Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
Homepage: http://theweatherzone.wordpress.com
Unemployment Benefits: What Happens after the Pandemic?
Posted in Virginia's News on May 7, 2020

Congressman Don Beyer (Credit: United States Congress / Wikimedia Commons)
Unemployment insurance is temporary, and it’ll eventually run out. That’s why one Virginia congressman is trying to expand it, although not everywhere all in the same way. Michael Pope explains.
Stress Injuries Common During COVID Crisis
Posted in Virginia's News on May 7, 2020

Credit: CDC
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been watching for certain symptoms – fever, for example, or cough. But for anyone touched by this crisis there may also be psychological symptoms. Sandy Hausman reports.
A Congressional Push to Ensure Localities Don’t Shutoff Utilities During Pandemic
Posted in Virginia's News on May 6, 2020

Before the pandemic struck, the city of Petersburg shut off water to thousands of homes — leaving many without running water during Governor Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home order. (Credit: Ken Lund / Flickr, CC)
Congress is now considering the next round of economic relief prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. And, it might have a provision aimed at helping restore water to dozens of homes in Petersburg. Michael Pope reports.
Churches and COVID-19
Posted in Virginia's News on May 5, 2020

Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr, CC
Virginia may be on the verge of opening up again soon. But for now, churches across the Commonwealth are closed. And, that’s led to a legal challenge. Michael Pope reports.
Some State Lawmakers Want to Make it Easier for Long-Term Care Facilities to Share Case Information
Posted in Virginia's News on May 1, 2020
How many cases of Coronavirus are in your neighborhood? Localized data on the pandemic has been difficult to come by. Michael Pope reports.
Expired Sticker? How the State is Handling Vehicle Inspections During a Pandemic
Posted in Virginia's News on April 30, 2020

Credit: VSP Facebook Page
Did your inspection sticker expire at the end of April? There is some good news: You don’t have to worry about it – for the most part. Michael Pope reports.
Elective Surgeries Will Soon Be Allowed to Resume
Posted in Virginia's News on April 29, 2020

Credit: CDC
In his Wednesday afternoon briefing, Governor Northam said medical, dental and veterinary facilities will be allowed to resume non-emergency procedures on Friday. Nick Gilmore has details.
Racial Inequity and COVID-19
Posted in Virginia's News on April 28, 2020

Credit: CDC
The pandemic is hitting blacks and Hispanics hardest in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Voting in a Pandemic: The Debate Over Next Month’s Local Elections
Posted in Virginia's News on April 27, 2020

Credit: NPR
Next month, voters across Virginia will be heading to the polls to vote in local elections. That’s despite efforts to move those elections to June or November. Michael Pope reports.
Health Officials Working to Combat COVID-19 in Meat Processing Plants
Posted in Virginia's News on April 27, 2020

Credit: CDC
A team of federal health officials is expected on the Delmarva Peninsula this week to address growing concerns of coronavirus amidst poultry plant workers. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Virginia Congressional Delegation Wants to Protect Contract Workers, Split on Best Strategy
Posted in Virginia's News on April 27, 2020
Before the global pandemic shut down the economy, President Trump had proposed ship and submarine cuts that were almost universally opposed by Virginia lawmakers. The delegation is now fighting to help the state’s contracting industry while debating how best to do it. Matt Laslo reports.
Northam Lays Out Blueprint for Loosening Restrictions as Deaths from COVID-19 Surpass 400
Posted in Virginia's News on April 24, 2020

Credit: CDC
During a news conference Friday, Governor Northam offered the first details on a blueprint for how he plans to reopen Virginia. Nick Gilmore has details.
Barring Executive Action, Local Elections in Virginia Will Go Forward in May
Posted in Virginia's News on April 23, 2020

Credit: NPR
Dozens of elections across Virginia are scheduled to take place a few days from now. As Michael Pope reports, efforts to move those elections have failed.
State Lawmakers to Tackle Definition of “Environmental Justice” Wednesday
Posted in Virginia's News on April 21, 2020

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
When lawmakers assemble in Richmond Wednesday, they’ll be considering an amendment from the governor to define environmental justice. Michael Pope reports.
Some State Democrats Want May Elections to Take Place in June Instead of November
Posted in Spotlight on WVTF Public Radio 2012, Virginia's News on April 20, 2020

Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a General Assembly with social distancing. One issue that could become a flashpoint is what happens to local elections. Michael Pope reports.
Monday: Deaths from COVID-19 Reach 300 in Virginia; State Forms Testing Work Group
Posted in Virginia's News on April 20, 2020

Credit: CDC
In an afternoon news briefing, Governor Ralph Northam announced the formation of a COVID-19 testing work group. The group will be made up of state health officials, as well as representatives from private and community health care providers. Nick Gilmore has details.
Northam Wants to Speed Up Timeline for Predatory Lending Protections
Posted in Virginia's News on April 17, 2020

Credit: Taber Andrew Bain / Creative Commons
Lawmakers are about to consider a significant change to legislation aimed at cracking down on predatory lending. As Michael Pope reports, an amendment from the governor will speed up the timeline.
Virginia COVID-19 Cases Jump to 7,491, Northam says Economic Reopening is Tied to Case Data
Posted in Virginia's News on April 17, 2020

Credit: CDC
The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Virginia jumped to 7,491 Friday, according to the Virginia Department of Health. That’s an increase of 602, the largest daily increase since the health department began reporting the data. Nick Gilmore has details from Governor Ralph Northam’s April 17th briefing.
Advocates Say They Want More Protections for Immigrants With Driver Privilege Cards
Posted in Virginia's News on April 16, 2020

Credit: NPR
Next week, lawmakers will be considering an amendment to a bill allowing driver’s privilege cards for undocumented immigrants. Michael Pope has the story.
Opponents of Stay-At-Home Orders Rally at Virginia Capitol
Posted in Virginia's News on April 16, 2020

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
Even as confirmed deaths from COVID-19 rose above 200 today in Virginia, a few dozen people gathered on Capitol Square to protest Governor Ralph Northam’s stay at home orders. Mallory Noe-Payne was there and has this report.
Northam Extends Executive Order Closing Entertainment and Recreational Businesses By Two Weeks
Posted in Virginia's News on April 15, 2020

Credit: CDC
During a press conference Wednesday, Governor Ralph Northam said social distancing is working, and because of that, the state is flattening the curve of COVID-19. But, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the governor is continuing an executive order closing many businesses across the Commonwealth.
A Look at What to Expect from the General Assembly Next Week
Posted in Virginia's News on April 15, 2020

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers will return to Richmond next week for what’s called a reconvene session, although this one will be done in the age of social distancing. Michael Pope has this preview.
Northam Signs Several Gun-Control Measures Into Law
Posted in Virginia's News on April 10, 2020
New gun-safety laws will be radically changing Virginia’s approach starting July 1st. Michael Pope reports.
Lawsuit Could Free Some State Prisoners
Posted in Virginia's News on April 10, 2020

Governor Northam has announced plans to free about 2,000 inmates who are scheduled for release from state prisons within the next year. They must pose no threat to public safety and have good prison records. About 28,000 more will remain behind bars – even if they’re disabled or have medical conditions putting them at high risk for death if they were to catch COVID-19. Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit may mean freedom for others as Sandy Hausman reports.
Congressional Response: Virginia’s Delegation and Their Efforts to Combat the Virus
Posted in Virginia's News on April 10, 2020

Credit: NPR
Virginia lawmakers aren’t in Washington these days, but they’re working overtime to assist constituents in the midst of this coronavirus pandemic. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.
Many Localities Across Virginia Facing Tough Budget Decisions Thanks to COVID-19
Posted in Virginia's News on April 9, 2020
Local governments across Virginia are now reassessing their budgets for the coming year. Michael Pope has this report on what to expect.
Update: Pets and COVID-19
Posted in Virginia's News on April 9, 2020

Credit: Robbie Harris
There’s new evidence that cats can become infected with Coronavirus, but preliminary studies show they do not get sick with the disease, nor are they likely pass it on to people. Robbie Harris reports.
State Officials Want Better Racial Demographic Information on COVID-19 Cases
Posted in Virginia's News on April 8, 2020

Credit: CDC
Is the pandemic hitting the African-American community harder in Virginia? As Michael Pope reports, the data on that is missing – for now.
Northam Suggests Moving May Elections, Pushes Back June Primaries
Posted in Virginia's News on April 8, 2020
12 additional Virginia residents have died of COVID-19.
The latest numbers from the Virginia Department of Health also shows more than 300 additional cases, for a total of 3,645. Mallory Noe-Payne has more details.
Voting in a Pandemic: Should Virginia Move to Mail-In Ballots?
Posted in Virginia's News on April 7, 2020
Should election officials in Virginia move to a system of mail-in ballots? The pandemic is raising new questions about how ballots are cast. Michael Pope reports.
Northam: Virginians Should Wear Face Masks While in Public
Posted in Virginia's News on April 6, 2020
Virginia’s reported COVID-19 case count grew by more than 800 over the weekend. And deaths caused by the illness increased to 54. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Minimum Wage: Should it Extend to Farm Workers?
Posted in Virginia's News on April 6, 2020

Credit: Jeff Laitila / Flickr CC
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering hundreds of bills the General Assembly sent him last month, including one that raises the minimum wage. Michael Pope reports that the governor is being urged to get rid of an exemption for one category of worker.
Virginia Prosecutors Face Deadlines Despite Judicial Emergency
Posted in Virginia's News on April 3, 2020

The Supreme Court of Virginia issued a judicial emergency last month in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Credit: Creative Commons)
Any one charged with a crime in Virginia is entitled to a speedy trial. But, as Michael Pope reports, a speedy trial in the age of coronavirus is proving to be a challenge.
Wednesday Update: Northam says Virginia Peak Coming in Late April to Late May
Posted in Virginia's News on April 1, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam said models suggest COVID-19 cases in Virginia will peak in late April to late May. In a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Northam continued to warn that Virginia’s fight against the illness will last months, not weeks. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Should Northam Reconsider Renewable Energy Legislation in Light of Pandemic?
Posted in Virginia's News on April 1, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering hundreds of bills that were passed by lawmakers before the health and economic crisis. Michael Pope reports on one bill that some are asking the governor to rethink.
COVID-19 Could Stir New Debate Over Virginia’s Minimum Wage
Posted in Virginia's News on March 30, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam isn’t just dealing with the pandemic. He’s also considering hundreds of bills lawmakers sent to him last month. And, the economic crisis is shining a new light on one potentially critical decision. Michael Pope reports.
Monday: Virginia Tops 1,000 COVID-19 Cases, Northam Issues “Stay at Home” Order
Posted in Virginia's News on March 30, 2020

Credit: CDC
Governor Ralph Northam ordered all Virginians to stay at home as COVID-19 cases passed the 1,000 mark Monday. Mallory Noe-Payne has further details.
Va. News: Virus Prompts Many to visit Appalachian Trail, Parade for Augusta County Youth
Posted in Virginia's News on March 30, 2020

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
People who live near the Appalachian Trail are finding it’s not necessarily a place where you can still maintain social distancing. And elementary school teachers and students in Augusta County have seen each other one last time although they won’t be together again this school year. Fred Echols reports.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s VA News link.
Forecasting the Pandemic’s Impact on the Virginia Economy
Posted in Virginia's News on March 26, 2020
As unemployment claims mount, many people are worried about the future of the Virginia economy. Michael Pope reports about some potential light at the end of the tunnel.
Harvard Global Health Institution Projection Shows Virginia Needs More Hospital Bed Capacity
Posted in Virginia's News on March 26, 2020

Credit: CDC
Is Virginia ready for the potential crush of new patients that may be streaming into hospitals across the Commonwealth? Michael Pope takes a look at the numbers.
You can find more information about the Harvard Global Health Institute projections here.
Tuesday Update: Two Deaths in Henrico County, First Case in NRV
Posted in Virginia's News on March 25, 2020
The Virginia Department of Health reported at least 290 positive cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, including the first in the New River Valley. The Henrico County Health Department also reported two deaths there. Mallory Noe-Payne has more from Governor Ralph Northam’s press briefing Tuesday.
Lessons Learned from the 1918 Flu Pandemic in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on March 24, 2020

The 1918 H1N1 flu virus (Credit: CDC)
The coronavirus crisis is not the first time Virginia has dealt with a major pandemic. Michael Pope has this look back at the flu outbreak 100 years ago and some lessons of what not to do.
Virginia Political Parties Mulling Convention Options Amid Pandemic
Posted in Virginia's News on March 23, 2020

Credit: NPR
Political campaigns may be on pause right now because of the coronavirus crisis. But all the deadlines for political parties are still on the calendar. Michael Pope reports.
Sunday Update: 219 Cases in Virginia, Six People Now Dead
Posted in Virginia's News on March 23, 2020
The death toll rose to six on Sunday, as the Virginia Department of Health announced an additional three people have died from COVID-19. The three women were in their 80’s and had been hospitalized. One of them was a resident of a long-term care facility. They all resided in the department’s Peninsula Health District. Nick Gilmore has details.
You can find more information here.
UVA Health System Develops Its Own COVID-19 Test
Posted in Virginia's News on March 20, 2020

The turnaround time for the new tests is about 24 hours. That’s much faster than than the five to six days for some tests at commercial labs. (Credit: Sanjay Suchak / University of Virginia Communications)
Testing for COVID-19 is key to getting the pandemic under control, but labs have found it hard to get the elements they need for tests. At the University of Virginia, two doctors pulled out all the stops and have now come up with their own test – one that yields results in 24 hours. Sandy Hausman has that story.
A Look at How Small Businesses Can Get Some Help During COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted in Virginia on March 20, 2020
Businesses hit hard by the economic crisis are able to apply for small business disaster loans. Michael Pope explains what’s involved with that.
You can find more information here.
State Leaders Working to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Virginia’s Prisons and Jails
Posted in Virginia's News on March 19, 2020
State leaders have provided prison and jail officials with guidance on preventing the virus’ spread within the state’s correctional system. Nick Gilmore has details.
COVID-19 Leads to Rare Judicial Emergency in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on March 18, 2020

The Supreme Court of Virginia’s judicial emergency will suspend non-essential, non-emergency cases in courthouses across Virginia, including eviction cases. (Credit: Morgan Riley / Creative Commons)
Daily life has changed not just at restaurants and gyms. Much of the action in your local courthouse has also been postponed. Michael Pope reports.
Governments Big and Small Weigh Meeting Options During Pandemic
Posted in Virginia's News on March 17, 2020
When should governments decide to overlook requirements that they meet in-person and in-public? Michael Pope reports.
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering a huge number of bills on his desk, even as he navigates the state’s response to coronavirus. Michael Pope has this report about one issue that’s being hotly debated now.

