Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
Homepage: http://theweatherzone.wordpress.com
MRAPs Have Become a Sticking Point in Military Equipment Use Debate
Posted in Virginia's News on September 18, 2020
Lawmakers are debating a ban on some kinds of military equipment for law enforcement agencies across Virginia. As Michael Pope reports, the House and Senate are taking different approaches.
Virginia House and Senate at Odds Over Special Session’s Next Steps
Posted in Virginia's News on September 17, 2020
House Democrats and Senate Democrats are at an impasse, and leaders in both chambers are trying to figure out what to do next in the special session. Michael Pope reports.
Lessons Learned During the 1986 Special Session
Posted in Virginia's News on September 17, 2020
Faced with a global pandemic and undeniable evidence of police brutality, lawmakers are working their way through a hectic special session – but it’s not entirely without precedent. Cat Modlin-Jackson has this look back at a time when the legislature got together to solve a different kind of crisis.
Virginia Senate Committee Kills Paid Quarantine Leave Bill
Posted in Virginia's News on September 16, 2020
Lawmakers are rejecting an effort to require businesses offer paid quarantine leave. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Working to Balance the Budget… Again
Posted in Virginia's News on September 15, 2020
Lawmakers are trying to budget the state out of the red ink created by slumping revenues tied to the economic crisis. Michael Pope reports.
Senate Democrats Split Over State Inspections of ICE Facilities
Posted in Virginia's News on September 11, 2020
Members of the Virginia state Senate are considering a bill that would allow state inspectors access to detention centers holding people accused of violating immigration laws. But, Senate Democrats are divided about how to handle the situation. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Blocking Police Use of Military Equipment Moves to House of Delegates
Posted in Virginia's News on September 10, 2020
The Virginia Senate has approved a landmark bill approving policing reform. The vote came after a debate over the use of military equipment. Michael Pope has details.
Advocates Say There’s Adequate Funding to Reinstate Healthcare Spending
Posted in Virginia's News on September 10, 2020
Faced with uncertainty about the costs of the coronavirus, lawmakers hit pause on plans to spend more money on Medicaid coverage earlier this year. But, in spite of an expected revenue shortfall, policy experts say there’s plenty of money left for healthcare spending. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Marcus Alert Legislation On its Way to the Virginia Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on September 9, 2020
Wednesday, House lawmakers advanced a bill that would establish the Marcus Alert system. Cat Modlin-Jackson has this story about the evolving proposal, named for an unarmed Black man killed by a Richmond police officer in 2018.
Democratic Senators Block Republican Effort to Prevent Police from Unionizing
Posted in Virginia's News on September 9, 2020
Members of the General Assembly are about to move forward with landmark legislation to reform policing in Virginia. But, Republican efforts to reduce the influence of police unions have been unsuccessful. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate Shelves COVID Workers Comp Bill for Now
Posted in Virginia's News on September 9, 2020
Should workers who get COVID-19 be eligible for workers’ compensation? As Michael Pope reports, lawmakers aren’t sure.
Bill Allowing Localities to Immediately Remove War Memorials Moves to State Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on September 8, 2020
As the nation attempts to reckon with systemic racism, lawmakers in Virginia are moving to speed up the process of taking down Confederate monuments. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Paid Sick Days Proposal is Dead, but Virginia House Moving Forward With Quarantine Leave
Posted in Virginia's News on September 8, 2020
Efforts to require paid sick days during the pandemic have already fallen apart in the Senate. But, efforts are moving forward in the House for a quarantine leave. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Adding Civil Penalty for Emergency Order Violations Passes State Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on September 4, 2020
What happens if someone violates the governor’s executive order on the pandemic? Michael Pope reports.
Several Measures Move Forward, But Qualified Immunity Bill Dies in House
Posted in Virginia's News on September 4, 2020
A suite of policing reform bills moved out of the state House Friday. But, a measure allowing civilians to sue on-duty officers for misconduct wasn’t one of them. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
New Poll: Broad Support for Paid Sick Day Policy Among Virginians
Posted in Virginia's News on September 4, 2020
A new poll shows widespread support for paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.
You can find more information on the poll here.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Just How Much Power Should Civilian Review Boards Have?
Posted in Virginia's News on September 3, 2020
Should citizen review boards be able to crack down on bad cops? Michael Pope reports lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow that kind of power.
State Lawmakers Want to Ensure a Tuition Freeze Still Happens
Posted in Virginia's News on September 3, 2020
Earlier this year, lawmakers set aside millions of dollars to freeze tuition rates. They shifted course and unallotted that money when COVID-19 cast a shadow of economic doubt, but now, a move to restore those funds has bipartisan support. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Virginia Senate Strikes Down COVID-19 Business Immunity Bill
Posted in Virginia's News on September 2, 2020
Credit: CDC
Should corporations be immune from lawsuits if customers contract COVID-19? Michael Pope reports.
Some State Lawmakers Worry Pandemic Could Stymie Civic Education Effort
Posted in Virginia's News on September 1, 2020
The pandemic has played havoc with many aspects of education. Efforts to get high school students to register to vote are still moving forward, even though many schools are virtual. Michael Pope reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: House Committee Revives Effort to End Qualified Immunity
Posted in Virginia's News on September 1, 2020
Delegate Jeff Bourne (D-Richmond)
The state’s special session over police reform took a turn Tuesday after members of the House Appropriations Committee revived a bill allowing citizens to sue law-enforcement officers for misconduct. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports the latest on the controversial move to end qualified immunity.
Budget Restraints Halt Some Policing Reforms in Richmond
Posted in Virginia's News on August 31, 2020
Lawmakers are focused on reworking the budget and reforming police practices, but these issues aren’t mutually exclusive. Monday, members of the House budget committee weighed the costs of some of the criminal justice measures moving through their chamber. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Bill to Limit Pretextual Stops Advances in House and Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on August 31, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are moving forward with efforts to crack down on a controversial practice of pretextual policing. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Crime Commission Recommends Conviction Expungement System
Posted in Virginia's News on August 31, 2020
Virginia is one of the few states where it’s almost impossible for someone to get rid of a conviction. But, that might be about to change. Michael Pope has the story.
Voting in a Pandemic: Drop Box Funding Passes In Virginia House and Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on August 28, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a plan to spend $2 million to help voters cast ballots during the pandemic. But, critics say they are opening the door to vote harvesting and election fraud. Michael Pope has details.
State Lawmakers Working to Publicize Virginia Parole Board Votes
Posted in Virginia's News on August 27, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are debating ways to shed more sunlight on the actions of the Virginia Parole Board. Michael Pope has the story.
Voting in a Pandemic: Drop Boxes Legislation Moves Forward in Virginia Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on August 27, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a plan to fund drop boxes for ballots across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate Moves Forward Bill Removing Mandatory Minimums Related to Police Assault
Posted in Virginia's News on August 26, 2020
Mandatory minimum sentences have been controversial in Virginia since the 1990s, when many new mandatory minimums were added to the code. Now lawmakers are moving in the other direction. Michael Pope has details.
Guzman Bill Providing Paid Quarantine Leave Moves to House Appropriations Committee
Posted in Virginia's News on August 26, 2020
Delegate Elizabeth Guzmán
Public health officials have recommended self-isolation for people who’ve come down with or come into contact with COVID-19. For many caregivers and workers, staying home means losing days or weeks of wages. Cat Modlin-Jackson has details.
Committee Kills Vaccine Opt-Out Legislation
Posted in Virginia's News on August 25, 2020
Credit: CDC
What happens when a vaccine for COVID-19 comes online? Tuesday, Republican lawmakers pushed legislation that would’ve limited mandates on immunizations. Cat Modlin-Jackson has this report.
COVID-Altered Budget: Can State Lawmakers Squeeze in Funding for Clerk Positions?
Posted in Virginia's News on August 24, 2020
Some of Virginia’s understaffed courts won big earlier this year when legislators approved funding for new district clerk positions. But their gain was lost to pandemic budget freezes, leaving court administrators to struggle under the weight of a workload that’s only grown because of COVID-19. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Voting in a Pandemic: State Lawmakers Working to Establish Protections for November Election
Posted in Virginia's News on August 24, 2020
With a little more than two months to go before the nation’s first pandemic presidential election, lawmakers in Virginia’s General Assembly are fast tracking a measure to establish socially-distant election protocols. Monday, members of the House of Delegates pushed full speed ahead. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Legislating in the Era of COVID: Zoom Meetings and Electronic Votes
Posted in Virginia's News on August 24, 2020
Republican Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment says the Senate has never voted on anything virtually, and he warns it will be a “dangerous precedent” to start voting via Zoom during Monday’s Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee meeting.
Members of the Virginia Senate are joining the era of Zoom, voting electronically during a special session. Michael Pope reports.
ICE Facilities Could Be Subject to Virginia Regulators Under Boysko Legislation
Posted in Virginia's News on August 21, 2020
State Senator Jennifer Boysko (Credit: Senate of Virginia)
State regulators may be on their way to inspect detention centers holding people accused of violating immigration laws.
Michael Pope reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Should Juries Still Hand Down Sentences in Virginia?
Posted in Virginia's News on August 20, 2020
Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) arguing in favor of the bill ahead of a long weekend break of the special session.
The state Senate is breaking from the Special Session for a long weekend. But, before they left Richmond, they moved a sentencing reform effort forward. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Weigh Options to Help Relieve Eviction Crisis
Posted in Virginia's News on August 20, 2020
Credit: NPR
The economic fallout of COVID-19 has amplified Virginia’s eviction crisis, leaving lawmakers to negotiate a solution that would keep both tenants and landlords from going under. Members of the House and Senate have proposed rules mandating payment agreements, but they’re not entirely on the same page. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Several Criminal Justice Reform Bills Quickly Pass Through Senate Panel
Posted in Virginia's News on August 19, 2020
Lawmakers are back in Richmond, and they’re already taking action on reforming policing. Michael Pope reports.
COVID-19 Prompts Cuts to Education in Revised Northam Budget
Posted in Virginia's News on August 19, 2020
Governor Northam’s revised budget bill proposes cuts for education and a boost to Medicaid spending. But, the loss for schools isn’t necessarily a gain for healthcare. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Here’s the full report from the Commonwealth Institute.
Lucas Charges Had Lawmakers Buzzing on First Day of Special Session
Posted in Virginia's News on August 18, 2020
President Pro Tempore of the Senate Louise Lucas
moves that the Senate adjourn until, ending the chamber’s first day of special session. Lucas has been the center of attention this week because the Portsmouth Police Department
is charging her with “injury” to a Confederate monument (Credit: Michael Pope)
As lawmakers arrived in Richmond for a special session to rewrite the budget and adopt criminal justice reform, lawmakers are buzzing about one of their own members charged with a felony. Michael Pope has the story.
State Lawmakers to Take Another Crack at Paid Sick Days Proposal
Posted in Virginia's News on August 17, 2020
Credit: NPR
Earlier this year, lawmakers considered and rejected a proposal to require employers offer paid sick days. Lawmakers will be considering it again during a special session this week. Michael Pope reports.
In the Age of COVID-19, Should Every Virginia School Have a Nurse?
Posted in Virginia's News on August 17, 2020
Credit: Wellness GM / Flickr, Creative Commons: flickr.com/photos/130100316@N04/15728773073/
School systems across Virginia are trying to figure out how they can reopen for face-to-face classes. And, they might be getting some help from lawmakers. Michael Pope reports.
Wastewater, Runoff from Stormwater, Agriculture Slow Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Posted in Virginia's News on August 13, 2020
Virginians are heading to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for a break from the COVID-19 pandemic – fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Throughout the summer pollution closes access to some of those waters. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation took a critical look at whether Virginia is meeting pollution reduction goals. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Here is the full CBF report.
COVID-19 Prompting At Least One State Lawmaker to Rethink License Ceremonies
Posted in Virginia's News on August 12, 2020
Credit: NPR
The pandemic has upended many aspects of day to day life, including teenagers who get their first driver’s license. And as Michael Pope tells us, lawmakers are considering upending a long-standing tradition.
Susan Bro Reflects on Progress Since Her Daughter’s Death
Posted in Virginia's News on August 11, 2020
Susan Bro, director of the Heather Heyer Foundation, continues her fight against racism and violence in America. (Credit: RADIO IQ)
As the nation marks the third anniversary of a violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, the mother of a woman killed during Unite the Right is reflecting on small steps forward and work that still needs to be done. Sandy Hausman reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Should Lawmakers Implement a Court Fee Moratorium?
Posted in Virginia's News on August 10, 2020
Lawmakers are about to arrive in Richmond to start considering a number of criminal justice reforms. One issue that might be on the agenda is a moratorium on court fines and fees. Michael Pope reports.
Senate Democrats Unveil Policing Reform Proposals Ahead of Special Session
Posted in Virginia's News on August 6, 2020
As a special session approaches later this month, Senate Democrats are preparing their proposal to reform police agencies across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Comparing Virginia’s Unemployment with Other Localities Across the Country
Posted in Virginia's News on August 5, 2020
Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment in Virginia is currently at 8.4%. That’s a dramatic increase since the pandemic hit. But, metropolitan areas in Virginia are actually doing significantly better than many other cities across the country. Michael Pope reports.
Balancing the Budget: How Should Virginia Handle Economic Situation Amid the Pandemic?
Posted in Virginia's News on August 4, 2020
Lawmakers are headed back to Richmond this month to put together a new budget, one that takes into account the new economic situation presented by the pandemic. And, they’ll be considering a number of proposals for raising new revenue. Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Face Even More Calls to Transform Police Ahead of Special Session
Posted in Virginia's News on August 3, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are headed to Richmond later this month to consider a host of criminal justice reform efforts. And, they’ll be under intense pressure to take action. Michael Pope reports.
Black Virginians Are Facing a New Onslaught of Job Losses
Posted in Virginia's News on July 30, 2020
As the economy opens back up in Virginia, some groups are faring better than others. Michael Pope reports.
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From NPR News- Step Aside Election 2000: This Year's Election May Be The Most Litigated Yet September 22, 2020In 2000, lawyers and election officials endlessly examined and debated butterfly ballots and hanging chads. Now, the legal arguments are more complex and center on the rules governing mail-in voting.
- Rural Hospitals Teeter On Financial Cliff As COVID-19 Medicare Loans Come Due September 22, 2020The federal loans were meant to help hospitals survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet they're coming due now — at a time when many rural hospitals are still desperate for help.
- Black Protest Leaders To White Allies: 'It's Our Turn To Lead Our Own Fight' September 22, 2020As Black Lives Matter protests spread across the country, a lot of white people joined in to help the cause. In many cities Black leaders are being deliberate about the roles "white allies" play.
- As U.S. Nears 200,000 Dead, Hospital Staff Reflect On Those Lost September 21, 2020Front-line workers in Houston, Seattle and New York City tell NPR about their experiences in hospitals over the last six months. "2020 can't keep going like this," one doctor says.
- McConnell Reiterates Pledge To Vote On Trump's Supreme Court Nominee This Year September 21, 2020Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that voters elected a GOP Senate in 2016 and strengthened it in 2018 because they wanted action on the president's federal judicial nominations.
- Step Aside Election 2000: This Year's Election May Be The Most Litigated Yet September 22, 2020
- From BBC News
- Coronavirus: Work from home 'if you can', Michael Gove says September 22, 2020Cabinet minister Michael Gove says the message for England is changing as infections surge.
- Flu jab 'more important than ever' this winter September 21, 2020People can catch flu and coronavirus at the same time with serious or deadly consequences, experts warn.
- Keir Starmer: Boris Johnson is 'just not up to the job' September 22, 2020The Labour leader says his party has to win back voters' trust as he addresses Labour conference.
- Coronavirus: Plans for fans to return to sport events in October called off September 22, 2020Plans for fans to return to watch live sport events in England from 1 October will not go ahead, says cabinet office minister Michael Gove.
- Whitbread to cut 6,000 jobs as hotel demand slumps September 22, 2020The owner of Premier Inns has warned that almost 20% of its workers could be laid off.
- Coronavirus: Work from home 'if you can', Michael Gove says September 22, 2020
