Nick Gilmore
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As Unemployment Rate Soars, Will Job Losses Be Temporary?
Posted in Virginia's News on May 28, 2020
Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment in Virginia hit a new record this week. Michael Pope reports.
An Early Look at the 2021 Gubernatorial Race
Posted in Virginia's News on May 27, 2020
Credit: NPR
The election for governor is still 18 months away. But, as Michael Pope reports, candidates are already coming out of the woodwork.
Assessing Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on May 26, 2020
Since 2011, private colleges and universities have offered more online learning opportunities. (Credit: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at UVA)
The pandemic is changing many aspects of life as we now know it, and that’s a trend that will only continue for the rest of the year. Michael Pope has this preview for the fall semester of higher education.
Virginia Finalizing Phone App For COVID-19 Tracking
Posted in Virginia's News on May 21, 2020
Credit: CDC
State officials expect to have an online COVID-19 self-check tool up and running within the next few days. Virginians will be able to record symptoms and get referred to testing. It’s just one aspect of the digital effort to control the pandemic. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
COVID-19 Benefits: Should Virginia Provide Them to Undocumented Immigrants?
Posted in Virginia's News on May 20, 2020
Should state and local governments in Virginia be helping undocumented immigrants who are being left behind in federal recovery programs? Michael Pope reports.
Controversial 287(g) Program Causing Debate in Prince William County Once Again
Posted in Virginia's News on May 19, 2020
Credit: ICE
Should local governments be involved in federal immigration enforcement? It’s an issue that’s once again in the spotlight in Prince William County. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Nursing Homes Report Lack of N95 Masks, Isolation Gowns
Posted in Virginia's News on May 19, 2020
Credit: CDC
Nursing homes in Virginia continue to have difficulty obtaining personal protective equipment. That’s according to new data published this week by the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Working Groups to Northam: Recommendations Should Be Requirements
Posted in Virginia's News on May 13, 2020
Most of Virginia is about to start opening back up for business, and groups representing Virginia workers are hoping the governor adopts some emergency regulations first. Michael Pope reports.
COVID-19’s Economic Impact is Hitting Communities of Color Harder, Too
Posted in Virginia's News on May 12, 2020
Credit: The Commonwealth Institute
Virginia is seeing massive amount of unemployment, and massive amount of claims for unemployment insurance. But, some groups are being hit harder than others. Michael Pope reports.
Here’s more information from the Commonwealth Institute.
“The hardest decision I’ve ever made…” Why One Northern Virginia Official Says More Time is Needed
Posted in Virginia's News on May 11, 2020
Credit: CDC
Virginia may be on the verge of opening back up for business, at least most of Virginia. The governor is now moving toward a regional approach. Michael Pope reports.
Wexton Pushes for More Flexibility in Paycheck Protection Program
Posted in Virginia's News on May 8, 2020
Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton
Congress is about to put together another coronavirus relief package, and one member of the Virginia delegation has a suggestion on helping businesses. Michael Pope reports.
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.
COVID-19 Pandemic Shedding New Light on Collective Bargaining Debate
Posted in Virginia's News on April 6, 2020
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.
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.
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From NPR News- Pentagon Orders Military Police To Prepare To Deploy To Minnesota May 30, 2020The order follows a night of angry protests in Minneapolis and nationwide. As many as 800 personnel could move within four hours at the governor's request, a U.S. official told NPR.
- Minnesota To Deploy Record Guard Force To Contain Unrest Over Death Of George Floyd May 30, 2020Gov. Tim Walz is fully mobilizing the state's National Guard — "an action that has never been taken in [the Guard's] 164-year history" — to prepare for a fifth night of protests.
- As Trump Targets Twitter's Legal Shield, Experts Have A Warning May 30, 2020Consensus is growing in Washington to repeal the decades-old law that protects tech platforms from lawsuits. Experts fear unintended consequences.
- Supreme Court Rejects Church's Challenge To California's Coronavirus Rules May 30, 2020Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the court's liberal bloc in a 5-4 decision issued late Friday. The lawsuit had argued that the state's limits on attendance discriminated against religion.
- Tracking The Pandemic: How Quickly Is The Coronavirus Spreading State By State? May 30, 2020View our map and graphics to see where COVID-19 is hitting hardest in the U.S., which state outbreaks are growing the fastest and which are leveling off.
- Pentagon Orders Military Police To Prepare To Deploy To Minnesota May 30, 2020
- From BBC News
- US astronauts begin historic mission on private craft May 30, 2020Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken head out on a mission to initiate a new, commercial era in spaceflight.
- Coronavirus: Shielders in England allowed outdoors again from Monday May 30, 2020Some restrictions on vulnerable people shielding from coronavirus are to be eased after 10 weeks.
- George Floyd death: Minnesota governor decries violent protests May 30, 2020Minnesota fully mobilises the National Guard as it and other US cities prepare for more unrest.
- Coronavirus: Belgian Prince Joachim tests positive after lockdown party May 30, 2020Spanish police are investigating whether a party attended by Prince Joachim breached lockdown rules.
- Sport returns: From Monday 1 June competitive sport allowed behind closed doors May 30, 2020The UK government approves the return of domestic competitive sport behind closed doors from Monday, 1 June.
- US astronauts begin historic mission on private craft May 30, 2020
