Nick Gilmore
Everything you possibly could want to know about all things weather
Homepage: http://theweatherzone.wordpress.com
The all-important top ballot position
Posted in Virginia's News on March 16, 2023
Candidates across Virginia are preparing to snag a spot at the top of the ballot next week. Michael Pope explains.
More and more Virginia school divisions are starting to unionize
Posted in Virginia's News on March 15, 2023
The Fairfax County School Board recently approved a resolution allowing for collective bargaining among public school employees, and the Falls Church School Board is expected to follow suit sometime soon. As Michael Pope reports, school divisions across Virginia are starting to unionize.
Redistricting might prevent some state lawmakers from participating in budget special session
Posted in Virginia's News on March 14, 2023
Members of the General Assembly finished their legislative session without passing a budget, and they are expected to return to the Capitol soon to finish the job. But, as Michael Pope reports, all members of the legislature might not be able to participate.
Highlighting overlooked stories across Appalachian Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on March 14, 2023
Across the Commonwealth, and the country, there have been many debates around monuments, and the stories they tell. A new project is underway to highlight stories in southwest Virginia that have often been overlooked. Roxy Todd reports.
Very few veterinarians are Black. These students are trying to change that
Posted in Virginia's News on March 13, 2023

Nationally, only about three percent of all veterinarians are Black, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg are working to change those statistics, as Roxy Todd reports.
Va. News: Same-day registration voting numbers, Charlottesville archeological dig
Posted in Virginia's News on March 13, 2023
Same-day registration and voting – used in Virginia for the first time last November – proved to be especially popular among college students. And, an archeological dig in downtown Charlottesville is producing artifacts by the hundreds.
Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link. More now from Fred Echols and Edie Gross with VPAP.
Earned wage access: is it a loan or not?
Posted in Virginia's News on March 9, 2023
New report: More of Virginia at risk of destructive winds from tropical systems
Posted in Virginia's News on March 8, 2023

The destructive force of wind from tropical weather systems poses an increasing risk to Virginia, according to a new report. Michael Pope has details.
You can see the shifting risk where you live here by typing in your street address.
State lawmakers are still divided over SCC vacancies
Posted in Virginia's News on March 3, 2023
Virginia’s governor is now considering a number of bills aimed at the relationship between regulators and utilities. But, as Michael Pope reports, that’s happening during a time when some key positions remain vacant.
Pope & Schapiro: Big developments despite the 2023 session wrapping up
Posted in Virginia's News on March 3, 2023
The 2023 General Assembly session is over, but that doesn’t mean this week wasn’t light on state government developments.
Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro – political columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch – discuss the week that was.
Governor Glenn Youngkin garners highest favorability rating in new Roanoke College poll
Posted in Virginia's News on March 2, 2023
Virginia’s governor is enjoying some of his best poll numbers ever. Michael Pope has this report on a new survey from Roanoke College.
Budget negotiators have some time to address education funding shortfall
Posted in Virginia's News on March 1, 2023
As leaders on the money committees of the General Assembly meet in private to nail down budget numbers, they will need to make a determination about how much money needs to go to schools to fix a math error from the Department of Education. Michael Pope reports.
Education advocates: state leaders still have work to do in addressing funding shortfall
Posted in Virginia's News on February 28, 2023
Lawmakers are still haggling over the details of the budget. And advocates say they also still need to fix a $200 million mistake. Michael Pope explains.
A possible breakthrough in the treatment of MS
Posted in Virginia's News on February 27, 2023

About a million people in this country suffer from a degenerative disease called multiple sclerosis. Treatments carry some potentially serious side effects, and there is no cure.
But scientists at the University of Virginia report a breakthrough that could someday mean recovery for people who have MS and other autoimmune disorders. From Charlottesville, Sandy Hausman reports.
Congressman Scott is hopeful his union legislation can move forward
Posted in Virginia's News on February 27, 2023
Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott is about to launch a new effort to protect the right to organize. And, as Michael Pope reports, it has Republican support.
What did state lawmakers accomplish during the 2023 session?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 27, 2023
Lawmakers ended their session without approving a budget. But as Michael Pope reports, they were able to claim some other accomplishments.
Va. News: Lacks commemoration, Loudon County honors Union hero
Posted in Virginia's News on February 27, 2023
A Black woman from Roanoke who died 70 years ago will be officially commemorated for her importance to medical research. And Loudon County is honoring the first Black man to fire a shot for the Union in the Civil War. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.
More now from Fred Echols and Edie Gross.
UVA explores link between sleep and the aging brain
Posted in Virginia's News on February 24, 2023

It’s not unusual for older adults to experience problems related to sleep, and one in ten people over the age of 45 report memory problems getting worse.
At the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing, experts hope to learn how sleep and mental decline are related, and they’re looking for volunteers to take part in a study from the comfort of their own homes.
Sandy Hausman has that story.
House Democrats try unsuccessfully to change rules to force abortion rights vote
Posted in Virginia's News on February 23, 2023
Democrats are trying to use a change to the rules of the House as a way to spotlight abortion protections. Michael Pope reports.
This will be the last General Assembly session for many lawmakers
Posted in Virginia's News on February 23, 2023
Many members of the General Assembly will be ending their session for the last time this year. Michael Pope reports.
State lawmakers unlikely to move forward with a marijuana marketplace this year
Posted in Virginia's News on February 22, 2023
Lawmakers are wrapping up their General Assembly session this year. Michael Pope reports they are likely to leave town without taking action on creating a retail market for marijuana.
The effort to allow a casino referendum in Petersburg is dead, but the debate rolls on
Posted in Virginia's News on February 22, 2023
Virginia now has four casinos that are up and running or will be soon, and as Michael Pope reports, lawmakers in Richmond are debating where to put a fifth.
Virginia House and Senate at odds over electric utility regulation
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2023
Lawmakers are wrestling with the details of how electric regulation should work and what kind of profit the utility providers should make. Michael Pope reports.
Will state lawmakers come to a budget agreement this week?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 21, 2023
Members of the General Assembly are expected to end their legislative session this weekend. But, as Michael Pope reports, they might end up leaving town without passing a budget.
Descendants of Massive Resistance victims may soon be eligible for scholarships
Posted in Virginia's News on February 17, 2023
Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a bill aimed at providing reparations for massive resistance. Michael Pope reports.
Should kratom products sold in Virginia come with a warning label?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 17, 2023
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would require new warning labels for kratom. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: A budget standoff and a looming end of session
Posted in Virginia's News on February 17, 2023
Time is winding down on the General Assembly session – which is set to adjourn next week.
Michael Pope and Jeff Shcapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, discuss what is left on the agenda and the week that was in state politics.
Could Virginia soon have an official pony?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 16, 2023
Who keeps watch over Virginia’s animal shelters?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 16, 2023

There are 155 animal shelters in Virginia, all of them regulated by the state. One is currently in the spotlight – the subject of an ongoing protest by former employees and volunteers. Sandy Hausman reports from Charlottesville.
Lawmakers unlikely to pass resolution acknowledging a dark chapter in Virginia history
Posted in Virginia's News on February 15, 2023
An effort that would’ve required Virginia to acknowledge the unethical use of Black bodies by medical institutions is on hold for now. Michael Pope explains.
A bill creating a psilocybin advisory board has failed
Posted in Virginia's News on February 15, 2023
Lawmakers in Richmond have legalized marijuana although they are still working on creating a retail market. Meanwhile, as Michael Pope tells us, they’re also debating the use of psychedelic mushrooms.
Virginia leaders to FBI: Build your new headquarters here
Posted in Virginia's News on February 15, 2023

On Wednesday, Virginia leaders from both sides of the aisle came together with one common goal – convincing the FBI to build its new headquarters in the Commonwealth. Nick Gilmore has details.
Should bicycles be required to stop at intersections?
Posted in Virginia's News on February 14, 2023
Lawmakers in Richmond are debating how automobiles and bicycles can share the road. Michael Pope reports.
A bill aimed at transgender youth is expected to die in the state Senate later this week
Posted in Virginia's News on February 14, 2023
A bill protecting medical workers from violence has bipartisan support
Posted in Virginia's News on February 13, 2023
Physicians and health providers may be about to get new protections against violence. Michael Pope explains.
Another bill backed by Governor Youngkin is dead for the session
Posted in Virginia's News on February 13, 2023
Virginia’s governor may be one of the most powerful governors in the country. But, as Michael Pope reports, he still has to deal with a legislature that can derail his agenda.
U.S. Attorney ready to go after environmental crime
Posted in Virginia's News on February 13, 2023
At the request of Attorney General Merrick Garland, the justice department is putting greater emphasis on prosecuting environmental crimes, and the U.S. Attorney for Virginia’s Western District says he’s ready.
Sandy Hausman reports on what that will mean for our national parks, forests and communities.
Va. News: THC edibles, “Beach Week” warning
Posted in Virginia's News on February 13, 2023
Virginia high school seniors are being warned to behave themselves if they plan to celebrate graduation on North Carolina’s Outer Banks this year. And alarming numbers of children in Virginia are getting sick after consuming THC edibles. Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.
More now from Fred Echols and Edie Gross with VPAP.
A compromise effort on prison phone calls is moving forward
Posted in Virginia's News on February 10, 2023
Members of the General Assembly are debating a bill that would help people who are incarcerated stay connected to their families and their communities. Michael Pope reports.
The General Assembly has a long way to go on the budget
Posted in Virginia's News on February 10, 2023
As lawmakers move toward the end of their General Assembly session later this month, several key lawmakers will be focused on balancing the books. Michael Pope reports.
Pope & Schapiro: Crossover Day and the rest of the way
Posted in Virginia's News on February 10, 2023
This week saw the halfway point of the 2023 General Assembly session come and go. Michael Pope and Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, discuss what lawmakers will be working on the rest of the way.
The General Assembly debates controversial books
Posted in Virginia's News on February 9, 2023
Lawmakers in Richmond are debating what kind of books should be allowed in public school libraries. Michael Pope has the story.
A bill related to transgender students cleared the House, faces certain death in the Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on February 7, 2023
Republicans in the General Assembly are supporting two bills that transgender activists say could be dangerous. Michael Pope reports.
State lawmakers can’t agree on which city should get a casino referendum next
Posted in Virginia's News on February 7, 2023
A bill protecting bus drivers advances to the Virginia Senate
Posted in Virginia's News on February 3, 2023
Mandatory minimum sentences have been controversial for years, and Democrats have tried to give judges more autonomy to make decisions about individual cases. But Michael Pope reports there’s at least one area where Democrats want mandatory minimum sentences.
Pope & Schapiro: Education miscalculation, crossover day and utility regulation
Posted in Virginia's News on February 3, 2023
News of an accounting error shortchanging Virginia’s public schools sent shockwaves through Richmond this week.
Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope discuss and the week that was in politics and state government.
State lawmakers say Virginia needs a unified approach to gambling regulation
Posted in Virginia's News on February 2, 2023
Recent years have seen an explosion of legal gambling options in Virginia. And, as Michael Pope tells us, lawmakers are now talking about creating a gambling commission to oversee the industry.
New report: Many Virginians are moving to other states and rural communities
Posted in Virginia's News on February 2, 2023
The University of Virginia is out with another analysis of the state’s population – nearly 8.7 million people. As Sandy Hausman reports, many of them are leaving expensive, congested areas like northern Virginia and Hampton Roads for other states or for rural communities.
Virginia abortion-rights opponents march for the first time post-Roe
Posted in Virginia's News on February 1, 2023
Thousands of people standing in opposition to abortion rights gathered at the Capitol today. Michael Pope reports.
State lawmakers are scrambling to balance the budget following education accounting error
Posted in Virginia's News on February 1, 2023
Senior members of the money committees and the House and Senate are working to fix a budgeting mistake that has lawmakers scrambling to balance the books. Michael Pope has the latest.