury …

The red poppy has become a familiar emblem of Armistice Day, which was renamed Veterans Day in 1954, as a day for celebrating peace. (belkin59/Flickr)

Trump Heads to Armistice Day Centennial

RICHMOND, Va. – President Donald Trump is set to be in Paris this weekend to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Armistice Day, which …

National Week of Conversation (Oct. 5-13) events include virtual and in-person conversations across the country to help people connect with each other. (Pixabay)

Campaign Encourages #ListenFirst on Difficult Conversations

RICHMOND, Va. – This week, a national movement is helping people to listen and exchange ideas instead of shunning others with differing views…

A federal court ruling requiring the Virginia General Assembly to redraw its legislative district boundaries could eventually affect partisan control of the House. (Pixabay)

Citizen Advocates Push Redistricting Reform Beyond VA Special Session

RICHMOND, Va. – Just like deja vu, Virginia lawmakers are back in Richmond for a special session to comply with a court order to redraw …

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is asking residents to

In Charlottesville, Counter-Protesters Could Outnumber White Nationalists

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – With a state of emergency declared ahead of the one-year anniversary of violence that sprung from a white nationalist …

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Republican challenger Corey Stewart are set to appear in three televised debates. (Wikimedia Commons/Trimmel Gomes)

Kaine, Stewart Prepare to Face Off in Debates

RICHMOND, Va. – Outside of trading jabs on social media, Virginians soon will get to see Sen. Tim Kaine and his Republican Party challenger …

Community discussions are scheduled from coast to coast as part of this National Week of Conversation. (Sandy Heierbacher/NCDD)

"National Week of Conversation" Dialogues Come to Charlottesville

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — This week is the first-ever "National Week of Conversation," and the Millennial Action Project is hosting a series of …

Supporters rally around a small group of people sitting in two trees atop Peters Mountain in Monroe County to protest proposed pipelines. (Appalachians Against Pipelines)

Northam Moves to Protect VA Water as Pipeline Protests Continue

RICHMOND, Va. — Protests continue over construction of the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast underground natural gas pipelines. And opponents …

Every decade, with the results of the U.S. Census in hand, Virginia's legislative districts are drawn. (OneVirginia2021)

VA Redistricting Reformers Push for End to Gerrymandering

RICHMOND, Va. — The borders of certain voting districts in Virginia could be changed more than state lawmakers may have expected. A group known …

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VA: Civic Engagement & Voting