News

Dominion wrapped up a dozen public open houses this week – events designed to explain a natural gas pipeline it hopes to build from the fracking fields of West Virginia to markets in Virginia and North Carolina. 

The road to the Augusta Expo Center was lined with lawn signs – some reading Protect Our Water – No Pipeline, and No Pipeline on our Farms and Forests, while other signs promised Safe Energy, Energy Jobs and Energy Independence.  Inside, however, there appeared to be consensus.

"No pipeline!  No pipeline!"

Undocumented immigrant students who’ve been granted the federal status that defers them from deportation would still be able to qualify for in-state college tuition -- thanks to the Virginia Senate's defeat of legislation that would have barred them from receiving the less expensive rates. The bill was killed by a single vote following a lengthy floor debate.  

Scientists may have discovered a way to clean up radioactive waste at Japan’s Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Plant.  A common substance found in plant cell walls may be part of the solution.

More Americans than ever are going to college.   And more than ever are burdened with high debts and few job prospects.

In the latest installment of his Full Disclosure podcast, Richmond-based business reporter Roben Farzad talked with University of Richmond Business Professor Eric Martin,  who says  four years of college at the full sticker price is just not for everyone.    And Martin points to recent studies claiming that only 37%  of new jobs created require a four-year-degree.

Lines were long at the state capitol Monday as supporters of gun rights passed through security on their way to lobby lawmakers against additional restrictions.  They wore stickers that read: Guns Save Lives.  Later, supporters of gun control would arrive to press for new laws restricting purchase and possession of weapons.  

Hundreds of people came to voice support or opposition to gun control laws.  Activist and blogger David Codrea told about 200 people – some openly carrying long-guns – that Governor Terry McAuliffe should not be trusted.