Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
Homepage: http://theweatherzone.wordpress.com
Virginia Localities Can Now Better Regulate Electric Scooters
Posted in Virginia's News on July 8, 2019
Cities across Virginia are dealing with a new form of transportation — electric scooters. And now, they have some new tools to regulate. Michael Pope reports.
Happy Hour Advertising is Now a Go in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on July 5, 2019
The A-frame sign advertising happy hour prices outside Pork Barrel Barbecue in Alexandria would have been illegal last month. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Bars and restaurants can now advertise their happy hour prices, a restriction that’s long plagued the industry. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia is a Leader in Saving Animals’ Lives
Posted in Virginia's News on July 3, 2019

Brittany Pierri, with the Richmond SPCA, is pictured with Jake Roos of Norfolk Animal Care Center. The Norfolk facility transfers animals to the Richmond facility. (Credit: Richmond SPCA)
Across Virginia fewer dogs and cats are being killed at shelters than ever before. In fact, 88% of dogs and cats in shelters now avoid euthanization. But animal welfare advocates want more. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Big Winners in Virginia Can Now Stay Anonymous
Posted in Virginia's News on July 2, 2019

Credit: valottery.com
Starting this week, winners of the Virginia lottery can remain anonymous. Michael Pope reports.
Amidst Growth and New Goals, Virginia Celebrates 50 Years of Medicaid
Posted in Virginia's News on July 1, 2019
Virginia is celebrating 50 years of Medicaid this week. The state-run program provides health insurance to the poor. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam celebrated with state employees. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
James Fields Receives Life Sentence for UTR Car Attack
Posted in Virginia's News on June 28, 2019

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne
An avowed white supremacist who drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters during a white supremacist rally in Virginia was sentenced to life in prison earlier today on hate crime charges. David Seidel has more from Charlottesville.
New Report: Rural Seniors in Virginia Receive Fewer Services Than Urban Seniors
Posted in Virginia's News on June 28, 2019
Are senior citizens in rural areas getting all the services they need? Michael Pope has this report on a new federal study that shows some gaps.
Foreign-Born Population in Virginia: More Educated, Fewer Earnings
Posted in Virginia's News on June 27, 2019
Virginia’s foreign-born population is skyrocketing, although the state’s approach to that segment of its population may be lagging behind. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Lawmakers Take Sides on Recent Religious Freedom Ruling
Posted in Virginia's News on June 25, 2019
A recent Supreme Court decision upended how courts view religious freedom, making it possible for corporations to deny certain health services to female employees based on a religious exemption. Now, two Virginia Congressman are now heavily involved in the debate. Michael Pope reports.
Spanberger’s Efforts to Expand Rural Broadband Access in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on June 24, 2019

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger speaks on the floor of the House of Representatives about expanding broadband in rural areas.
Rural broadband may be coming to a farm near you, thanks to new money from the United States Department of Agriculture. Michael Pope reports.
One-Time Tax Checks Could Be Headed Your Way Later This Year
Posted in Virginia's News on June 24, 2019

Credit: 401kcalculator.org / Flickr
It’s tax time again. Michael Pope reports that meeting the end of this month deadline will pay off.
Federal Accounting Change Could Have Serious Impacts for Low-Income Virginians
Posted in Virginia's News on June 24, 2019

Credit: U.S. Census Bureau
Budget officials in Washington are considering an accounting tweak that could harm people who live in poverty. Michael Pope reports.
VCU Shows Congress How Intrusive Advising Can Help Achieve Equity in Higher Ed
Posted in Virginia's News on June 19, 2019
Tomika LeGrande is vice provost for strategic enrollment management at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Are colleges and universities in Virginia equitable? Or should the federal government be doing more to achieve racial and income equity? Michael Pope has this report from Capitol Hill.
Virginia Democrats Are Pushing for Election Security, But How Far Will Their Efforts Go?
Posted in Virginia's News on June 18, 2019
How safe are elections? As the 2020 presidential cycle gets started this summer, Virginia lawmakers in Washington have proposals they say would make elections more secure. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Medicaid Work Requirements Are Still Up in the Air
Posted in Virginia's News on June 14, 2019

Credit: NPR
Virginia is still waiting on the federal government to make a determination on work requirements for Medicaid expansion. And, new research shows they might be counterproductive. Michael Pope reports.
Presidential Candidates Attend Annual Virginia Democratic Gala
Posted in Virginia's News on June 14, 2019
Two presidential candidates will be in Virginia this weekend. They’re speaking to hundreds of state Democrats at the annual Blue Commonwealth Gala. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Senator Warner is Pushing for Expanded Aeronautics Research
Posted in Virginia's News on June 13, 2019
Is America falling behind the rest of the world in aeronautics? Senator Mark Warner fears that might be happening, and now he’s working with Republicans in Congress to help fund new research capabilities. Michael Pope has the story.
This Week’s Primary Results May Spark Significant Changes to Virginia’s Criminal Justice System
Posted in Virginia's News on June 12, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Two local races in Northern Virginia might have big implications for the criminal justice system in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.
Virginia Tech Selects a Different Site for Its NOVA Innovation Campus
Posted in Virginia's News on June 10, 2019

Tech’s Innovation Campus in Alexandria is just south of Amazon’s proposed headquarters site in Arlington. (Credit: Virginia Tech)
Virginia Tech is going back to the drawing board with a new graduate school campus in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Analysts: Accepting PAC Money from the Governor Could Have Mixed Results
Posted in Virginia's News on June 7, 2019
Under normal circumstances, candidates would welcome money from the governor to help finance their campaigns. But this year, it’s a little different. Michael Pope is following the money.
Congressman Scott is Trying to Defend Free or Reduced-Price School Lunches
Posted in Virginia's News on June 6, 2019
One Virginia congressman is fighting against the Trump administration’s efforts to limit free or reduced-price lunches in public schools. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Rural Localities Appear to Be Bouncing Back
Posted in Virginia's News on June 5, 2019

Credit: Census American Community One Year Survey, 2010 to 2017.
Rural parts of Virginia may have lower average incomes. But that’s only one measure of success. Michael Pope reports on the surprising resurgence across rural Virginia.
Organization Recognizes Virginia’s Old Growth Forests
Posted in Virginia's News on June 5, 2019

North Bank Park — one portion of the James River Park System (Credit: jamesriverpark.org)
Virginia’s James River Park System, in Richmond, became the latest public green space today to be recognized as part of the Old Growth Forest Network. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Virginia Governor Announces Special Session on Gun Control
Posted in Virginia's News on June 4, 2019
Governor Ralph Northam announced Tuesday he will summon lawmakers back to the state Capitol to consider a package of gun-control legislation, saying last week’s deadly mass shooting in Virginia Beach calls for “votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers.” Mallory Noe-Payne has further details.
What Impacts Could the Special Session Have In November?
Posted in Virginia's News on June 4, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers will be returning to Richmond for a special session on guns. But will anything happen? Michael Pope reports.
Political Operatives Say Response to Virginia Beach Shooting Strikes a Familiar Tone
Posted in Virginia's News on June 3, 2019
The shooting in Virginia Beach over the weekend is prompting a familiar discussion about firearms and whether new restrictions are needed. Michael Pope reports.
The Shifting Identity of Virginia’s Labor Force
Posted in Virginia's News on May 31, 2019
Virginia’s workforce is losing young people and gaining older people. Michael Pope explains.
Lawmakers Eliminate State-Funded Abortion Program
Posted in Virginia's News on May 31, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
State lawmakers have cut funding for a Department of Health program that pays for certain abortions. The budget amendment slid under the radar during a busy legislative session. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia is Facing a Critical Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
Posted in Virginia's News on May 29, 2019
As May comes to a close, the issues surrounding mental health continue to resonate during Mental Health Awareness Month. Some parts of the state are struggling more than others. Michael Pope reports.
Luria Snags A Pair of Legislative Victories for Veterans and Their Families
Posted in Virginia's News on May 27, 2019

Congresswoman Elaine Luria
Just in time for Memorial Day, one member of Congress is delivering some good news to members of the armed services. Michael Pope has the story.
Beyer Calls for Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump; Will Others Join Him?
Posted in Virginia's News on May 24, 2019
Democrats in Virginia are divided about whether to impeach President Trump. Michael Pope reports.
Helping the Disabled Out of Their Homes
Posted in Virginia's News on May 24, 2019

Notes written for the Martin family became a part of their ramp. (Credit: SAW Virginia)
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed almost 30 years ago. And since then public spaces and businesses have become much more accessible. But that doesn’t mean anything to someone who can’t make it out of their home. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Congresswoman Wexton Working to Protect Obama-Era HUD Regulation
Posted in Virginia's News on May 23, 2019

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton
Should transgender youth be turned away from homeless shelters? One Virginia member of Congress is taking issue with the Trump administration’s position on that question. Michael Pope reports.
Wexton also had this to say on Twitter:
As a former prosecutor, I take Congressional testimony very seriously.
This week, Secretary Carson lied to me and to Congress.
He lied again when he called me to “clarify” his testimony.
He’s proven himself to be deceitful & inept as HUD Secretary.
He should resign. https://t.co/nM3hDf6rx6
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) May 23, 2019
She also posted details related to her bill:
The full text of the bill can be viewed here: pic.twitter.com/sdzVQ5LIBr
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) May 23, 2019
Probe Inconclusive Regarding Racist Photo on Governor Ralph Northam’s Yearbook Page
Posted in Virginia's News on May 22, 2019
We just don’t know. That’s the result of a months-long investigation into a racist photo found on Governor Ralph Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook page. Mallory Noe-Payne has the latest from a press conference today.
Virginia’s political world was waiting for big news from the investigation of the Eastern Virginia Medical School into the blackface photo that appeared on Governor Ralph Northam’s yearbook page. But, as Michael Pope reports, reaction to the investigation was muted.
You can find the full report here.
Incumbents in some Key Races Trail in Fundraising
Posted in Virginia's News on May 21, 2019

Credit: NPR
Campaign-finance numbers show several members of the General Assembly need to play catch up now that the session has ended. Michael Pope has details.
Virginia’s Congressional Delegation Goes on Record with Climate Change Vote
Posted in Virginia's News on May 21, 2019
The politics of climate change are dividing members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation. Michael Pope reports from Capitol Hill.
Congressman Scott Wants to Eliminate Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Posted in Virginia's News on May 21, 2019
Should older workers have a higher burden to prove age discrimination? One Virginia congressman says no, and he’s moving forward with a bill to do something about it. Michael Pope reports.
State Targets Spanish Speakers for Medicaid Expansion
Posted in Virginia's News on May 17, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
New data from the state shows enrollment in the expanded Medicaid program is on target. And now there’s a new campaign to target Spanish speakers. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia’s Talent Pipeline May Soon See a Big Shift
Posted in Virginia's News on May 16, 2019
For many years, young people in Southside and Southwest Virginia have been leaving the area after graduating from college. But, that may not be the case for much longer. Michael Pope reports.
Riggleman Wants to Track Down Bad Actors in Banking
Posted in Virginia's News on May 14, 2019
Congress is expected to vote this afternoon on a bill introduced by a freshman Virginia congressman that could provide a much better window into the intersection between banking and terrorism. Michael Pope reports.
Analyzing What Turnout May Look Like for This Year’s Primary Elections
Posted in Virginia's News on May 10, 2019

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
The primary is only one month away, but most voters don’t even know — or care — about the election. Michael Pope reports.
Tackling the Growing Demand for Psychiatric Services in Virginia’s Hospitals
Posted in Virginia's News on May 9, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Across Virginia there’s been an uptick in psychiatric admissions to hospitals, to the point where beds are filling up. Thursday a group from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association rolled out some ideas on what can be done. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Petersburg’s Fortunes Are Now Looking Up
Posted in Virginia's News on May 9, 2019

Downtown Petersburg (Credit: Ken Lund / Creative Commons)
A city once on the verge of economic collapse may be on the verge of making a dramatic comeback. Michael Pope reports.
Casinos May Be on the Way to Some Economically Struggling Communities in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on May 7, 2019

Credit: Images Money / taxrebate.org.uk / Flickr
Will Virginia voters press their luck with casinos? Michael Pope has details.
Governor Northam’s Mandatory Minimums Decision Continues to Spark Controversy
Posted in Virginia's News on May 6, 2019

Credit: NPR
Governor Ralph Northam made headlines last week when he vetoed a bill that would have established a minimum two month prison sentence for third-time domestic abusers.
In a statement sent out Monday, Republicans say the governor’s veto undercuts protections for people trapped in abusive relationships. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
New T-Rex Relative Discovered Thanks to Virginia Tech Researcher
Posted in Virginia's News on May 6, 2019

The Suskityrannus hazelae is believed to be a relative of the more ferocious T-Rex. (Credit: Virginia Tech)
The dinosaur world is getting a new addition thanks to a Virginia Tech paleontologist. Michael Pope reports.
School Discipline Disparities Get Attention on Capitol Hill
Posted in Virginia's News on April 30, 2019
Democrats in Congress are pushing back against a Trump administration directive on racial disparities in student discipline. And, a Virginia congressman is leading the charge. Michael Pope reports.
A Look at Virginia’s Rate of “Urbanization”
Posted in Virginia's News on April 29, 2019
Virginia is urbanizing at a faster rate than the rest of the country. Michael Pope is looking into the numbers.
Analyzing Virginia’s “Economic Mobility”
Posted in Virginia's News on April 25, 2019

Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Is Virginia a place where individuals can move up the income scale based on merit and hard work? One new study challenges that idea. Michael Pope explains why.
Following FAA Approval, Drone Deliveries on the Way to New River Valley
Posted in Virginia's News on April 24, 2019

The Wing company, a Google spinoff, has won federal approval to operate its drone delivery system as an airline in the U.S. That system will begin in the New River Valley. (Credit: Wing)
The Old Dominion is about to start looking a bit like a science fiction movie. Michael Pope reports on the future of drone deliveries in Virginia.

