Charlottesville residents learn how their local government works, and its limits… the state Supreme Court denies an elderly Staunton man’s appeal of his first-degree murder conviction… and, why are some rural residents stringing up coyote carcasses?

Some big businesses want bigger trucks on Virginia roads. A compromise is on the table for changing what counts as a felony. Lawmakers debate whether police can learn the immigration status of a witness. A political donor tries to entice candidates to take his money instead of Dominion’s, and advocates push the limits of medical marijuana in Virginia.

Lawmakers move to protect student information, limit some suspensions, and ensure children won’t be shamed in the lunch line. Also, coal ash ponds stay open for now, and community-wide conversations on racism begin in Charlottesville.

A month-long community conversation about racism is going to take place in Charlottesville. And it starts Friday, February 9, with the screening of the documentary, I’m Not Racist… Am I? . The screening is happening, with the filmmakers present, at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville. Some local schools, universities and libraries are also hosting the film, followed by public conversations about racism with the help of trained facilitators. WMRA’s Marguerite Gallorini has this report.

The fiscal effect of making Medicaid recipients work for their coverage. Adjusting prosecutor’s options for dealing with underage sexting. New limits on drones. A gerrymandering solution. Confronting a troubled past and honoring pioneers at UVa.

While consensus grows on lifting a utilities rate freeze, lawmakers and activists differ on the details. Middle and high school students would learn about boundaries and privacy under a new bill. The governor and house speaker team up to reduce regulations. NPR’s TV critic Eric Deggans talks about how media divides us.

Assembly members take on the opioid epidemic. Paid Family leave struggles in Richmond. Lawmakers debate whether court fees should keep you from driving but leave women’s advocates hanging. Kessler’s attackers are sentenced. Dominion estimates the cost of upgrades.

Lawmakers in Richmond negotiate terms for expanding Medicaid while one legislator proposes an alternative. The Mountain Valley Pipe Line is put on hold over compensating landowners. Virginia signs on to a letter protesting offshore drilling. Charlottesville finally begins forming its first Citizens Police Review Board.

In February the city of Charlottesville will begin considering applicants for its first ever Police Civilian Review Board . The board has been a long time coming, and has been mired in politics. WMRA’s Jordy Yager has more.

Lawmakers in Richmond consider Internet restrictions. Dozens of environmental bills meet their end in the Assembly, while a gun rights bill stays alive…for now. Confederate Monuments win protection and sexual harassment training for legislators gets hung up.