A map showing Virginia’s school regions with the depth of their teacher vacancy rates. (Credit: Virginia Department of Education) Virginia wasn’t an outlier in learning or teacher loss in the wake of the pandemic. But new teacher licensure programs, backed with state funds, are hoping to curb the lack of educators parts of the Commonwealth face. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.  ..read more

Primaries for Congress are only a few weeks away, and new fundraising numbers are giving an indication of where the race stands. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers ..read more

Primaries top the list of political topics in the news over the last few days. Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government ..read more

Governor Glenn Younkin speaks before a crowd at VCU’s School of Engineering, opening the doors to his first STEM-focused lab school. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ) Governor Glenn Youngkin is still looking to spend $100 million on new lab schools across Virginia, and a handful of applications were approved Thursday. But there were concerns about the viability of at least one of the programs. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.  ..read more

UVA Professor John Stankovic, graduate student Nan Wang and Professor Hongning Wang developed a system to support those who care for people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. (Credit: Dan Addison / University Of Virginia Communications) Experts have raised alarms about the potential of artificial intelligence to cause problems for humanity, but in the field of medicine it’s already making a positive difference.  At the University of Virginia, for example, computer scientists are experimenting with a way to help caregivers do a difficult and frustrating job – caring for ..read more

This summer, a new law will go into effect, and it may mean you pay a higher electric bill. Michael Pope reports that money will go toward development of nuclear power ..read more

Norvel Lee state historical marker, dedicated in 2022 (Credit: Jeff Bossert) Until recently, if you do a quick web search on the name Norvel Lee, you’d likely find some of his accomplishments as a boxer. The Botetourt County native did earn an Olympic gold medal in the sport, becoming the first Black Virginian to receive that honor in the early 50’s. But a state historical marker and recent book about Lee’s life story now offer a much broader perspective on his impact. Meanwhile, family members say they’re discovering an even greater connection with him, more than 30 years since his passing. J ..read more

The Democratic primary for lieutenant governor is heating up – with two high-profile candidates entering the race this week. Michael Pope has the latest ..read more

Credit: Jahd Khalil People who are incarcerated might be able to get out of prison earlier now that the Supreme Court of Virginia is weighing in on how earned sentence credits are calculated. Michael Pope reports ..read more

Dozens of convenience store owners gather at the Capitol in yellow shirts in support of legalizing skill games. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ) Virginia’s legislature said no to a host of amendments from Governor Glenn Youngkin to a bill legalizing skill games in the Commonwealth.  But that didn’t end the conversation and lawmakers agreed to work with the governor to find a more palatable bill. Brad Kutner spoke with Youngkin and some pro-skill game activists as those negotiations are kicking off.  ..read more