Evan Jones
Virginia lawmakers are considering a specialty license plate designed to help prevent domestic and sexual violence. It would say “Peace Begins at Home” , and funds generated would help support domestic and and sexual violence prevention programs across Virginia.
Click here for more information or to sign up for the plate. The sign-up cost is $25.
Roanoke County’s new South County Library appears to be an immediate success. It is certainly so if you measure it by the jump in visitors and circulation. But library officials quickly realized there is one age group without its own space — the “tweens”, and that’s where the building’s promised flexibility will be quickly put to use. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/02-13-Library-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=02-13 Library Wrap1-WEB]
First-month library use is well above expectations, even for a new building. Circulation is about 40% higher than a typical month in the past, and the visitor number is up close to 60%.
Appalachian Power’s application to build a new transmission line in Montgomery County is the latest of several area projects the company says are needed to meet the region’s demand for power and improve reliability. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Virginia is now virtually certain to become the second state allowing private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs — including opposition to homosexuality. The State Senate approved a bill yesterday, the House has already passed similar legislation, and Governor McDonnell says he will sign it. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Click here for full information on Senate Bill 349
Sen. Mark Warner
One of Virginia’s leading political analyst says there is “substance” to suggestions that Senator Mark Warner may try for a second term — as Governor. Larry Sabato at the UVA Center for Politics says there are sound reasons for Warner to consider a return to Richmond. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/02-09-Sabato-Warner-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=02-09 Sabato-Warner Wrap1-WEB]Sabato says Warner is frustrated with the U.S. Senate and prefers the executive role of a governor. In addition, he says, a governorship provides a better springboard for any possible run for President.
Click here to see Sabato’s full comments. They begin 11:28 into the video.
Mark Lucas
A Roanoke businessman appears poised to run as the Republican party’s candidate for mayor. Mark Lucas is a former co-owner of almost a dozen Five Guys restaurant franchises and current co-owner of Lucas Therapies. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more on the likely challenger to Mayor David Bowers.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/02-09-Lucas-Mayor-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=02-09 Lucas-Mayor Wrap1-WEB] Continue reading
The “Tebow Bill” is up for a final vote today in the House of Delegates. It would permit Virginia home-schooled students to take part in public school athletics and activities. It is named for the NFL quarterback who played public school sports in Florida as a home schooler. The story from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Click here for full information on House Bill 947.
No-cost tax preparation assistance is available to Virginians in a service intended primarily for lower-income residents. The Virginia Community Action Partnership coordinates the free services. The help is available on line and in person. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Click here for more information on free tax preparation assistance.
Click here for the Virginia Department of Taxation’s free and low-cost taxpayer assistance programs.
The State Senate has passed a bill requiring voters to bring identification to the polls on election day, approval that came over strong objections from Senate Democrats — and only with a tie-breaking vote from Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. Approval likely clears the way for full General Assembly passage. More of the bill from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Click here for full information on SB1
Abortion continues to dominate much of the General Assembly debate. A bill that passed the House late last week now moves on to the Senate, one that would bar state money from being spent on abortions for poor women whose fetuses are severely or fatally deformed. And with Republicans now in control of the Senate, many abortion bills that died in past sessions now have much greater chances of passage. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Click here for full information on House Bill 62