Virginia News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

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)

Monday, February 3, 2025

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

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