Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
Homepage: http://theweatherzone.wordpress.com
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.
Some Legislators Call for Virginia General Assembly to Reconvene Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Posted in Virginia's News on March 16, 2020
Virginia is in a state of emergency as health officials try to meet the challenge of coronavirus. Does that mean that lawmakers need to return to Richmond? Michael Pope reports.
Despite Economic Concerns Related to COVID-19, Lawmakers Pass Budget
Posted in Virginia's News on March 12, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond gaveled out Thursday on what’s been a historic legislative session. It was the first time Democrats were in charge of the process since the early 1990’s. The final item on their to do list was to pass the state’s two year budget. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
What Criminal Justice Reforms Passed Out of the General Assembly This Year?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 10, 2020
Democrats arrived in Richmond for the General Assembly session this year with a long list of agenda items for criminal justice reform. But, many of the more sweeping changes were scuttled. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Passed on a Paid Sick Days Proposal This Year
Posted in Virginia's News on March 9, 2020
The Senate rejected an effort to require businesses to offer five paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.
Bipartisan Effort to End Financial Exploitation of Seniors Headed to Northam’s Desk
Posted in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Republicans and Democrats are often at each other’s throats at the Capitol. But there is one issue where they are finding agreement: fighting exploitation of seniors. Michael Pope has details.
State Senate to Weigh In on Milk Definition
Posted in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Credit: Mike Mozart / Flickr
A bill to prevent companies from marketing soy milk and almond milk as “milk” is headed to the Senate floor. Michael Pope reports.
To Tackle ‘Critical Need’ Lawmakers Fund More Clerks
Posted in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
State lawmakers are addressing a shortage of clerks in Virginia’s district courts – after some officials said staffing levels were at a crisis point. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Pave the Way for More Needle Exchanges
Posted in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
The needle exchange in Wise is run out of the local health department. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Thanks to legislation that’s now on it’s way to the Governor’s desk any Virginia locality will be able to start a needle exchange. The bill also makes it easier to get those new sites up and running. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Reigning in Pipeline Developers is Proving Difficult in Richmond
Posted in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
Democratic Delegate Chris Hurst of the New River Valley (Credit: Virginia General Assembly)
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would double fines for water-quality violations of companies that build natural gas pipelines. Michael Pope reports other measures to increase oversight have been set aside, though.
Should Local Government Employees Get Collective Bargaining Rights?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
Employees of local governments may be on the verge of engaging in collective bargaining. Michael Pope explains.
The Debate Over Paid Sick Days Continues in Richmond
Posted in Virginia's News on February 24, 2020
With less than two weeks left in the General Assembly session, lawmakers are still hashing out an agreement on paid sick days. Michael Pope has details.
Red Flag Law Likely On Its Way to the Governor’s Desk
Posted in Virginia's News on February 24, 2020
Delegate Rip Sullivan of Arlington explains his red-flag law to the Senate Judiciary Committee as gun rights enthusiasts wearing orange stickers pack the committee room.
Lawmakers are moving forward on a bill that will let authorities confiscate guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. Michael Pope reports.
Marijuana Decriminalization May Soon Be a Reality in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2020
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Virginia is on the verge of decriminalizing marijuana, and bills to make that happen have already passed the House and Senate. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia May Soon Add Shield Law Protections for Journalists
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2020
Delegate Danica Roem (Credit: Ted Eytan / Creative Commons)
Journalists in Virginia may soon be getting new protections against disclosing confidential sources. Michael Pope reports.
The General Assembly Sets its Sights on Behavioral Bills
Posted in Virginia's News on February 20, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Making laws isn’t always about balancing the budget and drawing political boundaries. Sometimes, it’s also about some of the most human of human behaviors. Michael Pope explains.
Bipartisan Push to Provide More Oversight of Utility Bills
Posted in Virginia's News on February 20, 2020
A bipartisan push to take back authority over Virginia’s utilities – including Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power – is making its way through the legislature. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Gun Transfers Have Become a Sticking Point for Universal Background Checks
Posted in Virginia's News on February 19, 2020
A sweeping package of new restrictions on guns has been moving through the General Assembly. But, Democrats are divided about how universal background checks should be. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Religious Leaders Speak Out Against Regional Minimum Wage Approach
Posted in Virginia's News on February 19, 2020
Religious leaders from across Virginia gather for a prayer vigil outside the Capitol. They’re calling for a $15 minimum wage across Virginia instead of the regional approach favored by the Senate. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Faith leaders from across Virginia are pressing Senate Democrats to abandon their regional approach to raising the minimum wage. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia Establish a “Preclearance” Standard?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Virginia has a long history of using election rules to disenfranchise black voters, and lawmakers in Richmond are considering a check to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Michael Pope has details.
A Look at the Faith-Based Arguments at the General Assembly
Posted in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond hear lots of arguments about money and statistics. But they also hear arguments based in faith. Michael Pope reports.
VA House Weighs Possible Release for Sick and Disabled Prisoners
Posted in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Andre Daniels graduated from high school in Norfolk but found himself jobless and homeless at 21. (Credit: Johnay Hardy)
In most states prisoners with a terminal illness can be freed early, but Virginia only considers inmates with less than three months to live. Now, the legislature may change that, making several thousand prisoners eligible for compassionate release. Sandy Hausman reports.
There’s Bipartisan Support for Criminal Justice Reform in Richmond This Year
Posted in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Criminal justice reform is one of the leading issues this year in the Virginia General Assembly, and it’s an issue that has advocates on both sides of the aisle. Michael Pope reports.
State Democrats Want Increased Protections for Undocumented Immigrants
Posted in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
Undocumented immigrants in Virginia may be on the verge of getting new protections. Michael Pope reports.
Some Senate Democrats Block Assault Weapons Ban
Posted in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
A controversial proposal to ban assault style weapons looks like it will not pass the legislature this year. The bill was a key part of Governor Ralph Northam’s gun control agenda. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Democrats Want to Raise the Minimum Wage, But Are Split Over the Details
Posted in Virginia's News on February 12, 2020
Democrats are united in their desire to raise the minimum wage. But, they’re divided on how to make it happen. Michael Pope reports.
State Republicans: Democratic Agenda is Too Expensive
Posted in Virginia's News on February 12, 2020
Democrats are plowing through a massive agenda, everything from raising the minimum wage to addressing climate change. But, Republicans are worried about the cost of all that. Michael Pope reports.
At the Halfway Point, What Has the New Democratic Majority Focused on in Richmond?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 11, 2020
Lawmakers are zooming through the busiest day of the General Assembly session, the final deadline for moving bills from one chamber to the other.
Michael Pope reports.
Among the legislation advancing before Tuesday’s crossover deadline: Authorizing local governments to move or remove Confederate monuments and war memorials.
Another bill advancing out of the House of Delegates would change the way Virginia’s Electoral College votes are allocated.
With Key Vote Looming on Predatory Lending Restrictions, Some Are Worried About New Loopholes
Posted in Virginia's News on February 10, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are trying to crack down on high-interest loans. But, advocates against predatory lending are concerned about new loopholes that might be created in the process. Michael Pope has details.
An Effort to Repeal Virginia’s “Right to Work” Law Has Been Shelved
Posted in Virginia's News on February 10, 2020
The effort to repeal Virginia’s right to work law has failed, at least for now. Michael Pope reports.
When Should Polls Close on Election Day?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 7, 2020
Democrats are taking up a number of initiatives to make voting easier, and one of those may be extending polling hours. Michael Pope reports.
New Local Government Exchange Program Pairs Communities Across the State
Posted in Virginia's News on February 6, 2020
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, left, chats with Norton Mayor Joseph Fawbush at the Executive Mansion. The two cities have been paired as part of Gov. Ralph Northam’s Local Government Exchange Program. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Governor Ralph Northam is launching an effort aimed at forging new lines of communication across local governments in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
One State Lawmaker Wants to Establish an Office of New Americans
Posted in Virginia's News on February 5, 2020
Lawmakers are considering an effort aimed at helping immigrants who move to Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia Consider a Regional Minimum Wage?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 5, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are moving forward with increasing the minimum wage. But, some are pressing for regional variation. Michael Pope reports.
House of Delegates Poised for Key Vote on Non-Discrimination Policies
Posted in Virginia's News on February 4, 2020
Lawmakers are about to vote Wednesday on a bill that would create new protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Michael Pope reports.
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From NPR News- Ventilator Shortages Loom As States Ponder Rules For Rationing April 3, 2020Many states are projected to have excessive demand for ventilator machines in the coming weeks, but no state government has formally asked hospitals to prepare for difficult and complex crisis triage.
- 'Mike Borrowed My Credibility And Abused It': Fired Bloomberg Campaign Workers Speak April 3, 2020Mike Bloomberg's presidential bid didn't last long, but he promised staffers jobs through November. Now some who were abruptly laid off during a pandemic are detailing how they say they were misled.
- Many Who Need Testing For COVID-19 Fail To Get Access April 3, 2020There's still a serious shortage of testing for COVID-19 across the country. Many people who are sick and showing likely symptoms say they still can't get tested.
- The Coronavirus Small Business Loan Program: What You Need To Know April 3, 2020Congress has made $349 billion available in loans to small businesses, much of which may be forgivable. Here's what to know about how this might work for your small business.
- A Must For Millions, Zoom Has A Dark Side — And An FBI Warning April 3, 2020Federal and state law enforcement are asking questions about Zoom's security and privacy policies, as millions flock to the videoconferencing service for meetings, classes and social gatherings.
- Ventilator Shortages Loom As States Ponder Rules For Rationing April 3, 2020
- From BBC News
- Coronavirus: Questions over how testing pledge will be met April 3, 2020Labour calls for detail on how the government will increase coronavirus testing ten-fold by the end of April.
- Clap for Carers: UK applauds NHS staff and key workers April 2, 2020A second "Clap for Carers" tribute saw the country salute NHS staff and other key workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
- Coronavirus: Morning update April 3, 2020Five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this morning.
- MI6: World War Two workers in rare 'forbidden' footage April 2, 2020Rare footage is released of workers at MI6 during WW2 which has never been seen by the public before.
- Coronavirus: Emergency business loan scheme revamped after criticism April 3, 2020Firms have made more than 130,000 loan enquires, but fewer than 1,000 had been approved.
- Coronavirus: Questions over how testing pledge will be met April 3, 2020
