Nick Gilmore
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Tax Analysts to Congress: Consider Helping Low-Income Families in Year-End Budget
Posted in Virginia's News on November 19, 2019
Credit: Rog Cogswell / Creative Commons
As the calendar draws to a close, federal officials in Washington are trying to close out the books. And, that’s creating a whirlwind of jockeying for dollars. Michael Pope reports.
New Democratic Majority Could Work to Give Local Governments More Authority
Posted in Virginia's News on November 14, 2019
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Many General Assembly Democrats campaigned on changing the way guns and environmental issues are regulated. Michael Pope reports part of that change may mean giving more flexibility to local governments.
Virginia Students in Subsidized Housing Often Have to Attend Low-Performing Schools
Posted in Virginia's News on November 12, 2019
Credit: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
As the price of housing skyrockets in areas with good schools, children who live in areas with low-cost housing are stuck with low-performing schools. Michael Pope reports.
Immigrants Look Poised to Play an Increasingly Important Role in Virginia’s Economy
Posted in Virginia's News on November 12, 2019
Credit: Commonwealth Institute
Virginia’s population has one of the largest percentages of immigrants in the country. And, they play a key role in the economy of the Commonwealth. Michael Pope reports.
Statehouse Elections: Uncontested Races had Lowest Turnout
Posted in Virginia's News on November 11, 2019
Credit: NPR
According to numbers from the Virginia Public Access Project, turnout in last week’s election was record setting for an off year – nearly 40% of registered voters came to the polls. But those numbers vary across the state. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
How Much is Too Much for Virginia’s New Democratic Majority?
Posted in Virginia's News on November 8, 2019
Democrats haven’t controlled the House of Delegates for 20 years, so they have a long list of agenda items for the upcoming General Assembly session. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Democrats have a long list of agenda items they want to tackle when the next General Assembly gavels into session. But, they are going to have to think carefully about what they want to accomplish and when. Michael Pope reports.
Following a Big Night for Democrats, Governor Northam Looks Ahead
Posted in Virginia's News on November 6, 2019
Governor Ralph Northam addresses members of his cabinet following Tuesday’s statehouse elections. He outlined some of his key priorities for the General Assembly, which Democrats now control for the first time in decades. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Now that Democrats have unified power in Virginia, they’re looking forward to their legislative agenda. Governor Ralph Northam laid out his priorities at a cabinet meeting Wednesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The Democratic governor believes his party’s gains on Election Night were largely powered by voters who want common-sense gun laws.
Northam said he plans to push the same gun safety laws he proposed during a special session of the General Assembly earlier this year – a direct response to a May mass shooting in Virginia Beach. Here he is talking about some of those proposals:
Republicans dismissed that special session almost immediately – without deliberating gun safety proposals from Northam and other lawmakers.
The true test for how progressive this new agenda will be comes in January — when the first Democratic-led General Assembly in decades convenes in Richmond.
Democrats Now Reign Supreme in Northern Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on November 6, 2019
Credit: NPR
Tuesday’s election swept Democrats into power in both chambers of the General Assembly. But, it also wiped Republicans off the map in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope has details.
A Look at Some Million-Dollar State Senate Races
Posted in Virginia's News on October 30, 2019
Voters from across Virginia will head to the polls next week in high-stakes races for the state Senate. Michael Pope has this look at their fundraising efforts.
Spanberger Drug Prices Bill Likely to Become Law
Posted in Virginia's News on October 29, 2019
How much should the public know about how drug prices are calculated? One Virginia congresswoman is hoping to increase transparency. Michael Pope reports.
National Interest in Virginia’s Statehouse Elections is Drawing Big Fundraising Numbers
Posted in Virginia's News on October 29, 2019
Credit: NPR
New campaign-finance numbers show certain races for the House of Delegates attracting outsized interest and campaign cash. Michael Pope reports.
Fairfax Scandal Could Soon Play a Role In General Assembly Campaigns
Posted in Virginia's News on October 28, 2019
Credit: Creative Commons
The sexual assault scandal surrounding Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has now become part of the election campaign for the General Assembly this year. Michael Pope reports.
Will Higher Interest Lead to Higher Turnout on Election Day?
Posted in Virginia's News on October 28, 2019
It’s election season, but many voters are not tuned into their local races for House of Delegates and state Senate. Michael Pope has this look at what that means for turnout.
Online Advertising Continues to Be An Important Tool for Virginia Candidates
Posted in Virginia's News on October 24, 2019
Credit: NPR
If you’ve been on Facebook or YouTube lately, you might have noticed something about an election here in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.
Whistleblower: Archeologist Minimized ‘Cultural Richness’ of Site Planned for Water Project
Posted in Virginia's News on October 24, 2019
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
For centuries, a site in central Virginia was capital of the Monacan Indian Nation. Today it’s owned by Fluvanna and Louisa Counties and officials plan to build a water pump there. They say the infrastructure is needed to provide water to residents and businesses in Zion Crossroads.
Now those plans could be derailed by allegations of misconduct lodged by a former employee of the archaeological firm that tested the site. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look at This Year’s General Assembly Political Ads
Posted in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
A screenshot from the “Chasing Chase” ad. It’s from a California-based political action committee known as Fund Her. (Credit: Fund Her)
If you’ve spent any time in front of a television or a laptop recently, you’ve probably noticed it’s campaign season. Michael Pope reports.
Census Data: Older Virginians Maintain a Significant Influence Over Elections
Posted in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
Credit: U.S. Census Bureau
Credit: U.S. Census Bureau
Voters will head to the polls next month for General Assembly seats all over Virginia, although not all age groups are expected to participate at the same rates. Michael Pope reports.
So… When Will Those Fall Colors Peak?
Posted in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
Early in October, a maple leaf shows fall color, on a tree that has already changed for the season. (Credit: Mike Tripp)
Some of the heaviest traffic on Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park happens around this time of year, when the leaves begin to turn. But the colors are a little later this fall. Mike Tripp from partner station WMRA took a short hike to find out why.
Va Sec. of Finance Warns Lawmakers to Be ‘Cautious’ with Budget
Posted in Virginia's News on October 22, 2019
Credit: NPR
In a briefing in Richmond Monday, Virginia’s Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne told state lawmakers that revenues aren’t keeping pace with expenditures. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Conference in Richmond Brings Together Transgender Community
Posted in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Hundreds of members, and allies, of the transgender community will be in Richmond this weekend for one of the only trans conferences on the East Coast. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
What State Senate and House of Delegates Races Will Be the Most Noteworthy?
Posted in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Credit: NPR
Voters will be headed to the polls next month in elections for every seat in the General Assembly. Michael Pope has this preview of some competitive House of Delegates races.
All 40 seats of the Virginia state Senate will also be on the ballot next month, but just like in the House, some seats have little or no competition. Here’s a look at some of the more competitive races in the House.
New Legislative Maps Are Now in Effect; How Will They Impact November’s Statehouse Elections?
Posted in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Earlier this year, federal judges created new maps for 11 House of Delegates districts in Virginia. Michael Pope reports on what that means for this year’s elections.
TV Ad Buys Are Heating Up with Election Day Around the Corner
Posted in Virginia's News on October 16, 2019
Credit: NPR
As Election Day approaches, some races are eating up time on the TV airwaves. Michael Pope reports.
Just How Far Should the Freedom of Information Act Go?
Posted in Virginia's News on October 15, 2019
Public money is often handed over in the form of grants. But, there’s a debate about how much of that process should be public information. Michael Pope reports.
State Officials Are Touring Virginia in Hopes of Cutting Down on Maternal Mortality Rates
Posted in Virginia's News on October 15, 2019
Credit: Wellness GM / Flickr
Virginia government officials are on the road this fall, listening to the concerns of women across Virginia about delivering babies. It’s an effort aimed at curing the crisis in maternal mortality for African-American women. Michael Pope reports.
One Group Wants Virginia Candidates to Disclose Where Their Contributions Come From
Posted in Virginia's News on October 14, 2019
Credit: NPR
One watchdog group is worried about government ethics in Virginia. And, it’s challenging candidates for the General Assembly to do something about it. Michael Pope reports.
Cline, Riggleman Bemoan Hyper-Partisanship During Joint Town Hall Meeting
Posted in Virginia's News on October 10, 2019
Congressman Ben Cline (left) joins fellow Republican Denver Riggleman during a joint town hall meeting in Bedford Wednesday night. (Credit: Nick Gilmore / RADIO IQ)
Virginia’s 5th and 6th Congressional Districts cover a massive portion of the state – stretching from northern Virginia all the way to the North Carolina line. They also each include a segment of Bedford County, where the two Republicans who hold those seats conducted a joint town hall meeting Wednesday night. Nick Gilmore has details.
State Education Officials to Consider Making School Funding More Equitable
Posted in Virginia's News on October 8, 2019
Credit: Pascal Volk / Flickr
Is the way Virginia funds its schools equitable? That’s a topic up for debate in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Does Virginia’s Tax Code Disproportionately Hurt Low-Income People?
Posted in Virginia's News on October 7, 2019
Wealthy people are taxed more in Virginia. But, people at the other end of the spectrum may be feeling more of the pinch. Michael Pope reports.
ACLU Complaint: Medical Practice Fired Two Women Because of Race
Posted in Virginia's News on October 7, 2019
Tyesha Brooks (left) and Titilayo Shiyanbade (right) say they were told they fired because of “cultural changes” in the office. (Credit: ACLU of Virginia)
Federal anti-discrimination laws that protect workers often don’t apply to employees of small businesses. But a rarely used Virginia state law does. Now the ACLU of Virginia has taken up a case, in part, to show employees of small businesses that they also have protections. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Despite Local Government Concerns, Small-Cell Towers Will Soon Be Headed to a Neighborhood Near You
Posted in Virginia's News on October 3, 2019
New wireless technology is being installed on utility poles across Virginia. It’s thanks to a new law that’s opened the floodgates for small-cell technology. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia’s Schools: Achievement Gaps Widen, Attendance Up
Posted in Virginia's News on September 30, 2019
Credit: Alberto G. / Flickr CC
92% of public schools in Virginia are meeting the state’s education standards. That’s according to the Department of Education, which released the annual accreditation ratings Monday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
New Report: Federal Reliance Could Be Limiting Virginia’s Economy
Posted in Virginia's News on September 30, 2019
Is Virginia’s economy being outpaced by the rest of the country? One new report suggests that’s the case. Michael Pope reports.
New Poll: In Virginia, Trump Trails All 2020 Democratic Candidates
Posted in Virginia's News on September 26, 2019
A new poll of Virginia voters shows President Donald Trump trailing all of his potential Democratic rivals by significant margins. Michael Pope reports.
One Virginia Candidate Has Accepted A Massive Campaign Donation
Posted in Virginia's News on September 25, 2019
Delegate Nick Freitas (Credit: BingBong321 / Creative Commons)
Running for office isn’t cheap, especially when the stakes are as high as they are this year. But one very large campaign contribution is raising eyebrows across Virginia. Michael Pope is following the money.
The Impact of Small-Dollar Donations in Virginia Elections
Posted in Virginia's News on September 24, 2019
Credit: NPR
Candidates often brag about the amount of money they’ve pulled in. But, sometimes a campaign is known more for the amount of donors. Michael Pope reports.
Beyer and Other House Democrats Are Pushing Ranked Choice Voting
Posted in Virginia's News on September 23, 2019
Should voters have more choices when they are at the polls? One Virginia congressman wants to create a new system of ranked choice voting. Michael Pope reports.
Critics Worry A Trump Administration Proposal Could Limit Virginia’s Ability to Help Poor Families
Posted in Virginia's News on September 23, 2019
Credit: USDA
How much money should people make before they are denied food stamps? That’s a question being debated in Washington and Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
Summer Fundraising Helps Several Democrats Pull Ahead of Their Republican Rivals
Posted in Virginia's News on September 20, 2019
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Campaign finance numbers from the summer show Democrats pulled ahead of Republicans in several campaigns for the General Assembly. Michael Pope is following the money.
Group That Represents Home Healthcare Workers Donates 300k to Female Candidates of Color
Posted in Virginia's News on September 19, 2019
A national group that represents home healthcare workers has jumped into politics, and one of their first investments is here in Virginia. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Census Race Categories Are Struggling to Keep Up With Virginia’s Population
Posted in Virginia's News on September 18, 2019
In the next 20 years, white people in Virginia are expected to become a minority. But, the story of race is a bit more complicated than that. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia is Losing Residents to Our Southern Neighbors
Posted in Virginia's News on September 18, 2019
For the past few years fewer people have been moving to Virginia. Instead more are actually leaving the Commonwealth, moving to other states — and they’re heading south. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The Growing Influence of Hispanic Voters in Virginia Elections
Posted in Virginia's News on September 17, 2019
Credit: NPR
This month is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the contribution Hispanic voters have made to Virginia politics. Michael Pope reports.
With Deadlines Approaching, Campaigns Use Different Tricks to Influence Finance Disclosures
Posted in Virginia's News on September 16, 2019
Candidates for the General Assembly are facing a key deadline this week for campaign finance. Michael Pope is following the money.
Some Schools Across Virginia Opened Before Labor Day, Effectively Ending “Kings Dominion Law”
Posted in Virginia's News on August 30, 2019
Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr
Across Virginia, schoolchildren are heading back to school. And now school divisions are no longer required to wait until Labor Day to open their doors. Michael Pope reports.
Regulators: Dominion’s Profits $277 Million Too High
Posted in Virginia's News on August 29, 2019
Virginia’s largest electric utility earned $277 million more in profits last year than what regulators say is reasonable and its customers could see huge bill increases in coming years, state regulators said Thursday in a new report. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Some Virginia Workers Are Continuing to Deal With Low Wages
Posted in Virginia's News on August 29, 2019
Service sector employees in Virginia have been struggling for years with low wages. And now, they are looking ahead to an uncertain future. Michael Pope has the story.
New Report: Virginia Economy Faces a Looming Slowdown
Posted in Virginia's News on August 28, 2019
Is Virginia’s economy headed for a rough patch? Michael Pope looks into the crystal ball.
You can find the full report here.
Virginia’s Tourism Industry Continues to Boom
Posted in Virginia's News on August 23, 2019
Tourism is booming in Virginia. And, the forecast for the next decade is also strong. Michael Pope reports.
This Year’s Election Could Have Impacts on FMLA and Sick Leave in Virginia
Posted in Virginia's News on August 23, 2019
When can employees take time off? And how much time should they get to leave work? Lawmakers are expected to consider these questions next year, and the results will depend on what happens during this year’s election. Michael Pope reports.
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From NPR News- California Governor Cracks Down On Fracking, Requires Audits And Scientific Review November 20, 2019Gavin Newsom's initiatives follow a massive oil release from a Chevron facility in Kern County suspected of being caused by a high-pressure steam process for releasing oil from underground rock.
- Gordon Sondland Returns To Impeachment Inquiry As A Key Witness With An Updated Story November 19, 2019The U.S. ambassador to the EU will give much-anticipated public testimony Wednesday in the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. His story has changed since he first testified last month.
- Baltimore Museum Of Art Will Only Buy Works By Women Next Year November 19, 2019A 2019 study of major U.S. art museums found that 87% of artists in their collections are men. The Baltimore museum's chief curator calls the initiative "re-correcting the canon."
- Gordon Sondland Was A Low-Profile Hotel Owner. Until He Went To Work For Trump November 19, 2019The Portland hotel owner and ambassador, who is scheduled to testify before Congress on Wednesday, is a pivotal witness in the impeachment inquiry. His relationship with Trump is a complicated one.
- 25 Stowaways Found In Refrigerated Container On U.K.-Bound Ship November 19, 2019Dutch authorities say the people are receiving medical assistance. The Denmark-flagged ship turned around several hours after leaving port.
- California Governor Cracks Down On Fracking, Requires Audits And Scientific Review November 20, 2019
- From BBC News
- Election debate: Johnson and Corbyn clash over Brexit November 19, 2019The two leaders also lock horns over the NHS and leadership in the first TV debate of the election.
- General election 2019: Lib Dems promise 20,000 more teachers November 19, 2019They party proposes an extra £10bn a year for schools in England, taken from a £50bn "Remain bonus".
- Seeing an NHS dentist 'a problem everywhere' November 20, 2019Patients are being turned away, stuck on waiting lists and put off by cost, BBC analysis suggests.
- Jose Mourinho closing in on Spurs job November 19, 2019Former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is in talks to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Tottenham manager.
- Oxford Union debate: President resigns over blind student row November 19, 2019Brendan McGrath apologises for his "mistakes" after Ebenezer Azamati was "accosted" during a debate.
- Election debate: Johnson and Corbyn clash over Brexit November 19, 2019
