Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
Homepage: http://theweatherzone.wordpress.com
One Virginia lawmaker wants to eliminate “junk fees”
Posted in Virginia's News on January 26, 2024
The General Assembly is considering a bill aimed at cracking down on so-called “junk fees.” Michael Pope reports.
Campaign funds reform bill advances with bipartisan support
Posted in Virginia's News on January 26, 2024
One-time New York Representative George Santos may be out of Congress, but his allegations of using campaign funds for personal spending continues to reverberate through the Virginia General Assembly. Brad Kutner has more.
Expansion of legal fireworks killed by Virginia House committee
Posted in Virginia's News on January 26, 2024
A long running effort to legalize more fireworks and return funds to local emergency response agencies died in a House subcommittee this week. Brad Kutner has more.
Efforts to create a marijuana marketplace are moving forward in Richmond
Posted in Virginia's News on January 25, 2024
Lawmakers in Richmond are working to create licenses for people to sell marijuana. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia prison commissary reform bill clears first legislative hurdle
Posted in Virginia's News on January 25, 2024
A long-running effort to curb price gouging and offer more opportunities in Virginia prisons made it out of the House public safety subcommittee this morning. Brad Kutner has more.
Could Virginia soon have six casinos?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 24, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are considering adding a new casino in northern Virginia. Michael Pope has the story.
Another bill to remove Richmond as a potential casino site and add Petersburg also passed the same subcommittee Wednesday.
Youngkin weighs in on Brunswick stew debate
Posted in Virginia's News on January 24, 2024
In 1988, the Virginia legislature declared Brunswick County the home of the famous Brunswick stew. That hasn’t cooled long-simmering tensions between the town near the North Carolina line and its competitor in Brunswick, Georgia. But Brad Kutner caught up with Governor Glenn Youngkin to get his excellency’s opinion on the matter.
Lt. Governor Earle-Sears pushes school choice bills that are unlikely to get much Democratic support
Posted in Virginia's News on January 24, 2024
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears is backing a pair of conservative school choice bills. But her support isn’t expected to be enough to overcome Democrats’ opposition. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
An effort to further expand collective bargaining in Virginia is gaining momentum
Posted in Virginia's News on January 24, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin may soon be considering a bill that would expand collective bargaining in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Democrats push higher wages for farm workers despite Youngkin veto threat
Posted in Virginia's News on January 24, 2024
Virginia Democrats are hoping to get rid of some exceptions to the state’s minimum wage laws. Those exceptions include farm laborers who can be paid as little as the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour, while the state’s minimum wage is $12 an hour. Brad Kutner has more.
Death with dignity bill introduced in Virginia with message from ailing congresswoman
Posted in Virginia's News on January 23, 2024
11 states across the country have dignity in dying laws which allow those facing the end of their lives to take control over their time and manner of their death. It’s a controversial movement, but one a Virginia Congresswoman is personally connected to. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Progressive Latino groups gather at Virginia capitol
Posted in Virginia's News on January 23, 2024
A coalition of Latino and social justice organizations met in Richmond Tuesday. Their goal? Increase the quality of life for the state’s minority and undocumented populations. Brad Kutner has more.
Efforts to shrink Virginia’s early voting period are dead for this session
Posted in Virginia's News on January 23, 2024
Democrats are rejecting Republican efforts to cut back on early voting. Michael Pope reports from the General Assembly.
Could Virginia soon offer free breakfast and lunch to all students?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 23, 2024
Lawmakers are considering picking up the tab for breakfast and lunch at public schools across Virginia. Michael Pope has the story.
This gun safety bill is getting bipartisan support in Richmond
Posted in Virginia's News on January 22, 2024
Most bills aimed at preventing gun violence end up as party-line votes. But Michael Pope has this story about a bill with rare bipartisan support.
Virginia advocates welcome bipartisan effort to add drug counselors, reduce ‘barrier’ laws
Posted in Virginia's News on January 22, 2024
A bipartisan effort in Richmond aims to increase the number of drug treatment counselors in the state by allowing those who’ve been convicted of drug crimes to work in the field. Current state law bars those with certain convictions from being employed by such programs. Brad Kutner has more from those who wish to change the law.
Could Virginia soon ban assault-style weapons?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 22, 2024
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin may soon be considering a bill that would ban assault-style weapons in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
An effort to make prison calls and emails free is moving forward in Richmond
Posted in Virginia's News on January 19, 2024
The Virginia Senate is considering a bill that would offer free calls and emails to people who are incarcerated in Virginia prisons. Michael Pope reports.
Some Virginia lawmakers want to re-examine building codes
Posted in Virginia's News on January 19, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are looking at ways to encourage more residential development across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia prisoners stage a hunger strike to protest solitary confinement
Posted in Virginia's News on January 19, 2024
A hunger strike continues at the Red Onion Correctional Center – a maximum security prison in southwest Virginia.
The Department of Corrections says five men are taking part, but supporters say the number is actually higher, and they’re worried about the health of at least one, as Sandy Hausman reports.
Republicans and Democrats split over Youngkin tax cuts
Posted in Virginia's News on January 18, 2024
Last year, lawmakers were deadlocked over the budget for months. Now, Republicans and Democrats are trying to balance the books, and Michael Pope tells us they have different priorities.
Virginia Democrats delay proposals to amend state’s constitution to 2025
Posted in Virginia's News on January 17, 2024
Virginia Democrats spoke often of amending the state’s constitution on the campaign trail during the 2023 election cycle. And while bills to enshrine abortion protections and same-sex marriage, as well as restoring felon voting rights, have been submitted, they won’t get heard until next year. Brad Kutner has more.
House Democrats cast doubt on funding for Youngkin’s STEM lab schools
Posted in Virginia's News on January 17, 2024
About $100 million was allocated to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s lab school program in 2022, but future funding to maintain them is in the hands of a Democratically-controlled legislature who argue existing public schools need funding first. Brad Kutner has more.
One Virginia lawmaker is hoping to strike a deal on FOIA fees
Posted in Virginia's News on January 17, 2024
Public documents are supposed to be available to the public. Although, as Michael Pope tells us, sometimes they come at a price.
Democrats: Virginia teachers deserve a significant pay raise
Posted in Virginia's News on January 17, 2024
Education was a topic on the campaign trail last year. Now, members of the General Assembly are debating what to do about it. Michael Pope reports on an effort to pay teachers more.
Efforts to increase teacher pay, decrease school counselor ratio clear first legislative hurdle
Posted in Virginia's News on January 16, 2024
A pair of bills that aim to increase the quality of Virginia’s schools made it out of a House subcommittee Tuesday morning. Brad Kutner has more.
Raising the minimum wage is a top priority for Virginia Democrats this session
Posted in Virginia's News on January 16, 2024
Democrats in the General Assembly are hoping to raise the minimum wage. Michael Pope reports.
Skill games legislation taking steps towards Senate floor
Posted in Virginia's News on January 16, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are considering a bill that would allow more gambling at convenience stores and truck stops. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia legislators look to update outdated school funding formula
Posted in Virginia's News on January 16, 2024
Virginia has long used a school funding formula that legislators and education advocates argue fails to focus on student outcomes or education equity. A House education committee this week took the first steps to change that. Brad Kutner has more.
House Speaker Scott wants to boost healthcare access in rural Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on January 15, 2024
Virginia’s new Speaker of the House is not wasting any time to put his stamp on the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports on his goal of improving rural healthcare.
Gun advocates, opponents gather at Virginia’s capitol
Posted in Virginia's News on January 15, 2024
Advocates for gun access and those against it have already visited the capital this session. And while Governor Glenn Younkin is not expected to make it any harder to acquire a firearm, there’s at least one bill by Democrats that may get his sign off. Brad Kutner has more.
Virginia lawmakers honor MLK during history-making session
Posted in Virginia's News on January 15, 2024
Martin Luther King, Junior’s birthday has been a federal holiday since the early 1980s. But as Michael Pope tells us, members of the General Assembly are hard at work.
Time is running out to secure coverage through Virginia’s new health insurance marketplace
Posted in Virginia's News on January 12, 2024
Virginia has a new state healthcare exchange for Obamacare. And as Michael Pope reports, open enrollment closes soon.
Dreaming of spring flowers? Guide lists 1600 native plants and how to grow them in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on January 11, 2024
This time of year, many gardeners are dreaming of warmer days, and perhaps are already making plans for spring. If you’re looking to plant more native flowers this year, Roxy Todd has the details on an online garden guide.
A change to the voting rights restoration process in Virginia is getting bipartisan support
Posted in Virginia's News on January 11, 2024
Virginia is the only state that permanently disenfranchises anyone convicted of a felony, and allows only the governor to restore that right. Michael Pope reports on an effort to change that.
Virginia legislature elects first Black Speaker of the House
Posted in Virginia's News on January 10, 2024
Portsmouth-area Delegate Don Scott became the first Black speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates when the 2024 legislative session opened Wednesday. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Governor Youngkin’s proposal to ditch the car tax is “dead on arrival”
Posted in Virginia's News on January 10, 2024
Lawmakers are back in Richmond for the General Assembly session. And as Michael Pope tells us, they’re already making news about tax issues.
The 2024 General Assembly is in session; what can we expect?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 10, 2024
With the fiscal legacy of Virginia’s governor at stake, members of the General Assembly will gavel into session this week/today. Michael Pope has this preview.
Virginia Democrats want to make menstrual app data off limits to police
Posted in Virginia's News on January 8, 2024
Abortion was one of the most important issues during the campaign. And now that Democrats are taking control of the General Assembly, they are hoping to make it a part of the legislative session. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia legislators hope to restore former felon’s voting rights
Posted in Virginia's News on January 8, 2024
With the 2024 legislative session just days away, an effort to amend Virginia’s constitution to give former felons the right to vote is already on the docket. Advocates argue the current requirement for the governor to authorize rights restoration disproportionately impacts Black voters. Brad Kutner has more.
Study finds land subsidence could make sea level flooding worse
Posted in Virginia's News on January 8, 2024
Scientists predict climate change will make sea levels rise, threatening many coastal communities. A new study finds another threat could make sea level flooding worse, as Roxy Todd reports.
State Democrats say Youngkin’s tax cut proposals aren’t happening
Posted in Virginia's News on January 5, 2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin wants to cut Virginia’s income tax. But as Michael Pope reports, he’ll have a difficult time persuading Democrats who are now in control of the House and Senate.
A proposed sports arena in northern Virginia will be a big topic of debate for the upcoming session
Posted in Virginia's News on January 4, 2024
One of the issues lawmakers will be debating when they gavel into session next week is the creation of a new authority that would own a northern Virginia sports arena. Michael Pope reports.
Mental health, elder care tops public concerns in 2024 budget hearing
Posted in Virginia's News on January 3, 2024
The Virginia legislature held four virtual hearings Wednesday to hear from the public on what they’d like to see in the budget. Brad Kutner tuned in to two of hearings where mental health and care for the elderly were repeated concerns.
Labor force participation has bounced back in Virginia, albeit somewhat unevenly
Posted in Virginia's News on January 3, 2024
Virginia’s labor force participation rate is now higher than it was before the pandemic. Michael Pope explains.
Will Governor Youngkin be successful in his “digital personal property tax” proposal?
Posted in Virginia's News on January 2, 2024
Members of the General Assembly are about to consider a proposal from the governor to modernize the sales tax. Michael Pope reports.
Shakeup at Virginia’s Massive Resistance-linked scholarship fund concerns advocates
Posted in Virginia's News on January 2, 2024
Civil rights advocates and elected officials are worried about recent shake ups in Virginia’s Brown vs. Board Scholarship Committee.
The legislatively-approved body has been expanded to support the children of those impacted by massive-resistance-era school closures, but changes in membership and funding issues are raising eyebrows. Brad Kutner has more.
How will state lawmakers handle Governor Youngkin’s behavioral health push?
Posted in Virginia's News on December 29, 2023
Later this month, members of the General Assembly will consider an effort some are calling a transformation of Virginia’s behavioral health system. Michael Pope reports.
New report: Virginia experienced economic growth in 2023
Posted in Virginia's News on December 29, 2023
Old Dominion University has released its annual State of the Commonwealth report. Virginia saw economic growth this year, but Virginians are still feeling pessimistic. Nick Gilmore reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Looking back at the biggest stories of 2023
Posted in Virginia's News on December 29, 2023
2023 was a big year for Virginia government and state politics.
Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch – look back at some of the year’s most noteworthy stories.
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