Virginia Public Radio

The minimum wage in Virginia is about to go up, although the economic crisis is postponing the increase a few months. Michael Pope reports on one of the actions from Wednesday’s General Assembly session.

When lawmakers assemble in Richmond Wednesday, they’ll be considering an amendment from the governor to define environmental justice. Michael Pope reports.

Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a General Assembly with social distancing. One issue that could become a flashpoint is what happens to local elections. Michael Pope reports.

In an afternoon news briefing, Governor Ralph Northam announced the formation of a COVID-19 testing work group. The group will be made up of state health officials, as well as representatives from private and community health care providers. Nick Gilmore has details.

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in Virginia law are forcing local governments to change the way they normally prepare for a presidential election. And with restrictions on gatherings, required public meetings are becoming difficult to manage. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. […]

Twenty-five young people held in state custody have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s according to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The numbers amount to about one-eighth of the population at the Bon Air Correctional Facility, outside Richmond. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, 21 of the cases were asymptomatic.

Lawmakers are about to consider a significant change to legislation aimed at cracking down on predatory lending. As Michael Pope reports, an amendment from the governor will speed up the timeline.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Virginia jumped to 7,491 Friday, according to the Virginia Department of Health.  That’s an increase of 602, the largest daily increase since the health department began reporting the data. Nick Gilmore has details from Governor Ralph Northam’s April 17th briefing.

Next week, lawmakers will be considering an amendment to a bill allowing driver’s privilege cards for undocumented immigrants. Michael Pope has the story.

Even as confirmed deaths from COVID-19 rose above 200 today in Virginia, a few dozen people gathered on Capitol Square to protest Governor Ralph Northam’s stay at home orders. Mallory Noe-Payne was there and has this report.