Jackie DeFusco
WJHL
Richmond, VA, United States
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Recent articles by Jackie:
State superintendent revisiting school security after Texas shooting
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration is taking a second look at school security after the second deadliest school shooting on record. → Read More
Mass shooting renews gun control, school safety debate in Virginia
A tragic mass shooting at a Texas elementary school is renewing debates over gun control and school safety in Virginia. → Read More
A closer look at Youngkin’s model for new lab schools that could cost millions
Governor Glenn Youngkin wants to expand alternatives to traditional public schools in Virginia and at least one Democrat is “pretty sure” the push will be included in the final budget. → Read More
Here’s where Virginia’s congressional elections stand and how to vote
A look at where things stand, what’s at stake and what voters need to know. → Read More
Virginia starting COVID booster shots for kids ages 5 to 11
Providers across Virginia are expected to start offering COVID-19 boosters for 5- to 11-year-olds for the first time on Friday after the federal government finalized the new recommendation late Thursday. → Read More
Report shows troubling trends in Virginia education, Youngkin says
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration says a new report paints a somber picture of the state of education in Virginia and demonstrates an urgent need for change. → Read More
Virginia Senators say baby formula shortage fix is coming
U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine say help is on the way for parents struggling with baby formula shortages. → Read More
VADOC expects ‘immediate surge’ of inmate early releases under new policy
The Virginia Department of Corrections is preparing to release thousands of inmates early when a new state law takes effect this summer. The new system, which allows certain offenders to earn shorter sentences, passed under Democratic control during a special session in 2020. The goal was to encourage rehabilitation but Republicans fear it will increase crime. → Read More
Youngkin backs penalties for protests at justices’ homes, outside court
Governor Glenn Youngkin is urging federal law enforcement to crack down on protesters surrounding the U.S. Supreme Court and the private homes of Justices in response to a leaked draft majority opinion in support of reversing nationwide abortion rights. → Read More
Are abortion protests at Supreme Court Justices’ homes illegal in Virginia?
Abortion rights protests this week at the homes of U.S. Supreme Court justices are testing the limits of free speech in Virginia. → Read More
First responders suffer in silence with mental health, police psychologist says ‘Resources don’t exist’
A new survey suggests many first responders in Virginia are suffering in silence when it comes to mental health. → Read More
Virginia could become ‘abortion safe haven’ if Roe v. Wade is overturned
Abortion rights advocates say Virginia could soon become a destination for women seeking abortions throughout much of the south. → Read More
Youngkin telework changes could make state jobs less competitive with private business, expert says
A new policy aims to bring state employees back into the office and limit telework. Some say it risks making state government jobs less competitive with the private sector. → Read More
Youngkin says Republican plan falls short on early childhood education funding
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the Republican-controlled House of Delegates didn’t propose enough money to expand early childhood education in Virginia. He’s pushing for the final budget to more closely mirror the plan laid out by the Democrat-led Senate. → Read More
How will Virginia rent relief ending impact eviction protections?
Virginia’s pandemic-era eviction protections will soon come to an end but there is still time for tenants to act. → Read More
Youngkin won’t say if he’ll push for abortion law changes in Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin said states should have the power to make their own abortion laws but, at least for now, he’s not committing to any changes in Virginia. Youngkin’s comments come as leaked documents suggest the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to strike down federal protections. → Read More
Virginia lawmakers weigh in on confirmed Supreme Court leak
Chief Justice Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the leaked draft opinion in abortion case Tuesday morning. Here’s what Virginia lawmakers are saying. → Read More
Youngkin speeds up bill reforming broken unemployment system
A bill reforming a broken unemployment system is taking effect immediately but some changes will take longer to implement. This week, lawmakers approved the accelerated timeline after Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed adding an emergency clause to the legislation. It means the bill will take effect as soon as Youngkin signs it, as opposed to later this summer. → Read More
Youngkin could revive cannabis bill, pivots on Putin comparison in fallout from veto session
At appearances in Richmond on Thursday, Governor Glenn Youngkin pivoted when asked about a comparison to Russian President Vladimir Putin and laid out the path forward for a controversial cannabis bill. He also discussed next steps for his gas tax holiday proposal after a Senate panel rejected the idea. → Read More
Lawmakers reject gas tax holiday, oust top Democrat, kill cannabis bill in drama-filled session
In a drama-filled day at the Virginia State Capitol, a gas tax holiday proposal was rejected, a top Democrat was ousted from leadership and an effort to create new marijuana penalties failed. → Read More