Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
Homepage: http://theweatherzone.wordpress.com
After years of unsuccessful attempts, Virginia closes campaign spending loophole
Posted in Virginia's News on March 26, 2025
A loophole in Virginia’s campaign finance laws will close thanks to a bipartisan effort signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin this week. Brad Kutner has more on the effort that took more than a decade to get to the governor’s desk.
Youngkin wants to create a Gaming Commission; the General Assembly has already said no
Posted in Virginia's News on March 25, 2025
Gambling and marijuana continue to vex the governor and members of the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin’s budget amendments face scrutiny from Democrats
Posted in Virginia's News on March 25, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin waited till the last possible moment to publish his 205 amendments to the state’s budget. That’s left Democrats scrambling to address his concerns ahead of next week’s reconvene session. Brad Kutner has more.
Youngkin, Democratic leadership still at odds over immigration enforcement
Posted in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025
Virginia’s Republican governor and Democrats who control the General Assembly are clashing over immigration. Michael Pope reports.
Youngkin announces over 200 budget amendments
Posted in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025
Virginia legislators came together to form a conference budget before leaving Richmond last month. But on Monday, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced his requested amendments to that budget. Brad Kutner has this breakdown ahead of legislators’ chance to consider the amendments.
Researchers voice concern about risks to scientific research if federal funding scales down
Posted in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025
The Trump administration has frozen funding for some federal grant programs that pay for research at universities. The National Institutes of Health also announced they would be making cuts to medical research. Court battles have challenged these cuts.
Roxy Todd has been speaking with researchers at Virginia Tech, many of whom describe uncertainty around what may happen if federal funding for research continues to scale down.
Despite threats of budget cuts, Shenandoah National Park will celebrate spring
Posted in Virginia's News on March 24, 2025
The National Park System is bracing for $150 million in budget cuts this year, but for now the parks are open and working to ensure a safe visit for spring and summer visitors.
Sandy Hausman has an update on activities at Shenandoah.
Pope & Schapiro: Governor Youngkin faces legislation deadline
Posted in Uncategorized on March 21, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin is running out of time to decide the fate of hundreds of bills sent to him by the General Assembly. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss that and the week that was in state politics and government.
Do unemployment numbers point to trouble for Virginia’s economy?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 19, 2025
Virginia’s rising unemployment is creating a new sense of uncertainty about the state’s economy. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.
One bill on the governor’s desk would establish “virtual” power plants
Posted in Virginia's News on March 18, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin is being lobbied on a bill that would change how the energy grid works. Michael Pope reports he’s expected to make a decision within the week.
Virginia statewide candidates submit signatures to get on the ballot
Posted in Virginia's News on March 17, 2025
A handful of the nearly 20 candidates for statewide office in Virginia this year were at Virginia’s Department of Elections Monday morning. Brad Kutner spoke with some after they submitted the required number of signatures to get on the 2025 primary ballot.
Why are Virginia’s history standards being delayed?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 17, 2025
Teachers across Virginia are waiting for instructional guides on history. But Michael Pope reports that a review of history standards has been delayed for years.
“Progressive Prosecutors” take the spotlight in AG primary race
Posted in Virginia's News on March 14, 2025
The primary for attorney general may present Democrats with a choice about how they view progressive prosecutors. Michael Pope explains why.
Early Trump administration actions impact Virginia’s faith communities
Posted in Virginia's News on March 13, 2025
Virginia’s faith communities are feeling the impact of the Trump administration’s first six weeks in office. Some are praising his efforts while others are reeling. Brad Kutner has more.
Many Virginia localities heavily rely on federal funding
Posted in Virginia's News on March 13, 2025
It’s budget season across Virginia, where local governments are trying to balance the books. And Michael Pope tells us that small towns and rural areas may be hit the hardest.
Author writes about trying to grow native plants on her Blue Ridge mountaintop
Posted in Virginia's News on March 13, 2025
March and April is spring wildfire season in Virginia. This is also the time when foresters do prescribed burns, to reduce fuel that could feed larger wildfires. Paula Whyman owns a 200-acre property in Rappahannock County, where she set out to do a prescribed burn on her property. She wanted to see if a small fire would help native plants grow. She writes about the experience, and others, in a book called “Bad Naturalist.”
Roxy Todd spoke with her about what went right, and what proved difficult, as she set out to re-wild a piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Virginia’s major political parties both enter 2025 election with new leadership
Posted in Virginia's News on March 13, 2025
Virginia’s two main political parties are vying for control of the state government this year. But before then, both parties will elect new party chairs. Brad Kutner has more.
Should political ads that use AI require a disclosure?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 12, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a bill that would require disclosure when paid political ads use artificial intelligence to deceive voters. Michael Pope reports.
Will Youngkin sign another attempt at informing Virginians about invasive plants?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 11, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a bill aimed at cracking down on invasive plants. Michael Pope has the story.
Virginia colleges are beginning to end their DEI programs
Posted in Virginia's News on March 10, 2025
Colleges and universities are scrapping initiatives designed to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Michael Pope reports.
Wildlife experts warn of danger to Virginia finches
Posted in Virginia's News on March 10, 2025
The Wildlife Center of Virginia is warning people who like to feed birds to be on the lookout. An eye disease that can prove fatal is now spreading through avian populations, as Sandy Hausman reports.
How many federal workers actually live in Virginia?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 7, 2025
As the federal government prepares for large-scale reductions in its workforce, Virginia officials are trying to get a sense of how many people are involved. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.
Trump, some Virginia legislators and even some scientists want to say ‘no’ to daylight saving time
Posted in Virginia's News on March 7, 2025
This Sunday, Virginians will spring ahead as daylight saving time begins. President Richard Nixon famously suspended the change, but reports of injuries to school children and the Watergate scandal sent the idea to the dustbin for decades. But President Donald Trump and Virginia legislators have raised the issue, and some science may be on their side. Brad Kutner has more.
The rush is on: Virginia candidates collect signatures to get on primary ballot
Posted in Virginia's News on March 6, 2025
We vote every year in Virginia, and 2025 will see the highest offices in Richmond and every seat in the House of Delegates elected. But first candidates must get on the primary ballot, and as Brad Kutner found out, the race is on to meet eligibility deadlines.
Control of the House of Delegates could come down to Prince George County
Posted in Virginia's News on March 6, 2025
All 100 seats of the House of Delegates will be on the ballot this year, although as Michael Pope tells us only a dozen are expected to be competitive.
How should Virginia courtrooms handle artificial intelligence?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 5, 2025
Artificial intelligence is transforming everything from health care to education. Michael Pope reports on a bill aimed at how it might be used in Virginia courtrooms.
ICE enforcement rattles Northern Virginia neighborhoods
Posted in Virginia's News on March 4, 2025
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, took to a handful of Northern Virginia neighborhoods this week. The number of people detained and the crimes they are charged with has not been released, but advocates are pushing back, as Brad Kutner reports.
Virginia House “Emergency Committee” is hitting the road
Posted in Virginia's News on March 4, 2025
Virginia’s emergency committee looking at reductions to the federal workforce is planning a tour across the Commonwealth. Michael Pope has this preview.
Youngkin grants clemency in Fairfax officer case; legal experts weigh in
Posted in Virginia's News on March 3, 2025
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is granting clemency to a former Fairfax County police sergeant who killed an unarmed man. Michael Pope reports.
Sierra Club award for forest-saving foundation
Posted in Virginia's News on March 3, 2025
Virginia has about 16 million acres of forested land. About 20% belongs to various government agencies, but nearly 60% is in private hands. Now, a nonprofit called the 500-Year Forest Foundation is trying to persuade individuals and families to preserve their trees, as Sandy Hausman reports.
Tech’s Innovation Campus opens its doors in Alexandria
Posted in Virginia's News on February 28, 2025
Virginia Tech has a new campus in Alexandria. Michael Pope talked to some of the graduate students there about what they’ll be studying.
Youngkin appointees strike controversial language from new school overdose notification guidelines
Posted in Virginia's News on February 27, 2025
Overdoses in Virginia’s schools was one of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s top concerns on the campaign trail.
Thursday morning, the state’s Board of Education voted to approve new guidelines for how schools should inform parents when they happen. But some of the language proved to be too controversial for even members appointed by Youngkin. Brad Kutner has more.
The Republican gubernatorial primary field has suddenly become more crowded
Posted in Virginia's News on February 27, 2025
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears no longer has a lock on the Republican nomination for governor. Michael Pope reports on the campaign shakeup.
Youngkin likely to add to his record number of vetoes
Posted in Virginia's News on February 26, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin already holds the record for most vetoes. And as Michael Pope reports, he’s about to bump up that total with dozens of new vetoes expected in the next few weeks.
Virginia Tech set to open its new Innovation Campus this week
Posted in Virginia's News on February 26, 2025
Virginia Tech is about to open a new Innovation Campus in Alexandria. The big grand opening is Friday, and Michael Pope has this preview.
Early Roanoke College poll shows 15-point lead for Spanberger over Earle-Sears
Posted in Virginia's News on February 25, 2025
The race for governor is starting to take shape as new polling numbers show where things stand eight months out from Election Day. Michael Pope has the numbers.
Here’s a link to the new polling from Roanoke College.
Proposed legislation would expand Youngkin’s ban on cell phones in Virginia schools
Posted in Virginia's News on February 24, 2025
School boards across Virginia are about to start cracking down on students using cell phones. Michael Pope has the details.
Youngkin announces new website for Virginia’s fired federal workers
Posted in Virginia's News on February 24, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin traveled to Northern Virginia Monday to announce a new state-run initiative meant to get federal workers fired by the Trump administration jobs in the Commonwealth. Brad Kutner has more.
Virginia Democrats send environmental bills to Youngkin’s desk, where his veto pen likely waits…
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin will soon consider a handful of bills aimed at transforming electricity generation. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: As session ends, the attention now turns to Youngkin
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2025
State lawmakers are about to send many bills to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss potential vetoes and the week that was in state government and politics.
Will the governor sign legislation cracking down on junk fees in Virginia?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 20, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin will soon consider a bill aimed at cracking down on junk fees. Michael Pope has the details.
Juvenile shackling bill headed to Youngkin’s desk
Posted in Virginia's News on February 20, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a bill that would cut down on the practice of shackling children in court. Michael Pope reports.
State lawmakers consider additional protections for federal contractors
Posted in Virginia's News on February 19, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating ways to protect Virginians from reductions to the federal workforce. Michael Pope reports.
Could Virginia finally rein in its loose campaign finance laws?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 19, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are considering reforming Virginia’s campaign finance system. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia police be allowed to lie to children?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 18, 2025
When is it OK for law enforcement officers to lie to children? Michael Pope reports.
Virginia lawmakers weigh social media restrictions for kids
Posted in Virginia's News on February 18, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating what kind of restrictions they want to put on social media for children. Michael Pope reports.
After years of work, Virginia’s new gambling authority in limbo
Posted in Virginia's News on February 13, 2025
Ever since Virginia expanded gambling options, legislators have been working to create a new state entity to regulate the industry. A bill to create a new Virginia Gaming Commission sailed out of subcommittee earlier this month only to be killed and instead have its language added to the budget. Brad Kutner spoke to legislators involved to find out why.
Contraception access likely to remain a hot issue beyond General Assembly session
Posted in Virginia's News on February 13, 2025
Democrats in the General Assembly are taking several tracks in an effort to secure the right to contraception. And, as Michael Pope reports, they’re also hoping to take the issue on the campaign trail.
Controversial license plate reader bill survives Virginia Senate committee… for now
Posted in Uncategorized on February 10, 2025
Legislators in Richmond kept alive a bill expanding the use of automated license plate readers on Virginia’s roadways Monday. Despite an earlier vote killing it, the bill will now face new negotiations. Brad Kutner has more.
The debate over crimes involving fentanyl continues in Richmond
Posted in Uncategorized on February 10, 2025
Members of the General Assembly are debating ways to crack down on fentanyl crimes in Virginia. Michael Pope has the details.
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