Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
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With Election Day Looming, Education Policies Move to Forefront of Gubernatorial Race
Posted in Virginia's News on October 19, 2017
Republican Ed Gillespie (right) gestures towards Democrat Ralph Northam during the last gubernatorial debate of the campaign earlier this month. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
During the election season, Virginia’s two major-party candidates for governor have clashed on everything from environmental issues to health care. This week a new division is emerging on education policy. Michael Pope has details.
Marriage Penalty, Local Taxes On Businesses Hurting Virginia’s Reputation As Low-Tax State
Posted in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017
Virginia has a reputation as a state with low taxes and a friendly business environment. A new study challenges that reputation, however. Michael Pope reports.
State Legislators Taking Closer Look At Biosolids
Posted in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017
David Hudnall and his son, David Hudnall Jr. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)
Unless you’re a farmer or an avid gardener, you probably don’t know much about fertilizers. You put some down and your lawn gets greener and your tomatoes bigger. For people living next door to a farm field, fertilizers have become a worry as some farmers use treated human waste to enrich their soil. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
For Better or Worse, Politics Central to Virginia’s Attorney General’s Race
Posted in Virginia's News on October 18, 2017
John Adams, the Republican candidate for Attorney General in Virginia, has repeatedly attacked his opponent, Democrat Mark Herring, for politicizing his office. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s Attorney General has sued the Trump administration five times. He’s challenged the president’s decision to end DACA, the so-called Muslim Ban, and the recent decision to end subsidies that help poor Virginians afford health insurance. Now Mark Herring is up for re-election, and criticized for being too political. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Polls Give Hope To Both Northam And Gillespie
Posted in Virginia's News on October 17, 2017
Ralph Northam (left) and Ed Gillespie shake hands at their final debate of the campaign. Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
The latest polls are showing a mixed picture in the hotly contested race for governor. Democrat Ralph Northam has a small but consistent lead against Republican Ed Gillespie in two new polls. Michael Pope reports.
Cotton Yield Almost Double Last Year’s
Posted in Virginia's News on October 17, 2017
Credit: Kimberly Vardeman / Flickr
Most areas of Virginia saw little to no rain for all of September, and that’s actually been a good thing for many farmers. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Key Ingredient In Craft Beer Boom Finally Taking Off In Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on October 16, 2017
Virginia’s beer industry is booming. Some brewers wonder, though, if the state is doing enough to nurture homegrown brewers and the local farmers who want to supply them the grain. Jessie Knadler reports.
Va News Topics: Chesapeake Bay Access, Buchanan Town Manager
Posted in Virginia's News on October 16, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Fishermen and business owners in one eastern Virginia community say they may lose access to the Chesapeake Bay. And, the town of Buchanan is divided over whether the town manager should be a full-time resident. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More now from Fred Echols.
Virginia Candidates Try To Navigate Trump Influence In Off-Year Election
Posted in Virginia's News on October 13, 2017
President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House earlier this week. (Credit: AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
Republican President Donald Trump is not on the ballot this year. But candidates are feeling the need to respond to his controversial presidency. Michael Pope reports.
Richmond Preps for 13th Annual Folk Festival
Posted in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Credit: Venture Richmond
Upwards of 200,000 people are expected to descend on Richmond this weekend for the 13th annual Folk Festival — three days of continuous music, dance, and food. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Bipartisanship Could Save Billions By Consolidating Data Centers
Posted in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Mark Duncan
Here’s something you don’t hear every day: Republicans and Democrats are working together in Washington to save billions of dollars. Michael Pope reports.
Dems Hope to Turn VA’s Red Statehouse Blue; Targeting 17 Seats to ‘flip’ in November
Posted in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
The 2018 national midterm elections are considered ‘the first contest of the Trump Era.’ But some say it really begins now with Virginia’s vote in a few weeks. Republicans have long controlled the House of Delegates. But Democrats are hoping to ‘flip’ districts that went for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Robbie Harris reports.
Study: Post-High School Education Lags In Some Parts Of Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Virginia is one of the most highly educated states in the country. A new report, however, shows an uneven nature to that education, with some communities left behind. Michael Pope reports.
Governor’s Commission on Diversity, Inclusion Meets for First Time After Charlottesville
Posted in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Governor Terry McAuliffe addresses a news conference concerning the white supremacist rally and violence in Charlottesville August 12th. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
A panel dedicated to racial healing met for the first time in Richmond Tuesday. Virginia’s Governor created the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion after the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.
Northern Virginia Race Pits Transgender Candidate Against Conservative Delegate
Posted in Virginia's News on October 12, 2017
Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates 13th District seat, Danica Roem, right, talks with a resident as she greets voters at a neighborhood in Manassas. Roem is running against Delegate Bob Marshall in the 13th House of Delegates District. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
One of the most high-profile House of Delegates races is also the most historic. The election for House District 13 in Northern Virginia features the first transgender candidate and one of the most conservative Republicans in the General Assembly. Michael Pope reports.
How Some Candidates are Taking on Longstanding State Lawmakers
Posted in Virginia's News on October 10, 2017
Dawn Adams signs one of her campaign calling cards. She’s running against Republican Manoli Loupassi, who has held his seat for almost a decade. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
A hundred state lawmakers are up for election this November. They’re the ones who decide how much to pay teachers, whether to expand Medicaid, or if marijuana should be legal. Last time they were elected, only 29% of registered voters turned out.
This week we’ll highlight some of those House of Delegates races. We begin in Richmond, where Mallory Noe-Payne takes a look at what it’s like to challenge someone who’s held office for a decade.
Gillespie, Northam Meet For Final Debate
Posted in Virginia's News on October 10, 2017
Democratic candidate for governor, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam, left, shakes hanks with Republican challenger Ed Gillespie after their third and final debate last night at the University of Virginia-Wise. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Virginia’s two major party candidates are closing in on the final days of a heated campaign. They made some of their closing comments in rural Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Gillespie, Northam Hope to Impress in Tonight’s Final Gubernatorial Debate
Posted in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Democrat Ralph Northam, left, shakes hands with Republican Ed Gillespie during the second of their three debates last month in Northern Virginia. The third debate will take place this evening in Wise. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
The third and final debate between the candidates for governor of Virginia will take place tonight. It gives both major-party candidates an opportunity to create one final impression before voters head to the polls next month. Michael Pope has this preview.
Democratic Delegate Tries To Rebuild Relationship With Rural Virginians
Posted in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) speaks during a House session at the state Capitol in Richmond. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
Democrats know they have an image problem among rural Americans. The only Democratic Delegate west of Charlottesville is trying to flip the script. Jessie Knadler reports.
Stink Bug Redux; New Strategies for Controlling Them
Posted in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
The sound of stink bugs flying around indoors has become a harbinger of autumn. One has been circling above me the whole time I’ve been writing this story. She looks like she’s trying to get into the ceiling but each time she hits it, she bounces off. Robbie Harris has this update on what scientists are learning about controlling the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
2012 Ultrasound Bill Still A Factor In Lieutenant Governor’s Race
Posted in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. Virginia State Sen. Jill Vogel, right, gestures during a debate with Democrat Justin Fairfax at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
On the campaign trail, issues surrounding women’s health are becoming one of the hottest points of debate between statewide candidates. Michael Pope has details.
Democratic Candidates Propose Single Payer Healthcare
Posted in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Supporters of single-payer health care rally in California. A slate of local Democratic lawmakers are proposing something similar here in Virginia. (Credit: AP Photo / Rich Pedroncelli)
The healthcare debate may have simmered down in Congress, but it’s heating up in Virginia. This week, Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates rolled out a proposal for a single payer healthcare system. But Republicans in office quickly shot it down. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lieutenant Governor Candidates Clash Over Guns, Trump
Posted in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor State Senator Jill Vogel, right, gestures during a debate with Democrat Justin Fairfax at the University of Richmond, Thursday October 5th, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
The recent shooting in Las Vegas is creating a new flashpoint in the final few weeks Election 2017: guns. Michael Pope reports.
Donald Trump is not on the ballot this year in Virginia, but his Presidency was an issue Thursday night.
Fairfax attacked Jill Vogel for her support of Trump. “She supported him in the election. She voted for him. She tweeted on the night that he won that he’s going to make America great again, and that’s what she believes,” Fairfax argued. “Well I don’t think he’s making America great again. I think what he and his appointees are doing are unraveling so much of the protections and so much of the progress that we have made as a country.”
Vogel did not try to distance herself from Trump. “So I am unapologetic about wanting to make Virginia great again, about wanting to make America great again, about being Republican. But I’m also unapologetic about the fact that in ten years in the Senate of Virginia, I have never been afraid to break with my party,” Vogel responded.
Polls show Trump is unpopular in Virginia, which is the only southern state he did not win last year.
The Search For Paw Paw, North America’s Most Mysterious Fruit
Posted in Virginia's News on October 9, 2017
James River Park System employee Andrew Alli holding a cut paw paw. (Credit: Brad Kutner)
If you’ve ever walked along the James River, you might have spotted a weird, oblong green or brown fruit hanging from a tree or rotting on the ground. But, the only thing weirder than the taste of this mysterious fruit is its story. Brad Kutner reports.
Facebook Comes to Virginia with Billion Dollar Data Center
Posted in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017
Lawmakers in Richmond pose with “Facebook” shovels, announcing a deal with tech and social media company. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Facebook is moving into Virginia. The company announced Thursday it will build an almost billion dollar data center in Henrico County, just east of the state’s capitol. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Officials Working to Maintain Voting Integrity Following Russian Hack Attempt
Posted in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Sue Ogrocki
As voters begin casting absentee ballots in Election 2017, new details are emerging about the role Russia played in Virginia’s election last year. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Pay for Performance Grant Unique Take on “Free” Community College
Posted in Virginia's News on October 5, 2017
Students at John Tyler Community College take advantage of a state grant to earn their Manufacturing Technician Certificate. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
When Charles Griffin saw the flier at work for a Manufacturing Technician class, signing up was a no brainer. He builds refrigeration coils at a nearby plant and having this certificate could mean doubling his hourly pay. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
When It Comes to Cash on Hand, State Republicans Hold a Significant Advantage
Posted in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Delegate Chris Jones (R-Suffolk) has $700,000 in his campaign account. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
All the buzz this year in the election for House of Delegates has been with the Democrats, who are eager to capitalize on uneasiness with President Trump. But, as Michael Pope reports, most of the money is with the Republicans.
Thousands of Children in Virginia Could Lose Health Insurance by January
Posted in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
The federal CHIP program funds healthcare for nearly 9 million children nationwide. (Credit: Terry Vine / Blend Images / Getty Images)
65,000 low income children in Virginia could get cut off from their healthcare if Congress doesn’t act soon. The state is already preparing to send out termination notices for coverage. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Gun Control Discussions Are Sparking Donations to Campaigns on Both Sides of the Debate
Posted in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
The mass shooting in Las Vegas is reopening the twin issues of gun rights and gun control in Virginia, just as campaign season is in full swing. And, as Michael Pope reports, both sides of the issue are spending heavily on the issue.
Some Rural Democrats Feel They’re Being Forgotten Ahead of Election Day
Posted in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Raphine in Rockbridge County (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
With Election Day looming, the Rockbridge County Democratic chairman resigned last week after what he says were months of neglect of rural voters by the Democratic Party of Virginia. Jessie Knadler reports.
High Season For Hawk Watchers
Posted in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Ron Harris
For birdwatchers in the Blue Ridge this is an exciting time of year. Millions of raptors – hawks and eagles, falcons and kites – are making their way south for the winter. Sandy Hausman reports.
Kaine: Put Virginia’s Best Amazon Headquarters Pitch Forward
Posted in Virginia's News on October 4, 2017
Senator Mark Warner (left) and Senator Tim Kaine
At a packed hotel ballroom of Northern Virginia’s business leaders, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner made a rare joint appearance Monday to talk about the state of the economy in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Pipeline Expansion Could Mean Additional Compressor Stations
Posted in Virginia's News on October 2, 2017
Credit: atlanticcoastpipeline.com
Dominion Power says they’ve made no decision to expand the Atlantic Coast Pipeline into South Carolina. Last week the AP obtained a recording of Dominion executive Dan Weekly telling people at an energy conference that “everybody knows” the pipeline won’t stop in North Carolina. Mallory Noe-Payne takes a look at what that could mean for Virginia.
Va News Topics: Fredericksburg Relic, Roanoke City Schools SOL Retesting
Posted in Virginia's News on October 2, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Fredericksburg is the latest city facing a decision about what to do with a relic from the era of slavery, but this time it’s not a statue. And, questions are being asked about Roanoke City Schools’ retesting on some SOL exams. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More now from Fred Echols.
Feed Virginia Day of Action Highlights Food Insecurity
Posted in Virginia's News on September 29, 2017
As part of an ongoing effort to improve food access in Virginia, volunteers across the state participated in more than 80 events Friday. To celebrate, Virginia’s Governor and First Lady hosted a pop up farmer’s market at the state capitol. Mallory Noe-Payne was there and has this report.
“Remember The Future;” A Dance About NASA at 100
Posted in Virginia's News on September 29, 2017
Radford Dancers celebrate NASA Langley’s 100th Birthday
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, known as NASA, turned 100 this year. As part of the centennial celebration, NASA’s Langley Research Center commissioned a special work of art. It’s not a sculpture or painting. It’s a dance. And when you think about it, the art of dance is a wonderful way to capture the essence and honor the achievements of the centenarian space agency. Robbie Harris has more.
Outside Money Helps Fund TV Air War in Governor’s Race
Posted in Virginia's News on September 28, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber
If you’ve been watching television, you know it’s campaign season. But, as Michael Pope reports, it’s not just the candidates who are buying up TV time.
Attorney General and Lawmakers Target High-Interest Loans
Posted in Virginia's News on September 28, 2017
Teena Hamlin stands outside the Allied Cash Advance in Richmond where she took out a loan in a moment of desperation. (Credit: Michael Pope)
For people who are really hard up for quick cash, reading the fine print of a contract is not always the top priority. That’s how many businesses thrive, charging interest rates in the hundreds to desperate consumers and trapping them in a cycle of debt. Now some elected officials are fighting back. Michael Pope reports.
Could Controversy Surrounding the NFL Bring Momentum to Corey Stewart’s Senate Run?
Posted in Virginia's News on September 27, 2017
The NFL logo at midfield prior to a preseason match-up between the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals last month. (Credit: AP Photo / Jack Dempsey)
The controversy over NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem is reaching into the realm of Virginia politics. Now, as Michael Pope reports, one candidate for the United States Senate hopes the issue might bring new attention to his campaign.
The Wide Ranging Opinions on Marijuana Legalization Among Virginia’s Lawmakers
Posted in Virginia's News on September 27, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Jim Mone, File
Virginia lawmakers are some of the more progressive in the nation when it comes to marijuana policy. Matt Laslo has the story from the Capitol on the broad array of reasons that has even staunch conservatives supporting some legalization efforts.
Consulting Firm Facing Backlash Following Community Meeting Decision
Posted in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017
Heritage High School in Lynchburg. Lynchburg City Schools recently hired a well-known consulting firm to help it find a new chief executive. That firm is now facing harsh criticism after barring a local reporter from a community meeting. (Credit: Lynchburg City Schools)
A well-known consulting firm that works with school systems is in hot water this week after one of its regional directors barred a reporter from a public meeting. Michael Pope has details.
New Poll Indicates Most Virginians Want Equal Protections for Members of the LGBTQ Community
Posted in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017
Credit: equalityvirginia.org
The state’s largest LGBTQ equality group has funded a survey and the results look promising for those concerned with the rights of sexual minorities. Brad Kutner has more from Richmond.
Richmond Considers Asking State Lawmakers to Take a Stand on Confederate Monuments
Posted in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017
Richmond residents came out to a city council meeting Monday evening in support of taking down the city’s Confederate monuments. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Richmond’s city council is considering asking lawmakers for permission to move the city’s Confederate monuments. If the resolution passes, it could force state delegates to take a clear stand on the issue. Mallory Noe-Payne was at a council meeting and has this report.
Virginia Tech Fans Honor HOF Inductees, Vick Misses Game
Posted in Virginia's News on September 26, 2017
Members of the 2017 Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame are honored during halftime of the Hokies’ 38-0 win over Old Dominion at Lane Stadium Saturday. (Credit: Jeff Bossert / RADIO IQ)
Michael Vick is now a member of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, despite a substantial petition drive, and a silent protest that went on through the weekend. Jeff Bossert reports.
Northam Surges Ahead of Gillespie in Television Advertising
Posted in Virginia's News on September 25, 2017
Lieutenant Governor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam during a televised debate in Northern Virginia last week. Northam has surged ahead of Republican Ed Gillespie in television ad buys. (Credit: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Now that the campaign for governor is reaching the most intense stretch heading into Election Day, television viewers are noticing a nonstop round of commercials. But one candidate is rising above the other. Michael Pope explains.
Va News Topics: Internet Cable, Passenger Train Service to Southwest VA?
Posted in Virginia's News on September 25, 2017
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Virginia’s first direct digital connection to Europe is now open. And, local government leaders in Southwest Virginia are hopeful that passenger trains will soon return to the area. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week on the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va News link at vpap.org. More now from Fred Echols.
Uncertainty Could Result in Access to Care Issues for Virginia ACA Enrollees
Posted in Virginia's News on September 25, 2017
Credit: AP Photo / Andrew Harnik, File)
As efforts continue in Washington to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Virginia is prepping for another season of open enrollment through the ACA marketplace. But as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, confusion could mean fewer people enroll.
Author Explains the History and Tactics of the Anti-Fascist Movement
Posted in Virginia's News on September 22, 2017
Virginia’s confederate past has drawn the attention of both white supremacists and the groups that oppose them. There’s still a lot of mystery surrounding those groups, sometimes known as “antifa.” Now one author is trying to shed some light on the movement. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Surprising Number of Republican Candidates in Favor of Closing Gun Show Loophole
Posted in Virginia's News on September 22, 2017
Republican Lolita Mancheno-Smoak is one of the Northern Virginia Republicans on the ballot this year who say they would vote in favor of closing the gun show loophole. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Republican members of the General Assembly have stopped efforts to close the gun show loophole for years. But now a new generation of Republican candidates may indicate a shift in the momentum. Michael Pope has the story.
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From NPR News- Iowa Tries A New Domestic Violence Intervention: Mindfulness October 21, 2017Iowa has a new intervention program for domestic abusers, which aims to develop their emotional awareness. In early studies, the program outperformed traditional classes that address control issues.
- One Of New Zealand's Best Sailors Aims For Triple Crown In Round-The-World Race October 21, 2017Peter Burling has already won Olympic gold and the America's Cup. Soon he'll start the grueling Volvo Ocean Race. Sleep deprivation, freeze-dried food and giant waves are only some of the challenges.
- Trump Teases, Threatens And Dodges With 'We'll See What Happens' October 21, 2017President Trump frequently says "We will see what happens" about matters large and small, creating uncertainty for the media, members of his administration and even world leaders.
- 'Impossible To Save': Scientists Are Watching China's Glaciers Disappear October 21, 2017Xinjiang has nearly 20,000 glaciers, half of China's total. They're all receding at a record pace — and will continue to melt, some scientists warn, even if global temperatures stop rising.
- DeVos Is Sued By 17 States; Richard Spencer And Colleges; Race and Student Loans October 21, 2017Plus a new Education Department employee opposes regulation in our weekly roundup of learning-related news.
- Iowa Tries A New Domestic Violence Intervention: Mindfulness October 21, 2017
- From BBC News
- Spain expected to impose Catalonia direct rule October 21, 2017The Spanish cabinet is meeting to decide whether or not to impose direct rule on Catalonia.
- Motorway roadworks speed limit could be increased October 21, 2017Tests suggested drivers were more relaxed at higher speeds as they could overtake slower vehicles.
- Mugabe named as goodwill ambassador by WHO October 21, 2017The World Health Organisation head praises Zimbabwe's public health policy, in a controversial move.
- Storm Brian: Gale-force winds and high seas hit UK coast October 21, 2017The storm will not be as bad as feared, although disruption is still possible, forecasters say.
- Islamic State and the crisis in Iraq and Syria in maps October 20, 2017Maps and graphics telling the story of the fight against so-called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria.
- Spain expected to impose Catalonia direct rule October 21, 2017
